Theguardian
Jun 4, 12:54
Alarm as once-eradicated flesh-eating parasite found in calf in Texas
USDA confirms first case of New World screwworm in cattle in six decades, posing threat to livestock industry A flesh-eating parasite rarely seen in the US in six decades has been found in a calf in Texas, agriculture officials said, in an alarming development for the country’s cattle industry. The New World screwworm fly ( NWS ) was confirmed in the animal in the south of the state, about 50 miles from the Mexico border, Brooke Rollins, the agriculture secretary, said late on Wednesday. Continue reading...
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USDA confirms first case of New World screwworm in cattle in six decades, posing threat to livestock industry A flesh-eating parasite rarely seen in the US in six decades has been found in a calf in Texas, agriculture officials said, in an alarming development for the country’s cattle industry.
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USDA confirms first case of New World screwworm in cattle in six decades, posing threat to livestock industry A flesh-eating parasite rarely seen in the US in six decades has been found in a calf in Texas, agriculture officials said, in an alarming development for the country’s cattle industry.
Theguardian
Jun 4, 12:49
Boom Box documentary casts spotlight on unethical tactics of undercover policing
Four-part TV documentary examines the aftermath of Operation Peyzac, where officers posed as music industry figures to gather intelligence on crime It was the undercover police operation that led to 37 people being jailed for more than 400 years in total after officers set up a fake recording studio and record shop on a north London housing estate. Now, a four-part television documentary has brought Operation Peyzac back under the spotlight, prompting renewed scrutiny of the tactics used by undercover officers and calls for the operation to be examined by the UK’s ongoing spycops inquiry. Continue reading...
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Four-part TV documentary examines the aftermath of Operation Peyzac, where officers posed as music industry figures to gather intelligence on crime It was the undercover police operation that led to 37 people being jailed for more than 400 years in total after officers set up a fake recording studio and record shop on a north London housing estate.
TL;DR:
Four-part TV documentary examines the aftermath of Operation Peyzac, where officers posed as music industry figures to gather intelligence on crime It was the undercover police operation that led to 37 people being jailed for more than 400 years in total after officers set up a fake recording studio and record shop on a north London housing estate.
Theguardian
Jun 4, 12:49
Bob Harris steps down from BBC Radio 2 shows because of ill health
Veteran broadcaster makes ‘one of hardest decisions of my entire life’ weeks after revealing spread of cancer to spine The veteran broadcaster Bob Harris has announced he is stepping down from BBC Radio 2 after 30 years so he can focus on “getting well again”, six weeks after revealing his prostate cancer had spread into his upper spine. The 80-year-old host of The Country Show and Sounds of the 70s, known as “Whispering” Bob Harris, said his health problems were forcing him to step down and that it had been “one of the hardest decisions of my entire life”. Continue reading...
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Veteran broadcaster makes ‘one of hardest decisions of my entire life’ weeks after revealing spread of cancer to spine The veteran broadcaster Bob Harris has announced he is stepping down from BBC Radio 2 after 30 years so he can focus on “getting well again”, six weeks after revealing his prostate cancer had spread into his upper spine.
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Veteran broadcaster makes ‘one of hardest decisions of my entire life’ weeks after revealing spread of cancer to spine The veteran broadcaster Bob Harris has announced he is stepping down from BBC Radio 2 after 30 years so he can focus on “getting well again”, six weeks after revealing his prostate cancer had spread into his upper spine.
Theguardian
Jun 4, 12:47
Trump announces Israel-Lebanon ceasefire as House passes war powers resolution | First Thing
Lebanese government agrees ceasefire but Israeli drone strikes continue. Plus the story of the man who launched Cuba’s first independent magazine Good morning. Israel and Lebanon have agreed to implement a ceasefire to end hostilities , the Trump administration has announced – but it comes with caveats. Not only is the deal contingent on a complete cessation of fire from the Iran-aligned Hezbollah armed group, and on the evacuation of all its fighters from the area south of the Litani River – but Hezbollah have not been part of the talks. Where has Israel been targeting? William Christou in Beirut reports that three hospitals in southern Lebanon have been attacked by Israel in under a week, wounding more than 150 people and killing nine. Analysts and human rights experts have said the attacks on healthcare facilities were aimed at degrading the conditions for life in south Lebanon. What did Israel say about it? The military said it had struck “Hezbollah infrastructure in the area of Tyre” and acknowledged a hospital was “affected incidentally”. It accused Hezbollah of “taking over” one of the hospitals it struck. Is that number significant? Yes, the 90-day threshold is important because the 1973 War Powers Resolution lays down that a president must seek congressional approval to continue waging war after hostilities have continued that length of time. Trump’s White House has rejected that argument, citing a temporary ceasefire that has been in place since 8 April – although it has been broken several times by the US, Israel and Iran. Continue reading...
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Trump announces Israel-Lebanon ceasefire as House passes war powers resolution | First Thing. Israel and Lebanon have agreed to implement a ceasefire to end hostilities , the Trump administration has announced – but it comes with caveats.
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Lebanese government agrees ceasefire but Israeli drone strikes continue.
Theguardian
Jun 4, 12:42
Financier Lex Greensill banned from running UK companies for nine years
Founder of Greensill Capital says there was no finding he acted dishonestly after his company collapsed owing £1.6bn The disgraced former financier Lex Greensill has been banned from running a UK company for nine years after he was judged to be unfit because of the 2021 collapse of his £1.6bn supply chain invoicing firm. The government’s Insolvency Service said on Thursday that Greensill had signed a disqualification undertaking, bringing the case to an end before a trial was due to begin on 8 June. Continue reading...
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Founder of Greensill Capital says there was no finding he acted dishonestly after his company collapsed owing £1.6bn The disgraced former financier Lex Greensill has been banned from running a UK company for nine years after he was judged to be unfit because of the 2021 collapse of his £1.6bn supply chain invoicing firm.
TL;DR:
Founder of Greensill Capital says there was no finding he acted dishonestly after his company collapsed owing £1.6bn The disgraced former financier Lex Greensill has been banned from running a UK company for nine years after he was judged to be unfit because of the 2021 collapse of his £1.6bn supply chain invoicing firm.
Theguardian
Jun 4, 12:30
Experts criticise plan for American-only Ebola quarantine centre in Kenya
Plan departs from policy of bringing CDC staff back to US for treatment and offering support to all health workers Former top US officials and other experts are urging the Trump administration to abandon plans for an Ebola quarantine and treatment centre in Kenya, as the union for workers with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) calls for Americans exposed to Ebola to be brought home for treatment. Soon after the US revealed it was setting up a field hospital in Kenya for the Ebola quarantine and treatment of Americans, the Kenyan high court blocked the order – but the Kenyan and US governments moved forward anyway, with the first American responders reportedly landing at the Laikipia airbase on Saturday. Continue reading...
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Plan departs from policy of bringing CDC staff back to US for treatment and offering support to all health workers Former top US officials and other experts are urging the Trump administration to abandon plans for an Ebola quarantine and treatment centre in Kenya, as the union for workers with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) calls for Americans exposed…
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Plan departs from policy of bringing CDC staff back to US for treatment and offering support to all health workers Former top US officials and other experts are urging the Trump administration to abandon plans for an Ebola quarantine and treatment centre in Kenya, as the union for workers with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) calls for Americans exposed to Ebola to be brought home for treatment.
Theguardian
Jun 4, 12:24
Amazon expands ultra-fast deliveries in UK and adds same-day fruit and veg
Deliveries in 30 minutes or less coming to Manchester and Birmingham and fresh groceries service to start in London Amazon is expanding fast-track deliveries in the UK, including adding fresh fruit and vegetables to same-day services, after closing its standalone grocery stores . The firm said it would expand Amazon Now, its ultra-fast delivery service that already delivers goods in less than 30 minutes to parts of London, to also serve Manchester and Birmingham this year. Continue reading...
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Deliveries in 30 minutes or less coming to Manchester and Birmingham and fresh groceries service to start in London Amazon is expanding fast-track deliveries in the UK, including adding fresh fruit and vegetables to same-day services, after closing its standalone grocery stores .
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Deliveries in 30 minutes or less coming to Manchester and Birmingham and fresh groceries service to start in London Amazon is expanding fast-track deliveries in the UK, including adding fresh fruit and vegetables to same-day services, after closing its standalone grocery stores .
Theguardian
Jun 4, 12:22
England’s poorest communities face deepest cuts to green space under planning law changes, report finds
Exclusive: New loopholes for developers will exacerbate extreme environmental disparities, charity coalition warns The poorest and most nature-deprived communities in England will be further left behind in their access to green spaces if proposed changes to planning laws go ahead, a new report finds. More than 7.4 million people in England live in areas completely devoid of immediate biodiversity, including 1.42 million children under 15, the report commissioned by a number of wildlife and environmental NGOs says. Continue reading...
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England’s poorest communities face deepest cuts to green space under planning law changes, report finds. Exclusive: New loopholes for developers will exacerbate extreme environmental disparities, charity coalition warns The poorest and most nature-deprived communities in England will be further left behind in their access to green spaces if proposed changes to planning laws go…
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More than 7.4 million people in England live in areas completely devoid of immediate biodiversity, including 1.42 million children under 15, the report commissioned by a number of wildlife and environmental NGOs says.
Theguardian
Jun 4, 12:21
‘I’d rather read a book’: Tarantino criticises ‘flavourless sausage factory’ Hollywood
Pulp Fiction director writes in Sight and Sound that ‘since the pandemic … it seems almost impossible for a new movie to come out that I don’t pick to death’ Quentin Tarantino has criticised contemporary Hollywood, calling it “a flavourless sausage factory”. Writing in Sight and Sound magazine, Tarantino said that “since the pandemic … it seems almost impossible for a new movie to come out that I don’t pick to death”. He added: “Flaws, implausibilities, audience pandering, miscast performers or just plain stupid shit usually torpedoes every new movie coming out of the flavourless sausage factory that used to call itself Hollywood.” Continue reading...
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Pulp Fiction director writes in Sight and Sound that ‘since the pandemic … it seems almost impossible for a new movie to come out that I don’t pick to death’ Quentin Tarantino has criticised contemporary Hollywood, calling it “a flavourless sausage factory”.
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Pulp Fiction director writes in Sight and Sound that ‘since the pandemic … it seems almost impossible for a new movie to come out that I don’t pick to death’ Quentin Tarantino has criticised contemporary Hollywood, calling it “a flavourless sausage factory”.
Theguardian
Jun 4, 12:00
Democratic-led states sue to block student loan caps by Trump administration
White House says caps will lower tuition costs, but critics say they will exacerbate the country’s nursing shortage Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email While the Trump administration has argued that new restrictions on the size of federal student loans will lower tuition costs, public health officials and Democrats say the measures will exacerbate the country’s serious nursing shortage. As such, a group of 24 Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia recently sued the federal government seeking to block the new rule, which is set to take effect on 1 July. Continue reading...
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White House says caps will lower tuition costs, but critics say they will exacerbate the country’s nursing shortage Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email While the Trump administration has argued that new restrictions on the size of federal student loans will lower tuition costs, public health officials and Democrats say the measures will exacerbate the country’s s…
TL;DR:
White House says caps will lower tuition costs, but critics say they will exacerbate the country’s nursing shortage Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email While the Trump administration has argued that new restrictions on the size of federal student loans will lower tuition costs, public health officials and Democrats say the measures will exacerbate the country’s serious nursing shortage.
Theguardian
Jun 4, 11:43
UK car sales hit post-Covid high as Chinese EV makers gain ground
Registrations are up 7% in May, with battery electric vehicles recording the fastest growth and Tesla jumping 45% British car sales rose in May to their strongest level for the month since before the Covid pandemic, driven in part by strong growth from the Chinese manufacturers BYD and Chery. Car registrations rose 7% to 160,662 during the month, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), a lobby group. Continue reading...
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Registrations are up 7% in May, with battery electric vehicles recording the fastest growth and Tesla jumping 45% British car sales rose in May to their strongest level for the month since before the Covid pandemic, driven in part by strong growth from the Chinese manufacturers BYD and Chery.
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Registrations are up 7% in May, with battery electric vehicles recording the fastest growth and Tesla jumping 45% British car sales rose in May to their strongest level for the month since before the Covid pandemic, driven in part by strong growth from the Chinese manufacturers BYD and Chery.
Theguardian
Jun 4, 11:30
Washington priest removed as exorcist after linking UFOs to work of demons
Catholic archbishop of US capital says Mgr Stephen Rossetti’s statements ‘gravely undermine’ church teaching The Catholic archbishop of Washington DC on Wednesday removed a well-known priest as an exorcist of the archdiocese after he made public comments suggesting that UFO sightings were the work of demons. Cardinal Robert McElroy said the archdiocese also was cutting ties with the St Michael Center for Spiritual Renewal, a Washington-based non-profit headed by the priest, Monsignor Stephen Rossetti. Continue reading...
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Catholic archbishop of US capital says Mgr Stephen Rossetti’s statements ‘gravely undermine’ church teaching The Catholic archbishop of Washington DC on Wednesday removed a well-known priest as an exorcist of the archdiocese after he made public comments suggesting that UFO sightings were the work of demons.
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Catholic archbishop of US capital says Mgr Stephen Rossetti’s statements ‘gravely undermine’ church teaching The Catholic archbishop of Washington DC on Wednesday removed a well-known priest as an exorcist of the archdiocese after he made public comments suggesting that UFO sightings were the work of demons.
Foreignpolicy
Jun 4, 11:28
Estonia Has Lessons for Us All
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One of the pitfalls of diplomacy, so the traditionalists assert, is when the representative of the foreign nation goes native. It is one thing to understand the country in which you are stationed; it is quite another to appreciate it too much. One of the pitfalls of diplomacy, so the traditionalists assert, is when the representative of the foreign nation goes native.
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The small Baltic country has refashioned the relationship between citizens and the state for the current moment.
Theguardian
Jun 4, 11:10
Europe’s far right exploit Nowak murder with populist rhetoric on race
Polish, Spanish and French populists focus on clips of teenager’s dying moments and accuse UK of descending ‘into depths of the earth’ UK politics live – latest updates Polish far-right politicians have claimed that the murder of Henry Nowak symbolises “Britain’s descent into the depths of the earth” as populists from France, Spain and Japan focused on harrowing clips of his dying moments. Despite pleas from Nowak’s family for people not to exploit the killing for political gain and to focus on cutting knife crime, their comments have focused on race and immigration. Continue reading...
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Polish, Spanish and French populists focus on clips of teenager’s dying moments and accuse UK of descending ‘into depths of the earth’ UK politics live – latest updates Polish far-right politicians have claimed that the murder of Henry Nowak symbolises “Britain’s descent into the depths of the earth” as populists from France, Spain and Japan focused on harrowing clips of his d…
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Polish, Spanish and French populists focus on clips of teenager’s dying moments and accuse UK of descending ‘into depths of the earth’ UK politics live – latest updates Polish far-right politicians have claimed that the murder of Henry Nowak symbolises “Britain’s descent into the depths of the earth” as populists from France, Spain and Japan focused on harrowing clips of his dying moments.
Theguardian
Jun 4, 11:05
Polish far-right politicians exploit Nowak murder with populist rhetoric on race
Comments from Europe and Japan focus on immigration and statements about ‘Britain’s descent into depths of the earth’ UK politics live – latest updates Polish far-right politicians have claimed that the murder of Henry Nowak symbolises “Britain’s descent into the depths of the earth” as populists from France, Spain and Japan focused on harrowing clips of his dying moments. Despite pleas from Nowak’s family for people not to exploit the killing for political gain and to focus on cutting knife crime, their comments have focused on race and immigration. Continue reading...
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Comments from Europe and Japan focus on immigration and statements about ‘Britain’s descent into depths of the earth’ UK politics live – latest updates Polish far-right politicians have claimed that the murder of Henry Nowak symbolises “Britain’s descent into the depths of the earth” as populists from France, Spain and Japan focused on harrowing clips of his dying moments.
TL;DR:
Comments from Europe and Japan focus on immigration and statements about ‘Britain’s descent into depths of the earth’ UK politics live – latest updates Polish far-right politicians have claimed that the murder of Henry Nowak symbolises “Britain’s descent into the depths of the earth” as populists from France, Spain and Japan focused on harrowing clips of his dying moments.
Theguardian
Jun 4, 11:00
Disney racks up $4.2bn deficit on Paris parks
Exclusive: Analysis shows resort has yet to recoup Disney’s investment despite record revenue and 16m annual visitors Disney has still not recouped $4.2bn of its investment in Disneyland Paris after more than 30 years, even though the resort is now its best-performing international outpost, according to an analysis of recent filings. The sprawling theme park complex swung open its ornate iron gates in 1992 and now attracts about 16 million visitors every year. It is wholly owned by Disney and is home to two theme parks – the fairytale-inspired Disneyland and Disney Adventure World, which launched its largest-ever expansion in late March. The lavish land, themed to the hit animated movie Frozen , is part of a $2.5bn (€2bn) investment by Disney, and its new chief executive, Josh D’Amaro, was on hand for the opening alongside Emmanuel Macron. Continue reading...
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Disney racks up $4.2bn deficit on Paris parks. It is wholly owned by Disney and is home to two theme parks – the fairytale-inspired Disneyland and Disney Adventure World, which launched its largest-ever expansion in late March. The lavish land, themed to the hit animated movie Frozen , is part of a $2.
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Exclusive: Analysis shows resort has yet to recoup Disney’s investment despite record revenue and 16m annual visitors Disney has still not recouped $4.2bn of its investment in Disneyland Paris after more than 30 years, even though the resort is now its best-performing international outpost, according to an analysis of recent filings.
Theguardian
Jun 4, 11:00
Three studies used by RFK Jr and allies to justify controversial vaccine policies changes facing new scrutiny
Scientists praise moves to investigate, retract or remove controversial studies. The authors stand by their work Three scientific papers that raised questions about vaccine safety and were used by the Trump administration to justify controversial changes to US vaccine policies have over the last two months been removed, retracted or placed under investigation by the journals that published them. In some cases, the actions occurred years after scientists first raised alarms about the studies’ scientific merits. Continue reading...
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Three studies used by RFK Jr and allies to justify controversial vaccine policies changes facing new scrutiny. The authors stand by their work Three scientific papers that raised questions about vaccine safety and were used by the Trump administration to justify controversial changes to US vaccine policies have over the last two months been removed, retracted or placed under i…
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Scientists praise moves to investigate, retract or remove controversial studies.
Theguardian
Jun 4, 10:42
California governor’s race remains unresolved as vote count continues – US politics live
State election officials continue to work through the uncounted primary ballots, a process that could take days or weeks Hello and welcome to the US politics live blog. The race to become California’s next governor in the Senate remains up in the air, with voters potentially waiting weeks until the results are known. A leftwing US political commentator has described the UK government’s decision to ban him from entering the country as “haunting and hilarious” and “Kafkaesque”. Cenk Uygur , the founder and a host on Young Turks, a well-established progressive media outlet, was banned earlier this week from entering the UK to attend a speaking engagement alongside Hasan Piker, a Twitch streamer who has become a popular figure on the US political left. The US House of Representatives delivered a stunning rebuke to Donald Trump over his war on Iran on Wednesday, as representatives backed a move to force him to seek approval from Congress or withdraw US forces. Before signing an executive order related to customs in the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump took seven minutes to reassure an anxious public, beset by worries about a protracted war with Iran, surging gasoline prices and rising inflation, that progress has been made on at least one front: the resurfacing of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is nearly complete. The president also took time to once again attack the CNN host Kaitlan Collins for not smiling in his presence and blamed her network for the suicides of four January 6 defendants. The US treasury secretary, Scott Bessent , refused to say whether Trump, his family and his businesses would still get immunity from IRS audits after the administration yesterday abandoned plans for a $1.8bn fund that would have benefited the president’s allies. Bessent did confirm that he threatened to beat up a fellow administration member, Bill Pulte , last summer. Continue reading...
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California governor’s race remains unresolved as vote count continues – US politics live. A leftwing US political commentator has described the UK government’s decision to ban him from entering the country as “haunting and hilarious” and “Kafkaesque”.
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State election officials continue to work through the uncounted primary ballots, a process that could take days or weeks Hello and welcome to the US politics live blog.
Theguardian
Jun 4, 10:37
Starmer accuses Musk of trying to ‘whip up division’ in UK over Henry Nowak murder
PM says Britons are ‘reasonable, tolerant people’ and backs MP’s legal action against Grok firm over fake sexualised images UK politics live – latest updates Elon Musk is “interfering in our politics” and attempting to create division, Keir Starmer has said in a significant toughening of government language about the X owner. It follows weeks of posts by Musk on his social media platform about the murder of Henry Nowak , many of which have used far-right themes and talking points. Continue reading...
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PM says Britons are ‘reasonable, tolerant people’ and backs MP’s legal action against Grok firm over fake sexualised images UK politics live – latest updates Elon Musk is “interfering in our politics” and attempting to create division, Keir Starmer has said in a significant toughening of government language about the X owner.
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PM says Britons are ‘reasonable, tolerant people’ and backs MP’s legal action against Grok firm over fake sexualised images UK politics live – latest updates Elon Musk is “interfering in our politics” and attempting to create division, Keir Starmer has said in a significant toughening of government language about the X owner.
Theguardian
Jun 4, 10:24
Bondi attack hero Ahmed al-Ahmed charged with assaulting his father
Police allege the 44-year-old lauded for disarming one of the gunmen in December’s attack put his father in a headlock Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The Sydney man who disarmed one of the Bondi terror attackers has been charged with assaulting his father. Ahmed al-Ahmed, 44, is accused of allegedly putting his father in a headlock on 9 March at a house in Bankstown, in the city’s west. Continue reading...
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Police allege the 44-year-old lauded for disarming one of the gunmen in December’s attack put his father in a headlock Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The Sydney man who disarmed one of the Bondi terror attackers has been charged with assaulting his father.
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Police allege the 44-year-old lauded for disarming one of the gunmen in December’s attack put his father in a headlock Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The Sydney man who disarmed one of the Bondi terror attackers has been charged with assaulting his father.
Theguardian
Jun 4, 10:19
Reform UK raising millions more than other parties, donation figures show
Farage’s party brings in £9m largely from crypto billionaires in three months, more than twice that of Labour and Tories • UK politics live – latest updates Reform UK is raising millions more than the other political parties from private donations, bringing in £9m largely from cryptocurrency billionaires in the first three months of the year. Nigel Farage’s party took a £3m donation from the cryptocurrency and aviation investor, Christopher Harborne, who is a British-Thai dual citizen, and £4m from the cryptocurrency entrepreneur Ben Delo, who is relocating to the UK from Hong Kong. Continue reading...
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Farage’s party brings in £9m largely from crypto billionaires in three months, more than twice that of Labour and Tories • UK politics live – latest updates Reform UK is raising millions more than the other political parties from private donations, bringing in £9m largely from cryptocurrency billionaires in the first three months of the year.
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Farage’s party brings in £9m largely from crypto billionaires in three months, more than twice that of Labour and Tories • UK politics live – latest updates Reform UK is raising millions more than the other political parties from private donations, bringing in £9m largely from cryptocurrency billionaires in the first three months of the year.
Theguardian
Jun 4, 10:14
Civilians flee Mogadishu as Somali troops and opposition-allied militias trade fire
Violence flares before protests on Thursday over president’s decision to remain in office after his term expired Government troops and militias allied with the opposition have exchanged fire in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, damaging property and forcing some civilians to flee. The violence flared up ahead of planned protests on Thursday over president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s decision to remain in office after his term expired in May. In March, parliament backed constitutional changes that could allow Mohamud to extend his term by a year and push back an election. Continue reading...
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Civilians flee Mogadishu as Somali troops and opposition-allied militias trade fire. The violence flared up ahead of planned protests on Thursday over president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s decision to remain in office after his term expired in May. In March, parliament backed constitutional changes that could allow Mohamud to extend his term by a year and push back an election.
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Violence flares before protests on Thursday over president’s decision to remain in office after his term expired Government troops and militias allied with the opposition have exchanged fire in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, damaging property and forcing some civilians to flee.
Theguardian
Jun 4, 10:04
Tense governor’s race in California unsettled as vote-counting continues
State election officials continue to sift through uncounted primary ballots, which could take days or even weeks The California governor’s race remained unsettled Thursday, as state election officials continued to sift through uncounted primary ballots – a process that could take days or even weeks as voters eagerly await the results. Polls indicated that British-born conservative pundit Steve Hilton was narrowly leading the race, followed by former US human services and health secretary Xavier Becerra. Billionaire Tom Steyer trailed behind the pair. Under California’s primary system, the top two vote-getters will advance to the general election. Continue reading...
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Tense governor’s race in California unsettled as vote-counting continues. Polls indicated that British-born conservative pundit Steve Hilton was narrowly leading the race, followed by former US human services and health secretary Xavier Becerra. Under California’s primary system, the top two vote-getters will advance to the general election.
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State election officials continue to sift through uncounted primary ballots, which could take days or even weeks The California governor’s race remained unsettled Thursday, as state election officials continued to sift through uncounted primary ballots – a process that could take days or even weeks as voters eagerly await the results.
Theguardian
Jun 4, 09:44
Penny Wong says she believes Israeli soldiers sexually assaulted and abused Australian women after Gaza flotilla
Foreign affairs minister says her position is to ‘always believe women’ when sexual assault allegations are made Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, says she believes the Australian women who have alleged they were raped and beaten by Israeli soldiers after being detained as part of a humanitarian flotilla attempting to bring aid to Gaza. Appearing at Senate estimates, Wong said the treatment of the Australian women was “unacceptable”, and the allegations they had subsequently made were “distressing”. Continue reading...
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Appearing at Senate estimates, Wong said the treatment of the Australian women was “unacceptable”, and the allegations they had subsequently made were “distressing”.
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Foreign affairs minister says her position is to ‘always believe women’ when sexual assault allegations are made Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, says she believes the Australian women who have alleged they were raped and beaten by Israeli soldiers after being detained as part of a humanitarian flotilla attempting to bring aid to Gaza.
Foreignpolicy
Jun 4, 09:36
Vladimir Putin’s Second-Biggest Headache
This issue is preventing our website from loading properly. Please review the following troubleshooting tips or contact us at [email protected] .
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Please review the following troubleshooting tips or contact us at [email protected] . Russian President Vladimir Putin has a lot to worry about these days. What he originally planned as a quick regime-change operation in Ukraine has now gone on longer than the Soviet Union’s fight against Nazi Germany, and Kyiv is increasingly bringing the war to the Russian heartland.
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With his war in Ukraine going badly, he may soon face another quagmire in Chechnya.
Theguardian
Jun 4, 09:35
Leftwing US commentator calls decision to ban him from UK ‘Kafkaesque’
Cenk Uygur was due to appear at SXSW alongside streamer Hasan Piker but Home Office cancelled travel authorisation UK politics live – latest updates A leftwing US political commentator has described the UK government’s decsion to ban him from entering the country as “haunting and hilarious” and “Kafkaesque”. Cenk Uygur, the founder and a host on Young Turks, a well-established progressive media outlet, was banned earlier this week from entering the UK to attend a speaking engagement alongside Hasan Piker, a Twitch streamer who has become a popular figure on the US political left. Continue reading...
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Cenk Uygur was due to appear at SXSW alongside streamer Hasan Piker but Home Office cancelled travel authorisation UK politics live – latest updates A leftwing US political commentator has described the UK government’s decsion to ban him from entering the country as “haunting and hilarious” and “Kafkaesque”.
TL;DR:
Cenk Uygur was due to appear at SXSW alongside streamer Hasan Piker but Home Office cancelled travel authorisation UK politics live – latest updates A leftwing US political commentator has described the UK government’s decsion to ban him from entering the country as “haunting and hilarious” and “Kafkaesque”.
Theguardian
Jun 4, 09:15
Two men charged after Southampton disorder over Henry Nowak murder
Matt Styler charged with assaulting officer and Daniel Frost with violent disorder and possession of offensive weapon Two men have been charged in connection with the disorder that broke out in Southampton after the sentencing of a man for the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak. Eleven police officers were injured in the disturbance, which took place close to the home of the killer, Vickrum Digwa. Continue reading...
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Matt Styler charged with assaulting officer and Daniel Frost with violent disorder and possession of offensive weapon Two men have been charged in connection with the disorder that broke out in Southampton after the sentencing of a man for the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak.
TL;DR:
Matt Styler charged with assaulting officer and Daniel Frost with violent disorder and possession of offensive weapon Two men have been charged in connection with the disorder that broke out in Southampton after the sentencing of a man for the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak.
Theguardian
Jun 4, 08:50
Middle East crisis live: Israel to continue ground operation in southern Lebanon despite agreed ceasefire
The country’s defence minister said the IDF will not withdraw from southern Lebanon and will not allow the ‘return of the population’ Israel and Lebanon agree to renew ceasefire as Trump seeks to overcome barriers to Iran deal Israel Katz said the US-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon was a “great achievement in Lebanon, on the ground and also on the diplomatic level”. “We promised security to the residents of the north and we delivered,” the Israeli defence minister said in a statement, according to the Times of Israel. Continue reading...
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The country’s defence minister said the IDF will not withdraw from southern Lebanon and will not allow the ‘return of the population’ Israel and Lebanon agree to renew ceasefire as Trump seeks to overcome barriers to Iran deal Israel Katz said the US-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon was a “great achievement in Lebanon, on the ground and also on the diplo…
TL;DR:
The country’s defence minister said the IDF will not withdraw from southern Lebanon and will not allow the ‘return of the population’ Israel and Lebanon agree to renew ceasefire as Trump seeks to overcome barriers to Iran deal Israel Katz said the US-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon was a “great achievement in Lebanon, on the ground and also on the diplomatic level”.
Theguardian
Jun 4, 08:34
Australian woman linked to Islamic State lived with teenage slave who was repeatedly raped, court told
Allegations made in Melbourne magistrates court on Thursday as Zeinab Ahmad, 31, applied for bail, a month after she was charged with slavery offences Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast A woman accused of marrying Islamic State fighters allegedly lived with a teenage slave who was repeatedly assaulted and raped by the woman’s father. The allegations were detailed in Melbourne magistrates court on Thursday as Zeinab Ahmad, 31, applied for bail, a month after she was charged with slavery offences. Continue reading...
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The allegations were detailed in Melbourne magistrates court on Thursday as Zeinab Ahmad, 31, applied for bail, a month after she was charged with slavery offences.
TL;DR:
Allegations made in Melbourne magistrates court on Thursday as Zeinab Ahmad, 31, applied for bail, a month after she was charged with slavery offences Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast A woman accused of marrying Islamic State fighters allegedly lived with a teenage slave who was repeatedly assaulted and raped by the woman’s father.
Theguardian
Jun 4, 08:01
Labor’s NDIS overhaul faces delay as Coalition and Greens consider teaming up to slow bill’s passage
Government hopes to rush NDIS and tax changes through parliament but opposition and minor party push for more scrutiny The Greens want Labor to halt its plans to rush NDIS cuts through the Senate later this month, urging a longer inquiry process as the government seeks the minor party’s support for its contentious tax and housing changes. It opens the possibility of the Greens and Coalition teaming up in parliament to support extending separate Senate inquiries into both the disability insurance scheme and tax proposals, and thus delaying Labor’s hopes of passing those bills before the end of June. Continue reading...
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Government hopes to rush NDIS and tax changes through parliament but opposition and minor party push for more scrutiny The Greens want Labor to halt its plans to rush NDIS cuts through the Senate later this month, urging a longer inquiry process as the government seeks the minor party’s support for its contentious tax and housing changes.
TL;DR:
Government hopes to rush NDIS and tax changes through parliament but opposition and minor party push for more scrutiny The Greens want Labor to halt its plans to rush NDIS cuts through the Senate later this month, urging a longer inquiry process as the government seeks the minor party’s support for its contentious tax and housing changes.
Warontherocks
Jun 4, 08:00
Forged in a Knife Fight: China’s Brutal Domestic AI Competition
China’s plan to become a world leader in AI by 2030 is a fixture of practically every Congressional briefing and expert commentary on Beijing’s AI ambitions. The plan’s logic — introduced in 2017 — was simple and alarming: Beijing would direct capital, mobilize its firms, recruit talent, and execute with the strategic patience of a state-led innovation ecosystem. Nearly a decade later, that frame has only hardened. Beijing’s recently issued 15th Five-Year Plan directs Party organs to take “extraordinary measures” to strengthen technological self-reliance and launch a new “AI+” initiative to integrate AI across the nation’s strategic sectors. Beijing has The post Forged in a Knife Fight: China’s Brutal Domestic AI Competition appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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China’s plan to become a world leader in AI by 2030 is a fixture of practically every Congressional briefing and expert commentary on Beijing’s AI ambitions. The plan’s logic — introduced in 2017 — was simple and alarming: Beijing would direct capital, mobilize its firms, recruit talent, and execute with the strategic patience of a state-led innovation ecosystem.
TL;DR:
Beijing has The post Forged in a Knife Fight: China’s Brutal Domestic AI Competition appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Theguardian
Jun 4, 07:54
Minister dismisses ‘two-tier justice’ claim in light of Henry Nowak tragedy as ‘slur’ on police – UK politics live
Politicians on the right have politicised Novak’s death and suggested there is a ‘two-tier’ policing system that victimises white people Good morning. The most interesting event of the day may well turn out to be one taking place late tonight, when Andy Burnham , the Labour candidate for Makerfield and potential next PM, takes part in a BBC byelection Question Times special. Yesterday Burnham said that at some point today he would give a more considered response to the Henry Nowak murder, and the issues it has raised about policing and race equality. It is not clear yet whether we will get that response on QT, or before. But this morning the government seems to be firming up its opposition to those claiming that what happened to Nowak was evidence of “two-tier justice”. Reform UK is the main party using this phrase, but some Tories have made the same argument. Yesterday Keir Starmer said he did not accept that Britain has two-tier policing. This morning Lucy Rigby , the chief secretary to the Treasury, has been doing an interview round, and she told Sky News this allegation was a “slur” on the police. Asked about the claim, she said: Fundamentally, I think that is a slur on the thousands of police officers that go out to work every day, putting themselves in harm’s way to serve the public, to try and prevent crime, and to keep us all safe. The suggestion that we have two - tier policing, which suggests at its heart that the police are on a sort of systemic basis pushing the interests of one group above another – I genuinely think is a slur on all those police officers that are serving this country day and night, seven days a week. Continue reading...
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Minister dismisses ‘two-tier justice’ claim in light of Henry Nowak tragedy as ‘slur’ on police – UK politics live. This morning Lucy Rigby , the chief secretary to the Treasury, has been doing an interview round, and she told Sky News this allegation was a “slur” on the police.
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Politicians on the right have politicised Novak’s death and suggested there is a ‘two-tier’ policing system that victimises white people Good morning.
Warontherocks
Jun 4, 07:30
Revisiting The Importance of the Battle of Midway
The Battle of Midway has assumed a place in American naval lore that has put it on par with other great battles in world naval history. What Salamis was for the Greeks, Trafalgar for the British Royal Navy, and Tsushima for the Japanese, the clash northwest of Midway Island on June 4, 1942, represents for the U.S. Navy. It was a moment of heroism, professional skill, and victory, which came to define how the Navy viewed itself for the rest of the 20th century and beyond.Unlike those other great battles, however, Midway was a decidedly modern naval operation. It involved The post Revisiting The Importance of the Battle of Midway appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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The Battle of Midway has assumed a place in American naval lore that has put it on par with other great battles in world naval history. What Salamis was for the Greeks, Trafalgar for the British Royal Navy, and Tsushima for the Japanese, the clash northwest of Midway Island on June 4, 1942, represents for the U.S.
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It involved The post Revisiting The Importance of the Battle of Midway appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
Jun 4, 07:15
Wrong Audience, Wrong Ask: Why Trump’s Abraham Accords Gambit Falls on Deaf Ears
When President Donald Trump repeatedly pressed regional leaders on Abraham Accords expansion late last month — framing Arab-Israeli normalization as a debt owed and a condition for a settlement to end the Iran war — he apparently commented there had been silence on the other end of the line.Arab and Muslim states are not silent because they lack a position on normalization. Indeed, collectively they have already articulated one through the Arab Peace Initiative — the 2002 proposal that offered normalized relations between Israel and over 50 countries. In exchange, it required Israel to fully withdraw from occupied territories, agree The post Wrong Audience, Wrong Ask: Why Trump’s Abraham Accords Gambit Falls on Deaf Ears appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Wrong Audience, Wrong Ask: Why Trump’s Abraham Accords Gambit Falls on Deaf Ears. When President Donald Trump repeatedly pressed regional leaders on Abraham Accords expansion late last month — framing Arab-Israeli normalization as a debt owed and a condition for a settlement to end the Iran war — he apparently commented there had been silence on the other end of the line.
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In exchange, it required Israel to fully withdraw from occupied territories, agree The post Wrong Audience, Wrong Ask: Why Trump’s Abraham Accords Gambit Falls on Deaf Ears appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Theguardian
Jun 4, 06:39
Dozens of vulnerable children were deemed not at risk by Victoria’s child protection system. They are now dead
The state’s commissioner for children and young people raised the alarm about cycles of ineffective referrals to voluntary services and closed reports in 35 cases of children who died after interactions with the system Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Victoria’s most at-risk children are falling through the cracks of a child protection system straining under increased demand and funding shortfalls, new reports show, as advocates warn of “stunning” gaps in data and lack of carer support. The state’s commissioner for children and young people has also raised the alarm about cycles of ineffective referrals to voluntary services, and closed reports in 35 cases of children who died after interactions with the system. Continue reading...
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The state’s commissioner for children and young people raised the alarm about cycles of ineffective referrals to voluntary services and closed reports in 35 cases of children who died after interactions with the system Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Victoria’s most at-risk children are falling…
TL;DR:
The state’s commissioner for children and young people raised the alarm about cycles of ineffective referrals to voluntary services and closed reports in 35 cases of children who died after interactions with the system Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Victoria’s most at-risk children are falling through the cracks of a child protection system straining under increased demand and funding shortfalls, new reports show, as advocates warn of “stunning” gaps in data and lack of carer support.
Theguardian
Jun 4, 06:02
Police can use force to move body parts during strip-searches, NSW argues in appeal court
NSW police appeal after comprehensive class action loss in 2025 when force admitted music festival search of Raya Meredith was unlawful and unjustified Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The state of New South Wales is arguing that police have the power to forcibly move body parts when conducting a strip-search, as it seeks to appeal a landmark class action ruling. Thursday was the first day of a two-day hearing where NSW is seeking leave to appeal after losing a class action brought by Slater and Gordon lawyers and the Redfern Legal Centre over unlawful strip-searches conducted at music festivals between 2018 and 2022. Continue reading...
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NSW police appeal after comprehensive class action loss in 2025 when force admitted music festival search of Raya Meredith was unlawful and unjustified Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The state of New South Wales is arguing that police have the power to forcibly move body parts when conducting…
TL;DR:
NSW police appeal after comprehensive class action loss in 2025 when force admitted music festival search of Raya Meredith was unlawful and unjustified Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The state of New South Wales is arguing that police have the power to forcibly move body parts when conducting a strip-search, as it seeks to appeal a landmark class action ruling.
Theguardian
Jun 4, 05:30
How this cosmic map of magnetic fields could help illuminate one of the universe’s most mysterious forces
Light from nearly 4m galaxies measured as it twisted and travelled through intergalactic space Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast A cosmic map of magnetic fields – the largest ever produced – could help scientists delve into one of the major and most mysterious forces in the universe. A global team led by Australia’s national science agency, the CSIRO charted the magnetic fields by measuring light from nearly 4m galaxies as it twisted and travelled through intergalactic space. Continue reading...
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A global team led by Australia’s national science agency, the CSIRO charted the magnetic fields by measuring light from nearly 4m galaxies as it twisted and travelled through intergalactic space.
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Light from nearly 4m galaxies measured as it twisted and travelled through intergalactic space Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast A cosmic map of magnetic fields – the largest ever produced – could help scientists delve into one of the major and most mysterious forces in the universe.
Theguardian
Jun 4, 05:20
Neo-Nazi group White Australia loses bid for temporary immunity from hate laws
High court dismisses organisation’s injunction attempt against designation as a hate group Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Neo-Nazi group White Australia has lost its bid for temporary immunity from anti-hate laws passed after the Bondi terror attack which it says will render it “extinct”. The organisation, which has been seeking to register as a political party, had asked the high court to temporarily block its designation as a prohibited hate group. Continue reading...
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The organisation, which has been seeking to register as a political party, had asked the high court to temporarily block its designation as a prohibited hate group.
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High court dismisses organisation’s injunction attempt against designation as a hate group Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Neo-Nazi group White Australia has lost its bid for temporary immunity from anti-hate laws passed after the Bondi terror attack which it says will render it “extinct”.
Theguardian
Jun 4, 05:00
Widow of gambling addict takes Betfair to court in possible landmark UK case
Success would establish for first time that a betting firm had duty of care to customers with signs of problem gambling The widow of a gambling addict who took his own life after falling £18,000 into debt begins a legal claim on Thursday against Betfair that could have far-reaching consequences for the UK’s gambling industry. Luke Ashton, 40, from Leicester, died in April 2021 after suffering from a gambling disorder that led him to place thousands of bets with the company, which sent him promotional “free” bets. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected] . In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is at 988 or chat for support. You can also text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis text line counselor. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org Continue reading...
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Widow of gambling addict takes Betfair to court in possible landmark UK case. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is at 988 or chat for support. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14.
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Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org Continue reading...
Theguardian
Jun 4, 05:00
Who were the far-right agitators at the Henry Nowak protests in Southampton?
Protest over killing of Nowak and his treatment by police was attended by several far-right leaders, anti-immigrant influencers and known fascists Some of those who attended a protest in Southampton on Tuesday night were ordinary members of the public, appalled at the killing of Henry Nowak and his treatment at the hands of the police – who handcuffed him after a false accusation of racism by his killer, Vickrum Digwa. But the protest, which turned violent, was also attended by several far-right leaders, anti-immigrant influencers and known fascists. Eleven police officers and a police dog were injured as protesters threw bricks and bins at riot officers. Two people have been arrested. While the violence occurred after many of the speakers at the protest had left, some leading figures could be seen in clashes with riot police. Continue reading...
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Eleven police officers and a police dog were injured as protesters threw bricks and bins at riot officers. Two people have been arrested. While the violence occurred after many of the speakers at the protest had left, some leading figures could be seen in clashes with riot police.
TL;DR:
Protest over killing of Nowak and his treatment by police was attended by several far-right leaders, anti-immigrant influencers and known fascists Some of those who attended a protest in Southampton on Tuesday night were ordinary members of the public, appalled at the killing of Henry Nowak and his treatment at the hands of the police – who handcuffed him after a false accusation of racism by his killer, Vickrum Digwa.
Theguardian
Jun 4, 04:48
‘I’m really proud to be Brittany Higgins’: former Liberal staffer reveals why she didn’t change her name in new documentary
Silenced, a documentary about violence against women, opened the Sydney Film Festival on Wednesday Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Brittany Higgins says she decided not to change her name when she got married in 2024 because she is proud to be Brittany Higgins, the former Liberal staffer has revealed in Silenced, a documentary about violence against women which opened the Sydney Film Festival. “When I got married I had this opportunity to change my name but I didn’t because I’m really proud to be Brittany Higgins,” she said in a highly emotional interview in the film. “Hopefully, this is just a footnote in my story and it’s not the headliner any more.” Continue reading...
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‘I’m really proud to be Brittany Higgins’: former Liberal staffer reveals why she didn’t change her name in new documentary. “When I got married I had this opportunity to change my name but I didn’t because I’m really proud to be Brittany Higgins,” she said in a highly emotional interview in the film.
TL;DR:
Silenced, a documentary about violence against women, opened the Sydney Film Festival on Wednesday Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Brittany Higgins says she decided not to change her name when she got married in 2024 because she is proud to be Brittany Higgins, the former Liberal staffer has revealed in Silenced, a documentary about violence against women which opened the Sydney Film Festival.
Foreignpolicy
Jun 4, 04:17
The Threat of Unrest Is Decarbonizing the Global South
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The oil and gas price spikes that followed the start of the U.S.-Iran war are reshaping energy politics across the global south. In the first month after the war disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, at least 60 governments adopted nearly 200 emergency energy measures , from fuel conservation orders and consumer subsidies to scrambles for alternative supplies.
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Oil and gas price spikes are doing what decades of climate diplomacy struggled to achieve.
Responsiblestatecraft
Jun 4, 04:05
Trump's art of the deal meets Iran's long memory of foreign exploitation
As the government’s standing plummets to an all-time low due to a reckless disregard for the welfare of its people, mass protests sweep across major Iran’s cities, including Shiraz, Tabriz and Tehran. Driven by a threat to their economic survival, the merchant class, or bazaaris, are leading the demonstrations. This is not a news report from December 2025 . This is the spring of 1891, the opening salvos of the Persian Tobacco Protest. Recognizing that unfettered concessions to foreigners pose a threat to both national sovereignty and their own economic interests, the powerful Shia clergy joined the merchants in an open revolt. It was Iran’s first bitter lesson in what happens when a ruler sells out the nation to ensure his own political survival. It wouldn’t be the last. Iranians know their history well, especially when it comes to confronting foreign aggressors. Amid whispers of diplomatic backchannels and leaks about potential deals, Iranian officials have taken to the social media platform X to send cryptic, and at times humorous , references to past triumphs. Most notably, foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei invoked the Sasanian Empire's victory over Roman Emperor Philip the Arab, when Rome was forced to accept peace on Persian terms in the 3rd century. But make no mistake: these posts are not cautionary tales directed at the United States and Israel alone. They can also be read as stern warnings to Tehran's own negotiators. Any concessions, or capitulations, made by the Islamic Republic can trigger severe domestic backlash because in the Iranian historical imagination, yielding an inch inevitably leads to Western exploitation and destabilizing protests. For Iran’s hardliners , a deal is tantamount to surrender. This mindset can be traced to what Hamid Dabashi , professor of Iranian studies and comparative literature at Columbia University, describes as a “long historical memory which is very much alive and resonant in their contemporary politics.” According to Dabashi, even the current ruling government is “entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding that memory.” Two examples of historical violations of Iran’s economic sovereignty illustrate why this memory remains so potent today. The French, Russian and British empires all vied with each other to extract concessions from Iran in the late 19th century. In 1890, the Qajar Shah granted British entrepreneur Major G.F. Talbot total control over the cultivation, sale and export of Iranian tobacco. Britain had already forced the opium trade on China and fought a war when its emperor tried to ban its sale decades earlier. By commodifying a daily staple in Iran, the secret deal ignited the tobacco riots, uniting merchants and the Shiite clergy in a boycott of the drug, this time leading to a successful campaign to force the Shah to cancel the concession. The D’Arcy Concession would later allow the British government, at the direction of then-Lord of the Navy Winston Churchill, to establish an “Anglo-Iranian Oil Company,” today’s British Petroleum, in 1911. The company would later control 84% of Iran's oil profits. When Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh nationalized that wealth in 1951, the response was an Anglo-American-backed coup in 1953 that reinstated the shah’s absolute royal rule. The suppression of Iranian independence sowed decades of popular resentment against Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi , ultimately erupting in the 1979 Iranian Revolution. For Iranian nationalists, these episodes prove that concessions to foreign entities inevitably lead to intelligence infiltration and total loss of sovereignty. It is this legacy that Western powers tend to misjudge. As Dabashi points out, “the most significant part of Iranian anticolonial nationalism” that the U.S. and Israel have failed to understand is that these two formative episodes “have been paramount in the minds of all Iranians since this war began, and it informs every single sentence in their negotiations with United States.” Cutting through the rhetorical noise from both sides, it would be politically suicidal for any Iranian government to accept the full terms the U.S. and Israel are attempting to impose . The White House is pushing for an expansive, face-saving surrender that demands Iran give up its 60% enriched uranium, halt its missile program, dismantle its regional alliances and permanently relinquish state control over the Strait of Hormuz. For Tehran, these are contemporary equivalents of the 19th-century concessions and non-negotiable pillars of national defense that cannot be bartered away. More significantly, despite domestic hardships, Tehran retains significant leverage , holding the global energy market hostage through its grip on Hormuz and still waving the disruptive wildcard of the Red Sea via its alliance with the Houthis. To concede the inconceivable when they have weathered the initial military onslaught would not be in their interest and would completely undermin...
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Trump's art of the deal meets Iran's long memory of foreign exploitation. For Iran’s hardliners , a deal is tantamount to surrender. and Israel are attempting to impose .
TL;DR:
As the government’s standing plummets to an all-time low due to a reckless disregard for the welfare of its people, mass protests sweep across major Iran’s cities, including Shiraz, Tabriz and Tehran.
Responsiblestatecraft
Jun 4, 04:05
Oman walks a tightrope amid Trump's threats to 'blow them up'
Up until last week, it would have been unthinkable that a partner and mediating stalwart like Oman would be a target in Washington. Yet, here we are. President Donald Trump, in a characteristically offhand remark during a cabinet meeting, warned that Oman would “behave just like everybody else, or we’ll have to blow them up.” The comment was in response to reports that Oman was considering joining Iran in controlling and levying fees on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent followed up with a threat of “aggressive” sanctions. Oman, it should be remembered, has hosted U.S. naval port calls for decades. It mediated nuclear talks between Iran and the U.S. for years and has maintained nearly two centuries of uninterrupted diplomatic ties with Washington. This history makes the recent turn of events especially surprising. Iran, which effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz after the U.S.-Israeli strikes against it on February 28, now wants to reopen it while maintaining sovereign control. Tehran initially spoke of “tolls” for passage to offset damages from the conflict, but by May, after intense international backlash and questions surrounding legality of the move, it reframed the proposal as fees for navigation, security and environmental services. Tehran has reportedly discussed a joint arrangement with Oman, whose territory (the exclave Musandam governorate north of the United Arab Emirates) borders the strait’s southern flank. Oman however, has not publicly agreed or officially signed onto the idea. According to Bessent, Oman’s ambassador in Washington assured him that there are “no plans for tolling.” Indeed, the deeper source of American frustration stems from Muscat’s still-cozy ties with Iran against the background of a war that is not going in America’s favor. While other Arab Gulf states issue statements condemning Iran and sign U.N. resolutions against its actions, Oman has maintained silence. When Iranian drones struck Omani ports, Muscat acknowledged the attacks but stopped short of naming Iran as the culprit. Oman’s head of state, Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, was the only Gulf head of state to congratulate Mojtaba Khamenei on his appointment as Iran's new supreme leader after his father was killed by Israeli airstrikes in the opening blow of the joint U.S. and Israeli campaign against the Islamic Republic. And of course there’s the stunning essay in The Economist that Oman’s foreign minister, Badr al-Busaidi, penned a few weeks into the war. In it, he claimed that the U.S. “lost control of its foreign policy” and framed Iran’s retaliatory moves against Gulf neighbors as “the only rational option available.” For an administration that sees the world through the lens of “with us or against us,” such language registers as betrayal. But Oman’s approach has served it well in ways that became apparent during this war. Because of its openness to Iran and refusal to host permanent U.S. bases, it experienced a lower volume of attacks than its neighbors. Before the war, it mediated five rounds of nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran, and just before talks collapsed and strikes began, al-Busaidi flew to Washington personally and went on American television to make one last plea for diplomacy. The last ditch effort didn’t work, but this record of hosting, shuttling and being willing to tell both sides uncomfortable truths is what makes Oman irreplaceable, not just to the region's diplomatic architecture, but to any serious American effort to end the war. Washington appears to have reached the opposite conclusion. Multiple U.S. officials told Middle East Eye that frustration with Muscat’s messaging has been growing for months. More recent reporting suggests that the U.S. is applying pressure on Oman to sever its ties with Iran altogether. Apart from a carefully worded statement from May 29 — a readout of a phone call between Oman's foreign minister and his Iranian counterpart, which emphasized their “commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation..in accordance with their sovereign responsibilities” — Muscat has been eerily quiet. Omani officials have not rushed to television studios or to social media platforms to clarify its relationship with Iran. But this silence reflects pressure Oman faces due to its unique geographic position. The Strait of Hormuz is just 21 miles wide at its narrowest, where Iran’s coastline faces Oman’s Musandam peninsula. Given the proximity, Muscat and Tehran have always had to coordinate on the strait. They are doing so now, and whatever this war’s settlement says about fees or tolls, they will continue to do so in the future. Iran has already signalled where it wants that coordination to lead. The New York Times reported on May 21 that Tehran had proposed a formal partnership, and that Oman — after initially rejecting the proposal — discussed sharing the revenue generated from fees charged. . While Oman’s transportation minister publicly ruled...
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And of course there’s the stunning essay in The Economist that Oman’s foreign minister, Badr al-Busaidi, penned a few weeks into the war. But Oman’s approach has served it well in ways that became apparent during this war. They are doing so now, and whatever this war’s settlement says about fees or tolls, they will continue to do so in the future.
TL;DR:
It mediated nuclear talks between Iran and the U.S.
Theguardian
Jun 4, 04:00
Protests in Albania grow over Jared Kushner-backed luxury resort
Conservation groups say work has begun in protected coastal area, while prime minister insists project will bring jobs and investment Protests in Albania over a proposed luxury resort backed by Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, are set to intensify after opponents rejected an offer from the country’s prime minister “to discuss solutions”. Thousands took to the streets of Tirana for a third straight day on Wednesday, some of them brandishing inflatable flamingos in a nod to feared environmental damage, amid mounting calls for the project to be blocked. Continue reading...
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Conservation groups say work has begun in protected coastal area, while prime minister insists project will bring jobs and investment Protests in Albania over a proposed luxury resort backed by Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, are set to intensify after opponents rejected an offer from the country’s prime minister “to discuss solutions”.
TL;DR:
Conservation groups say work has begun in protected coastal area, while prime minister insists project will bring jobs and investment Protests in Albania over a proposed luxury resort backed by Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, are set to intensify after opponents rejected an offer from the country’s prime minister “to discuss solutions”.
Theguardian
Jun 4, 04:00
Rebel attacks in eastern DRC kill 30 people and hamper Ebola response
Islamic State-linked militia blamed for raids in North Kivu as governor says three patients with disease fled clinics Rebel attacks around a town that is one of the centres of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have left more than 30 people dead over the past few days, complicating the response to the disease. At least 10 people were massacred in raids on three villages around the city of Beni, in North Kivu, in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Continue reading...
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Islamic State-linked militia blamed for raids in North Kivu as governor says three patients with disease fled clinics Rebel attacks around a town that is one of the centres of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have left more than 30 people dead over the past few days, complicating the response to the disease.
TL;DR:
Islamic State-linked militia blamed for raids in North Kivu as governor says three patients with disease fled clinics Rebel attacks around a town that is one of the centres of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have left more than 30 people dead over the past few days, complicating the response to the disease.
Theguardian
Jun 4, 04:00
Edinburgh festivals hope to launch joint box office for all 11 August events
Bosses believe having single booking process will drive up ticket sales for all festivals to offset funding squeeze The Edinburgh festivals hope to launch a single box office for all the city’s 11 festivals to make it simpler to buy tickets and profit from the “lake” of customer data they hold. Festival directors hope a universal box office will allow them to increase ticket sales and attract a wealthy corporate sponsor, such as Mastercard, to offset deep cuts in public funding they expect to see in coming years. Continue reading...
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Bosses believe having single booking process will drive up ticket sales for all festivals to offset funding squeeze The Edinburgh festivals hope to launch a single box office for all the city’s 11 festivals to make it simpler to buy tickets and profit from the “lake” of customer data they hold.
TL;DR:
Bosses believe having single booking process will drive up ticket sales for all festivals to offset funding squeeze The Edinburgh festivals hope to launch a single box office for all the city’s 11 festivals to make it simpler to buy tickets and profit from the “lake” of customer data they hold.
Theguardian
Jun 4, 04:00
Oman resists US pressure to break ties with Iran over strait of Hormuz
Sultanate says talks with Tehran are limited to lawful management of waterway, but Washington has doubts about neutrality Oman is resisting US pressure to break its links with Iran, and insists it has only been negotiating with Tehran on a future management system for the strait of Hormuz that would be compliant with international law. The aim would be to implement any regime after consulting the UN’s International Maritime Organization (IMO). Traditionally Oman, a longtime US ally that shares stewardship of the strait, has adopted the role of a back-channel mediator allowing it to remain neutral in disputes that have led to fissures in other parts of the Gulf. Continue reading...
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Oman resists US pressure to break ties with Iran over strait of Hormuz. The aim would be to implement any regime after consulting the UN’s International Maritime Organization (IMO). Traditionally Oman, a longtime US ally that shares stewardship of the strait, has adopted the role of a back-channel mediator allowing it to remain neutral in disputes that have led to fissures in…
TL;DR:
Sultanate says talks with Tehran are limited to lawful management of waterway, but Washington has doubts about neutrality Oman is resisting US pressure to break its links with Iran, and insists it has only been negotiating with Tehran on a future management system for the strait of Hormuz that would be compliant with international law.
Theguardian
Jun 4, 03:22
Israel and Lebanon agree to renew ceasefire as Trump seeks to overcome barriers to Iran deal
The US said the ceasefire was contingent on a complete cessation of fire from the Iran-aligned Hezbollah militia Israel and Lebanon have agreed to implement a ceasefire to end hostilities, the Trump administration has announced, as the US looks to overcome one of the largest barriers to reaching a broader deal to end the war with Iran. The Israel-Lebanon ceasefire is contingent on a complete cessation of fire from the Iran-aligned Hezbollah militia and the evacuation of all its operatives from the country’s south, a joint statement released by the US state department said after negotiations in Washington. Continue reading...
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The US said the ceasefire was contingent on a complete cessation of fire from the Iran-aligned Hezbollah militia Israel and Lebanon have agreed to implement a ceasefire to end hostilities, the Trump administration has announced, as the US looks to overcome one of the largest barriers to reaching a broader deal to end the war with Iran.
TL;DR:
The US said the ceasefire was contingent on a complete cessation of fire from the Iran-aligned Hezbollah militia Israel and Lebanon have agreed to implement a ceasefire to end hostilities, the Trump administration has announced, as the US looks to overcome one of the largest barriers to reaching a broader deal to end the war with Iran.
Theguardian
Jun 4, 03:08
Court fight over Bruce Lehrmann’s diary that allegedly contains eight pages of classified information
Commonwealth’s barrister tells federal court they will return diary to former political staffer but it must be declassified first Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The contents of a diary written by Bruce Lehrmann that was seized from his home have to be declassified by the federal government to be returned to him, a court has been told. The ex-political staffer is suing the federal special minister of state, Don Farrell, and the national anti-corruption commissioner, Paul Brereton, seeking legal funding to fight allegations of corruption. Continue reading...
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Commonwealth’s barrister tells federal court they will return diary to former political staffer but it must be declassified first Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The contents of a diary written by Bruce Lehrmann that was seized from his home have to be declassified by the federal government to…
TL;DR:
Commonwealth’s barrister tells federal court they will return diary to former political staffer but it must be declassified first Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The contents of a diary written by Bruce Lehrmann that was seized from his home have to be declassified by the federal government to be returned to him, a court has been told.
Theguardian
Jun 4, 00:50
Tech industry wins big in California primary election with millions spent paying off
Silicon Valley is fighting against regulation, taxes and growth of AI and will benefit from having political leverage Silicon Valley had a big night in California’s primary election, proving that the tens of millions of dollars funding candidates across the state was money well spent. While the tech industry’s preferred candidate for governor came in a scant sixth place, donations to smaller elections proved to be a successful strategy. Tech billionaires have in past months thrown their full weight into politics as the industry fights regulations, taxation and promotes the unfettered growth of artificial intelligence. Getting the right candidates in office, especially in its home turf of California, is existential. With favorable candidates, tech companies can gain both political and regulatory leverage to maintain their dominance in business. Continue reading...
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Tech industry wins big in California primary election with millions spent paying off. While the tech industry’s preferred candidate for governor came in a scant sixth place, donations to smaller elections proved to be a successful strategy. With favorable candidates, tech companies can gain both political and regulatory leverage to maintain their dominance in business.
TL;DR:
Silicon Valley is fighting against regulation, taxes and growth of AI and will benefit from having political leverage Silicon Valley had a big night in California’s primary election, proving that the tens of millions of dollars funding candidates across the state was money well spent.
Theguardian
Jun 4, 00:17
Seattle, home to Amazon and Microsoft, poised to pass moratorium on new datacenters
Measure expected to pass next week represents major rebuke to big tech as local disquiet over AI boom grows Seattle’s city government is on the verge of passing a year-long ban on the construction of new datacenters, the largest city yet in the US to consider such a moratorium as nationwide backlash grows. Four companies sought to build five large datacenters in areas serviced by Seattle’s public utility; if approved, they would have consumed approximately a third of the city’s current daily demand for electricity. Continue reading...
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Measure expected to pass next week represents major rebuke to big tech as local disquiet over AI boom grows Seattle’s city government is on the verge of passing a year-long ban on the construction of new datacenters, the largest city yet in the US to consider such a moratorium as nationwide backlash grows.
TL;DR:
Measure expected to pass next week represents major rebuke to big tech as local disquiet over AI boom grows Seattle’s city government is on the verge of passing a year-long ban on the construction of new datacenters, the largest city yet in the US to consider such a moratorium as nationwide backlash grows.
Theguardian
Jun 4, 00:12
Japan sees shortage of plastic bags, trays and gloves, as Iran war-induced naphtha shortage worsens
The Middle East is Japan’s main source of crude oil, from which naphtha is extracted and used to make items including printing ink and plastics Takeaways, supermarkets, and bakeries in Japan are running out of plastic bags, trays and food service gloves amid widening shortages of the key plastic ingredient, naphtha, due to the Middle East crisis. The food sector accounts for nearly one-third of Japan’s annual plastic use of more than 8m tonnes, and price rises and shortages are hitting hard across the industry and beyond. Some outlets have begun offering perks to customers who bring their own bags, plates or containers. Continue reading...
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Japan sees shortage of plastic bags, trays and gloves, as Iran war-induced naphtha shortage worsens. The food sector accounts for nearly one-third of Japan’s annual plastic use of more than 8m tonnes, and price rises and shortages are hitting hard across the industry and beyond. Some outlets have begun offering perks to customers who bring their own bags, plates or containers.
TL;DR:
The Middle East is Japan’s main source of crude oil, from which naphtha is extracted and used to make items including printing ink and plastics Takeaways, supermarkets, and bakeries in Japan are running out of plastic bags, trays and food service gloves amid widening shortages of the key plastic ingredient, naphtha, due to the Middle East crisis.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 23:01
NHS to tackle antisemitism after report finds Jewish staff and patients ‘routinely ostracised’
Lord Mann’s review prompts new training for health bosses and restrictions on political symbols on uniforms The NHS is taking action to tackle antisemitism after a government-ordered report found that Jewish patients and staff face “routine ostracism” in the service. Anti-Jewish hatred in the NHS means some patients hide their identity and staff “suffer in silence”, a review by Lord Mann, the government’s adviser on antisemitism, has found. Continue reading...
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Lord Mann’s review prompts new training for health bosses and restrictions on political symbols on uniforms The NHS is taking action to tackle antisemitism after a government-ordered report found that Jewish patients and staff face “routine ostracism” in the service.
TL;DR:
Lord Mann’s review prompts new training for health bosses and restrictions on political symbols on uniforms The NHS is taking action to tackle antisemitism after a government-ordered report found that Jewish patients and staff face “routine ostracism” in the service.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 23:01
Hospitals in England ranking highly for empathy ‘have better patient outcomes’
Research suggests NHS trusts with higher empathy ratings also benefit financially and have improved staff wellbeing Patients and staff fare better at hospitals that rank highly on empathy, research suggests, with institutions also benefiting financially by spending less on agency staff, locums and consultants. The finding comes from the first study to rate NHS trusts in England according to an empathy score that is drawn from information on the organisation’s culture, leadership behaviour and practitioner empathy, among other factors. Continue reading...
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Research suggests NHS trusts with higher empathy ratings also benefit financially and have improved staff wellbeing Patients and staff fare better at hospitals that rank highly on empathy, research suggests, with institutions also benefiting financially by spending less on agency staff, locums and consultants.
TL;DR:
Research suggests NHS trusts with higher empathy ratings also benefit financially and have improved staff wellbeing Patients and staff fare better at hospitals that rank highly on empathy, research suggests, with institutions also benefiting financially by spending less on agency staff, locums and consultants.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 23:01
Life-prolonging drug for advanced ovarian cancer gets go-ahead in England
Elahere is first new drug for chemotherapy-resistant ovarian cancer to be approved by NHS for 20 years Hundreds of women with hard-to-treat ovarian cancer can now be offered a new life-prolonging treatment, after NHS England approved its introduction. It is the first new drug for resistant ovarian cancer to be approved for more than 20 years. Ovarian is the 18th most common type of cancer globally, affecting more than 300,000 women a year. More than three-quarters of patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, making it harder to treat. Continue reading...
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Life-prolonging drug for advanced ovarian cancer gets go-ahead in England. Ovarian is the 18th most common type of cancer globally, affecting more than 300,000 women a year. More than three-quarters of patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, making it harder to treat.
TL;DR:
Elahere is first new drug for chemotherapy-resistant ovarian cancer to be approved by NHS for 20 years Hundreds of women with hard-to-treat ovarian cancer can now be offered a new life-prolonging treatment, after NHS England approved its introduction.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 23:01
Who Do You Think You Are?-style service to help young care leavers reconnect with their ‘tribe’
Scheme aims to help 18-year-olds in England who lack support after leaving system to find trusted people with whom they have lost touch Growing up and leaving the care system is daunting enough, but for 22-year-old Hannah, from Hertfordshire, the biggest anxiety was the sudden reality of no longer having a crowd in her corner. Turning 18 as a care leaver in England has been described as a “cliff edge” at which young people lose access to their social worker and support staff who provide day-to-day advocacy and help in a crisis – a reassuring and constant adult presence. Continue reading...
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Scheme aims to help 18-year-olds in England who lack support after leaving system to find trusted people with whom they have lost touch Growing up and leaving the care system is daunting enough, but for 22-year-old Hannah, from Hertfordshire, the biggest anxiety was the sudden reality of no longer having a crowd in her corner.
TL;DR:
Scheme aims to help 18-year-olds in England who lack support after leaving system to find trusted people with whom they have lost touch Growing up and leaving the care system is daunting enough, but for 22-year-old Hannah, from Hertfordshire, the biggest anxiety was the sudden reality of no longer having a crowd in her corner.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 23:00
Starmer’s chief secretary consoled Mandelson after dismissal as US ambassador, undisclosed texts show
Darren Jones’s messages include requests for advice on the reshuffle and remarks about former business secretary Jonathan Reynolds The prime minster’s close ally Darren Jones sent his commiserations to Peter Mandelson after he was sacked as US ambassador in messages that were not disclosed as part of the humble address release. Jones’s texts also included requests for advice on the reshuffle and disobliging comments about the then business secretary Jonathan Reynolds and the influence of trade unions. Continue reading...
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Jones’s texts also included requests for advice on the reshuffle and disobliging comments about the then business secretary Jonathan Reynolds and the influence of trade unions.
TL;DR:
Darren Jones’s messages include requests for advice on the reshuffle and remarks about former business secretary Jonathan Reynolds The prime minster’s close ally Darren Jones sent his commiserations to Peter Mandelson after he was sacked as US ambassador in messages that were not disclosed as part of the humble address release.
Responsiblestatecraft
Jun 3, 22:41
Finally: House vote to end Trump's Iran war wins
The House of Representatives successfully passed a resolution Wednesday that would direct President Donald Trump to remove U.S. armed forces from hostilities with Iran absent congressional approval. The legislation passed by a vote of 215-208, with all Democrats voting in favor. They were joined by four Republicans. Seven members, including six Republicans, missed the vote. “A War Powers Resolution to end the war in Iran just passed the House! The American people are tired of presidents abusing their power by spending billions of our taxpayer dollars on unnecessary wars.,” Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) wrote on X following the vote. “I urge the Senate to quickly pass this bill to end Trump’s illegal war in Iran.” Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), Tom Barrett (R-Mich.), Warren Davidson (R-Ohio), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) broke with the rest of their party to support the resolution, which was introduced by the ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.). Davidson was the only one of the four defectors who had not voted in favor of a previous WPA resolution, which ended in a tie. This attempt had been expected to pass after the House GOP leadership abruptly canceled a vote on it in May, when it seemingly was on track to garner enough votes. The Senate passed a similar procedural vote on Iran war powers last month. The votes in both chambers mark a meaningful symbolic rebuke of the Trump administration's increasingly unpopular war. Some Republican members had said that they hoped the administration would come to Congress for authorization after the 60-day limit imposed by the 1973 War Powers Act. Instead, the war has blown past not only that deadline, but also the additional 30 days that the WPA allows for the orderly withdrawal of forces. “It should have passed after 60 days,” Fitzpatrick said after the vote. It is unclear if or when the Senate will next vote on its own version of the bill ( S.J. Res. 185 ) or take up this House version, which is a concurrent resolution and therefore does not have the force of law and does not go to the president to sign. . Like other administrations since the WPA became law, the Trump administration has said it considers the Act unconstitutional. Proponents of diplomacy with Iran said the outcome showed that the war was becoming increasingly politically untenable. “President Trump has now received two clear and unmistakable signals from a majority of the Republican-controlled House and Republican-controlled Senate: end this war before more harm is done to American security and the American economy,” the president of the National Iranian American Council, Jamal Abdi, said in a statement . “President Trump needs to stop dithering and bring this disastrous war to a close before more harm is done. Otherwise, more harm to the nation and more political blowback will follow." For its part, the Trump administration has argued that “ the war is over ,” – and therefore not subject to congressional approval – because, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified on Wednesday, the U.S. military is no longer “conducting sustained strikes” against Iran, even as the region experienced some of the heaviest attacks over the past five days since the U.S. and Iran entered a ceasefire in April, and the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. Trump, speaking from the Oval Office on Wednesday, said that “in that part of the world, a ceasefire is when you're shooting in a more moderate manner.”
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Finally: House vote to end Trump's Iran war wins. “I urge the Senate to quickly pass this bill to end Trump’s illegal war in Iran.” Reps. “President Trump needs to stop dithering and bring this disastrous war to a close before more harm is done.
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“A War Powers Resolution to end the war in Iran just passed the House!
Theguardian
Jun 3, 22:23
Companies that sold gender-reveal fireworks which ignited California wildfire agree to $4m settlement
El Dorado blaze that burned 22,744 acres and claimed the life of a firefighter was ignited by an illegal device Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email Nearly six years after a couple’s gender-reveal stunt sparked a deadly wildfire in southern California , the companies that sold the pyrotechnic device have agreed to a multimillion-dollar settlement. The Hubbard, Ohio-based Wholesale Fireworks Corp and its subsidiary American Fireworks Wholesale LLC have agreed to pay more than $4m, the US attorney’s office in the central district of California announced on Tuesday. A third company, the Miami-based Pink or Blue Gender Team Inc, agreed to pay $50,000. Continue reading...
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Companies that sold gender-reveal fireworks which ignited California wildfire agree to $4m settlement. The Hubbard, Ohio-based Wholesale Fireworks Corp and its subsidiary American Fireworks Wholesale LLC have agreed to pay more than $4m, the US attorney’s office in the central district of California announced on Tuesday.
TL;DR:
El Dorado blaze that burned 22,744 acres and claimed the life of a firefighter was ignited by an illegal device Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email Nearly six years after a couple’s gender-reveal stunt sparked a deadly wildfire in southern California , the companies that sold the pyrotechnic device have agreed to a multimillion-dollar settlement.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 21:32
House passes war powers resolution to curb Trump’s authority in Iran
Stunning rebuke to president as lawmakers vote 215-208 for measure forcing him to seek congressional approval The US House of Representatives delivered a stunning rebuke to Donald Trump over his war on Iran on Wednesday, as representatives backed a move to force him to seek approval from Congress or withdraw US forces. The House voted 215 to 208 in favor of the war powers resolution, as four Republicans voted with Democrats. Continue reading...
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Stunning rebuke to president as lawmakers vote 215-208 for measure forcing him to seek congressional approval The US House of Representatives delivered a stunning rebuke to Donald Trump over his war on Iran on Wednesday, as representatives backed a move to force him to seek approval from Congress or withdraw US forces.
TL;DR:
Stunning rebuke to president as lawmakers vote 215-208 for measure forcing him to seek congressional approval The US House of Representatives delivered a stunning rebuke to Donald Trump over his war on Iran on Wednesday, as representatives backed a move to force him to seek approval from Congress or withdraw US forces.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 21:21
Chinese spies use LinkedIn to target UK officials and military staff
Advertisements for non-existent jobs aim to draw in people with access to classified or sensitive information Chinese spies are targeting UK government and military staff on job websites including LinkedIn to try to get access to classified or sensitive information, MI5 has warned. A bulletin has been released by the Five Eyes powers – the UK, US, Australia, Canada and New Zealand – highlighting an “aggressive” online recruitment strategy where spies for Beijing military intelligence pose as workers acting on behalf of private businesses or thinktanks. Security clearance holders, especially those who specialise in defence, foreign affairs and security and intelligence. Military personnel, including those stationed in the Indo-Pacific region, who have knowledge of regional capabilities and general activities. People with either indirect or peripheral access to government information, including academics, journalists, freelance writers, thinktank employees, or anyone with links to the defence, security, policy and economic sectors. Continue reading...
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Chinese spies use LinkedIn to target UK officials and military staff. Security clearance holders, especially those who specialise in defence, foreign affairs and security and intelligence. Military personnel, including those stationed in the Indo-Pacific region, who have knowledge of regional capabilities and general activities.
TL;DR:
Advertisements for non-existent jobs aim to draw in people with access to classified or sensitive information Chinese spies are targeting UK government and military staff on job websites including LinkedIn to try to get access to classified or sensitive information, MI5 has warned.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 21:09
Police chief warns anti-white bias claims could drive UK policing ‘back to 60s’
Senior police figures are pushing back against politicians they accuse of stoking tensions over Henry Novak’s murder Policing could be driven back to the 1960s by false claims officers are biased against white people, the leader of Britain’s black officers has said. Ch Insp Andy George, president of the National Black Police Association, spoke out amid growing concerns that politicians such as Nigel Farage were stoking tensions around the murder of teenager Henry Nowak by making baseless and provocative claims. Continue reading...
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Senior police figures are pushing back against politicians they accuse of stoking tensions over Henry Novak’s murder Policing could be driven back to the 1960s by false claims officers are biased against white people, the leader of Britain’s black officers has said.
TL;DR:
Senior police figures are pushing back against politicians they accuse of stoking tensions over Henry Novak’s murder Policing could be driven back to the 1960s by false claims officers are biased against white people, the leader of Britain’s black officers has said.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 20:39
Senate Republicans drop plans for $1bn to fund security at Trump’s ballroom
Fears that push for ballroom spending could jeopardize $70bn funding for immigration enforcement Senate Republicans on Wednesday formally dropped their attempt to spend $1bn on security improvements for Donald Trump’s White House ballroom, as it became clear the president’s demand for the money could jeopardize long-term funding for immigration enforcement. The Senate judiciary committee had last month included the spending on security for the new ballroom in a broader measure that would authorize $70bn in spending for agencies involved in Trump’s mass deportation campaign through the duration of his term. On Wednesday the committee released a revised text that no longer mentioned the money. Continue reading...
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Senate Republicans drop plans for $1bn to fund security at Trump’s ballroom. The Senate judiciary committee had last month included the spending on security for the new ballroom in a broader measure that would authorize $70bn in spending for agencies involved in Trump’s mass deportation campaign through the duration of his term.
TL;DR:
Fears that push for ballroom spending could jeopardize $70bn funding for immigration enforcement Senate Republicans on Wednesday formally dropped their attempt to spend $1bn on security improvements for Donald Trump’s White House ballroom, as it became clear the president’s demand for the money could jeopardize long-term funding for immigration enforcement.
Foreignpolicy
Jun 3, 20:38
Iran Launches Deadly Attack on Kuwait’s Main Airport
Experts warn that continued strikes could jeopardize peace talks.
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Iran Launches Deadly Attack on Kuwait’s Main Airport. Experts warn that continued strikes could jeopardize peace talks.
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Experts warn that continued strikes could jeopardize peace talks.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 20:35
Trump signs order to make it easier to fire 8,000 highly paid federal workers
Order strips job protections from workers earning up to about $200,000 a year and deemed to be ‘influencing’ policy Donald Trump has signed an executive order making it easier to fire thousands of the best-paid workers in the US government aspart of a broader drive by his administration to overhaul the federal workforce. The order, released by the White House and the office of personnel management (OPM) on Wednesday, strips job protections from a mostly senior group of federal workers – about 8,000 employees – earning up to almost $200,000 a year , and who are deemed to be “influencing” government policy. Continue reading...
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Order strips job protections from workers earning up to about $200,000 a year and deemed to be ‘influencing’ policy Donald Trump has signed an executive order making it easier to fire thousands of the best-paid workers in the US government aspart of a broader drive by his administration to overhaul the federal workforce.
TL;DR:
Order strips job protections from workers earning up to about $200,000 a year and deemed to be ‘influencing’ policy Donald Trump has signed an executive order making it easier to fire thousands of the best-paid workers in the US government aspart of a broader drive by his administration to overhaul the federal workforce.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 20:25
Australia politics live: bank expects home price reduction from budget to be more than twice government forecast
Commonwealth Bank economists expect 5% drag on home prices from tax changes, compared with Treasury forecast of 2%. Follow today’s news live Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Good morning and welcome to our live politics blog. I’m Martin Farrer with the top overnight stories and then it will be Krishani Dhanji with the main action. Australia’s youngest convicted murderer has been sent back to jail after a judge found him to have had complete disregard for his release conditions. The man, known only as SLD, stabbed to death his three-year-old neighbour Courtney Morley-Clarke on the Central Coast in 2001. More coming up. Continue reading...
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Australia politics live: bank expects home price reduction from budget to be more than twice government forecast. Commonwealth Bank economists expect 5% drag on home prices from tax changes, compared with Treasury forecast of 2%. Australia’s youngest convicted murderer has been sent back to jail after a judge found him to have had complete disregard for his release conditions.
TL;DR:
Follow today’s news live Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Good morning and welcome to our live politics blog.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 19:56
Wim Wenders withdraws 1975 film featuring 13-year-old Nastassja Kinski topless
German director says he recognises actor should have been better protected during filming of Wrong Move German director Wim Wenders has withdrawn from circulation his 1975 film Wrong Move, because of a scene featuring a child actor topless who was 13 years old at the time of filming. “Streaming, TV and distribution partners have been instructed to no longer make the film publicly accessible,” the director said in a statement released on Wednesday. Continue reading...
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German director says he recognises actor should have been better protected during filming of Wrong Move German director Wim Wenders has withdrawn from circulation his 1975 film Wrong Move, because of a scene featuring a child actor topless who was 13 years old at the time of filming.
TL;DR:
German director says he recognises actor should have been better protected during filming of Wrong Move German director Wim Wenders has withdrawn from circulation his 1975 film Wrong Move, because of a scene featuring a child actor topless who was 13 years old at the time of filming.
Foreignpolicy
Jun 3, 19:33
Why Is Trump Targeting Brazilian Gangs?
The U.S. designation of two Brazilian crime groups as terrorist organizations scrambles already tense bilateral relations.
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The U.S. designation of two Brazilian crime groups as terrorist organizations scrambles already tense bilateral relations.
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designation of two Brazilian crime groups as terrorist organizations scrambles already tense bilateral relations.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 19:12
Colorado governor vetoes block on surveillance pricing as other states push for bans
Consumer advocates decry Democrat Jared Polis for ‘choosing to side with dominant corporations’ over workers Colorado’s governor vetoed a bill on Tuesday that would have banned companies from using surveillance pricing to set workers’ wages and prices for consumer goods. The measure would have been the strongest in the nation against algorithmic pricing. While Maryland became the first state to approve a law banning surveillance pricing in grocery stores in April, Colorado’s proposed measure was more expansive. Continue reading...
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Colorado governor vetoes block on surveillance pricing as other states push for bans. The measure would have been the strongest in the nation against algorithmic pricing. While Maryland became the first state to approve a law banning surveillance pricing in grocery stores in April, Colorado’s proposed measure was more expansive.
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Consumer advocates decry Democrat Jared Polis for ‘choosing to side with dominant corporations’ over workers Colorado’s governor vetoed a bill on Tuesday that would have banned companies from using surveillance pricing to set workers’ wages and prices for consumer goods.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 19:01
Pete Hegseth removes all women and some Black service members from navy promotion list
Defense secretary’s latest interposition resulted in all-male, overwhelmingly white picks for promotion to admiralty US politics live – latest updates The US defense secretary, Pete Hegseth , stripped nine navy officers including women and Black service members from a promotion list last month, according to a person familiar with the matter, resulting in an all-male, overwhelmingly white slate of 22 advancing as nominees to become one-star admirals. Hegseth’s unusual intervention violated promotion rules designed to be merit-based and apolitical, the New York Times said on Tuesday , and extended the Trump administration’s push to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the military. Continue reading...
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Defense secretary’s latest interposition resulted in all-male, overwhelmingly white picks for promotion to admiralty US politics live – latest updates The US defense secretary, Pete Hegseth , stripped nine navy officers including women and Black service members from a promotion list last month, according to a person familiar with the matter, resulting in an all-male, overwhelm…
TL;DR:
Defense secretary’s latest interposition resulted in all-male, overwhelmingly white picks for promotion to admiralty US politics live – latest updates The US defense secretary, Pete Hegseth , stripped nine navy officers including women and Black service members from a promotion list last month, according to a person familiar with the matter, resulting in an all-male, overwhelmingly white slate of 22 advancing as nominees to become one-star admirals.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 18:59
Zach Lahn’s win in Iowa is a rare rebuke to Trump, who still has an iron grip on the party
While president’s last-minute endorsement of Randy Feenstra failed, he has enjoyed successes in Texas, Indiana and Kentucky Zach Lahn’s victory in Iowa’s gubernatorial primary on Tuesday is a rare instance of Republican voters rejecting Donald Trump, who has used his endorsement to elevate proteges and oust rivals nationwide ahead of the November midterm elections. In the race to replace Kim Reynolds, Iowa’s Republican governor, who is not seeking re-election, the president had given Randy Feenstra, a congressman, his “Complete and Total Endorsement”, which would normally be enough to see him to victory. Instead, Lahn, a farmer and businessman, won Tuesday’s Republican primary with 38% of the vote to Feenstra’s 37.2%, according to the Associated Press. Continue reading...
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Zach Lahn’s win in Iowa is a rare rebuke to Trump, who still has an iron grip on the party. In the race to replace Kim Reynolds, Iowa’s Republican governor, who is not seeking re-election, the president had given Randy Feenstra, a congressman, his “Complete and Total Endorsement”, which would normally be enough to see him to victory.
TL;DR:
While president’s last-minute endorsement of Randy Feenstra failed, he has enjoyed successes in Texas, Indiana and Kentucky Zach Lahn’s victory in Iowa’s gubernatorial primary on Tuesday is a rare instance of Republican voters rejecting Donald Trump, who has used his endorsement to elevate proteges and oust rivals nationwide ahead of the November midterm elections.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 18:57
Behind the historic efforts to transport Bayeux tapestry from France to UK
Special, secretive operation will ship 11th-century artwork across Channel without jolts, bumps or shakes As the Bayeux tapestry wends its way across the Channel in a top secret operation there will be no jolts, no bumps, no shakes or vibrations – unlike the voyage of William the Conqueror whose 1066 victory at Hastings the artefact recounts. “Nothing has been left to chance,” Catherine Pégard, the French minister of culture told a gathering to mark the historic loan, which will be physically achieved with the tapestry, which is really an embroidery, transported in a specially constructed cradle within a container, the minister said. Continue reading...
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Special, secretive operation will ship 11th-century artwork across Channel without jolts, bumps or shakes As the Bayeux tapestry wends its way across the Channel in a top secret operation there will be no jolts, no bumps, no shakes or vibrations – unlike the voyage of William the Conqueror whose 1066 victory at Hastings the artefact recounts.
TL;DR:
Special, secretive operation will ship 11th-century artwork across Channel without jolts, bumps or shakes As the Bayeux tapestry wends its way across the Channel in a top secret operation there will be no jolts, no bumps, no shakes or vibrations – unlike the voyage of William the Conqueror whose 1066 victory at Hastings the artefact recounts.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 18:35
MPs raise doubts over missing Mandelson vetting documents
File detailing security mitigations is among those withheld at the request of the Metropolitan police Ministers have faced renewed cross-party pressure in parliament over documents missing from a 1,500-page release of papers about Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to Washington. Despite the volume of information published on Monday, crucial documents were withheld at the request of the Metropolitan police on the grounds that they could “potentially prejudice” an investigation. They include a document summarising the vetting process, which concluded with officials recommending Mandelson not be given security clearance. Continue reading...
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MPs raise doubts over missing Mandelson vetting documents. Despite the volume of information published on Monday, crucial documents were withheld at the request of the Metropolitan police on the grounds that they could “potentially prejudice” an investigation.
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File detailing security mitigations is among those withheld at the request of the Metropolitan police Ministers have faced renewed cross-party pressure in parliament over documents missing from a 1,500-page release of papers about Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to Washington.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 18:30
Alex Younger, former head of MI6, dies aged 62
Keir Starmer says Younger led an ‘exemplary life’, while foreign secretary says country owes him ‘an enormous debt of gratitude’ Alex Younger, the former head of MI6, has died at the age of 62 after being treated for cancer. Younger led the Secret Intelligence Service, the agency also known as MI6, between 2014 and 2020. Continue reading...
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Keir Starmer says Younger led an ‘exemplary life’, while foreign secretary says country owes him ‘an enormous debt of gratitude’ Alex Younger, the former head of MI6, has died at the age of 62 after being treated for cancer. Younger led the Secret Intelligence Service, the agency also known as MI6, between 2014 and 2020. Continue reading...
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Keir Starmer says Younger led an ‘exemplary life’, while foreign secretary says country owes him ‘an enormous debt of gratitude’ Alex Younger, the former head of MI6, has died at the age of 62 after being treated for cancer.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 18:23
Trump appointee leading $205bn US agency had personal ties to Epstein, emails show
Ben Black’s lawyers deny relationship with disgraced financier, but DoJ records reveal years of interactions Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email Ben Black, the head of a little-known government investment agency funded by billions of dollars from US taxpayers, had personal and business ties to Jeffrey Epstein , according to emails and business filings released by the Department of Justice. His father, Leon Black, had once been the disgraced financier’s highest paying client – calling on the convicted sex offender for tax advice and to orchestrate payments to women, according to the New York Times and Bloomberg . Continue reading...
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Ben Black’s lawyers deny relationship with disgraced financier, but DoJ records reveal years of interactions Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email Ben Black, the head of a little-known government investment agency funded by billions of dollars from US taxpayers, had personal and business ties to Jeffrey Epstein , according to emails and business filings released by…
TL;DR:
Ben Black’s lawyers deny relationship with disgraced financier, but DoJ records reveal years of interactions Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email Ben Black, the head of a little-known government investment agency funded by billions of dollars from US taxpayers, had personal and business ties to Jeffrey Epstein , according to emails and business filings released by the Department of Justice.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 18:19
Did police anti-racism policies lead to appalling treatment of Henry Nowak and if not, what did?
Analysis of evidence and interviews with experts suggests focus by rightwing critics on race misses reality of police failures As the row over the police handling of the stabbing of Henry Nowak by Vickrum Digwa continues, critics on the right have suggested that a preoccupation with anti-racism played a significant role in the failure by officers at the scene to properly assess what had happened – and resulted in the appalling treatment of Nowak as he lay dying. Criticisms have focused in particular on a document published by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) last year, the police anti-racism commitment . Critics have also claimed that there is a broader sense that the police’s instincts are now to side against white people whenever there is any doubt. Continue reading...
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Did police anti-racism policies lead to appalling treatment of Henry Nowak and if not, what did?. Analysis of evidence and interviews with experts suggests focus by rightwing critics on race misses reality of police failures As the row over the police handling of the stabbing of Henry Nowak by Vickrum Digwa continues, critics on the right have suggested that a preoccupation wi…
TL;DR:
Criticisms have focused in particular on a document published by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) last year, the police anti-racism commitment .
Theguardian
Jun 3, 18:04
Dead but deportable: US immigration judge signed order to eject teen murder victim
North Carolina judge said Levi Mendez-Maldonado failed to show up in court – even after being told he had died in 2024 An immigration judge in Charlotte, North Carolina , recently ordered the deportation of a young man who was killed in 2024, citing his failure to appear in court. Judge Amy Lee ordered the removal of Levi Mendez-Maldonado in absentia on 21 May. Mendez-Maldonado, originally from Honduras, came to the United States as an unaccompanied minor at age 17 and was murdered in a shooting in November 2024. Continue reading...
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Dead but deportable: US immigration judge signed order to eject teen murder victim. Judge Amy Lee ordered the removal of Levi Mendez-Maldonado in absentia on 21 May. Mendez-Maldonado, originally from Honduras, came to the United States as an unaccompanied minor at age 17 and was murdered in a shooting in November 2024.
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North Carolina judge said Levi Mendez-Maldonado failed to show up in court – even after being told he had died in 2024 An immigration judge in Charlotte, North Carolina , recently ordered the deportation of a young man who was killed in 2024, citing his failure to appear in court.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 17:48
Labour MP sues Elon Musk’s AI company over fake sexualised images
Jess Asato was portrayed by AI tool as wearing a bikini after she criticised the creation of such non-consensual pictures A Labour MP has taken legal action against Elon Musk’s AI company after saying its Grok tool helped a user produce fake sexualised pictures of her, part of a wave of such images that flooded X earlier this year. Jess Asato, the MP for Lowestoft, said in January that seeing herself portrayed by the AI tool as wearing a bikini without her consent was “violating”. Continue reading...
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Jess Asato, the MP for Lowestoft, said in January that seeing herself portrayed by the AI tool as wearing a bikini without her consent was “violating”.
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Jess Asato was portrayed by AI tool as wearing a bikini after she criticised the creation of such non-consensual pictures A Labour MP has taken legal action against Elon Musk’s AI company after saying its Grok tool helped a user produce fake sexualised pictures of her, part of a wave of such images that flooded X earlier this year.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 17:47
LAPD reviews additional sexual assault allegations against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs
Review comes after Combs was sentenced last year in New York to 50 months in prison on charges related to transporting women for prostitution Authorities in Los Angeles are reviewing additional sexual assault allegations against Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is serving a federal prison sentence. In a statement to multiple outlets on Tuesday, a spokesperson for Nathan Hochman, the Los Angeles county district attorney, confirmed that the office is reviewing the allegations, saying: “In the fall of 2025, LAPD and LASD each presented a separate sexual assault investigation for one victim to the LA county district attorney’s office.” Information and support for anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse issues is available from the following organizations. In the US, Rainn offers support on 800-656-4673. In the UK, Rape Crisis offers support on 0808 500 2222. In Australia, support is available at 1800Respect (1800 737 732). Other international helplines can be found at ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html Continue reading...
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LAPD reviews additional sexual assault allegations against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. Review comes after Combs was sentenced last year in New York to 50 months in prison on charges related to transporting women for prostitution Authorities in Los Angeles are reviewing additional sexual assault allegations against Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is serving a federal prison sentence.
TL;DR:
In the US, Rainn offers support on 800-656-4673.
Foreignpolicy
Jun 3, 17:42
The New Weapon Behind Ukraine’s Battlefield Success
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Dozens of miles behind Russian lines, a Ukrainian drone feed shows an unsuspecting Russian military truck idling. It’s a scene repeated over and over again on Ukrainian social media in recent weeks as the country leans into a new phase of its war against Russia.
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Mid-range drones that can hit targets almost 100 miles behind Russian lines have changed the game.
Warontherocks
Jun 3, 17:30
Will China and the United States Pursue Strategic Stability?
In 2024, Michael Swaine wrote, “How to Stop the United States and China from Sliding into War,” where he identified areas that could increase the possibility of an armed conflict between the United States and China. Two years later, after recent talks between President Trump and President Xi, we asked Michael to revisit his arguments.Image: U.S. Department of StateIn your 2024 article, you flagged a rising possibility of major armed conflict between China and the United States. That was before American forces became militarily involved in Iran. Does that involvement change your calculus? And critically — does it deter Beijing, The post Will China and the United States Pursue Strategic Stability? appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Will China and the United States Pursue Strategic Stability?. In 2024, Michael Swaine wrote, “How to Stop the United States and China from Sliding into War,” where he identified areas that could increase the possibility of an armed conflict between the United States and China.
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appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Theguardian
Jun 3, 17:29
DRC Ebola outbreak could have begun as early as January, WHO chief says
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says the virus ‘had a big head start’ but that the response was catching up The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo could have begun as early as January, the head of the World Health Organization said, giving the virus “a big head start”. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also said the response was being hindered by blanket travel restrictions and highlighted high levels of community mistrust and low levels of contact tracing as key concerns. Continue reading...
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Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says the virus ‘had a big head start’ but that the response was catching up The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo could have begun as early as January, the head of the World Health Organization said, giving the virus “a big head start”.
TL;DR:
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says the virus ‘had a big head start’ but that the response was catching up The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo could have begun as early as January, the head of the World Health Organization said, giving the virus “a big head start”.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 17:26
‘It’s horrible how scared people were’: Southampton returns to calm after riots
Clear-up has begun but psychological impact likely to last much longer as community recovers from violent protests The clean up was quick. The day after an anti-police demonstration turned violent in the Portswood area of Southampton, workers cleared up broken glass and fixed fences that had been torn down to use as missiles against officers. But the psychological impact is likely to last much longer. Continue reading...
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‘It’s horrible how scared people were’: Southampton returns to calm after riots. The day after an anti-police demonstration turned violent in the Portswood area of Southampton, workers cleared up broken glass and fixed fences that had been torn down to use as missiles against officers. But the psychological impact is likely to last much longer.
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Clear-up has begun but psychological impact likely to last much longer as community recovers from violent protests The clean up was quick.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 17:17
What does the UK watchdog’s new Google AI results rule mean for publishers?
Giving news websites the power to block their content from being used in AI summaries will have global ramifications The UK’s competition watchdog has ordered Google to change how it uses publishers’ content in its AI-powered search results , in a move that will have global ramifications. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is using powers that allow it to set bespoke rules for major tech firms that it deems to have “strategic market status”. Google, the world’s largest search engine, is one of those companies. Continue reading...
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What does the UK watchdog’s new Google AI results rule mean for publishers?. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is using powers that allow it to set bespoke rules for major tech firms that it deems to have “strategic market status”. Google, the world’s largest search engine, is one of those companies.
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Giving news websites the power to block their content from being used in AI summaries will have global ramifications The UK’s competition watchdog has ordered Google to change how it uses publishers’ content in its AI-powered search results , in a move that will have global ramifications.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 16:39
Shia LaBeouf pleads guilty to battery charges over New Orleans bar incident
Actor sentenced to probation for incident in which he attacked three men and yelled homophobic slurs, according to witnesses Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email Shia LaBeouf on Wednesday pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery charges filed against the actor after his arrest over allegations that he struck three men at a New Orleans bar in February. After his plea in the city’s criminal district courthouse, the Transformers film franchise star received a sentence of two years’ probation, rehabilitation for alcohol abuse, sensitivity training and anger management classes. Continue reading...
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Actor sentenced to probation for incident in which he attacked three men and yelled homophobic slurs, according to witnesses Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email Shia LaBeouf on Wednesday pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery charges filed against the actor after his arrest over allegations that he struck three men at a New Orleans bar in February.
TL;DR:
Actor sentenced to probation for incident in which he attacked three men and yelled homophobic slurs, according to witnesses Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email Shia LaBeouf on Wednesday pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery charges filed against the actor after his arrest over allegations that he struck three men at a New Orleans bar in February.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 16:30
London braces for second day of Tube strike disruption
TfL says 60% of drivers worked on first day of stoppage as RMT confirms second day of action will go ahead A London Underground drivers’ strike will bring another day of transport disruption to the capital on Thursday, after the RMT union confirmed its action would go ahead. Transport for London (TfL) urged the union to call off the strike , the second 24-hour stoppage this week in a dispute over the introduction of a four-day working week. Continue reading...
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TfL says 60% of drivers worked on first day of stoppage as RMT confirms second day of action will go ahead A London Underground drivers’ strike will bring another day of transport disruption to the capital on Thursday, after the RMT union confirmed its action would go ahead.
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TfL says 60% of drivers worked on first day of stoppage as RMT confirms second day of action will go ahead A London Underground drivers’ strike will bring another day of transport disruption to the capital on Thursday, after the RMT union confirmed its action would go ahead.
Foreignpolicy
Jun 3, 16:28
Congress Prepares for a Consequential Iran Vote
Tehran may feel empowered to wait out U.S. demands for concessions in face of war-weary American public.
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Congress Prepares for a Consequential Iran Vote. Tehran may feel empowered to wait out U.S. demands for concessions in face of war-weary American public.
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Tehran may feel empowered to wait out U.S.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 16:16
Is Kemi Badenoch improving at being Conservative leader?
Badenoch differentiated herself from Farage in her response to Henry Nowak’s murder and supporters say her ratings are rising Kemi Badenoch has a hard-earned reputation for combativeness, especially on culture war issues, but at prime minister’s questions, with the murder of Henry Nowak in the headlines , Keir Starmer ended up thanking the Conservative leader for her “tone”. So is she a changed politician? Well, not exactly. To an extent, Badenoch’s approach ahead of her weekly Commons showdown with Starmer was shaped by events. Widespread concern on Wednesday at the police response to Nowak’s murder – the student who was handcuffed while he bled to death after being falsely accused of racism – spiralled into rioting on Tuesday night. The imperative not to inflame matters further was obvious. Continue reading...
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Is Kemi Badenoch improving at being Conservative leader?. To an extent, Badenoch’s approach ahead of her weekly Commons showdown with Starmer was shaped by events. Widespread concern on Wednesday at the police response to Nowak’s murder – the student who was handcuffed while he bled to death after being falsely accused of racism – spiralled into rioting on Tuesday night.
TL;DR:
Badenoch differentiated herself from Farage in her response to Henry Nowak’s murder and supporters say her ratings are rising Kemi Badenoch has a hard-earned reputation for combativeness, especially on culture war issues, but at prime minister’s questions, with the murder of Henry Nowak in the headlines , Keir Starmer ended up thanking the Conservative leader for her “tone”.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 16:01
Three Lebanese hospitals hit by Israeli forces in under a week
Airstrikes kill nine people and wound another 150, most of them medical staff Middle East crisis – live updates Three hospitals in southern Lebanon have been attacked by Israel in under a week, wounding more than 150 people and killing nine, according to Lebanon’s ministry of health. Israel carried out an attack in the immediate vicinity of the public hospital in Tebnine on Wednesday, just days after strikes next to the Hiram and Jabal Amel hospitals in Tyre. The attack next to Jabal Amel on Monday killed four people and injured 127 – most of whom were medical staff. Continue reading...
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Three Lebanese hospitals hit by Israeli forces in under a week. Israel carried out an attack in the immediate vicinity of the public hospital in Tebnine on Wednesday, just days after strikes next to the Hiram and Jabal Amel hospitals in Tyre. The attack next to Jabal Amel on Monday killed four people and injured 127 – most of whom were medical staff.
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Airstrikes kill nine people and wound another 150, most of them medical staff Middle East crisis – live updates Three hospitals in southern Lebanon have been attacked by Israel in under a week, wounding more than 150 people and killing nine, according to Lebanon’s ministry of health.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 15:54
Judge in Luigi Mangione case holds secret hearing despite press objections
Hearing in New York state case over shooting of healthcare executive sealed at short notice ‘at request of the defense’ Luigi Mangione ’s New York state case in the killing of the healthcare executive Brian Thompson descended into secrecy on Wednesday when Judge Gregory Carro held sealed proceedings despite press objections. Mangione’s state trial for allegedly shooting dead Thompson on a Manhattan Street in late 2024 is scheduled for 8 September. Mangione also faces a federal trial in relation to Thompson’s killing. The murder triggered an intense manhunt but also prompted an outpouring of public rage against the practices of the for-profit US healthcare industry. Continue reading...
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Judge in Luigi Mangione case holds secret hearing despite press objections. Mangione’s state trial for allegedly shooting dead Thompson on a Manhattan Street in late 2024 is scheduled for 8 September. The murder triggered an intense manhunt but also prompted an outpouring of public rage against the practices of the for-profit US healthcare industry.
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Hearing in New York state case over shooting of healthcare executive sealed at short notice ‘at request of the defense’ Luigi Mangione ’s New York state case in the killing of the healthcare executive Brian Thompson descended into secrecy on Wednesday when Judge Gregory Carro held sealed proceedings despite press objections.
Foreignpolicy
Jun 3, 15:36
The U.S. and Taiwanese Militaries Can’t Really Fight Together
A joint campaign to defend the island would struggle to operate effectively.
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and Taiwanese Militaries Can’t Really Fight Together. A joint campaign to defend the island would struggle to operate effectively.
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A joint campaign to defend the island would struggle to operate effectively.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 15:25
Former officer in hiding after being falsely linked to Henry Nowak arrest
Christi Hill and male police officer misidentified in Vickrum Digwa case on AI platforms including Grok UK politics live – latest updates A former police officer has been forced to flee to a safe space after she was falsely accused online of being involved in the Henry Nowak murder . Christi Hill, who served as a police constable for 12 years, has criticised social media and AI platforms, including Elon Musk’s Grok, for spreading the false claim that she was one of the officers who arrested Nowak as he lay dying after being stabbed by Vickrum Digwa. Continue reading...
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Christi Hill and male police officer misidentified in Vickrum Digwa case on AI platforms including Grok UK politics live – latest updates A former police officer has been forced to flee to a safe space after she was falsely accused online of being involved in the Henry Nowak murder .
TL;DR:
Christi Hill and male police officer misidentified in Vickrum Digwa case on AI platforms including Grok UK politics live – latest updates A former police officer has been forced to flee to a safe space after she was falsely accused online of being involved in the Henry Nowak murder .
Responsiblestatecraft
Jun 3, 15:21
US-Israel integration is far from 'America First'
The war against Iran may have resulted in some tactical victories for Israel and the United States on the battlefield, but Israel is not winning American public opinion and neither are those American leaders who ardently support it. This dwindling popularity could put in jeopardy the $3.8 billion that Israel receives in U.S. military aid each year. And that $3.8 billion is not all we provide to Israel — we also offer invaluable diplomatic cover on the world stage , in addition to direct U.S. military support during specific crises. Separately, the war in Iran has mostly benefited Israel’s regional agenda and has cost the U.S. taxpayer more than an estimated $50 billion so far. Because of these factors, most Americans are growing wary of the support we give to Israel. To get ahead of the changing sentiments, Israel and their American allies, like U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, are attempting to rebrand the aid we give to Israel each year. Rather than the annual Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlays, anything we give Tel Aviv will be “ based on trade ," according to Huckabee. The goal of this shift is to undermine the notion that Israel is dependent on American hand-outs and that the U.S. taxpayer is footing the bill for the horrific scenes coming out of Gaza and Lebanon. There is, of course, a major catch. The catch is Section 224, cleverly buried deep in the massive National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) , which is entitled “United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative.” This initiative transitions the traditional aid relationship into a deeper partnership between the U.S. and Israel in many aspects of technological research and development and defense production, and would also give Israel unprecedented access to U.S. technology development and "data fusion." Section 224 essentially transforms Israel from a top U.S. aid recipient to a full member of the U.S. defense and intelligence apparatus. When it comes to counterintelligence and strategic messaging, the Section 224 initiative is far more damaging to U.S. national security than the previous arrangement. By embedding Israel in the production of critical defense technologies, we are creating access and control mechanisms for a nation that has drastically different goals than America does. We should instead keep the development of key technologies restricted to Americans only. The dangers of allowing any other nation to access our sensitive military technologies are obvious, including the fact that back doors and spyware can be installed that will most certainly be used by the Israelis to influence U.S. policy. From a strategic messaging perspective, Section 224 is a nightmare for the Trump administration and any lawmaker who supports it. Sentiment in America is turning against Israel, and Section 224 will not help quell the prevailing narrative that Israel has too much influence on the American government. A more troubling aspect of this scheme is that it allows Israeli manufacturers to operate production facilities in the U.S. with an American partner. This stands in contrast to the standard way America provides military support to nations; historically the weapons that the U.S. provides in arms packages are all made in the U.S. by American manufacturers. Section 224 will give Israel the ability to actually create jobs in America. This is a powerful talking point that will give Israel leverage with many members of congress and the American public. Sure, Israeli defense companies and subcontractors currently operate in the U.S. — however they still must compete with American companies, and lack the access to the U.S. government that American defense companies enjoy. Section 224 would turn that on its head as US.-Israel would be co-producing weapons systems, giving Israeli companies an unprecedented edge inside the Pentagon. The idea of Israel creating American jobs by manufacturing military technologies in the U.S. may sound positive on its face. After all, who doesn’t want more American jobs? But this argument is built on the same fallacy that is used to justify the $3.8 billion in military aid that we currently give to Israel: that the aid is mostly spent on American weapons systems, so it’s not actually aid but an investment in American industry, as the pro-Israel lobby claims. First, the idea that we need to give billions to a foreign country to manufacture American weapons systems is ridiculous. Supporters of Israel like Ambassador Huckabee like to say that the $3.8 billion we give to Israel goes back into the American economy. This assumes that we need to give a foreign nation money to fund our defense industry. This is nonsense, We should instead invest the $3.8 billion directly on weapon systems for our own inventories or sell them to nations that don’t need to pay for it with American aid money. Second, the majority of the profits from the defense sector don’t go into creating American jobs or back into Amer...
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military aid each year. Separately, the war in Iran has mostly benefited Israel’s regional agenda and has cost the U.S. The idea of Israel creating American jobs by manufacturing military technologies in the U.S.
TL;DR:
The war against Iran may have resulted in some tactical victories for Israel and the United States on the battlefield, but Israel is not winning American public opinion and neither are those American leaders who ardently support it.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 15:10
Nissan maps out deal to build cars for Chery at its Sunderland plant
Non-binding agreement to start building vehicles in 2027 would safeguard jobs at UK’s largest car factory Nissan has agreed to look at building cars in northern England for Chinese manufacturer Chery, in a move that would secure jobs at the UK’s largest car factory. The Japanese carmaker on Wednesday said it had signed a non-binding agreement and that discussions were ongoing over contract manufacturing by Nissan for Chery, which is part-owned by the Chinese state. Continue reading...
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Non-binding agreement to start building vehicles in 2027 would safeguard jobs at UK’s largest car factory Nissan has agreed to look at building cars in northern England for Chinese manufacturer Chery, in a move that would secure jobs at the UK’s largest car factory.
TL;DR:
Non-binding agreement to start building vehicles in 2027 would safeguard jobs at UK’s largest car factory Nissan has agreed to look at building cars in northern England for Chinese manufacturer Chery, in a move that would secure jobs at the UK’s largest car factory.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 15:00
Diphtheria outbreak: residents of remote NT community say health clinic has no hand sanitiser
There’s a three-week wait on test results in Yuendumu, near Alice Springs, and locals say NT Health has dropped the ball on telling locals what to do if they test positive Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast A remote Aboriginal community at the centre of the Northern Territory’s diphtheria outbreak is struggling to cope with rising case numbers, with locals saying there is no hand sanitiser at the health clinic and limited information about how to avoid the disease or what to do if you test positive. There have been more than 240 cases of the once-eradicated disease reported in Australia since October, primarily in remote Indigenous communities in the NT, South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia , according to data released by the Australian Centre for Disease Control. One of the largest clusters in the NT is in Yuendumu, a community of about 700 people 300km from Alice Springs. Continue reading...
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Diphtheria outbreak: residents of remote NT community say health clinic has no hand sanitiser. There have been more than 240 cases of the once-eradicated disease reported in Australia since October, primarily in remote Indigenous communities in the NT, South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia , according to data released by the Australian Centre for Disease Control.
TL;DR:
There’s a three-week wait on test results in Yuendumu, near Alice Springs, and locals say NT Health has dropped the ball on telling locals what to do if they test positive Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast A remote Aboriginal community at the centre of the Northern Territory’s diphtheria outbreak is struggling to cope with rising case numbers, with locals saying there is no hand sanitiser at the health clinic and limited information about how to avoid the disease or what to do if you test positive.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 15:00
NSW motorists who use medicinal cannabis may soon be able to drive without fear of major penalty
Premier Chris Minns says changes would balance road safety and a more practical approach for medicinal cannabis users Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Motorists who use medicinal cannabis may soon be able to drive on New South Wales roads without fear of a severe penalty as the Minns government announces long-awaited reforms. The government announced on Thursday it would introduce legislation which would see drivers with a medicinal cannabis prescription no longer face a three-month licence suspension or fine for having the THC component of cannabis in their system. Continue reading...
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Premier Chris Minns says changes would balance road safety and a more practical approach for medicinal cannabis users Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Motorists who use medicinal cannabis may soon be able to drive on New South Wales roads without fear of a severe penalty as the Minns government announces long-awaited reforms.
TL;DR:
Premier Chris Minns says changes would balance road safety and a more practical approach for medicinal cannabis users Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Motorists who use medicinal cannabis may soon be able to drive on New South Wales roads without fear of a severe penalty as the Minns government announces long-awaited reforms.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 15:00
Anti-abortion activists are trying to limit access in NSW – and they are just getting started
Obstetricians and gynaecologists say anti sex-selective abortions bill ‘predicated on misinformation’ and ‘underlying aim is to restrict access to abortion’ Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The man who wants to ban “sex-selective abortions” is the first person who will tell you it won’t work. New South Wales Libertarian party MLC John Ruddick has introduced legislation that would see health practitioners sent to prison or fined thousands if they carry out a termination because of the sex of a foetus. Continue reading...
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Obstetricians and gynaecologists say anti sex-selective abortions bill ‘predicated on misinformation’ and ‘underlying aim is to restrict access to abortion’ Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The man who wants to ban “sex-selective abortions” is the first person who will tell you it won’t work.
TL;DR:
Obstetricians and gynaecologists say anti sex-selective abortions bill ‘predicated on misinformation’ and ‘underlying aim is to restrict access to abortion’ Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The man who wants to ban “sex-selective abortions” is the first person who will tell you it won’t work.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 14:43
Lloyds customers unable to make payments due to IT glitch
Bank apologises after IT update caused problems with Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland apps Lloyds Banking Group has apologised after thousands of its customers were unable to make payments or send money due to another IT glitch. According to Downdetector, a website that lets people track real-time service issues and outages, customers started noticing problems shortly after 11am on Wednesday, with issues affecting many of the group’s brands: Lloyds Bank, Halifax, Bank of Scotland, Scottish Widows and MBNA. Continue reading...
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Bank apologises after IT update caused problems with Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland apps Lloyds Banking Group has apologised after thousands of its customers were unable to make payments or send money due to another IT glitch.
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Bank apologises after IT update caused problems with Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland apps Lloyds Banking Group has apologised after thousands of its customers were unable to make payments or send money due to another IT glitch.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 14:27
Trump’s loyalist intelligence chief pick throws into doubt renewal of critical surveillance program
Democrats say appointment of Bill Pulte could doom bipartisan agreement to renew section 702 of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email Donald Trump’s appointment of a close political ally with no intelligence experience to lead the nation’s spy agencies has thrown last-ditch efforts to renew a critical surveillance program into doubt. Bill Pulte, currently head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), major Republican donor and heir to a home construction fortune, was tapped by Trump to serve as acting director of national intelligence days after Tulsi Gabbard departed the role. Continue reading...
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Democrats say appointment of Bill Pulte could doom bipartisan agreement to renew section 702 of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email Donald Trump’s appointment of a close political ally with no intelligence experience to lead the nation’s spy agencies has thrown last-ditch efforts to renew a critical surveillance program into…
TL;DR:
Democrats say appointment of Bill Pulte could doom bipartisan agreement to renew section 702 of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email Donald Trump’s appointment of a close political ally with no intelligence experience to lead the nation’s spy agencies has thrown last-ditch efforts to renew a critical surveillance program into doubt.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 14:19
South East Water’s greatest failure was not contacting customers during winter outages, report finds
Fewer than one in 10 SEW customers satisfied with firm’s handling of supply crisis, which left tens of thousands without water South East Water failed to adequately communicate with customers during outages last winter that left tens of thousands of people without water, a report has concluded. Fewer than one in 10 SEW customers were satisfied with how the company handled the water supply crisis that stretched across parts of Kent and Sussex last winter, the consumer council for water said. The report found communication was the company’s greatest failing. Continue reading...
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South East Water’s greatest failure was not contacting customers during winter outages, report finds. Fewer than one in 10 SEW customers were satisfied with how the company handled the water supply crisis that stretched across parts of Kent and Sussex last winter, the consumer council for water said. The report found communication was the company’s greatest failing.
TL;DR:
Fewer than one in 10 SEW customers satisfied with firm’s handling of supply crisis, which left tens of thousands without water South East Water failed to adequately communicate with customers during outages last winter that left tens of thousands of people without water, a report has concluded.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 14:12
Thousands sign petition against cuts to tech support for disabled students in England
DfE plans to withdraw funding for assistive software, saying it is now rarely needed due to ‘widely available free tools’ Disability campaigners have called on the government to halt plans to cut funding for specialist tech support for tens of thousands of disabled students in England. Almost 10,000 people have signed a petition opposing Department for Education (DfE) proposals to withdraw funding for specialist assistive software, currently available as part of the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). Continue reading...
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DfE plans to withdraw funding for assistive software, saying it is now rarely needed due to ‘widely available free tools’ Disability campaigners have called on the government to halt plans to cut funding for specialist tech support for tens of thousands of disabled students in England.
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DfE plans to withdraw funding for assistive software, saying it is now rarely needed due to ‘widely available free tools’ Disability campaigners have called on the government to halt plans to cut funding for specialist tech support for tens of thousands of disabled students in England.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 13:30
UK government to pay £1.3bn to help fund Universal Studios theme park in Bedfordshire
Chancellor hails deal saying it will create tens of thousands of jobs in the construction, hospitality, creative and technology sectors Business live – latest update British taxpayers will provide £1.3bn in funding to help Hollywood studio giant Universal build its first theme park in Europe . Comcast, the US media company that owns NBC Universal and Sky, had been considering a number of countries in which to build its first European theme park. Continue reading...
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UK government to pay £1.3bn to help fund Universal Studios theme park in Bedfordshire. Chancellor hails deal saying it will create tens of thousands of jobs in the construction, hospitality, creative and technology sectors Business live – latest update British taxpayers will provide £1.
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Comcast, the US media company that owns NBC Universal and Sky, had been considering a number of countries in which to build its first European theme park.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 13:24
Fired 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley says CBS told him to inject ‘falsehoods’ into reporting
Veteran journalist says executives pushed unverified claims and gave politicians a say in interviews The longtime 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley, who was fired by CBS News on Tuesday after clashing with the network’s new management, issued a public statement accusing the network’s new executives of silencing employees and claiming they instructed him “to inject falsehoods and bias” into his reporting. “‘60’ has been the number-one program in America for decades because our beloved audience finds integrity, quality, and humanity in our stories,” Pelley wrote in the lengthy statement he shared on social media on Wednesday morning. Continue reading...
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Veteran journalist says executives pushed unverified claims and gave politicians a say in interviews The longtime 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley, who was fired by CBS News on Tuesday after clashing with the network’s new management, issued a public statement accusing the network’s new executives of silencing employees and claiming they instructed him “to inject falsehoo…
TL;DR:
Veteran journalist says executives pushed unverified claims and gave politicians a say in interviews The longtime 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley, who was fired by CBS News on Tuesday after clashing with the network’s new management, issued a public statement accusing the network’s new executives of silencing employees and claiming they instructed him “to inject falsehoods and bias” into his reporting.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 13:17
US teen accused of stabbing three horses at Las Vegas rodeo
Prosecutors seek to try 17-year-old as adult after animals injured at major barrel racing event A teenage girl who allegedly stabbed three show horses at a weekend rodeo in Las Vegas , Nevada, is a “crazy, obsessed stalker” who waited in a darkened barn to commit the attacks, the owner of one of the animals has said. The Nevada city’s police department arrested a 17-year-old female on Saturday for the incidents at the National Barrel Horse Association’s supershow, a competition for the sport’s top riders at the South Point equestrian arena on the Las Vegas strip. Continue reading...
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Prosecutors seek to try 17-year-old as adult after animals injured at major barrel racing event A teenage girl who allegedly stabbed three show horses at a weekend rodeo in Las Vegas , Nevada, is a “crazy, obsessed stalker” who waited in a darkened barn to commit the attacks, the owner of one of the animals has said.
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Prosecutors seek to try 17-year-old as adult after animals injured at major barrel racing event A teenage girl who allegedly stabbed three show horses at a weekend rodeo in Las Vegas , Nevada, is a “crazy, obsessed stalker” who waited in a darkened barn to commit the attacks, the owner of one of the animals has said.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 12:54
New poll shows downtick in support for same-sex marriage and trans people in the US
New Gallup poll finds support for same-sex marriage and relationships in the US has stopped rising after two decades Acceptance of same-sex marriage and relationships in the US has flattened after more than two decades of steadily increasing support, with an ongoing decline among Republicans, according to a new Gallup poll. About 65% of US adults believe same-sex marriage should be legal, down slightly from 71% in 2022 and 2023. Continue reading...
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New Gallup poll finds support for same-sex marriage and relationships in the US has stopped rising after two decades Acceptance of same-sex marriage and relationships in the US has flattened after more than two decades of steadily increasing support, with an ongoing decline among Republicans, according to a new Gallup poll.
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New Gallup poll finds support for same-sex marriage and relationships in the US has stopped rising after two decades Acceptance of same-sex marriage and relationships in the US has flattened after more than two decades of steadily increasing support, with an ongoing decline among Republicans, according to a new Gallup poll.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 12:40
Man who murdered pregnant partner while faking livestream as alibi jailed for 31 years
Stephen McCullagh planned ‘cold-blooded and calculated’ killing of Natalie McNally in Lurgan, Northern Ireland, in great detail A YouTuber who set up a false alibi by livestreaming a video-gaming session online has been sentenced to 31 years in prison for the “cold-blooded and calculated” murder of his pregnant partner. Stephen McCullagh, 36, of Lisburn, County Antrim, showed no emotion on Wednesday as he was sentenced at Belfast crown court for the murder of Natalie McNally , a crime that chilled Northern Ireland. Continue reading...
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Stephen McCullagh planned ‘cold-blooded and calculated’ killing of Natalie McNally in Lurgan, Northern Ireland, in great detail A YouTuber who set up a false alibi by livestreaming a video-gaming session online has been sentenced to 31 years in prison for the “cold-blooded and calculated” murder of his pregnant partner.
TL;DR:
Stephen McCullagh planned ‘cold-blooded and calculated’ killing of Natalie McNally in Lurgan, Northern Ireland, in great detail A YouTuber who set up a false alibi by livestreaming a video-gaming session online has been sentenced to 31 years in prison for the “cold-blooded and calculated” murder of his pregnant partner.
Responsiblestatecraft
Jun 3, 12:28
Dems: $1.5 trillion Pentagon budget a ‘blank check’ for war
Amid the U.S. war on Iran and the looming prospect of conflict with Cuba, Democrats are gearing up for an especially bitter fight over next year’s Pentagon budget. As Punchbowl News reported Tuesday , Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) will introduce an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2027 to cut $150 billion from the proposed and record-breaking $1.15 trillion dollar Pentagon budget. Advocates say Moulton’s proposal is a rare one this early in the annual defense budget process. “Even the fact that we have [this] topline challenge… is indicative that [lawmakers] are willing to push back on this total dollar amount in a way that they have not on a committee level before,” Savannah Wooten, Public Citizen's People Over Pentagon Advocate, said at a press briefing yesterday on the subject. Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.) said she will support Rep. Moulton’s amendment at the press briefing. “Frankly, the $150 billion [cut] isn't even enough,” Rep. Jacobs said. “If [the] Armed Services Committee passes this authorization, it hands [Defense] Secretary Hegseth a blank check to keep the war in Iran going, to pursue regime change in Venezuela and Cuba, and wherever else, and to continue the lethal strikes off the coast of South America.” “I won't stand idly by and let it happen, not when it's my community who pays the human price for what's happening,” Rep. Jacobs said. But other political dynamics are at play. On the condition of anonymity, a congressional aide told Responsible Statecraft that Rep. Moulton wants to cultivate a more progressive profile ahead of his senate race against Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) later this year. “I suspect he's trying to strengthen his credentials,” the aide said. “The NDAA is an authorization bill, and cutting the top line from the NDAA doesn't save any money, and it doesn't preclude or prevent appropriators” from funding the DoD, the aide pointed out. Rep Moulton’s amendment “is a symbolic motion.” Meanwhile, Reps. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) will introduce an amendment to strike down section 224 of the NDAA , which, as RS reported last week , moves to more closely integrate the U.S. and Israeli militaries. Jacobs plans to support that amendment, a staffer from the lawmaker’s office told RS. But the effort also faces an uphill battle, even as a growing number of Americans oppose Israel's actions in the Middle East. Those include its wars on Gaza and Iran, and its escalating attacks on Lebanon. For many Republicans, Massie is “an example of what could happen to them if they break with the admin,” an advocate who works on the NDAA told RS, referencing Massie’s recent primary loss . “It is a [political] risk for Republicans to support his amendment.” Rep. Khanna “has his work cut out for him,” they said. As the advocate who works on the NDAA told RS, the U.S.-Israel war on Iran is “definitely the elephant in the room” in debates on the upcoming defense legislation. Democratic lawmakers, they said, want to show constituents they are taking action against it. "Voters feel [the war] at the gas pump, and…they have seen the reports of more than 100 school girls killed in a U.S. bombing at the school in Minab," the advocate said. "They're telling their lawmakers, 'we want you to fight against this.'" Ultimately, congressional Democrats are up against a Pentagon budget fueled by endless wars, but also by decades of runaway spending and lack of fiscal accountability. “The administration cares more about spilling blood abroad than about the communities bleeding right here at home, and what makes it even worse is that we don't know where the money goes,” Jacobs said at the briefing. “They can't account for the trillions we've already given them, and they still want more money for war toys that aren't even necessary or useful for the war fighting of the 21st century.” “That further emboldened our country to reach for military tools first, even though we know that development and diplomacy tools are cheaper and actually work better,” Jacobs said.
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Dems: $1.5 trillion Pentagon budget a ‘blank check’ for war. war on Iran and the looming prospect of conflict with Cuba, Democrats are gearing up for an especially bitter fight over next year’s Pentagon budget. “It is a [political] risk for Republicans to support his amendment.” Rep.
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As the advocate who works on the NDAA told RS, the U.S.-Israel war on Iran is “definitely the elephant in the room” in debates on the upcoming defense legislation.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 12:26
Big tobacco uses cigarette playbook to help sell ultra-processed foods, journal reveals
New issue of the American Journal of Public Health focuses on parallels between marketing for cigarettes and UPFs The new issue of the American Journal of Public Health focuses on ultra-processed foods, and reveals that big tobacco companies used strategies that helped them sell cigarettes to sell ultra-processed food products, including Lunchables, geared toward children. The parallels between ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and cigarettes include not only how UPF products were formulated and marketed to drive excess consumption, but also the growing body of evidence linking UPFs to a variety of health risks. For UPFs, these include cardiovascular diseases , certain cancers and cognitive health decline. Continue reading...
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Big tobacco uses cigarette playbook to help sell ultra-processed foods, journal reveals. The parallels between ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and cigarettes include not only how UPF products were formulated and marketed to drive excess consumption, but also the growing body of evidence linking UPFs to a variety of health risks.
TL;DR:
New issue of the American Journal of Public Health focuses on parallels between marketing for cigarettes and UPFs The new issue of the American Journal of Public Health focuses on ultra-processed foods, and reveals that big tobacco companies used strategies that helped them sell cigarettes to sell ultra-processed food products, including Lunchables, geared toward children.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 12:18
Four migrant workers are burned alive in their car in Italy
Petrol station attack throws spotlight on widespread exploitation of foreign farm labourers The exploitation of farm workers in Italy has come under the spotlight again after four men – three Afghans and one from Pakistan – were allegedly burned alive in a car at a petrol station in Calabria. The attack was captured by a surveillance camera at the garage in Amendolara, close to Cosenza. Two Pakistani nationals have been arrested on charges of aggravated murder, according to public prosecutor Alessandro D’Alessio. Continue reading...
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Four migrant workers are burned alive in their car in Italy. The attack was captured by a surveillance camera at the garage in Amendolara, close to Cosenza. Two Pakistani nationals have been arrested on charges of aggravated murder, according to public prosecutor Alessandro D’Alessio.
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Petrol station attack throws spotlight on widespread exploitation of foreign farm labourers The exploitation of farm workers in Italy has come under the spotlight again after four men – three Afghans and one from Pakistan – were allegedly burned alive in a car at a petrol station in Calabria.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 11:57
First Thing: Race for California governor deadlocked as primary results across the US pour in
Mixed picture emerges from races across the US, as Trump’s pick fails in Iowa. Plus: Jill Biden speaks about her husband’s decision to drop out of the 2024 election Good morning. It has been a night of drama as crucial election results have unfolded – or not – across the US. In California, the crucial race for governor remains too close to call . With mountains of ballots left to count, the Republican Steve Hilton was leading the field with the Democrats Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer following. A quirk of the state’s political system means the top two candidates face off in the general election regardless of which party they belong to. Where else were primary elections held? In many other states. Many eyes were on Iowa, where Josh Turek, backed by millions in outside spending, clinched the state’s Democratic primary , defeating the state senator Zach Wahls, who had pitched himself as an anti-establishment outsider. On the Republican side, Randy Feenstra’s second-place finish in the gubernatorial race ended Donald Trump’s perfect endorsement streak, which had held strong since March. When will we know the full results? Voting experts say it could take weeks to finalize the tightest races . What was Pelley said to have done? In an email, the newly appointed executive editor, Nick Bilton, claimed Pelley had “hijacked my first meeting … to disparage me, my qualifications, and my intentions with remarkable incivility and contempt”. In a message to staff he said that after repeated, failed attempts to find common ground over the weekend, “we have parted ways with Scott Pelley”. Continue reading...
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First Thing: Race for California governor deadlocked as primary results across the US pour in. It has been a night of drama as crucial election results have unfolded – or not – across the US. A quirk of the state’s political system means the top two candidates face off in the general election regardless of which party they belong to.
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Mixed picture emerges from races across the US, as Trump’s pick fails in Iowa.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 11:00
Can autonomous AI-powered killer drones take morality onboard?
While the technology is set to play a growing role in modern warfare, there remains an unresolved ethical challenge Should the AI-powered drones of the future have a licence to kill? The question is becoming ever more pressing as governments and the defence industry acknowledge that drone systems will play an increasingly crucial role in future warfare. With drones being deployed in huge numbers in the Ukraine war and AI being used to assist bombing missions in the Iran conflict, there is an expectation among some observers that weapons will have to operate with increased operational autonomy, which means they will need something approximating a moral framework. Continue reading...
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Can autonomous AI-powered killer drones take morality onboard?. The question is becoming ever more pressing as governments and the defence industry acknowledge that drone systems will play an increasingly crucial role in future warfare.
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While the technology is set to play a growing role in modern warfare, there remains an unresolved ethical challenge Should the AI-powered drones of the future have a licence to kill?
Theguardian
Jun 3, 11:00
Kidnappings, threats and ‘protection fees’: how can Mexico confront rise in deadly extortion?
With corrupt police on the streets and shopkeepers forced to pay gangs, president has vowed to tackle crime that now affects all parts of society It was about 11pm and Luis* was about to get into an Uber to go home when the police car pulled up. One of the officers produced two plastic bags with what looked like drugs: one contained some sort of powder, the other little crystals. Luis had never seen them before. Luis, who asked not to use his real name for fear of reprisals, insisted that the drugs weren’t his, but the officers didn’t seem to care. They shoved him into the back of the police truck and drove into the night. Continue reading...
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Kidnappings, threats and ‘protection fees’: how can Mexico confront rise in deadly extortion?. One of the officers produced two plastic bags with what looked like drugs: one contained some sort of powder, the other little crystals. Luis, who asked not to use his real name for fear of reprisals, insisted that the drugs weren’t his, but the officers didn’t seem to care.
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With corrupt police on the streets and shopkeepers forced to pay gangs, president has vowed to tackle crime that now affects all parts of society It was about 11pm and Luis* was about to get into an Uber to go home when the police car pulled up.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 10:51
Middle East crisis live: Trump claims Iranian supreme leader is involved in US negotiations
President says he would ‘like to meet’ Mojtaba Khamenei, who US officials have previously said was injured in attacks, and says Iran has said it will not have a nuclear weapon Hello and welcome to the Guardian’s continuing coverage of the crisis in the Middle East. Donald Trump has claimed Iran has agreed it will not have a nuclear weapon and that the country’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is involved in negotiations with the US. One person was killed and several people were injured in an Iranian drone attack that targeted Kuwait’s airport, according to authorities and state media. Flights were suspended this morning but some later resumed after the country’s civil aviation authority said it assessed the damage at the airport. The attack came hours after US forces fired a Hellfire missile to disable a tanker attempting to break through the American blockade of the strait of Hormuz , and later said they repelled Iranian reprisal attacks in the region and attacked sites on Iran’s Qeshm Island. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) said it attacked the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain with missiles and drones in response to the strike on Qeshm, a claim the US military’s Central Command (Centcom) denied. Centcom said two Iranian missiles fired at Kuwait “fell short or broke apart enroute”, and that three missiles targeting Bahrain were intercepted by US and Bahrain. US forces also said they shot down three one-way attack drones “launched by Iran toward civilian mariners that were rightfully transiting regional waters” but gave no further details. Israel kept up strikes on southern Lebanon , pressing its campaign against Hezbollah a day after Donald Trump asked Benjamin Netanyahu not to attack Beirut to avert further escalation in the three-month-old war. Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire hit south Lebanon on Tuesday, killing at least eight people, Lebanese state media reported. Israel’s military ordered residents of the city of Nabatieh, a major Hezbollah stronghold, to leave ahead of strikes. Lebanon’s government has said it would seek a full ceasefire in a new round of talks with Israeli officials in Washington that began on Tuesday , the latest in a series of face-to-face meetings Beirut has attended despite Hezbollah objections. Hezbollah said it fired artillery shells at Israeli troops near Beaufort and targeted Israeli military vehicles south of Nabatieh on Tuesday. It has not announced cross-border attacks since Monday. Continue reading...
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Middle East crisis live: Trump claims Iranian supreme leader is involved in US negotiations. Donald Trump has claimed Iran has agreed it will not have a nuclear weapon and that the country’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is involved in negotiations with the US.
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President says he would ‘like to meet’ Mojtaba Khamenei, who US officials have previously said was injured in attacks, and says Iran has said it will not have a nuclear weapon Hello and welcome to the Guardian’s continuing coverage of the crisis in the Middle East.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 10:45
Cost of living and high streets among top priorities for Makerfield voters, poll shows
Exclusive: Research showing Andy Burnham holding slim lead finds honesty in politicians and immigration also rank as important Voters in Makerfield rank the cost of living, declining high streets and public services as among the most important issues locally, with many also disillusioned by the political system and distrustful of politicians, according to new research. The findings come from a focus group, shared exclusively with the Guardian, which was commissioned by 38 Degrees and carried out by JL Partners. The fieldwork took place roughly two weeks ahead of the byelection on 18 June, when the Greater Manchester mayor, Andy Burnham, is hoping to see off a challenge from Reform UK. Continue reading...
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Cost of living and high streets among top priorities for Makerfield voters, poll shows. The findings come from a focus group, shared exclusively with the Guardian, which was commissioned by 38 Degrees and carried out by JL Partners.
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Exclusive: Research showing Andy Burnham holding slim lead finds honesty in politicians and immigration also rank as important Voters in Makerfield rank the cost of living, declining high streets and public services as among the most important issues locally, with many also disillusioned by the political system and distrustful of politicians, according to new research.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 10:44
Leftwing US pair refused entry to UK will address Oxford Union remotely
Home Office barred Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker on grounds their visit was ‘not conducive to the public good’ Two leftwing US political commentators who were banned from entering the UK will still speak at the Oxford Union via livestream. The Home Office told Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker their presence in the country was “not conducive to the public good” when they attempted to come to London to attend this week’s SXSW London event. Continue reading...
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Home Office barred Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker on grounds their visit was ‘not conducive to the public good’ Two leftwing US political commentators who were banned from entering the UK will still speak at the Oxford Union via livestream.
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Home Office barred Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker on grounds their visit was ‘not conducive to the public good’ Two leftwing US political commentators who were banned from entering the UK will still speak at the Oxford Union via livestream.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 10:19
Electrician guilty of murdering partner and blowing up their London home
Clifton George convicted of fatally stabbing charity worker Annabel Rook after she tried to end relationship A man who fatally stabbed his partner and then set off a gas explosion at their north-east London home last summer has been found guilty of her murder. Clifton George, 45, had denied murdering Annabel Rook, a 46-year-old charity founder, during an argument at their home in Stoke Newington, on 17 June 2025. He admitted her manslaughter. Continue reading...
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Clifton George convicted of fatally stabbing charity worker Annabel Rook after she tried to end relationship A man who fatally stabbed his partner and then set off a gas explosion at their north-east London home last summer has been found guilty of her murder.
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Clifton George convicted of fatally stabbing charity worker Annabel Rook after she tried to end relationship A man who fatally stabbed his partner and then set off a gas explosion at their north-east London home last summer has been found guilty of her murder.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 10:00
Louisiana church solicits prayers for pastor convicted of sexual assault – but not for his victims
Anthony Odiong was sentenced to life in prison for sex crimes against his congregants in Texas A Louisiana church where a Roman Catholic priest served as pastor before being recently convicted in Texas of criminal clergy sexual assault and sentenced to life in prison has been criticized by his victims and their supporters for soliciting prayers on his behalf in a parochial bulletin published after his guilty verdict – which neglected to mention the survivors. One of the two women whom Anthony Odiong was convicted of assaulting in Waco, Texas – identified in court proceedings as Mary Doe – issued a statement on Tuesday encouraging St Anthony of Padua’s community in the New Orleans suburb of Luling, Louisiana, to pray for his victims, too. Continue reading...
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Anthony Odiong was sentenced to life in prison for sex crimes against his congregants in Texas A Louisiana church where a Roman Catholic priest served as pastor before being recently convicted in Texas of criminal clergy sexual assault and sentenced to life in prison has been criticized by his victims and their supporters for soliciting prayers on his behalf in a parochial bul…
TL;DR:
Anthony Odiong was sentenced to life in prison for sex crimes against his congregants in Texas A Louisiana church where a Roman Catholic priest served as pastor before being recently convicted in Texas of criminal clergy sexual assault and sentenced to life in prison has been criticized by his victims and their supporters for soliciting prayers on his behalf in a parochial bulletin published after his guilty verdict – which neglected to mention the survivors.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 09:50
Southampton residents in shock after night of ‘terrifying’ protest violence
Cars damaged and bricks strewn across streets after demonstration over Henry Nowak’s murder erupts into riot UK politics live: latest news updates A trail of destruction was left on the streets of Southampton after Tuesday night’s anti-police protest over Henry Nowak’s murder, with car windows smashed and bricks strewn across roads. The demonstration began relatively peacefully outside Southampton central police station but turned ugly when hundreds marched across the city to the neighbourhood where Nowak died and where his killer, Vickrum Digwa, lived. Continue reading...
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Cars damaged and bricks strewn across streets after demonstration over Henry Nowak’s murder erupts into riot UK politics live: latest news updates A trail of destruction was left on the streets of Southampton after Tuesday night’s anti-police protest over Henry Nowak’s murder, with car windows smashed and bricks strewn across roads.
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Cars damaged and bricks strewn across streets after demonstration over Henry Nowak’s murder erupts into riot UK politics live: latest news updates A trail of destruction was left on the streets of Southampton after Tuesday night’s anti-police protest over Henry Nowak’s murder, with car windows smashed and bricks strewn across roads.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 09:49
California primary unresolved as voters choose midterm candidates – US politics live
Democrats seek to oust Republicans in New Jersey and Iowa, while other major races remain up in the air Hello and welcome to the US politics live blog. California’s crowded primary for governor remains up in the air after three leading candidates tested voters’ appetites for an experienced politician or promises of sweeping change. Karen Bass came out ahead in Tuesday’s heated primary for Los Angeles mayor, but with less than 50% of the vote will have to defend her seat in November’s general election. She’ll likely run against either Spencer Pratt, a former reality TV star, or city council member Nithya Raman. Iowa state representative Josh Turek won the Democratic nomination for the state’s open US Senate seat – setting him up to face off against Ashley Hinson in the November general election. A former television anchor turned state senator, Hinson was endorsed by Donald Trump and retiring senator Joni Ernst . Adam Hamawy won the Democratic nomination for New Jersey’s 12th congressional district, teeing the army doctor and political newcomer up to face off against Republican Gregg Mele in November’s general election. Hamawy decided to run for office after returning from a medical mission in Gaza in 2024 and meeting congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, who announced her retirement in November 2025. Deb Haaland won the Democratic nomination for governor in New Mexico. If elected in the November general election, Haaland would become the first Native American woman governor elected in the country. Christina Bohannan won the Democratic nomination for Iowa’s 1st congressional district. She will compete against incumbent Republican congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks in the November general election Zach Lahn narrowly won the Republican nomination for governor, and will face off against Democrat Rob Sand in Iowa’s general election this November. Five Republicans competed for the nomination to replace retiring Republican governor Kim Reynolds. Former Navy helicopter pilot Rebecca Benett won the Democratic nomination for New Jersey’s 7th congressional district, and will challenge Republican congressman Tom Kean Jr. in the general election. Kean, who’s been absent from Congress, citing a health issue, since March shared a statement on social media saying he’s “more energized than ever” and will “be completely transparent as to the nature of my medical condition” when he returns to work in “a matter of weeks”. Continue reading...
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California primary unresolved as voters choose midterm candidates – US politics live. If elected in the November general election, Haaland would become the first Native American woman governor elected in the country.
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Democrats seek to oust Republicans in New Jersey and Iowa, while other major races remain up in the air Hello and welcome to the US politics live blog.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 09:36
Ovo Energy to pay more than £10m over prepayment meter monitoring failings
Regulator finds inadequate monitoring by firm could have exposed vulnerable customers ‘to clear risk of harm’ Ovo Energy has agreed to pay more than £10m after the energy regulator for Great Britain, Ofgem, found a lack of monitoring of vulnerable customers with prepayment meters (PPMs) could have exposed them to a “clear risk of harm”. Ofgem found that Ovo did not adequately monitor its PPM customers, including those on the priority services register, leading to breaches of the watchdog’s rules designed to protect customers in vulnerable situations. Continue reading...
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Regulator finds inadequate monitoring by firm could have exposed vulnerable customers ‘to clear risk of harm’ Ovo Energy has agreed to pay more than £10m after the energy regulator for Great Britain, Ofgem, found a lack of monitoring of vulnerable customers with prepayment meters (PPMs) could have exposed them to a “clear risk of harm”.
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Regulator finds inadequate monitoring by firm could have exposed vulnerable customers ‘to clear risk of harm’ Ovo Energy has agreed to pay more than £10m after the energy regulator for Great Britain, Ofgem, found a lack of monitoring of vulnerable customers with prepayment meters (PPMs) could have exposed them to a “clear risk of harm”.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 09:29
Trump could slap Australia with 12.5% tariff for allegedly importing goods made by slave labour
Trade minister says Australia has ‘robust, comprehensive and world-leading legislation addressing forced labour and modern slavery’ Australia is among dozens of countries facing a 12.5% trade tariff from the Trump administration for allegedly failing to prevent imports of goods made by slave labour. The US trade representative, Jamieson Greer, listed Australia among 54 economies that “failed to impose and effectively enforce a prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labor” following an investigation into their practices. Continue reading...
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Trade minister says Australia has ‘robust, comprehensive and world-leading legislation addressing forced labour and modern slavery’ Australia is among dozens of countries facing a 12.5% trade tariff from the Trump administration for allegedly failing to prevent imports of goods made by slave labour.
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Trade minister says Australia has ‘robust, comprehensive and world-leading legislation addressing forced labour and modern slavery’ Australia is among dozens of countries facing a 12.5% trade tariff from the Trump administration for allegedly failing to prevent imports of goods made by slave labour.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 09:19
Ukrainian drones hit St Petersburg as ‘Russian Davos’ opens in city
Energy and military sites targeted as guests gather for economic forum where Putin is due to speak on Friday Ukrainian drones hit energy and military sites in St Petersburg early on Wednesday hours before international guests gathered for the city’s flagship economic forum, in a blow to Vladimir Putin. Several long-range drones crashed into oil storage facilities after Russian air defences tried unsuccessfully to shoot them down. There were loud explosions and black smoke rose high above the city from the blazing oil terminal. Continue reading...
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Ukrainian drones hit St Petersburg as ‘Russian Davos’ opens in city. Several long-range drones crashed into oil storage facilities after Russian air defences tried unsuccessfully to shoot them down. There were loud explosions and black smoke rose high above the city from the blazing oil terminal.
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Energy and military sites targeted as guests gather for economic forum where Putin is due to speak on Friday Ukrainian drones hit energy and military sites in St Petersburg early on Wednesday hours before international guests gathered for the city’s flagship economic forum, in a blow to Vladimir Putin.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 09:09
David Cameron offered Boris Johnson senior Cabinet role if he agreed not to push for Brexit
Johnson tells BBC documentary he played tennis in early 2016 with then prime minister to discuss EU referendum UK politics live – latest updates David Cameron offered Boris Johnson a senior Cabinet position in return for campaigning for the UK to remain in the EU during the 2016 referendum, it has been revealed In the event, and with four months to go before the vote, Johnson transformed the terms of the debate by announcing in February 2016 that “after a huge amount of heartache” he was throwing his weight behind the campaign to take Britain out of the EU. Continue reading...
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Johnson tells BBC documentary he played tennis in early 2016 with then prime minister to discuss EU referendum UK politics live – latest updates David Cameron offered Boris Johnson a senior Cabinet position in return for campaigning for the UK to remain in the EU during the 2016 referendum, it has been revealed In the event, and with four months to go before the vote, Johnson…
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Johnson tells BBC documentary he played tennis in early 2016 with then prime minister to discuss EU referendum UK politics live – latest updates David Cameron offered Boris Johnson a senior Cabinet position in return for campaigning for the UK to remain in the EU during the 2016 referendum, it has been revealed In the event, and with four months to go before the vote, Johnson transformed the terms of the debate by announcing in February 2016 that “after a huge amount of heartache” he was throwing his weight behind the campaign to take Britain out of the EU.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 09:00
Far-right praise for shah’s secret police puts Reza Pahlavi on the spot
Son of deposed shah forced to distance himself from once-dreaded Savak as some of his ‘fascistic’ supporters glorify it For decades, the Savak was seen as the most hated symbol of repression that kept Iran’s last shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, in power – and a main driving force behind the revolutionary fervor that toppled him in 1979. Now the deposed monarch’s son, Reza Pahlavi, has been forced to distance himself from the once-dreaded security agency after some of his most vociferous supporters glorified it as the defining emblem in their drive to install him on the throne in a royal restoration. Continue reading...
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Son of deposed shah forced to distance himself from once-dreaded Savak as some of his ‘fascistic’ supporters glorify it For decades, the Savak was seen as the most hated symbol of repression that kept Iran’s last shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, in power – and a main driving force behind the revolutionary fervor that toppled him in 1979.
TL;DR:
Son of deposed shah forced to distance himself from once-dreaded Savak as some of his ‘fascistic’ supporters glorify it For decades, the Savak was seen as the most hated symbol of repression that kept Iran’s last shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, in power – and a main driving force behind the revolutionary fervor that toppled him in 1979.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 09:00
US primary voters choose midterm candidates as Democrats look to flip key seats
Democrats seek to oust Republicans in New Jersey and Iowa, while other major races remain up in the air Voters in Tuesday’s primary elections across the US chose candidates who could flip critical districts in the US House and Senate in November, setting up a series of high-stakes general election contests in a midterm year expected to favor Democrats. Among the most watched races are: a New Jersey Democrat who could oust a Republican incumbent absent with a mystery medical issue for months; several Iowa Democrats hoping to flip their red-leaning state; and California’s redrawn maps that have given Democrats an advantage in the heavily blue state. Continue reading...
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Democrats seek to oust Republicans in New Jersey and Iowa, while other major races remain up in the air Voters in Tuesday’s primary elections across the US chose candidates who could flip critical districts in the US House and Senate in November, setting up a series of high-stakes general election contests in a midterm year expected to favor Democrats.
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Democrats seek to oust Republicans in New Jersey and Iowa, while other major races remain up in the air Voters in Tuesday’s primary elections across the US chose candidates who could flip critical districts in the US House and Senate in November, setting up a series of high-stakes general election contests in a midterm year expected to favor Democrats.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 08:41
Royal Navy helicopter crashes into field in Devon
Emergency services at scene of incident at Sourton Down, near Okehampton A Royal Navy helicopter has crashed into a field in Devon, police have confirmed. Emergency services are at the scene of the incident at Sourton Down, near Okehampton. Continue reading...
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Emergency services are at the scene of the incident at Sourton Down, near Okehampton.
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Emergency services at scene of incident at Sourton Down, near Okehampton A Royal Navy helicopter has crashed into a field in Devon, police have confirmed.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 08:27
Minister criticises anti-discrimination guidance to police amid Southampton protests
Sarah Jones says guidance that black and white suspects should be treated differently gives ‘wrong impression’ Anti-discrimination guidance to police that black and white suspects should be treated differently “gives the wrong impression”, according to the policing minister, who said protesters involved in overnight violence in Southampton should not be allowed to shape the reaction to the murder of Henry Nowak. Two people were arrested after unrest in Southampton after the sentencing of the 18-year-old’s killer, Vickrum Digwa , who told police attending the scene of the stabbing in the city on 3 December 2025 that he had been the victim of a racist attack. Continue reading...
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Sarah Jones says guidance that black and white suspects should be treated differently gives ‘wrong impression’ Anti-discrimination guidance to police that black and white suspects should be treated differently “gives the wrong impression”, according to the policing minister, who said protesters involved in overnight violence in Southampton should not be allowed to shape the re…
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Sarah Jones says guidance that black and white suspects should be treated differently gives ‘wrong impression’ Anti-discrimination guidance to police that black and white suspects should be treated differently “gives the wrong impression”, according to the policing minister, who said protesters involved in overnight violence in Southampton should not be allowed to shape the reaction to the murder of Henry Nowak.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 07:54
Albanese calls Taylor ‘Temu Abbott’ as bitter fight rages over budget tax changes
Greens support needed to pass proposed changes but party concerned it will give government sweeping discretionary powers Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Anthony Albanese has ridiculed Angus Taylor as a “Temu [Tony] Abbott” amid an increasingly bitter fight over tax changes in the budget, as the Greens raise concerns about key provisions of the government’s proposal. Labor will speed the first tranche of its budget legislation through the lower house on Thursday, and hopes to pass it through the Senate within weeks. Continue reading...
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Greens support needed to pass proposed changes but party concerned it will give government sweeping discretionary powers Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Anthony Albanese has ridiculed Angus Taylor as a “Temu [Tony] Abbott” amid an increasingly bitter fight over tax changes in the budget, as the Greens raise concerns about key provisions of the gove…
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Greens support needed to pass proposed changes but party concerned it will give government sweeping discretionary powers Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Anthony Albanese has ridiculed Angus Taylor as a “Temu [Tony] Abbott” amid an increasingly bitter fight over tax changes in the budget, as the Greens raise concerns about key provisions of the government’s proposal.
Warontherocks
Jun 3, 07:30
The Rain in Spain Falls Harder on Ukraine: Rethinking the Spanish Civil War Analogy
In 2023, the NATO Baltic Defense College in Tartu, Estonia devoted its entire annual conference to the Interwar Period (1919 to 1939), a theme repeated at subsequent conferences sponsored by national militaries and academic societies throughout the United States and Europe. Western scholars and foreign policy analysts, provoked by Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, seem persuaded that we are living at the close of another interwar era — one in which an egotistical European power shatters a decades-long continental truce, established and upheld by an international rules-based order, by invading a smaller neighbor ostensibly to defend threatened national minorities. A The post The Rain in Spain Falls Harder on Ukraine: Rethinking the Spanish Civil War Analogy appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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The Rain in Spain Falls Harder on Ukraine: Rethinking the Spanish Civil War Analogy. Western scholars and foreign policy analysts, provoked by Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, seem persuaded that we are living at the close of another interwar era — one in which an egotistical European power shatters a decades-long continental truce, established and upheld by an international…
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In 2023, the NATO Baltic Defense College in Tartu, Estonia devoted its entire annual conference to the Interwar Period (1919 to 1939), a theme repeated at subsequent conferences sponsored by national militaries and academic societies throughout the United States and Europe.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 07:19
Minister condemns riot but urges review of police anti-racism guidance following Henry Nowak death – UK politics live
Sarah Jones appeals for calm after rioting over the death of Nowak, who was handcuffed while dying from stab wound Good morning. Keir Starmer spoke for many people yesterday when he said that he felt “sick” watching the video of Henry Nowak being handcuffed as he lay dying, while a police officer who had been told Nowak had committed a racist assault ignored Nowak saying he had been stabbed. Starmer’s was a good faith response to the tragedy, which saw Nowak’s killer jailed for life on Monday . But there have been plenty of bad faith responses to the murder too, which culminated in rioting in Southampton last night. Here is our overnight story about yesterday’s events. Continue reading...
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Minister condemns riot but urges review of police anti-racism guidance following Henry Nowak death – UK politics live. Keir Starmer spoke for many people yesterday when he said that he felt “sick” watching the video of Henry Nowak being handcuffed as he lay dying, while a police officer who had been told Nowak had committed a racist assault ignored Nowak saying he had been sta…
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Sarah Jones appeals for calm after rioting over the death of Nowak, who was handcuffed while dying from stab wound Good morning.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 07:00
Rural UK ‘particularly at risk’ of diesel shortages if Iran war continues
OECD forecast sets out economic risks from conflict, pointing to potential shortfalls to key energy products OECD predicts spate of recessions globally if Iran conflict drags into 2027 Rural areas in the UK would be particularly at risk of diesel shortages if the conflict in Iran continues to squeeze supplies, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has warned. The OECD predicted economic growth of 0.9% in the UK this year – a modest upgrade from the 0.7% it feared in March when it last updated its forecasts. It said government spending will help to support the economy in the short term. Continue reading...
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Rural UK ‘particularly at risk’ of diesel shortages if Iran war continues. The OECD predicted economic growth of 0.9% in the UK this year – a modest upgrade from the 0.7% it feared in March when it last updated its forecasts. It said government spending will help to support the economy in the short term.
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OECD forecast sets out economic risks from conflict, pointing to potential shortfalls to key energy products OECD predicts spate of recessions globally if Iran conflict drags into 2027 Rural areas in the UK would be particularly at risk of diesel shortages if the conflict in Iran continues to squeeze supplies, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has warned.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 06:49
Jim Chalmers is putting a positive spin on the economy, but is the outlook for Australia grim?
The economy was slowing even before the Middle East conflict and interest rate hikes started to bite, while the boom in datacentres was a rare bright spot Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The economy slowed sharply in early 2026 and Australians’ living standards are once again going backwards. At the risk of upsetting the treasurer by “talking down the economy”, as he put it, there wasn’t all that much to love in the latest national accounts. Continue reading...
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The economy was slowing even before the Middle East conflict and interest rate hikes started to bite, while the boom in datacentres was a rare bright spot Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The economy slowed sharply in early 2026 and Australians’ living standards are once again going backwards.
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The economy was slowing even before the Middle East conflict and interest rate hikes started to bite, while the boom in datacentres was a rare bright spot Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The economy slowed sharply in early 2026 and Australians’ living standards are once again going backwards.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 06:24
Hundreds of thousands of Centrelink payments cancelled illegally, Albanese government admits
Senate estimates hearing told issues caused by a glitch in the automated system that runs the controversial mutual obligations scheme Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The government has admitted it illegally cancelled hundreds of thousands of Centrelink payments because of a glitch in the automated system that runs the controversial mutual obligations scheme, it has been revealed. Speaking at senate estimates on Wednesday, representatives for the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations said the number of illegal cancellations, where people were not given enough time to reconnect to a job provider after missing a compulsory activity as part of their mutual obligations, was in “the vicinity” of 300,000. Continue reading...
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Senate estimates hearing told issues caused by a glitch in the automated system that runs the controversial mutual obligations scheme Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The government has admitted it illegally cancelled hundreds of thousands of Centrelink payments because of a glitch in the automa…
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Senate estimates hearing told issues caused by a glitch in the automated system that runs the controversial mutual obligations scheme Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The government has admitted it illegally cancelled hundreds of thousands of Centrelink payments because of a glitch in the automated system that runs the controversial mutual obligations scheme, it has been revealed.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 06:23
UK media groups given power to opt out of Google AI search summaries
Watchdog says ‘publishers will now have effective tools to prevent content being used to power AI features in search’ Publishers will be able to opt out of their content being used to train Google’s AI models and power its search summaries, the UK competition watchdog has announced as it imposes new conduct requirements on search services. “Publishers will now have effective tools to prevent their content being used to power AI features in search, such as AI Overviews,” the Competition and Markets Authority said. Continue reading...
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“This will put publishers, like news organisations, in a stronger position to negotiate content deals with Google. It first proposed the idea of an AI search summary opt-out in January . “The designation allows the CMA to introduce targeted rules, known as ‘conduct requirements’, for Google’s search activities if proportionate for the purposes of ensuring fair dealing, open ch…
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Watchdog says ‘publishers will now have effective tools to prevent content being used to power AI features in search’ Publishers will be able to opt out of their content being used to train Google’s AI models and power its search summaries, the UK competition watchdog has announced as it imposes new conduct requirements on search services.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 06:11
Australians are spending less to consume more nicotine as illegal tobacco trade explodes
Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates nicotine consumption rose 40%, with illicit sources accounting for 80% of all tobacco Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Australians are consuming more nicotine than they were eight years ago but are spending less, new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows, as 80% of the cigarettes smoked by the nation last year were cheaper illegal products. The analysis released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on Wednesday showed the amount of nicotine consumed around the country soared by 40% between 2017 and 2025, despite population growth rising by just 14%. Continue reading...
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Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates nicotine consumption rose 40%, with illicit sources accounting for 80% of all tobacco Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Australians are consuming more nicotine than they were eight years ago but are spending less, new data from the Australian Bureau of St…
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Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates nicotine consumption rose 40%, with illicit sources accounting for 80% of all tobacco Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Australians are consuming more nicotine than they were eight years ago but are spending less, new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows, as 80% of the cigarettes smoked by the nation last year were cheaper illegal products.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 06:04
Where the devil is Mary? Search under way after Tasmanian marsupial escapes Gold Coast wildlife park
CCTV cameras caught the carnivorous marsupial skulking around deserted grounds at 4am Tuesday morning Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast A search is under way on Queensland’s Gold Coast for a missing Tasmanian devil who escaped her enclosure in a daring early morning dash caught on camera. The devil, named Mary, did a Houdini from the Paradise Country theme park, escaping from quarantine in the early hours of Tuesday. Continue reading...
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CCTV cameras caught the carnivorous marsupial skulking around deserted grounds at 4am Tuesday morning Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast A search is under way on Queensland’s Gold Coast for a missing Tasmanian devil who escaped her enclosure in a daring early morning dash caught on camera.
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CCTV cameras caught the carnivorous marsupial skulking around deserted grounds at 4am Tuesday morning Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast A search is under way on Queensland’s Gold Coast for a missing Tasmanian devil who escaped her enclosure in a daring early morning dash caught on camera.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 06:00
Noted Surrey colony of at-risk swifts destroyed during nesting season
Campaigners say builders’ demolition of nest site highlights weak protection of wildlife from development A building that was a noted nesting site for swifts, among the UK’s most at-risk birds, has been demolished during the nesting season, highlighting significant weaknesses in the protection of wildlife from development, campaigners say. Contractors for the housebuilder Hill Group carried out the demolition of Regent House near Dorking station in Surrey over the last few weeks, during the nesting season which runs from 1 March to 31 August. Continue reading...
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Campaigners say builders’ demolition of nest site highlights weak protection of wildlife from development A building that was a noted nesting site for swifts, among the UK’s most at-risk birds, has been demolished during the nesting season, highlighting significant weaknesses in the protection of wildlife from development, campaigners say.
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Campaigners say builders’ demolition of nest site highlights weak protection of wildlife from development A building that was a noted nesting site for swifts, among the UK’s most at-risk birds, has been demolished during the nesting season, highlighting significant weaknesses in the protection of wildlife from development, campaigners say.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 05:58
California primary election results: governor’s race too close to call
Early results show Steve Hilton, Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer emerging in front, with many ballots to be counted The high-stakes gubernatorial race in California remained too close to call on Tuesday night, with early results showing a tight contest in the crowded race. With many ballots still left to be counted, three candidates emerged at the top: Republican Steve Hilton and Democrats Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer. And results were clear enough that two Democratic candidates – San Jose mayor Matt Mahan and former Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa – conceded the race shortly after polls closed. Continue reading...
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California primary election results: governor’s race too close to call. With many ballots still left to be counted, three candidates emerged at the top: Republican Steve Hilton and Democrats Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer.
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Early results show Steve Hilton, Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer emerging in front, with many ballots to be counted The high-stakes gubernatorial race in California remained too close to call on Tuesday night, with early results showing a tight contest in the crowded race.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 05:33
Karen Bass heads to LA mayoral runoff after falling short of majority
Incumbent comes out on top in primary election – but with less than 50% of votes – and will take on challenger in November Karen Bass has come out ahead in Tuesday’s heated primary for Los Angeles mayor, but with less than 50% of the vote will have to defend her seat in November’s general election. Bass will face either Spencer Pratt, a former reality TV star, or city council member Nithya Raman, in November. As of Tuesday evening, it was still unclear who would move on . Continue reading...
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Karen Bass heads to LA mayoral runoff after falling short of majority. Bass will face either Spencer Pratt, a former reality TV star, or city council member Nithya Raman, in November. As of Tuesday evening, it was still unclear who would move on .
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Incumbent comes out on top in primary election – but with less than 50% of votes – and will take on challenger in November Karen Bass has come out ahead in Tuesday’s heated primary for Los Angeles mayor, but with less than 50% of the vote will have to defend her seat in November’s general election.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 05:28
George Santos reportedly investigated by DoJ over suspicious Kalshi bets
Disgraced former congressman said to have put bet on whether he would be at Trump’s State of the Union speech Federal authorities are investigating whether George Santos , the disgraced former Republican congressman from New York, engaged in insider trading by betting on a prediction market on his own attendance to the State of the Union address, multiple news outlets reported on Tuesday. Santos allegedly placed a bet on Kalshi, a popular online prediction market, over whether he would be in attendance at Trump’s State of the Union address in February, according to NPR, which first reported on the investigation citing anonymous sources. Continue reading...
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Disgraced former congressman said to have put bet on whether he would be at Trump’s State of the Union speech Federal authorities are investigating whether George Santos , the disgraced former Republican congressman from New York, engaged in insider trading by betting on a prediction market on his own attendance to the State of the Union address, multiple news outlets reported…
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Disgraced former congressman said to have put bet on whether he would be at Trump’s State of the Union speech Federal authorities are investigating whether George Santos , the disgraced former Republican congressman from New York, engaged in insider trading by betting on a prediction market on his own attendance to the State of the Union address, multiple news outlets reported on Tuesday.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 05:00
Thousands more UK black men to be invited for prostate cancer screening
Health secretary announces expansion of Transform trial but does not back population-wide testing Thousands more black men will be invited to take part in a prostate cancer screening trial as the health secretary insisted he was “following the science” in not backing population-wide testing. James Murray accepted a recommendation from the UK national screening committee (UKNSC) that will result in only a few thousand high-risk men with a gene mutation being screened for the disease. Continue reading...
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Health secretary announces expansion of Transform trial but does not back population-wide testing Thousands more black men will be invited to take part in a prostate cancer screening trial as the health secretary insisted he was “following the science” in not backing population-wide testing.
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Health secretary announces expansion of Transform trial but does not back population-wide testing Thousands more black men will be invited to take part in a prostate cancer screening trial as the health secretary insisted he was “following the science” in not backing population-wide testing.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 04:29
El Niño expected to develop in coming months bringing hotter and drier weather to eastern Australia
BoM and other agencies expect transition to the first El Niño since spring 2023 sometime during winter Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Sign up for climate and environment editor Adam Morton’s free Clear Air newsletter here Australia should prepare for an imminent El Niño, with the Bureau of Meteorology and other agencies forecasting that the weather phenomenon is likely to develop in the coming months. “The models are really aligning now,” Felicity Gamble, a senior BoM climatologist, said. “We are expecting a transition to El Niño sometime during winter.” Continue reading...
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El Niño expected to develop in coming months bringing hotter and drier weather to eastern Australia. BoM and other agencies expect transition to the first El Niño since spring 2023 sometime during winter Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Sign up for climate and environment editor Adam Morton’s free Clear Air newsletter here Australia should prepare for an…
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“We are expecting a transition to El Niño sometime during winter.” Continue reading...
Responsiblestatecraft
Jun 3, 04:05
How not to prevent a war over Taiwan
As the Trump administration seeks to steady U.S. relations with China, the issue of Taiwan has once again made its way to the front pages. Skeptics of a U.S.-China detente worry that any attempt to cozy up to Beijing will undermine hopes of maintaining Taipei’s independence. So what alternative approach would these China hawks provide? In the new book “ Defending Taiwan: A Strategy to Prevent War with China ,” Eyck Freymann of the Hoover Institution offers a comprehensive, if not altogether convincing, answer to this question. Meticulously researched, boasting over 1,000 citations for fewer than 300 pages of prose, Freymann’s book draws together the political, military, strategic, and economic aspects of preventing various levels of Chinese aggression against Taiwan – up to and including a full invasion. Further, the book presents a variety of possible policy responses to deal with the range of scenarios that could follow if deterrence fails. While Freymann’s work deserves plaudits for its ambitious scope and detail, including its treatment of the oft-neglected subject of potential nuclear exchanges, the book contains several serious flaws — flaws that are potentially all the more serious since the book is aimed directly at policymakers. Before dissecting these worrisome errors, it is necessary to present Freymann’s arguments regarding why Americans should be willing to risk war with Beijing on behalf of Taipei, and what Freymann believes is the optimal policy prescription for preventing such a war in the first place. Freymann writes at the outset that “Taiwan matters mainly for reasons relating to regional and global order” and argues that Washington has interests in “maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, protecting U.S. technological security through AI primacy, fostering regional alliances, preserving global geopolitical stability, and, to a significant but lesser extent, preserving Taiwan’s democracy.” In a new iteration of the Cold War-era domino theory, he argues that, “if the Indo-Pacific is not free and open, the Western Hemisphere and American homeland cannot be kept secure.” Having defined Taiwan as a key component of American security, Freymann proceeds to lay out all the likely ways Beijing might try to pressure Taipei to join the mainland, from gray zone pressure to outright blockade or invasion. He then lays out all the possible U.S. responses, including a blockade of the Malacca Strait, sweeping economic sanctions, attacks on mainland China, or an effort to break through a Chinese blockade with force. Freymann’s book starts from the point that preventing a war with China over Taiwan is the goal, so he spends relatively little time speculating on the outcomes of a horrifying and self-defeating conflict that neither side really wants. Instead, he largely focuses on explaining the various elements of political, military, and economic deterrence that he thinks are most likely to prevent Beijing taking steps that might lead to said conflict. Freymann argues for building up a coalition of states to support Taiwan and develop joint military and economic responses to developments between China and Taiwan. One proposal is to pursue “structured ambiguity,” whereby Washington clearly communicates to Beijing how the coalition would respond to different kinds of gray zone efforts vis-a-vis Taiwan. On the sharper end is so-called “avalanche decoupling,” which Freymann recommends in the event of a Chinese attempt to seize Taiwan by blockade or invasion: the initially slow but gradually accelerating decoupling of Washington and its core coalition from Beijing. Here, Freymann’s argument shows its first cracks. Noting that China is well positioned to withstand economic pressure from the U.S., and that Washington’s attempt to use sanctions and other forms of economic pressure have been largely counter-productive, Freymann outlines a rather outlandish plan whereby Washington would immediately form a new trade group sans China, whose central position in the global economy would gradually be eroded as its trading partners in Europe and South East Asia abandoned it for the new Economic Security Cooperation Board (ESCB). While better than a rapid push to war, this approach represents yet another highly unrealistic effort at decoupling. And even if the U.S. succeeded in creating the bloc, there is good reason to believe that trying to force China (along with Russia, Iran, and North Korea) out of the global economy would provoke hostilities with Beijing rather than deter them. With regard to the errors that seriously detract from the book, the most worrying comes from the following paragraph: “The United States would have a legal basis for escalating politically and militarily if China tries to seize indirect control over Taiwan. The Taiwan Relations Act states that ‘the United States shall maintain the capacity to resist any resort to force or other forms of coercion that would jeopardize the security, or the ...
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How not to prevent a war over Taiwan. Before dissecting these worrisome errors, it is necessary to present Freymann’s arguments regarding why Americans should be willing to risk war with Beijing on behalf of Taipei, and what Freymann believes is the optimal policy prescription for preventing such a war in the first place.
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As the Trump administration seeks to steady U.S.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 03:06
Sydney academic used AI to write SMH opinion piece urging students to avoid using tech to ‘cut corners’
Sydney Morning Herald removes piece by Cath Ellis, despite Western Sydney University saying her use of AI was ‘appropriate’ Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast A top Sydney academic used AI to write an opinion piece that urged students to “do the work” and not cut corners by using such technology, with the Sydney Morning Herald removing the “unacceptable” piece from its website. Western Sydney University’s pro-vice chancellor for quality and integrity, Prof Cath Ellis, had an opinion piece published in the Sydney Morning Herald last month, in response to an article from academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert . Continue reading...
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Sydney Morning Herald removes piece by Cath Ellis, despite Western Sydney University saying her use of AI was ‘appropriate’ Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast A top Sydney academic used AI to write an opinion piece that urged students to “do the work” and not cut corners by using such technology,…
TL;DR:
Sydney Morning Herald removes piece by Cath Ellis, despite Western Sydney University saying her use of AI was ‘appropriate’ Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast A top Sydney academic used AI to write an opinion piece that urged students to “do the work” and not cut corners by using such technology, with the Sydney Morning Herald removing the “unacceptable” piece from its website.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 02:43
‘Jilly, I had no choice’: Jill Biden recalls pressure Joe Biden faced to drop out of 2024 race
Former first lady speaks about Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race at event for her new memoir Jill Biden recalled the immense pressure that Joe Biden faced in the aftermath of his disastrous 2024 debate performance, saying he told her “Jilly, I had no choice,” following his decision to drop out of the presidential race. The former first lady made the comments during a Tuesday book event coinciding with the release of her new memoir, View from the East Wing. The event was held at the 92nd Street Y in New York City, and moderated by comedian and co-host of The View, Whoopi Goldberg. Former president Biden was in attendance at the event and received two standing ovations from the crowd. Continue reading...
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The former first lady made the comments during a Tuesday book event coinciding with the release of her new memoir, View from the East Wing. The event was held at the 92nd Street Y in New York City, and moderated by comedian and co-host of The View, Whoopi Goldberg. Former president Biden was in attendance at the event and received two standing ovations from the crowd.
TL;DR:
Former first lady speaks about Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race at event for her new memoir Jill Biden recalled the immense pressure that Joe Biden faced in the aftermath of his disastrous 2024 debate performance, saying he told her “Jilly, I had no choice,” following his decision to drop out of the presidential race.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 01:59
Iowa primary elections: Josh Turek to face Ashley Hinson for US Senate seat
Democratic state house representative beats Zach Wahls and will face off against Trump-backed Republican Hinson Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email Iowa voters nominated candidates in primary elections held on Tuesday, setting the stage for months of fervent campaigning ahead of the November midterms in which the state may play a significant role in deciding the balance of power in Congress . A red state that the GOP has dominated for the past decade, Democrats believe they can be competitive in three of its four House races, its Senate election, and the contest to replace Kim Reynolds, the retiring Republican governor. Continue reading...
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Democratic state house representative beats Zach Wahls and will face off against Trump-backed Republican Hinson Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email Iowa voters nominated candidates in primary elections held on Tuesday, setting the stage for months of fervent campaigning ahead of the November midterms in which the state may play a significant role in deciding the…
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Democratic state house representative beats Zach Wahls and will face off against Trump-backed Republican Hinson Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email Iowa voters nominated candidates in primary elections held on Tuesday, setting the stage for months of fervent campaigning ahead of the November midterms in which the state may play a significant role in deciding the balance of power in Congress .
Theguardian
Jun 3, 01:45
60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley fired by CBS News after clash
Move comes after meeting in which Pelley said network chief Bari Weiss was ‘murdering’ news show Scott Pelley, one of the most well-known and respected journalists in broadcast journalism, has been fired by CBS News after clashing with network brass over last week’s severe round of cuts at 60 Minutes , the show he has worked on since 2004, the Guardian confirmed. While changes were long expected at 60 Minutes , CBS News management shocked staffers last week by firing the network’s executive producer, executive editor and two correspondents, Cecilia Vega and Sharyn Alfonsi, without giving a specific reason for their terminations. Continue reading...
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Move comes after meeting in which Pelley said network chief Bari Weiss was ‘murdering’ news show Scott Pelley, one of the most well-known and respected journalists in broadcast journalism, has been fired by CBS News after clashing with network brass over last week’s severe round of cuts at 60 Minutes , the show he has worked on since 2004, the Guardian confirmed.
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Move comes after meeting in which Pelley said network chief Bari Weiss was ‘murdering’ news show Scott Pelley, one of the most well-known and respected journalists in broadcast journalism, has been fired by CBS News after clashing with network brass over last week’s severe round of cuts at 60 Minutes , the show he has worked on since 2004, the Guardian confirmed.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 01:26
Supreme court approves Alabama map that erases majority-Black district
Court decision that represents win for Republicans comes after lengthy battle over state’s congressional map Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email Alabama can use a redrawn congressional map that eliminates one of the state’s two majority-Black districts in this year’s midterm elections, the US supreme court ruled in a 6-3 decision on Tuesday, another major blow to Black voters and a win for Republicans. The court’s emergency ruling is the most consequential decision it had issued since its landmark ruling in late April that struck down a critical provision of the Voting Rights Act. In that case, Louisiana v Callais , the court’s majority made it nearly impossible to win Voting Rights Act claims, saying that plaintiffs had to prove intentional discrimination. But on 26 May, a three-judge panel said the map Alabama wants to use for this year’s midterm was enacted with discriminatory intent . Continue reading...
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Supreme court approves Alabama map that erases majority-Black district. The court’s emergency ruling is the most consequential decision it had issued since its landmark ruling in late April that struck down a critical provision of the Voting Rights Act.
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Court decision that represents win for Republicans comes after lengthy battle over state’s congressional map Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email Alabama can use a redrawn congressional map that eliminates one of the state’s two majority-Black districts in this year’s midterm elections, the US supreme court ruled in a 6-3 decision on Tuesday, another major blow to Black voters and a win for Republicans.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 00:36
Peabo Bryson, R&B singer behind classic Disney duets, dies aged 75
Two-time Grammy winner was best known for songs from Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin Peabo Bryson, the R&B singer best known as the voice behind the Oscar-winning Disney film duets Beauty and the Beast with Regina Belle, and A Whole New World with Celine Dion from Aladdin, has died. He was 75. His family said in a statement that Bryson, who won two Grammy awards, died Tuesday, days after having a stroke. Continue reading...
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Two-time Grammy winner was best known for songs from Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin Peabo Bryson, the R&B singer best known as the voice behind the Oscar-winning Disney film duets Beauty and the Beast with Regina Belle, and A Whole New World with Celine Dion from Aladdin, has died.
TL;DR:
Two-time Grammy winner was best known for songs from Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin Peabo Bryson, the R&B singer best known as the voice behind the Oscar-winning Disney film duets Beauty and the Beast with Regina Belle, and A Whole New World with Celine Dion from Aladdin, has died.
Theguardian
Jun 3, 00:05
California: Bakersfield police respond to bomb threat as man barricades himself inside bank
People urged to avoid downtown as man, reportedly with bomb strapped to body, inside bank with number of people A man barricaded himself inside a bank in the southern California city of Bakersfield with an unknown number of people, police said on Tuesday. The unidentified man had a bomb strapped to his body, according to Bakersfield Now . Continue reading...
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The unidentified man had a bomb strapped to his body, according to Bakersfield Now .
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People urged to avoid downtown as man, reportedly with bomb strapped to body, inside bank with number of people A man barricaded himself inside a bank in the southern California city of Bakersfield with an unknown number of people, police said on Tuesday.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 23:36
US fires missile at tanker attempting to reach Iran amid strait of Hormuz standoff
The US military said aircraft disabled the engine room of the unladen Botswana-flagged M/T Lexie as it passed through international waters US forces fired a Hellfire missile to disable a tanker attempting to break through the American blockade and reach Iran, amid an enduring standoff in the strait of Hormuz and stalling efforts by Washington to secure a new ceasefire agreement with Tehran. The US military’s Central Command (Centcom) said its aircraft disabled the engine room of the unladen Botswana-flagged M/T Lexie on Tuesday as it passed through international waters toward Kharg Island, north of the strait near Kuwait, after the crew ignoring repeated warnings over a 24-hour period. Continue reading...
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The US military said aircraft disabled the engine room of the unladen Botswana-flagged M/T Lexie as it passed through international waters US forces fired a Hellfire missile to disable a tanker attempting to break through the American blockade and reach Iran, amid an enduring standoff in the strait of Hormuz and stalling efforts by Washington to secure a new ceasefire agreemen…
TL;DR:
The US military said aircraft disabled the engine room of the unladen Botswana-flagged M/T Lexie as it passed through international waters US forces fired a Hellfire missile to disable a tanker attempting to break through the American blockade and reach Iran, amid an enduring standoff in the strait of Hormuz and stalling efforts by Washington to secure a new ceasefire agreement with Tehran.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 23:25
Four suspects charged after one-ton cocaine bust reveals US-Mexico tunnel
Members of Jalisco New Generation cartel used fake retail store in San Diego as a front for trafficking drugs Federal prosecutors have charged four suspects with trafficking more than one ton of cocaine for the Jalisco New Generation cartel using a fake retail store in San Diego as a front for a sophisticated tunnel that ran across the border to Tijuana, Mexico. The defendants include two Mexican nationals and two Americans charged with conspiring to traffic drugs across the US-Mexico border. The suspects, who range in age from 18 to 32, all face sentences that could land them in prison for life. One of them, Gregorio Epifanio Hernandez Lopez, also faces the charge of “constructing, financing or using unauthorized tunnels”. Continue reading...
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Four suspects charged after one-ton cocaine bust reveals US-Mexico tunnel. The defendants include two Mexican nationals and two Americans charged with conspiring to traffic drugs across the US-Mexico border. The suspects, who range in age from 18 to 32, all face sentences that could land them in prison for life.
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Members of Jalisco New Generation cartel used fake retail store in San Diego as a front for trafficking drugs Federal prosecutors have charged four suspects with trafficking more than one ton of cocaine for the Jalisco New Generation cartel using a fake retail store in San Diego as a front for a sophisticated tunnel that ran across the border to Tijuana, Mexico.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 23:01
Puffins, dolphins and bumblebees in running to feature on new UK banknotes
Bank of England says updated imagery will celebrate native wildlife while bolstering anti-counterfeit features Puffins, dolphins and bumblebees are among the wildlife that could feature on new banknotes in the UK as the Bank of England announces its shortlist. There has been controversy over the decision, with figures including Nigel Farage criticising the Bank for, he claimed, wanting to replace Winston Churchill with a beaver. The Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch, said it was “a silly thing to do”, and Reform UK’s Farage called it “absolutely crackers”. In the end, no beaver appeared on the shortlist. Mammal options include bottlenose dolphins and red foxes. Continue reading...
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There has been controversy over the decision, with figures including Nigel Farage criticising the Bank for, he claimed, wanting to replace Winston Churchill with a beaver. The Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch, said it was “a silly thing to do”, and Reform UK’s Farage called it “absolutely crackers”. In the end, no beaver appeared on the shortlist.
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Bank of England says updated imagery will celebrate native wildlife while bolstering anti-counterfeit features Puffins, dolphins and bumblebees are among the wildlife that could feature on new banknotes in the UK as the Bank of England announces its shortlist.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 23:01
GPs in England too ‘overloaded’ to help older people at risk of falling, say MPs
NHS bosses giving evidence to public accounts committee admit current position is unacceptable GPs in England are so “overloaded” that they cannot help older people who are at risk of falling in what NHS bosses accept is an unacceptable failure of care, the House of Commons’ public accounts committee has said. Pressure on GPs’ time has intensified as a result of the government’s decision to give patients online access to their services, according to a report by the influential cross-party group of MPs. Continue reading...
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NHS bosses giving evidence to public accounts committee admit current position is unacceptable GPs in England are so “overloaded” that they cannot help older people who are at risk of falling in what NHS bosses accept is an unacceptable failure of care, the House of Commons’ public accounts committee has said.
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NHS bosses giving evidence to public accounts committee admit current position is unacceptable GPs in England are so “overloaded” that they cannot help older people who are at risk of falling in what NHS bosses accept is an unacceptable failure of care, the House of Commons’ public accounts committee has said.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 22:49
Graham Platner’s Maine Senate bid wobbly with news of sexting infidelity
Democratic candidate already cites PTSD for racist, sexist, homophobic online posts and has covered up Nazi tattoo Midterm primaries – live results and updates Graham Platner met on Tuesday with Democratic leaders in Washington DC as the embattled Maine Senate candidate contends with yet another revelation threatening his campaign, which is at the center of his party’s hopes of regaining control of Congress. Platner did not respond to questions from reporters and quickly entered a waiting car as he exited the meeting, which stretched for more than an hour and a half at the headquarters of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC). A spokesperson for the DSCC did not respond to a request for comment. Continue reading...
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Graham Platner’s Maine Senate bid wobbly with news of sexting infidelity. Platner did not respond to questions from reporters and quickly entered a waiting car as he exited the meeting, which stretched for more than an hour and a half at the headquarters of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC). A spokesperson for the DSCC did not respond to a request for comment.
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Democratic candidate already cites PTSD for racist, sexist, homophobic online posts and has covered up Nazi tattoo Midterm primaries – live results and updates Graham Platner met on Tuesday with Democratic leaders in Washington DC as the embattled Maine Senate candidate contends with yet another revelation threatening his campaign, which is at the center of his party’s hopes of regaining control of Congress.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 22:43
Pentagon appoints convicted January 6 rioter to sensitive counterterrorism role
Alarm after Elias Irizarry is hired to position in office that manages highly classified military operations The Pentagon has appointed a rioter convicted for his role in 6 January, 2021 insurrection to a sensitive national security role dealing with counterterrorism, overriding insiders’ concerns about his past record. Elias Irizarry, who pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge in connection with the storming of the US Capitol, has been appointed to a position in the US Department of Defense’s special operations and low intensity conflict office which manages highly classified military operations, causing alarm among Pentagon officials. Continue reading...
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Alarm after Elias Irizarry is hired to position in office that manages highly classified military operations The Pentagon has appointed a rioter convicted for his role in 6 January, 2021 insurrection to a sensitive national security role dealing with counterterrorism, overriding insiders’ concerns about his past record.
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Alarm after Elias Irizarry is hired to position in office that manages highly classified military operations The Pentagon has appointed a rioter convicted for his role in 6 January, 2021 insurrection to a sensitive national security role dealing with counterterrorism, overriding insiders’ concerns about his past record.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 22:30
Weight-loss drugs may prevent thousands of knee replacements, study suggests
Patients with knee arthritis who took medications for at least three years at reduced risk of needing surgery Taking weight-loss drugs for at least three years could prevent thousands of knee replacements a year, research suggests. Globally, more than 500 million people have osteoarthritis. Knee arthritis is the most common form, affecting about 14 million people in the US and more than 5 million in the UK . Many will require knee surgery. In the UK more than 120,000 knee replacements are carried out every year. Continue reading...
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Weight-loss drugs may prevent thousands of knee replacements, study suggests. Patients with knee arthritis who took medications for at least three years at reduced risk of needing surgery Taking weight-loss drugs for at least three years could prevent thousands of knee replacements a year, research suggests.
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Knee arthritis is the most common form, affecting about 14 million people in the US and more than 5 million in the UK .
Theguardian
Jun 2, 22:11
Midterm primaries 2026 live: results and reaction after six states including California and Iowa cast ballots
All the latest results and updates as New Jersey, South Dakota, New Mexico and Montana also vote in primaries California elections: governor, LA mayor and Congress at stake Sign up for the Breaking News US email Rob Sand, the best known Democrat in Iowa, is running to lead a state that Republicans have come to dominate under Donald Trump, and Democrats believe his candidacy for governor could be the breakthrough needed to win key Iowa offices in the November midterm elections. With Trump’s approval ratings deep underwater , gas prices high and historical political trends favoring the party out of power, Democrats this year are considering a comeback in Iowa, putting the state at the center of their campaigns to win back control of both the US House of Representatives and the Senate. On Tuesday, voters will cast ballots in primary elections that set the stage for months of what is likely to be fevered campaigning by candidates of both parties. Continue reading...
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Midterm primaries 2026 live: results and reaction after six states including California and Iowa cast ballots. With Trump’s approval ratings deep underwater , gas prices high and historical political trends favoring the party out of power, Democrats this year are considering a comeback in Iowa, putting the state at the center of their campaigns to win back control of both the…
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All the latest results and updates as New Jersey, South Dakota, New Mexico and Montana also vote in primaries California elections: governor, LA mayor and Congress at stake Sign up for the Breaking News US email Rob Sand, the best known Democrat in Iowa, is running to lead a state that Republicans have come to dominate under Donald Trump, and Democrats believe his candidacy for governor could be the breakthrough needed to win key Iowa offices in the November midterm elections.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 22:00
California could be forced to wait for results thanks to slow vote-counting system
Experts say deluge of last-minute absentee ballots and notoriously slow system could delay results in tightest races California’s primary elections, including its fiercely fought gubernatorial contest, will be at the mercy of a notoriously slow vote-counting system after the polls close on Tuesday, and it could be days or even weeks before the outcomes of the tightest races become clear. Voting experts expect the state’s 58 county elections offices to be deluged with last-minute absentee ballots, as they have been in the last few election cycles, and spend weeks undertaking a painstaking ballot-by-ballot verification process. Continue reading...
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Experts say deluge of last-minute absentee ballots and notoriously slow system could delay results in tightest races California’s primary elections, including its fiercely fought gubernatorial contest, will be at the mercy of a notoriously slow vote-counting system after the polls close on Tuesday, and it could be days or even weeks before the outcomes of the tightest races be…
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Experts say deluge of last-minute absentee ballots and notoriously slow system could delay results in tightest races California’s primary elections, including its fiercely fought gubernatorial contest, will be at the mercy of a notoriously slow vote-counting system after the polls close on Tuesday, and it could be days or even weeks before the outcomes of the tightest races become clear.
Foreignpolicy
Jun 2, 21:55
The Deadly Price of China’s Coal Boom
Two fatal disasters highlight enduring problems in the mining industry.
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The Deadly Price of China’s Coal Boom. Two fatal disasters highlight enduring problems in the mining industry.
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Two fatal disasters highlight enduring problems in the mining industry.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 21:03
Protesters clash with police in Southampton over Henry Nowak murder
Tommy Robinson attends demonstration outside police station, while others clash with officers near killer’s home Hundreds of people gathered outside a Southampton police station to protest against the murder of Henry Nowak and dozens clashed with police close to the home of his killer, Vickrum Digwa. The far-right activist Tommy Robinson was among speakers who addressed the crowd outside Southampton central police station at the “Justice for Henry Nowak” protest. Continue reading...
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Tommy Robinson attends demonstration outside police station, while others clash with officers near killer’s home Hundreds of people gathered outside a Southampton police station to protest against the murder of Henry Nowak and dozens clashed with police close to the home of his killer, Vickrum Digwa.
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Tommy Robinson attends demonstration outside police station, while others clash with officers near killer’s home Hundreds of people gathered outside a Southampton police station to protest against the murder of Henry Nowak and dozens clashed with police close to the home of his killer, Vickrum Digwa.
Foreignpolicy
Jun 2, 21:02
Russia Pounds Ukraine With Missile, Drone Strikes
Moscow warned of a massive attack on Kyiv. And it delivered.
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Russia Pounds Ukraine With Missile, Drone Strikes. Moscow warned of a massive attack on Kyiv. And it delivered.
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Moscow warned of a massive attack on Kyiv.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 20:58
Acting attorney general says Trump’s $1.8bn anti-weaponization fund is scrapped
However, Todd Blanche said the IRS will still be prohibited from auditing Donald Trump, his family and related entities ‘Outright theft’: legal experts decry $1.8bn Trump anti-weaponization fund The federal government is abandoning an effort to create a $1.8bn secretive fund to compensate Donald Trump ’s allies, but is maintaining an agreement that prohibits the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from auditing Trump, his family and related entities, the acting attorney general, Todd Blanche, said on Tuesday. “We are not moving forward with the fund, period,” Blanche said during a House appropriations committee hearing on Tuesday. He later added that the department would continue granting immunity to Trump and his family members on tax matters before the agreement was reached last month. Continue reading...
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Acting attorney general says Trump’s $1.8bn anti-weaponization fund is scrapped. “We are not moving forward with the fund, period,” Blanche said during a House appropriations committee hearing on Tuesday. He later added that the department would continue granting immunity to Trump and his family members on tax matters before the agreement was reached last month.
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However, Todd Blanche said the IRS will still be prohibited from auditing Donald Trump, his family and related entities ‘Outright theft’: legal experts decry $1.8bn Trump anti-weaponization fund The federal government is abandoning an effort to create a $1.8bn secretive fund to compensate Donald Trump ’s allies, but is maintaining an agreement that prohibits the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from auditing Trump, his family and related entities, the acting attorney general, Todd Blanche, said on Tuesday.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 20:28
Starmer urges calm as far right seeks to exploit Henry Nowak murder
Prime minister echoes family’s plea that case should not be used to target communities Politicians and community leaders have called for calm amid fears that the populist right is using the murder of Henry Nowak by a Sikh man to whip up racist resentment against minority ethnic Britons. After Nigel Farage called for the public to respond with “pure, cold rage”, Keir Starmer condemned the Reform UK leader, saying Nowak’s family had explicitly asked that the case not be used to target particular communities. Continue reading...
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Prime minister echoes family’s plea that case should not be used to target communities Politicians and community leaders have called for calm amid fears that the populist right is using the murder of Henry Nowak by a Sikh man to whip up racist resentment against minority ethnic Britons.
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Prime minister echoes family’s plea that case should not be used to target communities Politicians and community leaders have called for calm amid fears that the populist right is using the murder of Henry Nowak by a Sikh man to whip up racist resentment against minority ethnic Britons.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 20:28
Politics live: Australia always preferred secondhand Aukus submarines, defence secretary says
Senate estimates told it was a ‘joint idea’ to rework the nuclear submarine deal. Follow today’s news live Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Good morning and welcome to our live politics blog. I’m Martin Farrer with the top overnight stories and then Krishani Dhanji will be your guide. Australia’s preference was always to receive secondhand nuclear powered submarines under the Aukus deal, the defence secretary told Senate estimates last night. More coming up. Continue reading...
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Politics live: Australia always preferred secondhand Aukus submarines, defence secretary says. Senate estimates told it was a ‘joint idea’ to rework the nuclear submarine deal. Australia’s preference was always to receive secondhand nuclear powered submarines under the Aukus deal, the defence secretary told Senate estimates last night.
TL;DR:
Follow today’s news live Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Good morning and welcome to our live politics blog.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 20:13
Family say British couple jailed in Iran have lost appeal against convictions
Craig and Lindsay Foreman, both aged 53, given 10-year sentences in February after being convicted of espionage A British couple jailed on spying charges in Iran have lost an appeal against their convictions, their family has said. Craig and Lindsay Foreman, both aged 53, were handed 10-year prison sentences in February after being convicted of espionage, which they both deny. Continue reading...
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Craig and Lindsay Foreman, both aged 53, were handed 10-year prison sentences in February after being convicted of espionage, which they both deny.
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Craig and Lindsay Foreman, both aged 53, given 10-year sentences in February after being convicted of espionage A British couple jailed on spying charges in Iran have lost an appeal against their convictions, their family has said.
Foreignpolicy
Jun 2, 20:05
Two Senators Just Blew Up Trump’s Boat-Strike Justifications
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For months, the Trump administration has justified carrying out lethal military strikes on civilian boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific by asserting that the United States is targeting dangerous “ narcoterrorists ” transporting illicit drugs that kill Americans.
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Kaine and Paul say that the military’s targeting criteria don’t include the presence of drugs or arms.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 19:26
Trump endorses absent Republican incumbent in New Jersey House primary
Tom Kean has been out with a health issue since March. Democrats are sharpening their knives for the general election US politics live – latest updates On the day Donald Trump endorsed him as a tireless advocate for New Jersey’s seventh district, the representative Tom Kean Jr was, as he has been since early March, nowhere to be found. Kean, a New Jersey Republican, was last seen when he cast a House floor vote on 5 March, and he is running unopposed in Tuesday’s Republican primary. The Democratic race in his district, meanwhile, has attracted multiple candidates and ample fundraising. Continue reading...
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Trump endorses absent Republican incumbent in New Jersey House primary. Democrats are sharpening their knives for the general election US politics live – latest updates On the day Donald Trump endorsed him as a tireless advocate for New Jersey’s seventh district, the representative Tom Kean Jr was, as he has been since early March, nowhere to be found.
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Tom Kean has been out with a health issue since March.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 18:56
Trump administration proposes 25% tariffs on Brazil despite US trade surplus
US claims world’s 10th-biggest economy engages in ‘unreasonable’ trade practices that ‘restrict US commerce’ Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email The Trump administration proposed 25% tariffs on imports from Brazil , charging that the world’s 10th-biggest economy engages in trade practices that are “unreasonable’’ and that “burden or restrict US commerce”. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said he received the decision “with indignation”. The Brazil president also blamed the decision by the US administration on his rival in October’s elections, Flávio Bolsonaro , the senator who visited Washington last week. The senator is the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, once nicknamed “the Trump of the Tropics” by his allies. Continue reading...
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Trump administration proposes 25% tariffs on Brazil despite US trade surplus. The Brazil president also blamed the decision by the US administration on his rival in October’s elections, Flávio Bolsonaro , the senator who visited Washington last week. The senator is the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, once nicknamed “the Trump of the Tropics” by his allies.
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US claims world’s 10th-biggest economy engages in ‘unreasonable’ trade practices that ‘restrict US commerce’ Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email The Trump administration proposed 25% tariffs on imports from Brazil , charging that the world’s 10th-biggest economy engages in trade practices that are “unreasonable’’ and that “burden or restrict US commerce”.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 18:44
Democrats who marched in New York’s Israel Day parade decry attendance of far-right minister Smotrich
Politicians who attended march seek to distance themselves from Smotrich, reflecting difficulty facing pro-Israel Democrats as voter support for country falls US politics live – latest updates Several prominent New York Democrats who participated in the city’s annual Israel Day parade on Sunday have condemned the participation of Bezalel Smotrich, the far-right Israeli finance minister and a leading figure in the Israeli settler movement, in the event. Smotrich was among several Israeli lawmakers and cabinet officials who marched in the parade on Sunday. His appearance marked his first trip to the US in more than a year , and came less than month after he said the international criminal court (ICC) was seeking an arrest warrant against him. Continue reading...
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Democrats who marched in New York’s Israel Day parade decry attendance of far-right minister Smotrich. Smotrich was among several Israeli lawmakers and cabinet officials who marched in the parade on Sunday.
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Politicians who attended march seek to distance themselves from Smotrich, reflecting difficulty facing pro-Israel Democrats as voter support for country falls US politics live – latest updates Several prominent New York Democrats who participated in the city’s annual Israel Day parade on Sunday have condemned the participation of Bezalel Smotrich, the far-right Israeli finance minister and a leading figure in the Israeli settler movement, in the event.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 18:15
Why Benjamin Netanyahu poses an obstacle to US and Iran peace deal
Prime minister under pressure to show his campaigns against Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran have brought results as he faces elections with his political survival at risk If there is to be a peace deal between United States and Iran, it will have to go through a familiar obstacle: Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel’s military operations in Lebanon have become a sticking point in the talks for a potential opening of the strait of Hormuz – once again testing the volatile alliance between Donald Trump and Netanyahu . This time, the Israeli prime minister is under exceptional pressure to show that his campaigns against Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran have brought results as he faces elections with his political survival at risk. Continue reading...
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Why Benjamin Netanyahu poses an obstacle to US and Iran peace deal. Israel’s military operations in Lebanon have become a sticking point in the talks for a potential opening of the strait of Hormuz – once again testing the volatile alliance between Donald Trump and Netanyahu .
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Prime minister under pressure to show his campaigns against Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran have brought results as he faces elections with his political survival at risk If there is to be a peace deal between United States and Iran, it will have to go through a familiar obstacle: Benjamin Netanyahu.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 18:14
White House correspondents’ dinner rescheduled for July after shooting
Trump, who was swiftly evacuated from April gala after incident, confirmed his attendance at summer event The White House correspondents’ dinner will be rescheduled for 24 July after the Washington event was abruptly cancelled this spring following a shooting . Donald Trump, who was swiftly evacuated from the gala following the incident on 25 April, has pledged to attend a rescheduled event. Continue reading...
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Trump, who was swiftly evacuated from April gala after incident, confirmed his attendance at summer event The White House correspondents’ dinner will be rescheduled for 24 July after the Washington event was abruptly cancelled this spring following a shooting .
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Trump, who was swiftly evacuated from April gala after incident, confirmed his attendance at summer event The White House correspondents’ dinner will be rescheduled for 24 July after the Washington event was abruptly cancelled this spring following a shooting .
Theguardian
Jun 2, 18:11
Israel strikes southern Lebanon despite Trump’s effort to shore up ceasefire
Warplanes carry out dozens of airstrikes and Israeli army issues evacuation warning for city of Nabatiyeh Israeli warplanes have launched dozens of strikes across southern Lebanon despite a new agreement supposedly brokered by Donald Trump aiming to bolster the tattered ceasefire in Lebanon. The US president said on Monday that he had stopped an imminent Israeli strike on Beirut and that he had spoken to Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and representatives of Hezbollah and both agreed that “all shooting will stop”. Continue reading...
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Warplanes carry out dozens of airstrikes and Israeli army issues evacuation warning for city of Nabatiyeh Israeli warplanes have launched dozens of strikes across southern Lebanon despite a new agreement supposedly brokered by Donald Trump aiming to bolster the tattered ceasefire in Lebanon.
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Warplanes carry out dozens of airstrikes and Israeli army issues evacuation warning for city of Nabatiyeh Israeli warplanes have launched dozens of strikes across southern Lebanon despite a new agreement supposedly brokered by Donald Trump aiming to bolster the tattered ceasefire in Lebanon.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 18:10
Cricket Canada suspended over allegations of gang-linked corruption
ICC’s decision comes amid growing concerns the team is being influenced by members of a notorious gang in India Cricket’s international governing body has suspended Canada over what it described as “serious breaches of its membership obligations”, dealing the latest blow to an organization that critics say has become a “laughing stock” within the sport. The suspension also comes amid growing concerns that one of Canada’s fastest-growing sports is being influenced by members of a notorious gang that operates with impunity from an Indian prison cell . Continue reading...
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Cricket Canada suspended over allegations of gang-linked corruption. ICC’s decision comes amid growing concerns the team is being influenced by members of a notorious gang in India Cricket’s international governing body has suspended Canada over what it described as “serious breaches of its membership obligations”, dealing the latest blow to an organization that critics say ha…
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The suspension also comes amid growing concerns that one of Canada’s fastest-growing sports is being influenced by members of a notorious gang that operates with impunity from an Indian prison cell .
Warontherocks
Jun 2, 18:00
Does the Quad Still Matter?
On May 26, India hosted a formal meeting of the foreign ministers of the Quad — comprising the United States, Australia, India, and Japan. Since its initial creation in 2007 and revival in 2017, foreign policy analysts have debated the usefulness of the organization, which was designed as a group of democratic states that could work together to counter growing Chinese power and influence. Under the second Trump administration, some analysts have expressed growing pessimism about the group’s effectiveness, given the president’s apparent lack of interest in attending a meeting with heads of state. Nonetheless, U.S. Secretary of State Marco The post Does the Quad Still Matter? appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Does the Quad Still Matter?. On May 26, India hosted a formal meeting of the foreign ministers of the Quad — comprising the United States, Australia, India, and Japan. Under the second Trump administration, some analysts have expressed growing pessimism about the group’s effectiveness, given the president’s apparent lack of interest in attending a meeting with heads of state.
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appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Theguardian
Jun 2, 17:43
Faced with being outflanked by those to his right, Farage seeks to channel public anger
As ethnonationalist far right drives racist agenda, Reform UK leader felt need to weigh in on murder of Henry Nowak The full horror of Henry Nowak’s last moments was only just sinking in on the morning after the release of police footage showing him pleading for help when Reform UK served notice that its leader would be making an “emergency address”. Appearing via a live stream from a location with fields in the background, Nigel Farage paid tribute to the “extraordinarily dignified” response of the Nowak family, before wading in with remarks of his own. Continue reading...
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As ethnonationalist far right drives racist agenda, Reform UK leader felt need to weigh in on murder of Henry Nowak The full horror of Henry Nowak’s last moments was only just sinking in on the morning after the release of police footage showing him pleading for help when Reform UK served notice that its leader would be making an “emergency address”.
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As ethnonationalist far right drives racist agenda, Reform UK leader felt need to weigh in on murder of Henry Nowak The full horror of Henry Nowak’s last moments was only just sinking in on the morning after the release of police footage showing him pleading for help when Reform UK served notice that its leader would be making an “emergency address”.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 17:41
Corrupt Liverpool prison worker jailed for smuggling drugs and sending sex texts to inmates
Helen Spree, 63, headed prison watchdog and was said to have become besotted with killer Dylan Westall, 35 A corrupt prison watchdog boss who billed herself “the prisoners’ Deliveroo” has been jailed for five years after admitting sending sexual messages to a killer inmate and smuggling drugs. Helen Spree, 63, was the head of the independent monitoring board (IMB) for HMP Liverpool when she engaged in illicit chats with prisoners over a 20-month period. Spree was said to have become besotted with Dylan Westall, 35, who was serving a life sentence for manslaughter for shooting a teenager in the head. Continue reading...
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Corrupt Liverpool prison worker jailed for smuggling drugs and sending sex texts to inmates. Helen Spree, 63, was the head of the independent monitoring board (IMB) for HMP Liverpool when she engaged in illicit chats with prisoners over a 20-month period.
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Helen Spree, 63, headed prison watchdog and was said to have become besotted with killer Dylan Westall, 35 A corrupt prison watchdog boss who billed herself “the prisoners’ Deliveroo” has been jailed for five years after admitting sending sexual messages to a killer inmate and smuggling drugs.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 17:36
New York police investigate mysterious cases of people coming out of manholes
Investigation follows circulation of videos showing groups climbing out of sewer systems across the city at night New York police are investigating a bizarre mystery involving groups of people emerging from the city’s manholes in recent weeks. The investigation follows the circulation of multiple social media videos showing people climbing out of sewer systems across the city, all in the middle of the night. Continue reading...
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The investigation follows the circulation of multiple social media videos showing people climbing out of sewer systems across the city, all in the middle of the night.
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Investigation follows circulation of videos showing groups climbing out of sewer systems across the city at night New York police are investigating a bizarre mystery involving groups of people emerging from the city’s manholes in recent weeks.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 17:34
Jeffrey Donaldson trial hears accuser describe details of alleged rape
Witness B said in police interview that she pretended to be asleep when allegedly abused as a child A jury in Northern Ireland has heard details of the alleged rape of a child by the former Democratic Unionist party (DUP) leader Jeffrey Donaldson. A police interview with the complainant was played to Newry crown court in Northern Ireland on Tuesday on the sixth day of the former MP’s trial for sex offences. Continue reading...
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Witness B said in police interview that she pretended to be asleep when allegedly abused as a child A jury in Northern Ireland has heard details of the alleged rape of a child by the former Democratic Unionist party (DUP) leader Jeffrey Donaldson.
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Witness B said in police interview that she pretended to be asleep when allegedly abused as a child A jury in Northern Ireland has heard details of the alleged rape of a child by the former Democratic Unionist party (DUP) leader Jeffrey Donaldson.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 17:18
Sheinbaum tells US ambassador to avoid political interference in drug trafficking dispute
Mexico’s president says ambassadors must avoid political affairs after Ron Johnson’s post on drug trafficking dispute Mexico’s president Claudia Sheinbaum on Tuesday appeared to chide Ron Johnson, a US ambassador, for interfering in the country’s politics amid rising tensions between her country and Washington over efforts to tackle drug trafficking. “It is also very important, and I say this respectfully, to remember that ambassadors should focus on coordination and collaboration,” Sheinbaum said during her regular morning news conference. “Ambassadors must respect the internal political affairs of their countries.” Continue reading...
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Sheinbaum tells US ambassador to avoid political interference in drug trafficking dispute. “It is also very important, and I say this respectfully, to remember that ambassadors should focus on coordination and collaboration,” Sheinbaum said during her regular morning news conference. “Ambassadors must respect the internal political affairs of their countries.” Continue reading.
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Mexico’s president says ambassadors must avoid political affairs after Ron Johnson’s post on drug trafficking dispute Mexico’s president Claudia Sheinbaum on Tuesday appeared to chide Ron Johnson, a US ambassador, for interfering in the country’s politics amid rising tensions between her country and Washington over efforts to tackle drug trafficking.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 17:15
Alarm in Washington as Trump taps staunch loyalist to serve as intelligence chief
Bill Pulte, who does not have any national intelligence experience, is nicknamed ‘Little Trump’ among some Donald Trump’s decision to appoint Bill Pulte as the acting director of national intelligence has set off alarm bells in Washington, as a staunch Trump loyalist with little government experience who has shown an eagerness to retaliate against the president’s political rivals will now sit atop the US intelligence apparatus. Pulte, whose grandfather started PulteGroup, a major residential homebuilder, had no government experience before Trump appointed him to lead the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), an under-the-radar regulator that oversees the government lenders Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Shortly after arriving at the agency, he began to gut it, firing sizable chunks of the boards of both and appointing himself as chair. Pulte had no government experience before being appointed to the role and does not have national intelligence experience. Continue reading...
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Alarm in Washington as Trump taps staunch loyalist to serve as intelligence chief. Pulte, whose grandfather started PulteGroup, a major residential homebuilder, had no government experience before Trump appointed him to lead the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), an under-the-radar regulator that oversees the government lenders Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
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Bill Pulte, who does not have any national intelligence experience, is nicknamed ‘Little Trump’ among some Donald Trump’s decision to appoint Bill Pulte as the acting director of national intelligence has set off alarm bells in Washington, as a staunch Trump loyalist with little government experience who has shown an eagerness to retaliate against the president’s political rivals will now sit atop the US intelligence apparatus.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 17:00
Doctors hail drug that spares bladder cancer patients ‘life-changing’ surgery
Durvalumab shows promising results in trial led by London-based Institute of Cancer Research Doctors are hailing a drug that spares bladder cancer patients “life-changing” surgery and stops tumours coming back. Bladder cancer is the ninth most common cancer in the world. Advanced or aggressive forms are often treated with surgery to remove the entire bladder, with patients left having to find alternative ways to pass urine for the rest of their life. Continue reading...
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Doctors hail drug that spares bladder cancer patients ‘life-changing’ surgery. Bladder cancer is the ninth most common cancer in the world. Advanced or aggressive forms are often treated with surgery to remove the entire bladder, with patients left having to find alternative ways to pass urine for the rest of their life.
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Durvalumab shows promising results in trial led by London-based Institute of Cancer Research Doctors are hailing a drug that spares bladder cancer patients “life-changing” surgery and stops tumours coming back.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 16:59
Murder conviction sparks debate on ceremonial blades carried by some Sikhs
Jury in case of Henry Nowak’s stabbing told killer carried small kirpan as well as larger knife UK politics live – latest updates The conviction of Vickrum Digwa for the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak has sparked renewed discussion about kirpans, the ceremonial blades carried by some Sikhs as an article of faith. The prosecution told the jury at Southampton crown court that while Digwa was wearing a small kirpan under his clothing around his neck, which met his religious obligation, he also chose to carry the much larger knife. Continue reading...
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Jury in case of Henry Nowak’s stabbing told killer carried small kirpan as well as larger knife UK politics live – latest updates The conviction of Vickrum Digwa for the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak has sparked renewed discussion about kirpans, the ceremonial blades carried by some Sikhs as an article of faith.
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Jury in case of Henry Nowak’s stabbing told killer carried small kirpan as well as larger knife UK politics live – latest updates The conviction of Vickrum Digwa for the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak has sparked renewed discussion about kirpans, the ceremonial blades carried by some Sikhs as an article of faith.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 16:55
Rubio says Iran ready to discuss nuclear deal as Tehran declares peace talks over
Secretary of state appears before Congress and repeats Trump administration’s claims that a deal is within reach Iran has agreed to negotiate aspects of its nuclear program that it had refused to discuss even a month ago, the US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, has claimed, even as Tehran announced it was halting peace talks and moving to fully close the strait of Hormuz. Appearing before the Senate foreign relations committee for the first time since the Trump administration launched the war against Iran – which was pitched as a short, weeks-long war, in February – Rubio repeated the Trump administration’s claims that a deal was within reach. Continue reading...
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Rubio says Iran ready to discuss nuclear deal as Tehran declares peace talks over. Secretary of state appears before Congress and repeats Trump administration’s claims that a deal is within reach Iran has agreed to negotiate aspects of its nuclear program that it had refused to discuss even a month ago, the US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, has claimed, even as Tehran announ…
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Appearing before the Senate foreign relations committee for the first time since the Trump administration launched the war against Iran – which was pitched as a short, weeks-long war, in February – Rubio repeated the Trump administration’s claims that a deal was within reach.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 16:52
Sikhs wary of UK backlash as they condemn ‘moment of madness’
Community leaders express disgust at Vickrum Digwa over murder of Henry Nowak amid fears of rise in racial tensions Amandeep Singh, an educator with the charity Basics of Sikhi, is proud of his community’s deeply rooted place in British society. “We’re a community that has probably been celebrated as one that is very successfully integrated into the British value system,” he said. “We’ve worn kirpans for hundreds of years and since we’ve been invited to settle in this country,” he said. Continue reading...
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Sikhs wary of UK backlash as they condemn ‘moment of madness’. Community leaders express disgust at Vickrum Digwa over murder of Henry Nowak amid fears of rise in racial tensions Amandeep Singh, an educator with the charity Basics of Sikhi, is proud of his community’s deeply rooted place in British society.
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“We’re a community that has probably been celebrated as one that is very successfully integrated into the British value system,” he said.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 16:35
Texas jury considers sentence for Catholic priest convicted of sexual assault
Anthony Odiong faces up to life in prison after being found guilty of first- and second-degree sexual assault A Texas jury on Tuesday began deliberating the sentence of a Roman Catholic priest who was convicted days earlier of criminal clergy sexual assault. Anthony Odiong , 57, faces between five years and life imprisonment in connection with a first-degree sexual assault charge that he was found guilty of. He was also found guilty of second-degree sexual assault, which can carry between two and 20 years in prison. Continue reading...
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Texas jury considers sentence for Catholic priest convicted of sexual assault. Anthony Odiong faces up to life in prison after being found guilty of first- and second-degree sexual assault A Texas jury on Tuesday began deliberating the sentence of a Roman Catholic priest who was convicted days earlier of criminal clergy sexual assault.
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He was also found guilty of second-degree sexual assault, which can carry between two and 20 years in prison.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 16:11
Trump signs executive order seeking early access to new AI releases
Under new rules, tech companies will be asked to share AI models with government for review before public release Donald Trump signed an executive order to create a voluntary framework for the federal government to vet powerful new AI models before they are released. Tuesday’s highly anticipated order represents an attempt by the president to tighten his grip on cybersecurity and national security threats posed by AI, tacking against his earlier deregulatory stance. Under the new rules, tech companies would be asked to share their AI models with the government for a voluntary review, up to 30 days before a public release. The Trump administration says doing so will allow them to improve national security, particularly with regards to cybersecurity. Continue reading...
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Trump signs executive order seeking early access to new AI releases. Tuesday’s highly anticipated order represents an attempt by the president to tighten his grip on cybersecurity and national security threats posed by AI, tacking against his earlier deregulatory stance.
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Under new rules, tech companies will be asked to share AI models with government for review before public release Donald Trump signed an executive order to create a voluntary framework for the federal government to vet powerful new AI models before they are released.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 16:09
South West Water fined £1.85m over parasite outbreak in Devon
Utility company pleaded guilty to criminal offence of supplying water unfit for humans ‘My son is still suffering’: the ill effects of water contamination in ‘Brixham incident’ A utility company has been fined £1.85m for supplying water unfit for human consumption after a parasite outbreak made hundreds of people sick and forced thousands of households to boil their water. South West Water (SWW) pleaded guilty to the criminal offence relating to a cryptosporidiosis outbreak in Brixham, Devon, in the spring and summer of 2024. Continue reading...
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South West Water (SWW) pleaded guilty to the criminal offence relating to a cryptosporidiosis outbreak in Brixham, Devon, in the spring and summer of 2024.
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Utility company pleaded guilty to criminal offence of supplying water unfit for humans ‘My son is still suffering’: the ill effects of water contamination in ‘Brixham incident’ A utility company has been fined £1.85m for supplying water unfit for human consumption after a parasite outbreak made hundreds of people sick and forced thousands of households to boil their water.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 15:48
Streeting says raising concerns over Gaza in government like ‘hitting up against a brick wall’
Former health secretary described as ‘hysterical’ about the issue by Peter Mandelson in messages disclosed this week UK politics live – latest updates Wes Streeting has said he felt he was “hitting up against a brick wall” when he tried to raise concerns about Gaza in government, after private messages from Peter Mandelson were disclosed where he was accused of being “hysterical” about the issue. Among a huge release of documents relating to Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to the US, WhatsApp messages showed Mandelson being highly critical of Streeting to Pat McFadden, another cabinet minister. Continue reading...
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Former health secretary described as ‘hysterical’ about the issue by Peter Mandelson in messages disclosed this week UK politics live – latest updates Wes Streeting has said he felt he was “hitting up against a brick wall” when he tried to raise concerns about Gaza in government, after private messages from Peter Mandelson were disclosed where he was accused of being “hysteric…
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Former health secretary described as ‘hysterical’ about the issue by Peter Mandelson in messages disclosed this week UK politics live – latest updates Wes Streeting has said he felt he was “hitting up against a brick wall” when he tried to raise concerns about Gaza in government, after private messages from Peter Mandelson were disclosed where he was accused of being “hysterical” about the issue.
Responsiblestatecraft
Jun 2, 15:36
Trump taps loyalist with no intel experience to lead US spy agencies
President Donald Trump named Bill Pulte, currently the head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as the new acting director of national intelligence on Tuesday. Pulte will replace Tulsi Gabbard, who announced her resignation from the role last month. “William has deep experience managing the most sensitive matters in America,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post, praising in particular Pulte’s attention to the “safety and soundness of the Markets.” Trump added that Pulte will maintain his role as the Chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The new acting director has no background serving in intelligence or military related roles. He is seen as a close ally of the president. In his role at the housing agency, Pulte sent the Department of Justice criminal referrals that alleged mortgage fraud by several of Trump’s political enemies, including Letitia James, the Attorney General of New York, and Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.). Democrats pounced on the announcement, saying that it made clear that Trump was appointing somebody to serve his personal interests rather than those of the country. “This appointment speaks volumes about what this president expects from the nation's top intelligence official.” Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), Vice Chair of the Intelligence Committee, said in a statement . “[H]e appears to have been selected precisely because the White House believes he will provide the narrative it wants, not the intelligence we need,” Warner said. “Americans have every reason to worry about what happens when the official charged with overseeing everything from counterterrorism to foreign election threats is chosen for his willingness to advance the president's political agenda rather than his experience.” Gabbard's forthcoming departure from the office is officially because of personal reasons relating to her husband’s health. But given her long-standing opposition to regime change wars, there has been speculation that the intelligence chief was pushed out because of disagreements over the administration’s foreign policy. Gabbard had reportedly been sidelined from White House meetings during military interventions in Venezuela and Iran. One of Gabbard’s colleagues in the ODNI, Joe Kent , resigned in March in protest of the war with Iran. Unlike his predecessor, Pulte appears to have virtually no public record on foreign policy issues. In rare comments related to national security, he raised vague concerns about Chinese nationals buying U.S. farmland and investing in mortgage-backed securities during a a March 2025 appearance on Donald Trump Jr.’s podcast. The transition from Gabbard to Pulte has fueled concerns that the administration is prioritizing political loyalty in its appointments. “[Pulte] has zero experience in the IC and no formalized training, which is troubling considering how volatile the world is right now. However, it’s not exactly a surprising move,” James Webb, a national security and political consultant and an Iraq war veteran, told RS. “Trump has long prized personal loyalty to him over professional competence, and this is another example of it.” Though the head of ODNI is a Senate-confirmed position, Pulte’s appointment as acting director will not require confirmation. It is unclear if Trump intends to make him the permanent choice for this role.
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Trump taps loyalist with no intel experience to lead US spy agencies. One of Gabbard’s colleagues in the ODNI, Joe Kent , resigned in March in protest of the war with Iran. However, it’s not exactly a surprising move,” James Webb, a national security and political consultant and an Iraq war veteran, told RS.
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President Donald Trump named Bill Pulte, currently the head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as the new acting director of national intelligence on Tuesday.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 15:36
Watchdog investigates police over Bristol explosives homicide
Avon and Somerset police’s contact with Jo Shaw and ex-partner to be scrutinised after pair died in explosion on 3 May The death of a woman killed after her former partner forced his way into a house in Bristol with explosives is to be investigated by the police watchdog. Jo Shaw, 35, sustained fatal injuries in the blast in the Frenchay area of the city on 3 May. Her former partner, Ryan Kelly, 41, was also killed in the explosion. Continue reading...
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Watchdog investigates police over Bristol explosives homicide. Jo Shaw, 35, sustained fatal injuries in the blast in the Frenchay area of the city on 3 May. Her former partner, Ryan Kelly, 41, was also killed in the explosion.
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Avon and Somerset police’s contact with Jo Shaw and ex-partner to be scrutinised after pair died in explosion on 3 May The death of a woman killed after her former partner forced his way into a house in Bristol with explosives is to be investigated by the police watchdog.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 15:22
No 10 confirms Starmer’s WhatsApp messages automatically delete
Spokesperson says function is in line with official guidance as scrutiny of papers relating to Peter Mandelson continues UK politics live – latest updates Keir Starmer’s WhatsApp messages automatically delete from his smartphone, Downing Street has confirmed, calling into question how full a picture emerged of his role in the appointment of Peter Mandelson from a recently released tranche of government documents . Asked at a briefing whether Starmer uses the function on his WhatsApp messages, the prime minister’s spokesperson said he “does use disappearing messages”, adding that this was in line with official guidance on the use of so-called non-corporate communications. Continue reading...
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Spokesperson says function is in line with official guidance as scrutiny of papers relating to Peter Mandelson continues UK politics live – latest updates Keir Starmer’s WhatsApp messages automatically delete from his smartphone, Downing Street has confirmed, calling into question how full a picture emerged of his role in the appointment of Peter Mandelson from a recently rele…
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Spokesperson says function is in line with official guidance as scrutiny of papers relating to Peter Mandelson continues UK politics live – latest updates Keir Starmer’s WhatsApp messages automatically delete from his smartphone, Downing Street has confirmed, calling into question how full a picture emerged of his role in the appointment of Peter Mandelson from a recently released tranche of government documents .
Theguardian
Jun 2, 15:20
Trump ‘shouted and cursed Netanyahu over threat to resume Beirut bombing’
Angry phone call took place after Iran said it would suspend talks with US over Israel’s Lebanon campaign, Axios reports Middle East crisis – live updates Donald Trump angrily confronted Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel’s threats to resume airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, according to a report. “What the fuck are you doing?” the US president shouted at the Israeli prime minister during the phone call on Monday, according to Axios, a US website that has frequently published reports on high-level conversations between the two leaders. Continue reading...
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Angry phone call took place after Iran said it would suspend talks with US over Israel’s Lebanon campaign, Axios reports Middle East crisis – live updates Donald Trump angrily confronted Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel’s threats to resume airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, according to a report. “What the fuck are you doing?
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Angry phone call took place after Iran said it would suspend talks with US over Israel’s Lebanon campaign, Axios reports Middle East crisis – live updates Donald Trump angrily confronted Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel’s threats to resume airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, according to a report.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 15:00
Female dolphins remember who is aggressive when choosing a mating partner, research shows
Researchers observed unavailable female dolphins – those that were older, or with calves – did not show the same avoidant behaviour Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Female dolphins identify males by their unique calls and keep track of their past behaviour, choosing to avoid the most aggressive males during mating season, new research suggests. Bottlenose dolphin society is complex, and male and female dolphins often know each other for decades, said Prof Stephanie King, an expert in animal behaviour at the University of Bristol. Continue reading...
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Researchers observed unavailable female dolphins – those that were older, or with calves – did not show the same avoidant behaviour Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Female dolphins identify males by their unique calls and keep track of their past behaviour, choosing to avoid the most aggressive males during mating season, new research suggests.
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Researchers observed unavailable female dolphins – those that were older, or with calves – did not show the same avoidant behaviour Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Female dolphins identify males by their unique calls and keep track of their past behaviour, choosing to avoid the most aggressive males during mating season, new research suggests.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 15:00
Fake cigarettes and toys that are ‘essentially weapons’: Choice refers online retailers to regulator over unsafe products
Consumer group makes ‘super’ complaint to ACCC after investigation found dangerous items on platforms such as eBay, Amazon and AliExpress Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Cigarette lighters that look like toys, gel blasters, flick knives and fake tongue studs are among the “frightening” number of unsafe and potentially banned products being sold to Australians on online marketplaces, a Choice investigation has found. After identifying the products, Choice on Wednesday formally asked the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to take action against the retailers and begin a review of the country’s product safety laws more generally. Continue reading...
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Consumer group makes ‘super’ complaint to ACCC after investigation found dangerous items on platforms such as eBay, Amazon and AliExpress Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Cigarette lighters that look like toys, gel blasters, flick knives and fake tongue studs are among the “frightening” number of unsafe and potentially banned products being sold to…
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Consumer group makes ‘super’ complaint to ACCC after investigation found dangerous items on platforms such as eBay, Amazon and AliExpress Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Cigarette lighters that look like toys, gel blasters, flick knives and fake tongue studs are among the “frightening” number of unsafe and potentially banned products being sold to Australians on online marketplaces, a Choice investigation has found.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 15:00
Santos could drill for new gas in Beetaloo basin within weeks as Murray Watt urged to ‘do his job’
Environment Centre of the Northern Territory warns it could be ‘gateway to full-scale fracking in the territory’ Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Santos could begin new drilling for gas in the Northern Territory’s Beetaloo basin within weeks after the Finocchiaro government granted approval for up to 12 wells. The decision , published late last month, has prompted calls from environment groups for the federal environment minister, Murray Watt, to use his powers to “call in” the development for an assessment of its potential effects on water and threatened species under national nature laws. Continue reading...
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Environment Centre of the Northern Territory warns it could be ‘gateway to full-scale fracking in the territory’ Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Santos could begin new drilling for gas in the Northern Territory’s Beetaloo basin within weeks after the Finocchiaro government granted approval for up to 12 wells.
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Environment Centre of the Northern Territory warns it could be ‘gateway to full-scale fracking in the territory’ Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Santos could begin new drilling for gas in the Northern Territory’s Beetaloo basin within weeks after the Finocchiaro government granted approval for up to 12 wells.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 15:00
NDIS overhaul will ‘harm’ Australians with disabilities, government’s own committee warns
Reform advisory committee says changes will undermine scheme’s original intentions and give unprecedented power to the health minister Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The national disability insurance scheme’s proposed overhaul will cause “material harm” to Australians with disabilities, undermine its original intentions and hand unprecedented power to the health minister, the federal government’s own reform advisory committee warns. The Australian Human Rights Commission has also urged the government to slam the brakes on the potentially “regressive” changes to the NDIS, saying more consultation time was needed to avoid the “clear risk of adverse and unintended human rights impacts”. The Albanese government is eager to move ahead with changes that are estimated to remove more than 200,000 people from the $50bn-a-year scheme by 2030 in a bid to secure its financial sustainability. Continue reading...
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NDIS overhaul will ‘harm’ Australians with disabilities, government’s own committee warns. The Australian Human Rights Commission has also urged the government to slam the brakes on the potentially “regressive” changes to the NDIS, saying more consultation time was needed to avoid the “clear risk of adverse and unintended human rights impacts”.
TL;DR:
Reform advisory committee says changes will undermine scheme’s original intentions and give unprecedented power to the health minister Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The national disability insurance scheme’s proposed overhaul will cause “material harm” to Australians with disabilities, undermine its original intentions and hand unprecedented power to the health minister, the federal government’s own reform advisory committee warns.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 15:00
Sarah was amused by the quicksand she stepped in on a South Australian beach. Then ‘reality set in’
Joy turned to panic as Sarah and her dog sank quickly. She thought ‘this is not how I’m going to go’ Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast “I’ve literally had my real, live Indiana Jones moment,” Sarah Darbyshire says of the frightening moment she and her dog stumbled into quicksand . The Holdfast Bay council has put up signs warning about the treacherous, liquefied patch on Glenelg North beach in South Australia. Continue reading...
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Sarah was amused by the quicksand she stepped in on a South Australian beach. Joy turned to panic as Sarah and her dog sank quickly. The Holdfast Bay council has put up signs warning about the treacherous, liquefied patch on Glenelg North beach in South Australia.
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She thought ‘this is not how I’m going to go’ Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast “I’ve literally had my real, live Indiana Jones moment,” Sarah Darbyshire says of the frightening moment she and her dog stumbled into quicksand .
Theguardian
Jun 2, 15:00
Can you not? Plastic and metal ‘franken-can’ named Australia’s worst packaging at Unpackit awards
‘Completely unnecessary’ hybrid cans are not easily recycled or accepted by container refund schemes, and are already banned in WA Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast A single-use plastic and metal drinking vessel dubbed a “franken-can” has been given the dubious honour of the nation’s worst plastic packaging. The plastic-metal hybrid can, which is not accepted by container refund schemes or easily recycled – has won the inaugural Unpackit award for Australia’s worst packaging. Continue reading...
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The plastic-metal hybrid can, which is not accepted by container refund schemes or easily recycled – has won the inaugural Unpackit award for Australia’s worst packaging.
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‘Completely unnecessary’ hybrid cans are not easily recycled or accepted by container refund schemes, and are already banned in WA Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast A single-use plastic and metal drinking vessel dubbed a “franken-can” has been given the dubious honour of the nation’s worst plastic packaging.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 14:53
Labour figures who wrote competing ‘manifestos’ join forces to warn against tribalism
Mathew Lawrence and Mark McVitie, previously seen as favouring Burnham and Streeting respectively, say change of direction is needed UK politics live – latest updates Two of Labour’s leading policy figures, who put forward “manifestos” for Andy Burnham and a centrist grouping, are to join forces to help forge new ideas for a future government. The authors of the two essays – which have previously been described as competing visions for a Burnham- or Wes Streeting-led government – said Labour urgently required a serious intellectual debate about its direction rather than simply a change of personality. Continue reading...
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Mathew Lawrence and Mark McVitie, previously seen as favouring Burnham and Streeting respectively, say change of direction is needed UK politics live – latest updates Two of Labour’s leading policy figures, who put forward “manifestos” for Andy Burnham and a centrist grouping, are to join forces to help forge new ideas for a future government.
TL;DR:
Mathew Lawrence and Mark McVitie, previously seen as favouring Burnham and Streeting respectively, say change of direction is needed UK politics live – latest updates Two of Labour’s leading policy figures, who put forward “manifestos” for Andy Burnham and a centrist grouping, are to join forces to help forge new ideas for a future government.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 14:49
‘We don’t have another country to run to’: Kenyans fear US plan for Ebola quarantine site
People from town of potential site for US citizens with Ebola symptoms say it puts them at risk in country with no known cases People from a town in central Kenya where the US wants to set up an Ebola quarantine facility for its citizens have strongly criticised the plan, saying they fear it will expose them to the virus and that it is indicative of double standards on the part of the US. “Everybody should be quarantined in their home country. We shouldn’t allow foreigners to bring us diseases,” said Charles Mathenge, a taxi driver who lives near Laikipia Air Base, the proposed site in Nanyuki, 120 miles from the capital, Nairobi. “Kenya is our country, and we should be careful with it.” Continue reading...
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‘We don’t have another country to run to’: Kenyans fear US plan for Ebola quarantine site. People from town of potential site for US citizens with Ebola symptoms say it puts them at risk in country with no known cases People from a town in central Kenya where the US wants to set up an Ebola quarantine facility for its citizens have strongly criticised the plan, saying they fea…
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“Kenya is our country, and we should be careful with it.” Continue reading...
Theguardian
Jun 2, 14:02
Zero-hours contracts: ministers’ detailed plans for ban criticised by firms and unions
UK government says it would prefer workers to be guaranteed between eight and 20 hours a week based on regular hours Business live – latest updates Ministers are facing criticism from unions and employers after laying out details of plans for a guaranteed regular working week as part of a ban on zero-hours contracts . Under rules poised to come into force next year, employers will have to offer staff, including agency workers, a contract that guarantees a minimum number of hours each week based on their regular working hours. Continue reading...
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UK government says it would prefer workers to be guaranteed between eight and 20 hours a week based on regular hours Business live – latest updates Ministers are facing criticism from unions and employers after laying out details of plans for a guaranteed regular working week as part of a ban on zero-hours contracts .
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UK government says it would prefer workers to be guaranteed between eight and 20 hours a week based on regular hours Business live – latest updates Ministers are facing criticism from unions and employers after laying out details of plans for a guaranteed regular working week as part of a ban on zero-hours contracts .
Theguardian
Jun 2, 14:01
Michelle Obama: white men do not have to worry about impostor syndrome
Former US first lady says she has sat ‘at every powerful table’ and not met a single white man with such doubts White men do not have to worry about impostor syndrome, according to Michelle Obama, who said she had sat “at every powerful table there is” and not found one. The former US first lady told SXSW London that she wanted to “demystify” what it was like to sit in elite meetings, which she said were often populated by people from diverse backgrounds who felt like outsiders. Continue reading...
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Former US first lady says she has sat ‘at every powerful table’ and not met a single white man with such doubts White men do not have to worry about impostor syndrome, according to Michelle Obama, who said she had sat “at every powerful table there is” and not found one.
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Former US first lady says she has sat ‘at every powerful table’ and not met a single white man with such doubts White men do not have to worry about impostor syndrome, according to Michelle Obama, who said she had sat “at every powerful table there is” and not found one.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 14:00
‘We’re not making it up’: UK political chaos is not media’s fault, say journalists
High-profile reporters reject accusations of revelling in drama, saying politicians are the people ‘addicted to crisis’ Politicians, not reporters, are responsible for driving a decade of chaos in Westminster, prominent political editors have said, after accusations that the media have become addicted to political crises. Britain could yet appoint its seventh prime minister since the Brexit vote 10 years ago, after the turmoil that has engulfed Keir Starmer’s leadership since Labour’s May election results. Continue reading...
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High-profile reporters reject accusations of revelling in drama, saying politicians are the people ‘addicted to crisis’ Politicians, not reporters, are responsible for driving a decade of chaos in Westminster, prominent political editors have said, after accusations that the media have become addicted to political crises.
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High-profile reporters reject accusations of revelling in drama, saying politicians are the people ‘addicted to crisis’ Politicians, not reporters, are responsible for driving a decade of chaos in Westminster, prominent political editors have said, after accusations that the media have become addicted to political crises.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 13:56
Shabana Mahmood warns of ‘dangerous undercurrent’ after murder of Henry Nowak
Home secretary’s condenmation of ‘misinformation and inflammatory commentary’ comes after death threats to police UK politics live – latest updates The home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has warned of a “dangerous undercurrent” in the wake of the murder of Henry Nowak, who was falsely accused of racism by a Sikh man who had fatally stabbed him with a ceremonial dagger. Vickrum Digwa, 23, was sentenced on Monday to life in prison with a minimum term of 21 years for the December 2025 murder of 18-year-old Nowak. Continue reading...
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Home secretary’s condenmation of ‘misinformation and inflammatory commentary’ comes after death threats to police UK politics live – latest updates The home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has warned of a “dangerous undercurrent” in the wake of the murder of Henry Nowak, who was falsely accused of racism by a Sikh man who had fatally stabbed him with a ceremonial dagger.
TL;DR:
Home secretary’s condenmation of ‘misinformation and inflammatory commentary’ comes after death threats to police UK politics live – latest updates The home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has warned of a “dangerous undercurrent” in the wake of the murder of Henry Nowak, who was falsely accused of racism by a Sikh man who had fatally stabbed him with a ceremonial dagger.
Responsiblestatecraft
Jun 2, 13:55
Touting battlefield successes, Ukraine leans into peace talks
Ukraine is hoping to reach a peace deal with Russia by winter, a top aide to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Monday. “This is the president's instruction: to try to end this war as soon as possible ... preferably before winter,” Kyrylo Budanov, Zelensky’s chief of staff, said Monday, adding that the goal is “timely and realistic.” The comment came a day after Zelensky himself said he wanted serious progress on talks in the next few months, citing his desire to capitalize on recent Ukrainian successes on the battlefield, including a few instances in which his country’s forces retook territory from the Russians. The sudden outpouring of enthusiasm for diplomacy appears to be Ukraine’s attempt to attract the attention of the Trump administration, which has evinced little enthusiasm for Ukraine-Russia peace talks since launching a war with Iran in late February. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said just two weeks ago that there are “no such talks occurring at this time,” though he insisted that the U.S. would return to its mediator role if it saw a path to “productive” negotiations. Underpinning the shift in Ukrainian rhetoric is a growing sense among some military analysts that Russia is losing its advantage on the battlefield. Western observers say Ukraine has stopped Russian advances and even retaken some territory, largely thanks to advances in Ukrainian drone tactics as well as improved targeting of Russian radar and air defense systems. The precise extent of this change remains unclear. Zelensky said that the tide started shifting in Ukraine’s favor last December. But as of late March, the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency assessed that Russia maintained an advantage over Ukraine in everything from manpower to weapons stockpiles and force protection, according to a report from the Pentagon’s inspector general. In practice, neither side has made major advances in several years. But, at this point, the narrative may be more important than the reality on the ground. After years of grinding war, Ukraine is making a consequential rhetorical shift. While it once trumpeted battlefield successes as evidence of the need to continue the war indefinitely, Kyiv is now framing military advances as a signal of increased leverage at the bargaining table. The message to the Trump administration is that Ukraine is ready to make a deal — perhaps even an agreement that could secure President Donald Trump a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts at mediation. Of course, the Kremlin is also seeking to shape perceptions of its leverage, and it has responded to increased Ukrainian attacks within Russia by making its own threats of escalation. Just last week, Russian officials called on Western states to withdraw their diplomats from Kyiv ahead of “systematic strikes” on the Ukrainian capital. Moscow backed up these threats with a series of large missile barrages, including one that killed at least 11 people Monday night. One could read this as an indication that Russia is determined to continue the war and force Ukraine to submit to far-reaching demands. But another plausible interpretation is that Moscow sees a need to shore up its leverage ahead of negotiations that could end a war that is steadily becoming more unpopular within Russia. Whatever the case, it appears that diplomacy is now back on the table. According to Budanov, a U.S. delegation will soon visit Moscow and Kyiv for further talks.
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“This is the president's instruction: to try to end this war as soon as possible ... After years of grinding war, Ukraine is making a consequential rhetorical shift. One could read this as an indication that Russia is determined to continue the war and force Ukraine to submit to far-reaching demands.
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Ukraine is hoping to reach a peace deal with Russia by winter, a top aide to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Monday.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 13:41
Trump taps ally Bill Pulte to serve as top intelligence chief
US president says head of Federal Housing Finance Agency will serve as acting director days after Gabbard exits role Donald Trump has tapped a close ally to serve as the country’s top intelligence official, days after Tulsi Gabbard announced her exit from the role . The US president said that Bill Pulte, head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), and heir to a home construction company fortune, will serve as acting director of national intelligence. Continue reading...
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US president says head of Federal Housing Finance Agency will serve as acting director days after Gabbard exits role Donald Trump has tapped a close ally to serve as the country’s top intelligence official, days after Tulsi Gabbard announced her exit from the role .
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US president says head of Federal Housing Finance Agency will serve as acting director days after Gabbard exits role Donald Trump has tapped a close ally to serve as the country’s top intelligence official, days after Tulsi Gabbard announced her exit from the role .
Theguardian
Jun 2, 13:25
Vets welcome data indicating fall in UK popularity of flat-faced dog breeds
Royal Kennel Club figures show significant declines in registrations of French bulldogs, bulldogs and pugs Squashed-face dogs including pugs and French bulldogs are declining in popularity, data suggests, with experts hopeful the trend reflects a growing awareness of the health problems such breeds face. According to breed registration statistics from the UK’s Royal Kennel Club (RKC), there were 1,400 registrations of French bulldogs in the first three months of 2026 – a 37% drop compared with the same period in 2025. Bulldog registrations dropped by 34% and pug registrations by 43% with only 126 of the breed registered in the first three months of 2026. Continue reading...
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Vets welcome data indicating fall in UK popularity of flat-faced dog breeds. Royal Kennel Club figures show significant declines in registrations of French bulldogs, bulldogs and pugs Squashed-face dogs including pugs and French bulldogs are declining in popularity, data suggests, with experts hopeful the trend reflects a growing awareness of the health problems such breeds fa…
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According to breed registration statistics from the UK’s Royal Kennel Club (RKC), there were 1,400 registrations of French bulldogs in the first three months of 2026 – a 37% drop compared with the same period in 2025.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 13:16
Media veteran Dawn Airey to take over as chair of Arts Council England
Successor to Nicholas Serota from August picks out AI as one of the major challenges facing the sector The media executive Dawn Airey has been appointed chair of Arts Council England (Ace) and has immediately identified AI as a key challenge facing the sector. Airey, whose CV includes top jobs at ITV, Channel 5 and Sky, will replace Nicholas Serota, whose tenure coincided with one of the most challenging times for the arts in recent memory. Continue reading...
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Successor to Nicholas Serota from August picks out AI as one of the major challenges facing the sector The media executive Dawn Airey has been appointed chair of Arts Council England (Ace) and has immediately identified AI as a key challenge facing the sector.
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Successor to Nicholas Serota from August picks out AI as one of the major challenges facing the sector The media executive Dawn Airey has been appointed chair of Arts Council England (Ace) and has immediately identified AI as a key challenge facing the sector.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 12:45
Barnaby Joyce rallies anti-abortion activists ahead of tight NSW vote
Sydney crowd told to target National MPs as upper house prepares to vote on a bill outlawing sex-selective terminations Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast One Nation’s Barnaby Joyce has joined pro-life campaigners to pile pressure on Nationals MPs to vote to criminalise some abortions ahead of a tight vote in New South Wales. Anti-abortion activists have threatened to campaign for One Nation against major parties to force new limits on terminating pregnancies on the back of its polling surge. Continue reading...
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Sydney crowd told to target National MPs as upper house prepares to vote on a bill outlawing sex-selective terminations Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast One Nation’s Barnaby Joyce has joined pro-life campaigners to pile pressure on Nationals MPs to vote to criminalise some abortions ahead of a tight vote in New South Wales.
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Sydney crowd told to target National MPs as upper house prepares to vote on a bill outlawing sex-selective terminations Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast One Nation’s Barnaby Joyce has joined pro-life campaigners to pile pressure on Nationals MPs to vote to criminalise some abortions ahead of a tight vote in New South Wales.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 12:42
Maga influencer Melissa Rein Lively pleads guilty to London assault
Founder of ‘anti-woke’ PR firm to pay £910 to woman whose hair she pulled at Bond Street tube station last October A Maga influencer has admitted assaulting a woman at a London tube station during an altercation. Melissa Rein Lively, 40, the founder of the “anti-woke” America First Public Relations firm in the US, allegedly pulled a woman’s hair in a “forceful manner” at Bond Street station last October. Continue reading...
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Founder of ‘anti-woke’ PR firm to pay £910 to woman whose hair she pulled at Bond Street tube station last October A Maga influencer has admitted assaulting a woman at a London tube station during an altercation.
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Founder of ‘anti-woke’ PR firm to pay £910 to woman whose hair she pulled at Bond Street tube station last October A Maga influencer has admitted assaulting a woman at a London tube station during an altercation.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 12:06
‘Outright theft’: legal experts decry $1.8bn Trump anti-weaponization fund
Critics from both sides and legal scholars say ‘slush fund’ is scheme that will help January 6 rioters A legal and political firestorm is growing over the $1.776bn “anti-weaponization” fund Donald Trump ’s justice department has launched to pay alleged victims of “lawfare”, but that ex-DoJ officials and legal experts call “corrupt” and a “slush fund” for Maga allies that benefits the president. Congressional critics from both parties and legal scholars have attacked the fund as an opaque scheme that will improperly help January 6 insurrectionists, some of whom said they intend to apply for grants, while echoing Trump’s false claims that Joe Biden’s administration was “weaponized” against them. Continue reading...
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‘Outright theft’: legal experts decry $1.8bn Trump anti-weaponization fund. Critics from both sides and legal scholars say ‘slush fund’ is scheme that will help January 6 rioters A legal and political firestorm is growing over the $1.
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Critics from both sides and legal scholars say ‘slush fund’ is scheme that will help January 6 rioters A legal and political firestorm is growing over the $1.776bn “anti-weaponization” fund Donald Trump ’s justice department has launched to pay alleged victims of “lawfare”, but that ex-DoJ officials and legal experts call “corrupt” and a “slush fund” for Maga allies that benefits the president.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 12:01
Gardeners beware: slugs returning after dry weather to threaten strawberries
Wetter weather expected to bring surge of slugs out of hiding, just as strawberries experience bumper early crop Entomologists in England are expecting a surge in slugs coming out of hiding to munch the nation’s strawberry plants after weeks of sun followed by wetter weather has caused a bumper crop. The Royal Horticultural Society is bracing for a surge in inquiries from its 625,000 members, who write in with their garden gripes. Workers at the RHS have also noticed a spate of slugs in the charity’s gardens, including Wisley in Surrey. Slugs love a young, vulnerable seedling, so transplant sturdy plantlets grown in pots. These can then be given some protection with cloches. The leaf-munching creatures are excellent for compost heaps as they get rid of dead and decaying matter, helping turn your waste into lovely compost. So why not go out with a torch on a mild evening while the weather is damp, and hand pick slugs into a container? These can then be placed either into a compost heap, where they can feast on all your garden waste, or near less vulnerable plants. Some gardeners do strategic planting, making sure to put plants slugs find delicious near their favourite plants so these are eaten instead. Why not dig a pond to encourage frogs, which will do slug elimination for you without the guilt of setting down poison pellets or drowning them in beer. It’s better for the ecosystem, too. Encourage birds with a bird feeder – especially during spring when the young can be fed with a juicy snail. Raking over soil and removing fallen leaves during winter can allow birds to eat slug eggs that have been exposed. Continue reading...
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Gardeners beware: slugs returning after dry weather to threaten strawberries. These can then be placed either into a compost heap, where they can feast on all your garden waste, or near less vulnerable plants. Some gardeners do strategic planting, making sure to put plants slugs find delicious near their favourite plants so these are eaten instead.
TL;DR:
Wetter weather expected to bring surge of slugs out of hiding, just as strawberries experience bumper early crop Entomologists in England are expecting a surge in slugs coming out of hiding to munch the nation’s strawberry plants after weeks of sun followed by wetter weather has caused a bumper crop.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 12:01
Motorhome bought by Murrell with stolen SNP money only did four miles
High court in Edinburgh hears £125K vehicle was described as a van in faked invoice and stocked with luxury goods The luxury motorhome that Peter Murrell bought using money stolen from the Scottish National party was driven for only four miles, sitting unused for more than two years. Murrell, then the SNP’s chief executive, drove the £124,550 Niesmann+Bischoff vehicle from the dealers at Halbeath in Fife in January 2021 to his mother’s home in Dunfermline – a cost of £31,138 a mile. A hand-chased silver wine coaster from Hamilton & Inches worth £3,500 which was described as spending on “leadership expenses”. A £23 egg poacher was listed in SNP records as “computer hardware purchases – internet cabling” An £81,000 Jaguar I-Pace SUV was identified as “stage payment” in a fake invoice. The £3,070 cost of a robotic Husqvarna lawnmower, found by police at the home he then shared with Sturgeon, was listed as “legal fees”. Continue reading...
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Motorhome bought by Murrell with stolen SNP money only did four miles. Murrell, then the SNP’s chief executive, drove the £124,550 Niesmann+Bischoff vehicle from the dealers at Halbeath in Fife in January 2021 to his mother’s home in Dunfermline – a cost of £31,138 a mile.
TL;DR:
High court in Edinburgh hears £125K vehicle was described as a van in faked invoice and stocked with luxury goods The luxury motorhome that Peter Murrell bought using money stolen from the Scottish National party was driven for only four miles, sitting unused for more than two years.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 12:00
Democrats oppose Trump officials’ effort to include crypto in 401(k) plans
Change backed by labor department would expose workers to greater financial risk, letter shared with Guardian says Congressional Democrats are strongly opposing a US Department of Labor proposal that would allow 401(k) investments to include cryptocurrency, private credit and private equity assets, arguing the change will expose workers to riskier and more complex investments. In a letter shared exclusively with the Guardian, Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Elizabeth Warren and House education and workforce committee ranking member Bobby Scott of Virginia, argued the rule would expose an estimated $14.2tn of 401(k) retirement savings to volatile assets and would probably not withstand a challenge in court. Continue reading...
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Change backed by labor department would expose workers to greater financial risk, letter shared with Guardian says Congressional Democrats are strongly opposing a US Department of Labor proposal that would allow 401(k) investments to include cryptocurrency, private credit and private equity assets, arguing the change will expose workers to riskier and more complex investments.
TL;DR:
Change backed by labor department would expose workers to greater financial risk, letter shared with Guardian says Congressional Democrats are strongly opposing a US Department of Labor proposal that would allow 401(k) investments to include cryptocurrency, private credit and private equity assets, arguing the change will expose workers to riskier and more complex investments.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 11:56
EU accused of creating ICE-style immigration enforcement system
Officials say law will improve migration management by allowing more deportations of undocumented people EU politicians have promised to increase deportations of undocumented migrants, under a new law that critics say mimics elements of the Trump administration’s brutal immigration crackdown. Finalising a key element of an overhauled EU asylum and migration system, politicians have agreed a regulation that will enable national authorities to raid people’s homes to enforce deportation orders. Continue reading...
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Officials say law will improve migration management by allowing more deportations of undocumented people EU politicians have promised to increase deportations of undocumented migrants, under a new law that critics say mimics elements of the Trump administration’s brutal immigration crackdown.
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Officials say law will improve migration management by allowing more deportations of undocumented people EU politicians have promised to increase deportations of undocumented migrants, under a new law that critics say mimics elements of the Trump administration’s brutal immigration crackdown.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 11:00
Nightclub promoter, 21, stabbed to death after brawl in Dublin’s tourism district
Qayyum Balogun chased and attacked after gig ended in Grafton Street area following clash between rival groups, police say A brawl in the heart of Dublin’s tourism district led to a nightclub promoter being chased and stabbed to death. It happened at about 3am on Monday after a gig ended in the Grafton Street area of the city centre that is popular with tourists. Continue reading...
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Qayyum Balogun chased and attacked after gig ended in Grafton Street area following clash between rival groups, police say A brawl in the heart of Dublin’s tourism district led to a nightclub promoter being chased and stabbed to death. It happened at about 3am on Monday after a gig ended in the Grafton Street area of the city centre that is popular with tourists.
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Qayyum Balogun chased and attacked after gig ended in Grafton Street area following clash between rival groups, police say A brawl in the heart of Dublin’s tourism district led to a nightclub promoter being chased and stabbed to death.
Foreignpolicy
Jun 2, 11:00
Israel Has a Growing Anti-Christian Problem
A recent attack in Jerusalem highlights a worrying trend intensified by wartime nationalism.
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A recent attack in Jerusalem highlights a worrying trend intensified by wartime nationalism.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 11:00
Aipac affiliate has funded lavish trips to Israel for dozens of Congress members since 7 October, filings reveal
Revealed: AIEF, a charitable affiliate of pro-Israel lobby Aipac, has spent millions on travel for lawmakers from both parties, even as voters’ support for Israel plummets Dozens of members of Congress and Capitol Hill staffers have enjoyed lavish gifted travel to Israel funded by an Aipac affiliate since 7 October 2023, amid Israel’s expanding wars on its neighbors and despite plummeting levels of support among Americans for the country’s policies, a Guardian analysis has found. Congressional ethics filings and other public records show the trips, led by the American Israel Education Foundation (AIEF), revolved around one-sided briefings on Middle East politics and Israeli domestic and foreign policy. Lawmakers and their staffers from both parties met Israeli officials, military contractors and civil society figures, including Benjamin Netanyahu and advocates for the annexation of the West Bank and the displacement of Palestinians from Jerusalem. Continue reading...
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Aipac affiliate has funded lavish trips to Israel for dozens of Congress members since 7 October, filings reveal. Congressional ethics filings and other public records show the trips, led by the American Israel Education Foundation (AIEF), revolved around one-sided briefings on Middle East politics and Israeli domestic and foreign policy.
TL;DR:
Revealed: AIEF, a charitable affiliate of pro-Israel lobby Aipac, has spent millions on travel for lawmakers from both parties, even as voters’ support for Israel plummets Dozens of members of Congress and Capitol Hill staffers have enjoyed lavish gifted travel to Israel funded by an Aipac affiliate since 7 October 2023, amid Israel’s expanding wars on its neighbors and despite plummeting levels of support among Americans for the country’s policies, a Guardian analysis has found.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 10:47
First Thing: Defense department bars reporters from Pentagon press room
Spokesperson claims Trump administration has ‘the most transparent war department in history’ despite ban on journalists using Pentagon facility. Also, more than 1,000 Marilyn Monroes descend on Palm Springs Good morning. In another apparent affront to press freedom from the Trump administration, journalists may no longer enter the Pentagon’s press office , which has been designated as a classified space. How ha ve the media reacted? After the defense department announced sweeping restrictions in October, many longtime reporters refused to agree and began turning over their press passes. The department then announced a “next generation of the Pentagon press corps” featuring 60 journalists from far-right outlets. The New York Times sued the Pentagon over those policies, which designated journalists as “security risks”, and a federal judge found in the Times’s favor in March. What is making the fund controversial? The terms of the fund do not require the disclosure of how much is paid to whom. Chuck Schumer, the US Senate minority leader, said: “Trump’s nearly $2bn Maga slush fund is his most brazen act of self-dealing yet and one of the most corrupt schemes ever launched by a president.” Continue reading...
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First Thing: Defense department bars reporters from Pentagon press room. In another apparent affront to press freedom from the Trump administration, journalists may no longer enter the Pentagon’s press office , which has been designated as a classified space.
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Spokesperson claims Trump administration has ‘the most transparent war department in history’ despite ban on journalists using Pentagon facility.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 10:10
Californians head to the polls as governor primary goes down to the wire – US politics live
Other races also taking place in state as well as primaries in New Jersey, South Dakota, New Mexico, Iowa and Montana Sign up to the Breaking News US email Hello and welcome to the US politics live blog. Californians go to the polls today in the first round of voting for a new governor, with a tight three-way race for two run-off spots. Democrats in the US Senate vowed to force Republicans to vote on a $1.8bn “Maga slush fund” established as part of a resolution of Donald Trump’s long-shot lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service. The US president has described the secretive and loosely controlled “anti-weaponization fund” as a means of paying the victims of politicized prosecutions. Tina Peters, the former clerk convicted of participating in a scheme to chase election conspiracy theories promulgated by Donald Trump, was released from prison on Monday after the president successfully pressured Colorado’s Democratic governor into commuting her sentence. On Monday afternoon, over an hour south of Newark, a few dozen protesters outside the New Jersey state legislature in Trenton condemned Democratic governor Mikie Sherrill’s decision to send in the state police to Delaney Hall , the Newark immigration detention center that has seen more than a week of chaotic and often violent clashes. Transgender troops can remain in the US military, but the armed services can continue to block their enlistment , an appeals court ruled on Monday in a split decision with potentially significant consequences for the Trump administration’s anti-diversity agenda. Continue reading...
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Californians head to the polls as governor primary goes down to the wire – US politics live. Tina Peters, the former clerk convicted of participating in a scheme to chase election conspiracy theories promulgated by Donald Trump, was released from prison on Monday after the president successfully pressured Colorado’s Democratic governor into commuting her sentence.
TL;DR:
Other races also taking place in state as well as primaries in New Jersey, South Dakota, New Mexico, Iowa and Montana Sign up to the Breaking News US email Hello and welcome to the US politics live blog.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 08:57
Labour not looking to raise taxes to fund benefits, minister says after WhatsApp messages revealed
Nick Thomas-Symonds says messages between Pat McFadden and Peter Mandelson are ‘embarrassing’ UK politics live – latest updates Labour MPs are not looking to raise taxes to fund more benefits, the cabinet minister Nick Thomas-Symonds has said. In messages between the work and pensions secretary, Pat McFadden, and Peter Mandelson released on Monday, McFadden wrote: “Every meeting I have is: ‘Who can we tax in order to pay benefits to others?’ They’re asking the wrong questions.” Continue reading...
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Nick Thomas-Symonds says messages between Pat McFadden and Peter Mandelson are ‘embarrassing’ UK politics live – latest updates Labour MPs are not looking to raise taxes to fund more benefits, the cabinet minister Nick Thomas-Symonds has said.
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Nick Thomas-Symonds says messages between Pat McFadden and Peter Mandelson are ‘embarrassing’ UK politics live – latest updates Labour MPs are not looking to raise taxes to fund more benefits, the cabinet minister Nick Thomas-Symonds has said.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 08:51
Body found in search for boy, 11, who went missing in South Yorkshire river
Mackenzie Swift entered the River Don in Mexborough on Saturday evening and failed to emerge A body has been found in the search for an 11-year-old boy who went missing after entering the River Don in South Yorkshire on Saturday. Mackenzie Swift entered the river in Mexborough at around 8pm and failed to emerge, prompting a police search. Continue reading...
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Mackenzie Swift entered the river in Mexborough at around 8pm and failed to emerge, prompting a police search.
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Mackenzie Swift entered the River Don in Mexborough on Saturday evening and failed to emerge A body has been found in the search for an 11-year-old boy who went missing after entering the River Don in South Yorkshire on Saturday.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 08:38
Google owner Alphabet to sell $80bn in stock to fund AI spending spree
One of largest equity fundraisings ever includes $10bn share sale to US investment group Berkshire Hathaway Business live – latest updates Google’s parent company Alphabet has said it plans to raise up to $80bn (£59bn) in equity to fund its vast artificial intelligence infrastructure investments, raising further questions over the economics of the AI boom. The move, one of the largest equity fundraisings ever globally, includes a $10bn share sale to the US investment group Berkshire Hathaway, which was led until last year by the retired investment guru Warren Buffett for 60 years. Continue reading...
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One of largest equity fundraisings ever includes $10bn share sale to US investment group Berkshire Hathaway Business live – latest updates Google’s parent company Alphabet has said it plans to raise up to $80bn (£59bn) in equity to fund its vast artificial intelligence infrastructure investments, raising further questions over the economics of the AI boom.
TL;DR:
One of largest equity fundraisings ever includes $10bn share sale to US investment group Berkshire Hathaway Business live – latest updates Google’s parent company Alphabet has said it plans to raise up to $80bn (£59bn) in equity to fund its vast artificial intelligence infrastructure investments, raising further questions over the economics of the AI boom.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 08:35
No 10 urged to review religious knife rules after Henry Nowak murder
Hampshire police commissioner writes to Keir Starmer over ‘national tragedy’ of Southampton stabbing last December UK politics live – latest updates The police and crime commissioner for Hampshire is leading calls for a review of religious exemptions on the carrying of knives after the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak by a man carrying a “Sikh dagger” in Southampton . Donna Jones described the stabbing of university student Nowak as a “national tragedy” and said she was writing to the prime minister, Keir Starmer, about the issue. Continue reading...
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Hampshire police commissioner writes to Keir Starmer over ‘national tragedy’ of Southampton stabbing last December UK politics live – latest updates The police and crime commissioner for Hampshire is leading calls for a review of religious exemptions on the carrying of knives after the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak by a man carrying a “Sikh dagger” in Southampton .
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Hampshire police commissioner writes to Keir Starmer over ‘national tragedy’ of Southampton stabbing last December UK politics live – latest updates The police and crime commissioner for Hampshire is leading calls for a review of religious exemptions on the carrying of knives after the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak by a man carrying a “Sikh dagger” in Southampton .
Theguardian
Jun 2, 08:27
UK government has failed Palestinian people, says senior Labour MP
Emily Thornberry criticises Israel’s ‘staggering’ sense of impunity and rebukes Donald Trump for abandoning Gaza The UK government has let the Palestinian people down and failed to make it economically impossible for Israel to continue to act with impunity in the West Bank and Gaza, the Labour chair of the foreign affairs select committee, Emily Thornberry, has said. She accused her own government of lacking ambition and wringing its hands on the Palestinian crisis, and she also chastised Donald Trump for declaring a ceasefire in Gaza and then walking away, leaving Gazans to live in rubble. Continue reading...
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Emily Thornberry criticises Israel’s ‘staggering’ sense of impunity and rebukes Donald Trump for abandoning Gaza The UK government has let the Palestinian people down and failed to make it economically impossible for Israel to continue to act with impunity in the West Bank and Gaza, the Labour chair of the foreign affairs select committee, Emily Thornberry, has said.
TL;DR:
Emily Thornberry criticises Israel’s ‘staggering’ sense of impunity and rebukes Donald Trump for abandoning Gaza The UK government has let the Palestinian people down and failed to make it economically impossible for Israel to continue to act with impunity in the West Bank and Gaza, the Labour chair of the foreign affairs select committee, Emily Thornberry, has said.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 08:09
Tories accuse Starmer of not revealing all his Mandelson messages – UK politics live
Shadow Cabinet Office minister Alex Burghart says it ‘beggars belief’ there were not more exchanges between Mandelson and the PM Good morning. Keir Starmer is chairing cabinet today as Labour MPs mull over the coverage of the Peter Mandelson files. In terms of revelations relating to Mandelson himself, the impact is probably not as bad as many MPs feared; Politico quotes one official as saying the mood last night was at the “top end” of expectations. Here is our main story about the data release, by Henry Dyer and Pippa Crear. There will be more coverage today. There’s a lot of stuff that’s missing. Anybody who’s looked at these 1,500 pages will see acres and acres of white space, these constellations of asterisks, huge amounts of redactions. Now, some of that is fine because it’s national security issues, our relationship with the Americans. It beggars belief that there were so few exchanges between Mandelson and the prime minister. There’s almost nothing in the record. So either this stuff is being deliberately withheld or it’s been deleted. Continue reading...
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Tories accuse Starmer of not revealing all his Mandelson messages – UK politics live. Keir Starmer is chairing cabinet today as Labour MPs mull over the coverage of the Peter Mandelson files.
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Shadow Cabinet Office minister Alex Burghart says it ‘beggars belief’ there were not more exchanges between Mandelson and the PM Good morning.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 08:00
Musket balls and a burnt hull: evidence of real pirates of the Caribbean found in Bahamas
Exclusive: First shipwrecks found in Nassau harbour on New Providence, once the hideout of Blackbeard and Calico Jack The first shipwrecks linked to the real pirates of the Caribbean in the Bahamas have been discovered by an international team co-directed by a British marine archaeologist. Blackbeard and Calico Jack Rackham were among pirates who, between the 1690s and 1720s, turned Nassau on the island of New Providence into a hideout where they plotted their next heists on the high seas and divided up their plunder. Continue reading...
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Exclusive: First shipwrecks found in Nassau harbour on New Providence, once the hideout of Blackbeard and Calico Jack The first shipwrecks linked to the real pirates of the Caribbean in the Bahamas have been discovered by an international team co-directed by a British marine archaeologist.
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Exclusive: First shipwrecks found in Nassau harbour on New Providence, once the hideout of Blackbeard and Calico Jack The first shipwrecks linked to the real pirates of the Caribbean in the Bahamas have been discovered by an international team co-directed by a British marine archaeologist.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 07:36
Federal government paid $3.8m in personal protection for then CFMEU administrator
Senate committee also hears Murray Watt needed personal security after sending the union into administration Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The federal government has paid millions of dollars in personal protection for the administrators of the CFMEU, and had to organise security for minister Murray Watt after he introduced the legislation that placed the union into administration, it has been revealed. Under questioning from Liberal senator Jane Hume in the Senate committee on education and employment legislation, it was revealed that the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) has paid millions of dollars to keep the administrators safe. Continue reading...
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Senate committee also hears Murray Watt needed personal security after sending the union into administration Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The federal government has paid millions of dollars in personal protection for the administrators of the CFMEU, and had to organise security for minister Murray Watt after he introduced the legislation that pl…
TL;DR:
Senate committee also hears Murray Watt needed personal security after sending the union into administration Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The federal government has paid millions of dollars in personal protection for the administrators of the CFMEU, and had to organise security for minister Murray Watt after he introduced the legislation that placed the union into administration, it has been revealed.
Warontherocks
Jun 2, 07:30
Between Beijing and the Budget: The Domestic Realities of Taiwan’s Defense Spending Drama
On May 8, Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan broke a grueling six-month stalemate by passing a landmark $25 billion defense budget, catching many observers off guard. The vote brought sudden end to an agonizing legislative deadlock that had pushed U.S.-Taiwanese relations to the edge. For months, long-simmering frustration in Washington over Taiwan’s defense trajectory has threatened to boil over, catalyzed by an unprecedented bipartisan open letter from U.S. senators, demanding that Taiwan authorize the pending defense packages. The optics grew even more fraught as Cheng Li-wun, the newly elected chairwoman of the Kuomintang, Taiwan’s largest opposition party, embarked on a controversial “peace” The post Between Beijing and the Budget: The Domestic Realities of Taiwan’s Defense Spending Drama appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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On May 8, Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan broke a grueling six-month stalemate by passing a landmark $25 billion defense budget, catching many observers off guard. For months, long-simmering frustration in Washington over Taiwan’s defense trajectory has threatened to boil over, catalyzed by an unprecedented bipartisan open letter from U.S.
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The optics grew even more fraught as Cheng Li-wun, the newly elected chairwoman of the Kuomintang, Taiwan’s largest opposition party, embarked on a controversial “peace” The post Between Beijing and the Budget: The Domestic Realities of Taiwan’s Defense Spending Drama appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Theguardian
Jun 2, 07:29
Mozambique says five citizens killed in ‘xenophobic attacks’ in South Africa
About 800 Mozambicans said to be caught up in violence in Mossel Bay as anti-immigration protests sweep country Five Mozambique nationals were killed in “xenophobic attacks” in South Africa at the weekend, the Mozambican government said – the first deaths officially linked to protests against illegal immigration sweeping the country. About 800 Mozambican nationals were caught up in violence that broke out in the southern coastal city of Mossel Bay on Friday, a government statement said. Continue reading...
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About 800 Mozambicans said to be caught up in violence in Mossel Bay as anti-immigration protests sweep country Five Mozambique nationals were killed in “xenophobic attacks” in South Africa at the weekend, the Mozambican government said – the first deaths officially linked to protests against illegal immigration sweeping the country.
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About 800 Mozambicans said to be caught up in violence in Mossel Bay as anti-immigration protests sweep country Five Mozambique nationals were killed in “xenophobic attacks” in South Africa at the weekend, the Mozambican government said – the first deaths officially linked to protests against illegal immigration sweeping the country.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 07:19
Middle East crisis live: Conflict continues in Lebanon despite Trump hailing Israeli-Hezbollah de-escalation
Israeli military says it intercepted missiles from Lebanon this morning while Netanyahu says his forces will continue operating in the south of the country Trump says Hezbollah and Israel have agreed to ‘stop all shooting’ Hello and welcome to the Guardian’s continuing coverage of the crisis in the Middle East. Donald Trump has hailed an agreement to de-escalate the fighting in Lebanon , which has killed thousands of people and inflamed tensions in the broader US-Israeli war with Iran. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) threatened to open “new fronts” and keep the strait of Hormuz closed over Israel’s offensive in Lebanon, state media reported. “Iran considers crossing the red lines in Lebanon and Gaza to mean direct war,” state TV quoted the IRGC’ intelligence organisation as saying. The ceasefire already in place between Iran and the US is unequivocally a ceasefire on all fronts, including in Lebanon, Iran’s top diplomat said yesterday after Netanyahu ordered attacks on the Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs of Beirut. “Violation on one front is a violation of the ceasefire on all fronts. The US and Israel are responsible for the consequences of any violation,” foreign minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on X. US secretary of state Marco Rubio will face questions at Congress today for the first time since the Iran war began. He will testify before House and Senate committees on the state department’s 2027 budget request, where he is expected to face questions about Trump’s war efforts and shifting diplomatic goals. Oil prices jumped and equities slid as Middle East peace talks stumbled and tensions mounted between Iran and the US. Crude futures shot more than 5% higher yesterday as an Iranian news agency announced Tehran had suspended the negotiations with the US via mediators, AFP reported. US forces intercepted two Iranian ballistic missiles targeting American forces based in Kuwait late on Sunday , the US military said yesterday. No American personnel were harmed, it added. Continue reading...
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Middle East crisis live: Conflict continues in Lebanon despite Trump hailing Israeli-Hezbollah de-escalation. The ceasefire already in place between Iran and the US is unequivocally a ceasefire on all fronts, including in Lebanon, Iran’s top diplomat said yesterday after Netanyahu ordered attacks on the Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs of Beirut.
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Donald Trump has hailed an agreement to de-escalate the fighting in Lebanon , which has killed thousands of people and inflamed tensions in the broader US-Israeli war with Iran.
Warontherocks
Jun 2, 07:15
The Toll Booth at the Throat of World Trade
In late February 2026, Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz to foreign shipping. What began as a chaotic wartime closure has, in the past few days, hardened into something more consequential: an official sovereign toll regime, codified in Iranian law, and priced in cryptocurrency.On May 18, Iran operationally launched the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, a formal state bureaucracy with its own internet domain (pgsa.ir), account on X, and contact email. Since then, Tehran has delineated a “management supervision area” across the strait and announced a transit-permit scheme that converts Hormuz from an international waterway into a vetted toll plaza.Under the The post The Toll Booth at the Throat of World Trade appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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The Toll Booth at the Throat of World Trade. What began as a chaotic wartime closure has, in the past few days, hardened into something more consequential: an official sovereign toll regime, codified in Iranian law, and priced in cryptocurrency.
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In late February 2026, Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz to foreign shipping.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 07:15
BP backs Amanda Blanc to lead search for new chair despite investor concerns
Senior independent director to handle process again after Albert Manifold’s shock departure last week Business live – latest updates BP has backed Dame Amanda Blanc to lead its search for a new chair for a second time, shrugging off investor concerns over her role at the oil company after the shock departure of its chair last week. Some shareholders have voiced concerns over Blanc, the senior independent director at the British oil company, running the process again after Albert Manifold’s short stint as chair. Continue reading...
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Some shareholders have voiced concerns over Blanc, the senior independent director at the British oil company, running the process again after Albert Manifold’s short stint as chair.
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Senior independent director to handle process again after Albert Manifold’s shock departure last week Business live – latest updates BP has backed Dame Amanda Blanc to lead its search for a new chair for a second time, shrugging off investor concerns over her role at the oil company after the shock departure of its chair last week.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 06:00
Somerset detectorist strikes gold with ‘spectacular’ Roman ring find
Kevin Minto’s discovery near Ilminster, showing goddess Victoria, has been acquired with coin hoard for £78,000 When Kevin Minto, a lorry driver, former soldier and keen metal detectorist, came upon something glinting in a Somerset field, he thought at first it was a coin – potentially quite interesting, probably not amazing. But the object turned out to be extraordinary: a gold Roman ring, unusually large and exquisitely crafted, set with a finely engraved gemstone depicting the goddess Victoria driving a two-horse chariot. Continue reading...
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Kevin Minto’s discovery near Ilminster, showing goddess Victoria, has been acquired with coin hoard for £78,000 When Kevin Minto, a lorry driver, former soldier and keen metal detectorist, came upon something glinting in a Somerset field, he thought at first it was a coin – potentially quite interesting, probably not amazing.
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Kevin Minto’s discovery near Ilminster, showing goddess Victoria, has been acquired with coin hoard for £78,000 When Kevin Minto, a lorry driver, former soldier and keen metal detectorist, came upon something glinting in a Somerset field, he thought at first it was a coin – potentially quite interesting, probably not amazing.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 05:46
Tuesday briefing: Palantir’s rise – and why so many oppose its role in the British state
In today’s newsletter: Its software is used from health services to militaries. But controversies and criticism of the $375bn company are leading some to ask if Palantir is too powerful Good morning. The Peter Mandelson story keeps unfolding. Peter Walker explains here what is in the latest release of documents, and Henry Dyer takes a look at the key papers missing from the latest disclosures. But today we are covering another major story – Palantir. Few companies attract controversy more than Palantir. Since the pandemic, the US data analytics company has grown voraciously, using its AI-driven software to make sense of intractable datasets for customers around the world. For the NHS, it analyses patient records; for the US military, it’s focused on targets in Iran. Palantir’s products are widely used, with the business now worth $375bn. UK politics | Peter Mandelson was receiving sensitive security briefings about the Foreign Office’s work, and was in discussions with the head of MI6, before he had completed the developed vetting process, documents reveal . Ukraine | Russian air raids on major Ukrainian centres including Kyiv, Dnipro and Kharkiv killed at least five people and wounded dozens by early morning on Tuesday, authorities said. Environment | More than a million jobs, higher wages, nearly half a trillion pounds in investment in the pipeline – the UK’s green economy is powering ahead , according to research by the country’s leading business organisation. US news | Donald Trump is reconsidering whether to keep pressing for a $1.8bn fund to compensate his allies, a person familiar with his thinking said, as the justice department paused the program to comply with a court order. UK news | Sir Alan Bates has said that the schemes set up to compensate post office operators over the Horizon IT scandal have been an “utter disaster” and that the government should not be involved in running them. Continue reading...
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Tuesday briefing: Palantir’s rise – and why so many oppose its role in the British state. Ukraine | Russian air raids on major Ukrainian centres including Kyiv, Dnipro and Kharkiv killed at least five people and wounded dozens by early morning on Tuesday, authorities said.
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For the NHS, it analyses patient records; for the US military, it’s focused on targets in Iran.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 05:14
‘Not the deal promised’: Labor’s Ed Husic questions Aukus pact that will deliver secondhand subs
Former frontbencher launches most significant internal criticism of $368bn Aukus deal since ALP national conference in 2023 Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Australia needs a backup plan for the Aukus submarine agreement, Labor MP Ed Husic has warned, arguing sluggish American production and the “transactional nature” of the Trump administration have put the multi-billion-dollar defence deal at risk. The defence minister, Richard Marles, this week agreed to US requests for Australia to accept three second-hand Virginia-class nuclear submarines, rather than a combination of new and old vessels . Continue reading...
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Former frontbencher launches most significant internal criticism of $368bn Aukus deal since ALP national conference in 2023 Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Australia needs a backup plan for the Aukus submarine agreement, Labor MP Ed Husic has warned, arguing sluggish American production and the…
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Former frontbencher launches most significant internal criticism of $368bn Aukus deal since ALP national conference in 2023 Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Australia needs a backup plan for the Aukus submarine agreement, Labor MP Ed Husic has warned, arguing sluggish American production and the “transactional nature” of the Trump administration have put the multi-billion-dollar defence deal at risk.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 04:51
Iowa shootings: gunman suspected of killing six relatives then himself
Police say four found dead in Muscatine home and two elsewhere in apparent ‘domestic-related dispute’ and suspect took own life while speaking to officers Authorities in Iowa are investigating the fatal shootings of six people who they believe were killed by a relative who took his own life when confronted by police. Police were called Monday to a home in Muscatine, about 50 miles (80km) south-east of Cedar Rapids, where they found four people fatally shot, Muscatine police chief Anthony Kies said during a news conference. Continue reading...
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Police say four found dead in Muscatine home and two elsewhere in apparent ‘domestic-related dispute’ and suspect took own life while speaking to officers Authorities in Iowa are investigating the fatal shootings of six people who they believe were killed by a relative who took his own life when confronted by police.
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Police say four found dead in Muscatine home and two elsewhere in apparent ‘domestic-related dispute’ and suspect took own life while speaking to officers Authorities in Iowa are investigating the fatal shootings of six people who they believe were killed by a relative who took his own life when confronted by police.
Responsiblestatecraft
Jun 2, 04:05
Ukraine's military has a real Nazi problem
When Vladimir Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, he claimed one of his goals was the country’s “denazification.” The Kremlin still uses this narrative as a cornerstone of its war propaganda. Both Ukraine and the West reacted by dismissing the claim outright as a cynical abuse of Holocaust history. Politicians , media outlets , academics , and educational institutions rushed to prove that Putin’s argument was fraudulent. But in their zeal to deconstruct Russian propaganda, Western elites created a propaganda myth of their own: there are no Nazis in Ukraine. Or, if there are, they are supposedly isolated cranks with no influence. This fiction required the whitewashing of Azov , a unit founded in 2014 by the neo-Nazi group Patriot of Ukraine under the leadership of Andriy Biletsky. Azov became notorious for extremist ideology , Nazi symbolism, and allegations of war crimes in the Donbas. In 2018, the U.S. Congress banned the group from receiving American weapons, funding, or training. After Russia’s full-scale invasion, that stigma vanished almost overnight. Kyiv repackaged Azov, separating the most radical elements into a new formation, the 3rd Assault Brigade . Western media rebranded and whitewashed it. The language of “de-radicalization” and “depoliticization” became mainstream. Questioning this narrative became taboo and labeled as “Russian propaganda.” The result is a culture of deliberate silence. Neo-Nazi networks are deeply embedded in parts of Ukraine’s military structure. Their presence is visible in units such as Azov , the Third Assault Brigade, the Russian Volunteer Corps , Bratstvo , the German Volunteer Corps , Karpatska Sich , and others. Yet Ukraine’s Western backers continue to arm, fund, and train these units without meaningful scrutiny. Even more striking is the normalization of Nazi imagery itself. Official Ukrainian military channels and mainstream media regularly publish images of soldiers wearing swastikas , Waffen-SS insignia , and patches linked to neo-Nazi groups like Combat 18 and Misanthropic Division . This is no longer treated as scandalous. It has been normalized. Most disturbing of all, some Ukrainian military units have incorporated Nazi-linked symbols into their official insignia. The far right and Ukraine’s military culture Many Ukrainian military units using Nazi symbols are led by men shaped by Azov and the far-right milieu around it. For example, there is Oleksandr Kravtsov, the well-known commander of the Vedmedi unit, which was part of Azov. His body is covered in Nazi imagery, including 1488 — references to the white supremacist “14 Words” slogan coined by David Lane and the coded salute “Heil Hitler.” (“H” is the eighth letter of the alphabet.) Tattooed across his chest is the SS motto : “My Honor Is Loyalty.” He turned that slogan into the motto of his own unit. SS lightning bolts became part of its official insignia. After returning from Russian captivity, Kravtsov’s unit was folded into the Ukrainian military structure — first the 36th Brigade, then the 39th Coastal Defense Brigade. Nothing changed. The SS symbols and motto remained . Many commanders in the 3rd Assault Brigade also came out of Azov and still hold extremist views. Unsurprisingly, they openly embrace the corresponding symbolism. A subunit of the 3rd Assault Brigade adopted a modified insignia (replacing two grenades with three) of the Dirlewanger SS Brigade — one of the most notorious Nazi formations of World War II. In 2025, the brigade unveiled the emblem publicly at a memorial in Kyiv. No scandal followed. Azov also normalized the Black Sun — a symbol born in Himmler’s SS cult headquarters at Wewelsburg Castle and now used globally by neo-Nazis and white supremacist terrorists, including the 2019 Christchurch mosque terrorist in New Zealand and the recent San Diego Islamic Center shooter . After 2022, Black Sun spread rapidly through Ukrainian military culture. It appeared in Azov-linked units such as the Decepticons platoon and the Mortars unit of the 3rd Assault Brigade. Soon it migrated further — into units with no openly ideological profile at all — and became part of the insignia of the 156th Zvaha Battalion and the Unmanned Systems Battalion of the 110th Brigade named after Marko Bezruchko . Azov mainstreamed another Nazi-linked emblem as well: the Wolfsangel , used historically by several Waffen-SS divisions. Rebranded as the “ Idea of the Nation ,” it became one of the most recognizable symbols in Ukraine’s wartime military culture. The symbol now appears far beyond Azov itself. The newly created Nachtigall Battalion — named after the Nachtigall Battalion formed by German military intelligence in 1941 — uses the same Wolfsangel-inspired insignia . Some units within Ukraine’s military do not hide their fascination with the Third Reich's military culture. For example, the 422nd Regiment of Unmanned Systems calls itself “ Luftwaffe ” and uses virtually the same eagle...
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Ukraine's military has a real Nazi problem. Azov became notorious for extremist ideology , Nazi symbolism, and allegations of war crimes in the Donbas. Some units within Ukraine’s military do not hide their fascination with the Third Reich's military culture.
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When Vladimir Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, he claimed one of his goals was the country’s “denazification.” The Kremlin still uses this narrative as a cornerstone of its war propaganda.
Responsiblestatecraft
Jun 2, 04:05
Why the plan to disarm Hamas is destined to fail
On October 13 of last year, shortly after signing a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, President Donald Trump addressed a room of world leaders congregated in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. “At long last we have peace in the Middle East,” Trump proclaimed, basking in the praise pouring in from across the globe. While this statement may have been an exaggeration, there was indeed reason for optimism at the time. The U.S. had just brokered an agreement between Israel and Hamas. Palestinian prisoners would be released, Israeli hostages would return home, and the mass slaughter of Gazans would come to a halt. Phase 1 of the plan also included the full entry of humanitarian aid and a withdrawal of Israeli forces to an agreed on “yellow line.” Tasked to oversee the process was the Board of Peace (BoP), a U.S.-led international panel. Israel never fully implemented its side of Phase 1, opting instead to continue striking the enclave and restricting the flow of aid into Gaza. Nonetheless, on January 16, the U.S. announced the beginning of Phase 2. This step was set to include Hamas’ disarmament and further Israeli withdrawal, coinciding with the arrival of the International Stabilization Force and a transitional governing authority. But more than four months in, none of this has happened. In March, the head of the BoP, Nikolay Mladenov, laid out a five-stage, eight-month vision for how Hamas should disarm. The group rejected the proposal, citing ongoing ceasefire violations and demanding full Israeli withdrawal. Israel, the U.S., and much of the international community have pointed to this rejection to frame Hamas as the sole obstacle to peace, blaming the militant group for the stalled second phase. While this narrative may be politically convenient, an analysis of past agreements shows that the current proposal lacks several elements that will be necessary if a durable peace is to be achieved. Biased Mediator Historically, one of the most important factors in peace settlements has been a neutral mediator. Thomas Leahy, senior Lecturer at Cardiff University, explains that such a presence is essential from the outset in creating conditions for fair negotiations. In Northern Ireland, even after the Irish Republican Army and the British government signed a ceasefire in 1994, a lack of proper mediation led to two years of stalling. Leahy notes that the Irish government "took the initiative to bring in a third party because talks were going nowhere." This third party was U.S. Sen. George Mitchell, who assumed the position of chairman throughout the negotiations and introduced the Mitchell Principles before formal all-party talks began in 1996. The principles, a set of six rules, bound all sides to use exclusively peaceful means to resolve political issues. While the Board of Peace fills this third party role in Gaza, it has so far proven itself to be far from neutral. Despite boasting representatives from around the world, the organization is U.S.-led, with Trump self-appointed as chairman, a role that he could potentially hold for life . In Northern Ireland, mediating bodies were composed of countries with no historical or current stake in the region. In Gaza, the mediator is dominated by the U.S. — not only Israel’s most important financial backer, but also its largest arms supplier. In Gaza, obliging both parties to uphold the ceasefire is where the Board of Peace has shown itself to be most biased. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 900 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since the ceasefire began. Humanitarian groups say the delivery of aid, which is entirely controlled by Israel, has also been insufficient, leaving the population malnourished and exposed to a growing rodent infestation. Hamas has also been accused of ceasefire violations, having killed four Israeli soldiers. The Board of Peace has not treated these violations equally. The organization has issued firmer warnings to Hamas than towards the Israeli government, despite the lopsided number of breaches. In a leaked memo , Mladenov explicitly stated that he would not hold Israel to truce terms if Hamas refused the disarmament framework. By allowing Israel to continue killing with impunity and threatening to void the ceasefire's terms, Mladenov’s strategy runs directly counter to the successful one implemented by Mitchell. Improper Sequencing The order in which the demands are being made is equally problematic. This plan first requires Hamas to surrender all weaponry and destroy its tunnel network. After that, fighters would have to turn in both guns and rifles. Only then would the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) complete its withdrawal from the Strip, and reconstruction presumably begin. Notably, the 12-point plan makes no mention of Palestinian statehood. In Northern Ireland, by contrast, the IRA only decommissioned its weapons several years after the accord was signed, and once tangible political gains, including a power-sharing agreemen...
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had just brokered an agreement between Israel and Hamas. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 900 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since the ceasefire began. Hamas has also been accused of ceasefire violations, having killed four Israeli soldiers.
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On October 13 of last year, shortly after signing a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, President Donald Trump addressed a room of world leaders congregated in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 03:24
Deadly air raids across Ukraine after warnings of Russian strike wave
Kyiv, Dnipro and Kharkiv hit, with apartment buildings among the targets according to officials, after president said intelligence predicted ‘massive strike’ Russian air raids on major Ukrainian centres including Kyiv, Dnipro and Kharkiv killed at least five people and wounded dozens by early morning on Tuesday, authorities said. Four people were killed and 16 injured in a Russian attack on Dnipro, in Ukraine’s east, said the regional governor, Oleksandr Hanzha. All those injured were taken to hospital, he said, posting pictures of heavily damaged residential buildings, burnt-out vehicles and a destroyed children’s playground. Continue reading...
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Deadly air raids across Ukraine after warnings of Russian strike wave. Kyiv, Dnipro and Kharkiv hit, with apartment buildings among the targets according to officials, after president said intelligence predicted ‘massive strike’ Russian air raids on major Ukrainian centres including Kyiv, Dnipro and Kharkiv killed at least five people and wounded dozens by early morning on Tue…
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Four people were killed and 16 injured in a Russian attack on Dnipro, in Ukraine’s east, said the regional governor, Oleksandr Hanzha.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 03:12
Victorian minister under fire for writing 33 character references including for taxi driver who assaulted women
Labor’s Luba Grigorovitch says she regrets six of the character references and vows never to write another Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Newly promoted Victorian government minister Luba Grigorovitch says she will never write another character reference after revealing she regrets six she has penned, including one for a taxi driver convicted of assaulting female passengers. Grigorovitch issued a statement on Monday night confirming that, since she became the member for Koroit in late 2022, she had provided “around 33” character references, including six “to individuals that I now know I shouldn’t have”. Continue reading...
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Labor’s Luba Grigorovitch says she regrets six of the character references and vows never to write another Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Newly promoted Victorian government minister Luba Grigorovitch says she will never write another character reference after revealing she regrets six she has…
TL;DR:
Labor’s Luba Grigorovitch says she regrets six of the character references and vows never to write another Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Newly promoted Victorian government minister Luba Grigorovitch says she will never write another character reference after revealing she regrets six she has penned, including one for a taxi driver convicted of assaulting female passengers.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 02:47
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni return to court a month after reaching settlement
Lively’s legal team are suing her It Ends with Us co-star for legal fees and damages, reigniting a years-long court battle Attorneys for US actor Blake Likely were back in front of a New York judge on Monday to demand legal fees and damages from It Ends with Us co-star Justin Baldoni, after a settlement was reached last month in their years-long legal battle. The 38-year-old actor’s legal team argued that the defamation lawsuit brought against her by Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios, was a retaliatory move prohibited by California law. Continue reading...
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Lively’s legal team are suing her It Ends with Us co-star for legal fees and damages, reigniting a years-long court battle Attorneys for US actor Blake Likely were back in front of a New York judge on Monday to demand legal fees and damages from It Ends with Us co-star Justin Baldoni, after a settlement was reached last month in their years-long legal battle.
TL;DR:
Lively’s legal team are suing her It Ends with Us co-star for legal fees and damages, reigniting a years-long court battle Attorneys for US actor Blake Likely were back in front of a New York judge on Monday to demand legal fees and damages from It Ends with Us co-star Justin Baldoni, after a settlement was reached last month in their years-long legal battle.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 01:26
Dog rescued on NSW south coast after being swept off rocks and swimming 800 metres to island
Marine Rescue NSW volunteer coaxes distressed dog on to jetski after it paddled to Snapper Island in Batemans Bay Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast On Monday, radio operators in Batemans Bay along the New South Wales south coast got a call they hadn’t had before: a dog had been swept off the rocks and was in the ocean in distress. Rod Ingamells, the unit commander of the local Marine Rescue NSW team, was one of the first to hop in a rescue vessel. But by the time his team reached the area, the dog had swum nearly 800 metres across the bay to nearby Snapper Island. Continue reading...
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Dog rescued on NSW south coast after being swept off rocks and swimming 800 metres to island. Rod Ingamells, the unit commander of the local Marine Rescue NSW team, was one of the first to hop in a rescue vessel. But by the time his team reached the area, the dog had swum nearly 800 metres across the bay to nearby Snapper Island.
TL;DR:
Marine Rescue NSW volunteer coaxes distressed dog on to jetski after it paddled to Snapper Island in Batemans Bay Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast On Monday, radio operators in Batemans Bay along the New South Wales south coast got a call they hadn’t had before: a dog had been swept off the rocks and was in the ocean in distress.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 00:26
About 3 million workers on minimum wage to receive 4.75% pay rise in Fair Work Commission ruling
Unions had demanded a 6% pay increase for those on minimum wage after war in the Middle East pushed inflation higher Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Nearly 3 million workers will receive a 4.75% pay rise, while about 100,000 of the country’s lowest paid will receive a higher 6% increase, after the Fair Work Commission handed down its annual minimum wage decision. Announcing the 4.75% decision this morning applicable to the roughly 2.8m workers on award wages, the Fair Work Commission’s president, Justice Adam Hatcher, announced the lowest ongoing wage rate for employees will climb from nearly $24.95 per hour, to $26.44 - a lift of just under 6%. Continue reading...
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Unions had demanded a 6% pay increase for those on minimum wage after war in the Middle East pushed inflation higher Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Nearly 3 million workers will receive a 4.
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Unions had demanded a 6% pay increase for those on minimum wage after war in the Middle East pushed inflation higher Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Nearly 3 million workers will receive a 4.75% pay rise, while about 100,000 of the country’s lowest paid will receive a higher 6% increase, after the Fair Work Commission handed down its annual minimum wage decision.
Theguardian
Jun 2, 00:23
Pentagon bars journalists from entering its press office citing re-designation
Revocation of access newest attempt by Trump’s defense department to restrict reporting on military affairs Journalists may no longer enter the Pentagon’s press office, which has been designated as a classified space amid growing moves to restrict press access to the defense department. “This is the most transparent war department in history. No amount of spin from the Fake News media will change that,” Jose Valdez, the acting defense department press secretary, said in a social media post. “The Pentagon Press Office has been redesignated as a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility due to speechwriters from the Office of the Secretary of War sharing the facility.” Continue reading...
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Pentagon bars journalists from entering its press office citing re-designation. No amount of spin from the Fake News media will change that,” Jose Valdez, the acting defense department press secretary, said in a social media post.
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“This is the most transparent war department in history.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 23:01
UK’s growing green economy worth more than £100bn a year, research finds
Net zero industry accounts for more than a million jobs and benefits whole country, according to CBI Economics More than a million jobs, higher wages, nearly half a trillion pounds in investment in the pipeline – the UK’s green economy is powering ahead, according to research by the country’s leading business organisation. The net zero economy, which is worth more than £100bn a year, benefits all of the UK, according to the CBI Economics analysis commissioned by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit thinktank, despite critics who want to abolish the UK’s net zero targets . Continue reading...
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Net zero industry accounts for more than a million jobs and benefits whole country, according to CBI Economics More than a million jobs, higher wages, nearly half a trillion pounds in investment in the pipeline – the UK’s green economy is powering ahead, according to research by the country’s leading business organisation.
TL;DR:
Net zero industry accounts for more than a million jobs and benefits whole country, according to CBI Economics More than a million jobs, higher wages, nearly half a trillion pounds in investment in the pipeline – the UK’s green economy is powering ahead, according to research by the country’s leading business organisation.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 23:01
Reform UK support could plateau as it relies on socially conservative views, study finds
Party could struggle to push ratings as strategy increasingly focuses on views held by minority of voters, research finds Reform UK is becoming increasingly reliant on socially conservative views for political support, and therefore could struggle to push its poll ratings much higher, a large-scale research project led by the leading psephologist John Curtice has found. A study of Nigel Farage’s party carried out as part of the British Social Attitudes report found that while Reform supporters were disproportionately more likely to be unhappy with politicians and public services, recent recruits had seemingly more robust attitudes in areas such as diversity and welfare. Continue reading...
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Party could struggle to push ratings as strategy increasingly focuses on views held by minority of voters, research finds Reform UK is becoming increasingly reliant on socially conservative views for political support, and therefore could struggle to push its poll ratings much higher, a large-scale research project led by the leading psephologist John Curtice has found.
TL;DR:
Party could struggle to push ratings as strategy increasingly focuses on views held by minority of voters, research finds Reform UK is becoming increasingly reliant on socially conservative views for political support, and therefore could struggle to push its poll ratings much higher, a large-scale research project led by the leading psephologist John Curtice has found.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 22:57
White Castle adds veggie burger to menu as plant-based eating grows
Ohio-based slider chain introduces Southwest Veggie Slider permanently after customer feedback for meatless option Vegetarians have a new reason to celebrate: White Castle has added a permanent meat-free option to its menu. On Monday, the Columbus, Ohio -based slider chain announced the launch of the Southwest Veggie Slider, featuring a crispy brown rice crust and a smoky chipotle- and barbecue-inspired veggie patty made with sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, red bell peppers, onions and carrots. Continue reading...
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Ohio-based slider chain introduces Southwest Veggie Slider permanently after customer feedback for meatless option Vegetarians have a new reason to celebrate: White Castle has added a permanent meat-free option to its menu.
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Ohio-based slider chain introduces Southwest Veggie Slider permanently after customer feedback for meatless option Vegetarians have a new reason to celebrate: White Castle has added a permanent meat-free option to its menu.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 22:43
Several protesters arrested at New Jersey ICE facility as clashes continue
Dozens reportedly arrested for defying curfew at Delaney Hall in Newark amid hunger and labor strikes at facility On Monday afternoon, over an hour south of Newark, a few dozen protesters outside the New Jersey state legislature in Trenton condemned Democratic governor Mikie Sherrill’s decision to send in the state police to Delaney Hall, the Newark immigration detention center that has seen more than a week of chaotic and often violent clashes. Across the street, two people silently held a giant “NO CONCENTRATION CAMPS” sign. Members of local chapters from Indivisible, a national movement behind the No Kings protests, held handmade posters reading “Gov Sherrill, stop lying about Delaney Hall” and “NJ Staties were the aggressors” – a reference to Sherrill and state attorney general Jennifer Davenport’s calling the anti-ICE protesters “violent”. Continue reading...
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Several protesters arrested at New Jersey ICE facility as clashes continue. Across the street, two people silently held a giant “NO CONCENTRATION CAMPS” sign. Members of local chapters from Indivisible, a national movement behind the No Kings protests, held handmade posters reading “Gov Sherrill, stop lying about Delaney Hall” and “NJ Staties were the aggressors” – a reference…
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Dozens reportedly arrested for defying curfew at Delaney Hall in Newark amid hunger and labor strikes at facility On Monday afternoon, over an hour south of Newark, a few dozen protesters outside the New Jersey state legislature in Trenton condemned Democratic governor Mikie Sherrill’s decision to send in the state police to Delaney Hall, the Newark immigration detention center that has seen more than a week of chaotic and often violent clashes.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 21:51
Florida lawsuit accuses OpenAI of ignoring safety warnings and putting children at risk
State sues maker of ChatGPT and CEO Sam Altman, alleging company ‘allowed a dangerous product to reach millions’ Florida filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, and its CEO, Sam Altman, on Monday alleging that the company concealed serious safety risks with its chatbot. Florida is the first state in the US to sue the artificial intelligence company. The 83-page suit was brought by Florida’s attorney general, James Uthmeier, and alleges that OpenAI “aggressively marketed” ChatGPT to the public while ignoring safety warnings and possible dangers of the product. Continue reading...
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Florida lawsuit accuses OpenAI of ignoring safety warnings and putting children at risk. State sues maker of ChatGPT and CEO Sam Altman, alleging company ‘allowed a dangerous product to reach millions’ Florida filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, and its CEO, Sam Altman, on Monday alleging that the company concealed serious safety risks with its chatbot.
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Florida is the first state in the US to sue the artificial intelligence company.
Foreignpolicy
Jun 1, 21:45
Trump Says Israel, Hezbollah to Halt Attacks as Iran Talks Continue
Tehran had said it would suspend negotiations over Israeli strikes in Lebanon.
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Trump Says Israel, Hezbollah to Halt Attacks as Iran Talks Continue. Tehran had said it would suspend negotiations over Israeli strikes in Lebanon.
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Tehran had said it would suspend negotiations over Israeli strikes in Lebanon.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 21:34
Mexico City police teargas teachers’ protest 10 days before World Cup
Clash began when teachers broke through metal barrier at entrance to Zocalo plaza, where fans will watch game Mexico City police hurled teargas at protesting teachers to keep them from reaching the historic square where the “Fan fest” for the 2026 World Cup is under construction, according to AFP journalists. The clash started when teachers broke through one of the metal barriers that have been set up at the entrance to the Zocalo plaza, a block from the government palace and a giant screen where fans will watch Mexico’s first World Cup game on 11 June. Continue reading...
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Mexico City police teargas teachers’ protest 10 days before World Cup. Clash began when teachers broke through metal barrier at entrance to Zocalo plaza, where fans will watch game Mexico City police hurled teargas at protesting teachers to keep them from reaching the historic square where the “Fan fest” for the 2026 World Cup is under construction, according to AFP journalist…
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The clash started when teachers broke through one of the metal barriers that have been set up at the entrance to the Zocalo plaza, a block from the government palace and a giant screen where fans will watch Mexico’s first World Cup game on 11 June.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 21:17
Khan vows to overrule residents’ group’s objections to Soho bars and restaurants
London mayor says Soho Society’s decision to challenge all new licensing applications ‘bad’ for city Sadiq Khan, the London mayor, has suggested he will overrule a residents’ society which has vowed to challenge all new applications for pubs and bars in Soho. The Guardian revealed last week that the Soho Society, a residents’ group established in 1972 and aimed at “preserving the character of Soho”, voted for a new licensing mandate, meaning it will challenge all new applications for bars and restaurants in the area, including renewals of existing licences. Continue reading...
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London mayor says Soho Society’s decision to challenge all new licensing applications ‘bad’ for city Sadiq Khan, the London mayor, has suggested he will overrule a residents’ society which has vowed to challenge all new applications for pubs and bars in Soho.
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London mayor says Soho Society’s decision to challenge all new licensing applications ‘bad’ for city Sadiq Khan, the London mayor, has suggested he will overrule a residents’ society which has vowed to challenge all new applications for pubs and bars in Soho.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 21:11
California’s conservative Huntington Beach could get a gay, Democratic congressman
Robert Garcia became the lead contender in Tuesday’s primaries for congressional district 42 after redistricting The conservative California community of Huntington Beach, known for banning the Pride flag from city property and fighting the state over pandemic and housing policy, could soon be represented by a gay, Democratic congressman. Robert Garcia, an incumbent two-term Democratic LGBTQ+ congressman, immigrant and Donald Trump critic, is considered the leading contender in Tuesday’s primary race for the US House seat. Thanks to a successful restricting effort that redrew California’s voting maps to favor Democrats, Huntington Beach is now part of Garcia’s congressional district 42. Continue reading...
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California’s conservative Huntington Beach could get a gay, Democratic congressman. Robert Garcia became the lead contender in Tuesday’s primaries for congressional district 42 after redistricting The conservative California community of Huntington Beach, known for banning the Pride flag from city property and fighting the state over pandemic and housing policy, could soon be…
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Robert Garcia, an incumbent two-term Democratic LGBTQ+ congressman, immigrant and Donald Trump critic, is considered the leading contender in Tuesday’s primary race for the US House seat.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 20:54
Mandelson received sensitive Foreign Office briefings before vetting finished
Revelations appear in second tranche of released files about Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador Peter Mandelson was receiving sensitive security briefings about the Foreign Office’s work, and was in discussions with the head of MI6, before he had completed the developed vetting process, newly released documents reveal. Declassified emails show the ambassador designate and Richard Moore, the former chief of MI6 – a role known as “C” – had agreed to meet in early January 2025 before Mandelson went to Washington. Continue reading...
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Revelations appear in second tranche of released files about Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador Peter Mandelson was receiving sensitive security briefings about the Foreign Office’s work, and was in discussions with the head of MI6, before he had completed the developed vetting process, newly released documents reveal.
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Revelations appear in second tranche of released files about Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador Peter Mandelson was receiving sensitive security briefings about the Foreign Office’s work, and was in discussions with the head of MI6, before he had completed the developed vetting process, newly released documents reveal.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 20:47
Denmark’s Mette Frederiksen agrees centre-left coalition after months of uncertainty
Social Democratic leader secures third consecutive term as prime minister amid crisis in ties with Donald Trump over Greenland Denmark’s Social Democratic leader Mette Frederiksen said on Monday she has agreed to form a centre-left coalition government, maintaining her grip on power amid a crisis in ties with Donald Trump over Greenland. The deal to form a minority cabinet gives Frederiksen a third consecutive term as prime minister, ending months of uncertainty after a March election in which 12 parties won seats in the Danish parliament. Continue reading...
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Social Democratic leader secures third consecutive term as prime minister amid crisis in ties with Donald Trump over Greenland Denmark’s Social Democratic leader Mette Frederiksen said on Monday she has agreed to form a centre-left coalition government, maintaining her grip on power amid a crisis in ties with Donald Trump over Greenland.
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Social Democratic leader secures third consecutive term as prime minister amid crisis in ties with Donald Trump over Greenland Denmark’s Social Democratic leader Mette Frederiksen said on Monday she has agreed to form a centre-left coalition government, maintaining her grip on power amid a crisis in ties with Donald Trump over Greenland.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 20:17
Ex-Police Federation boss confident he will be ‘exonerated’ of corruption claims
Exclusive: Mukund Krisha says he is ‘proud’ of his record at staff association after allegations of fraud The former head of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) who was arrested on suspicion of corruption has told the Guardian he is confident he will be “entirely exonerated” and is “proud” of his record at the organisation. Mukund Krishna, who was the chief executive of the staff association, is facing claims of financial wrongdoing and had his contract terminated on Sunday. Continue reading...
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Exclusive: Mukund Krisha says he is ‘proud’ of his record at staff association after allegations of fraud The former head of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) who was arrested on suspicion of corruption has told the Guardian he is confident he will be “entirely exonerated” and is “proud” of his record at the organisation.
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Exclusive: Mukund Krisha says he is ‘proud’ of his record at staff association after allegations of fraud The former head of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) who was arrested on suspicion of corruption has told the Guardian he is confident he will be “entirely exonerated” and is “proud” of his record at the organisation.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 20:15
Australia politics live: James Paterson says One Nation needs ‘increased scrutiny’; minimum wage rate set today
Shadow minister says the Coalition must treat minor party as an opponent, not an enemy. Follow today’s news live Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Good morning and welcome to our live politics blog. I’m Martin Farrer with the top overnight stories and then it will be Krishani Dhanji with the main action. James Paterson, the shadow defence minister, has told 7.30 that One Nation’s increased prominence should bring increased scrutiny. He says the party is not the Coalition’s enemy but “an opponent”. More coming up. Continue reading...
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Australia politics live: James Paterson says One Nation needs ‘increased scrutiny’; minimum wage rate set today. Follow today’s news live Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Good morning and welcome to our live politics blog. James Paterson, the shadow defence minister, has told 7.
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Shadow minister says the Coalition must treat minor party as an opponent, not an enemy.
Foreignpolicy
Jun 1, 20:15
A Trump Deal With Iran Could Spell Trouble for Netanyahu
The Israeli leader needs a win ahead of a key election.
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A Trump Deal With Iran Could Spell Trouble for Netanyahu. The Israeli leader needs a win ahead of a key election.
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The Israeli leader needs a win ahead of a key election.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 19:53
Mandelson lobbied hard for advisory firm after Labour victory, papers show
Emails and WhatsApp messages reveal string of exchanges with ministers when he was president of Global Counsel Peter Mandelson, as president of his then advisory firm Global Counsel, lobbied hard for ministers to attend his events and to meet his firm’s staff in the months following Labour’s general election win, newly released documents reveal. Emails and WhatsApp exchanges show how active the Labour peer was in the wake of the election to work his contacts within government to the potential advantage of both his company and his then campaign to be chancellor of Oxford University. Continue reading...
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Emails and WhatsApp messages reveal string of exchanges with ministers when he was president of Global Counsel Peter Mandelson, as president of his then advisory firm Global Counsel, lobbied hard for ministers to attend his events and to meet his firm’s staff in the months following Labour’s general election win, newly released documents reveal.
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Emails and WhatsApp messages reveal string of exchanges with ministers when he was president of Global Counsel Peter Mandelson, as president of his then advisory firm Global Counsel, lobbied hard for ministers to attend his events and to meet his firm’s staff in the months following Labour’s general election win, newly released documents reveal.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 19:26
Transgender troops can remain in the US military, but enlistment can be blocked, court rules
Split decision deals blow to Trump administration’s anti-diversity agenda, calling the ban ‘arbitrary, and based on animus’ Transgender troops can remain in the US military, but the armed services can continue to block their enlistment, an appeals court ruled Monday in a split decision with potentially significant consequences for the Trump administration’s anti-diversity agenda. The divided, majority opinion by a three-judge panel of the US court of appeals for Washington DC is expected to be challenged by the government. And the case is ultimately likely to reach the US supreme court. Continue reading...
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Transgender troops can remain in the US military, but enlistment can be blocked, court rules. The divided, majority opinion by a three-judge panel of the US court of appeals for Washington DC is expected to be challenged by the government. And the case is ultimately likely to reach the US supreme court.
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Split decision deals blow to Trump administration’s anti-diversity agenda, calling the ban ‘arbitrary, and based on animus’ Transgender troops can remain in the US military, but the armed services can continue to block their enlistment, an appeals court ruled Monday in a split decision with potentially significant consequences for the Trump administration’s anti-diversity agenda.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 19:00
CBS News veterans urge Paramount CEO to ‘uphold editorial independence’ at 60 Minutes
Dozens of former news staffers press David Ellison to commit to fair coverage in wake of major firings on the show Several dozen veterans of CBS News – including many former 60 Minutes employees – signed a letter to the Paramount Skydance CEO, David Ellison, on Monday, pressing him to commit to the show’s editorial independence four days after network management fired several top staffers and correspondents . On Thursday, the CBS News editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss, and president, Tom Cibrowski, ousted the show’s executive producer, executive editor and two prominent correspondents, Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega. Both Alfonsi and Vega released blistering statements alleging that the show’s editorial independence had been compromised for political purposes. Continue reading...
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CBS News veterans urge Paramount CEO to ‘uphold editorial independence’ at 60 Minutes. On Thursday, the CBS News editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss, and president, Tom Cibrowski, ousted the show’s executive producer, executive editor and two prominent correspondents, Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega.
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Dozens of former news staffers press David Ellison to commit to fair coverage in wake of major firings on the show Several dozen veterans of CBS News – including many former 60 Minutes employees – signed a letter to the Paramount Skydance CEO, David Ellison, on Monday, pressing him to commit to the show’s editorial independence four days after network management fired several top staffers and correspondents .
Theguardian
Jun 1, 18:54
Taylor Swift announces new single for Toy Story 5 soundtrack
I Knew It, I Knew You is written with longtime collaborator Jack Antonoff and marks a return to Swift’s country roots After days of speculation online, Taylor Swift has announced the release of a new original song for Toy Story 5. Titled I Knew It, I Knew You, the single will be released on 5 June, with CD singles available for preorder on Swift’s website. Three variants will be available, each containing different versions of the song: a piano version, an acoustic version and the original. Continue reading...
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Taylor Swift announces new single for Toy Story 5 soundtrack. Titled I Knew It, I Knew You, the single will be released on 5 June, with CD singles available for preorder on Swift’s website. Three variants will be available, each containing different versions of the song: a piano version, an acoustic version and the original.
TL;DR:
I Knew It, I Knew You is written with longtime collaborator Jack Antonoff and marks a return to Swift’s country roots After days of speculation online, Taylor Swift has announced the release of a new original song for Toy Story 5.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 18:23
Mandelson files reveal Labour party is riddled with doubts and infighting
Documents were published to reveal what ministers knew about his links to Epstein, but instead exposed government rifts Peter Mandelson wrote to David Lammy on 18 November 2024, making a simple promise to the foreign secretary. “If you were minded to appoint me [as ambassador to Washington],” he said, “I would make sure you never regret it.” Continue reading...
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Documents were published to reveal what ministers knew about his links to Epstein, but instead exposed government rifts Peter Mandelson wrote to David Lammy on 18 November 2024, making a simple promise to the foreign secretary. “If you were minded to appoint me [as ambassador to Washington],” he said, “I would make sure you never regret it.” Continue reading...
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Documents were published to reveal what ministers knew about his links to Epstein, but instead exposed government rifts Peter Mandelson wrote to David Lammy on 18 November 2024, making a simple promise to the foreign secretary.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 18:06
Democrats split on Israel parade as Schumer attends and Mamdani skips out
New York mayor refused to attend as other Democrats drew rebukes for marching with Israel’s far-right finance minister As they’ve done for decades, prominent members of the Democratic party establishment marched on Sunday in New York City’s annual Israel Day parade. Perhaps more noteworthy, however, was who was missing. Zohran Mamdani, the mayor of New York City, refused to attend , citing his opposition to the Israeli government, which he has accused of committing genocide in Gaza. Continue reading...
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Democrats split on Israel parade as Schumer attends and Mamdani skips out. Perhaps more noteworthy, however, was who was missing. Zohran Mamdani, the mayor of New York City, refused to attend , citing his opposition to the Israeli government, which he has accused of committing genocide in Gaza.
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New York mayor refused to attend as other Democrats drew rebukes for marching with Israel’s far-right finance minister As they’ve done for decades, prominent members of the Democratic party establishment marched on Sunday in New York City’s annual Israel Day parade.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 17:57
New Mexico identifies remains of nuclear lab employee missing for a year
Remains of Los Alamos employee Melissa Casias found alongside handgun in case that stirred online speculation Authorities in New Mexico have identified human remains which they recently discovered as those of a Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) employee who had been missing for more than a year. In a statement released over the weekend, state police said the remains belonged to Melissa Casias, a 53-year-old resident of Taos, New Mexico, who was last seen walking eastbound along a state highway on 26 June 2025. Continue reading...
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Remains of Los Alamos employee Melissa Casias found alongside handgun in case that stirred online speculation Authorities in New Mexico have identified human remains which they recently discovered as those of a Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) employee who had been missing for more than a year.
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Remains of Los Alamos employee Melissa Casias found alongside handgun in case that stirred online speculation Authorities in New Mexico have identified human remains which they recently discovered as those of a Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) employee who had been missing for more than a year.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 17:55
Southampton man jailed for life for murder of student with ‘religious’ knife
Vickrum Digwa, 23, who fatally stabbed Henry Nowak, 18, to serve at least 20 years before being eligible for parole A man with a “weapon obsession” has been jailed for life for murdering a university student with a “large Sikh dagger” that he claimed to be carrying for religious reasons. Vickrum Digwa, 23, who stabbed 18-year-old Henry Nowak five times, will serve at least 20 years before being eligible for parole. Continue reading...
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Southampton man jailed for life for murder of student with ‘religious’ knife. Vickrum Digwa, 23, who fatally stabbed Henry Nowak, 18, to serve at least 20 years before being eligible for parole A man with a “weapon obsession” has been jailed for life for murdering a university student with a “large Sikh dagger” that he claimed to be carrying for religious reasons.
TL;DR:
Vickrum Digwa, 23, who stabbed 18-year-old Henry Nowak five times, will serve at least 20 years before being eligible for parole.
Responsiblestatecraft
Jun 1, 17:31
Congress wants proof Trump-class battleship isn’t a dud
As the White House proceeds full speed ahead on battleships that will bear President Donald Trump’s name, lawmakers want to know it won’t be a flop first. The House draft of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2027, released last week, authorizes $1 billion for the prospective Trump-class battleship program. But the bill bars contracts from being granted until the Navy secretary can certify the ships’ technologies are “sufficiently mature.” “It's rare to see the majority challenge the president on a major priority with language like this,” Gabe Murphy, a policy analyst at Taxpayers for Common Sense, told RS. The provision “means that there's strong bipartisan concern about rushing to production on the Trump-class battleship as the budget request envisions.” Dan Grazier, who directs the Stimson Center’s National Security Reform program, told RS the provision is a positive move, given the recent history of failures in major Navy acquisition programs. “It should be common sense that, before we start building a [ship costing billions of dollars], let’s make sure that the design actually works before we fully commit,” he said. Grazier said plans for the Trump-class ships resemble those of vessels that have underperformed because of the Navy’s misguided yet continued focus on making vessels with ambitious yet unproven technologies. “They took all the worst [design] ideas that led to the Littoral Combat Ship…the Zumwalt-class destroyers, and the Constellation class, and [are] doubling down on it” with the Trump-class, Grazier said, listing some of those ships. Slated to be three times the size of an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, the Trump-class ships will have nuclear weapons-armed Sea-Launched Cruise Missiles ( SLCMNs ), hypersonic missiles , railguns , and lasers . But these weapons are still in development . These planned capabilities “will make [the new vessels] prone to design flaws and maintenance issues,” Murphy explained. “And they only plan to build a handful of them. This runs directly counter to the Navy's stated goals of developing a more agile and distributed force.” The administration has said the Trump-class battleship will be the “centerpiece” of the Navy’s new Golden Fleet initiative, announced in December. The vessels will be an expensive endeavor if they proceed; the first three Trump-class ships together are slated to cost $43.5 billion . The fleet’s lead ship, the USS Defiant , will cost more than $17 billion alone. “Congress would be wise to go beyond simply pumping the brakes and move to zero out this wasteful vanity project,” Murphy said.
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Congress wants proof Trump-class battleship isn’t a dud. The House draft of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2027, released last week, authorizes $1 billion for the prospective Trump-class battleship program. The vessels will be an expensive endeavor if they proceed; the first three Trump-class ships together are slated to cost $43.5 billion .
TL;DR:
As the White House proceeds full speed ahead on battleships that will bear President Donald Trump’s name, lawmakers want to know it won’t be a flop first.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 17:25
Early portrait denied by Lucian Freud shown for first time after authentication
Artist said Man in a Black Scarf was not his but evidence has emerged to show he painted it when a student in Suffolk An early portrait by Lucian Freud, which the artist denied was his for years, is to be exhibited for the first time after experts proved it was painted by him. Man in a Black Scarf was created in 1939 by the British artist when he was still a student at the East Anglian School of Painting and Drawing in Hadleigh, Suffolk. The sitter is thought to be John Jameson, a friend of Freud’s and scion of the whiskey family. Continue reading...
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Early portrait denied by Lucian Freud shown for first time after authentication. Man in a Black Scarf was created in 1939 by the British artist when he was still a student at the East Anglian School of Painting and Drawing in Hadleigh, Suffolk. The sitter is thought to be John Jameson, a friend of Freud’s and scion of the whiskey family.
TL;DR:
Artist said Man in a Black Scarf was not his but evidence has emerged to show he painted it when a student in Suffolk An early portrait by Lucian Freud, which the artist denied was his for years, is to be exhibited for the first time after experts proved it was painted by him.
Warontherocks
Jun 1, 17:15
Building a Better Ukraine Requires Accessibility Reforms
Welcome to The Ukraine Compass, a weekly digest of Ukrainian commentary and analysis from across the political spectrum only for War on the Rocks members. Each Monday, we bring you a curated selection of articles from Ukrainian media offering insight into how Ukrainians themselves debate the issues shaping their country.American coverage often narrows the view to the battlefield — these pieces widen it, revealing the texture of daily life, politics, and public argument in a nation at war. The perspectives gathered here are varied, candid, and often surprising, together forming a more complete picture of Ukraine as it really is.Frontline and StrategyГазета— Gazeta The post Building a Better Ukraine Requires Accessibility Reforms appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Building a Better Ukraine Requires Accessibility Reforms. Each Monday, we bring you a curated selection of articles from Ukrainian media offering insight into how Ukrainians themselves debate the issues shaping their country.
TL;DR:
Welcome to The Ukraine Compass, a weekly digest of Ukrainian commentary and analysis from across the political spectrum only for War on the Rocks members.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 17:14
‘Utter disaster’: Alan Bates attacks schemes compensating post office operators
Government should not be involved in providing redress to victims of Horizon IT scandal, campaigner tells MPs Sir Alan Bates has said that the schemes set up to compensate post office operators over the Horizon IT scandal have been an “utter disaster” and that the government should not be involved in running them. Bates, who led a two-decade fight for justice for thousands of subpostmasters falsely accused and wrongfully convicted for theft and false accounting, has previously accused the government of presiding over a “quasi-kangaroo court” system for compensation. Continue reading...
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Government should not be involved in providing redress to victims of Horizon IT scandal, campaigner tells MPs Sir Alan Bates has said that the schemes set up to compensate post office operators over the Horizon IT scandal have been an “utter disaster” and that the government should not be involved in running them.
TL;DR:
Government should not be involved in providing redress to victims of Horizon IT scandal, campaigner tells MPs Sir Alan Bates has said that the schemes set up to compensate post office operators over the Horizon IT scandal have been an “utter disaster” and that the government should not be involved in running them.
Foreignpolicy
Jun 1, 17:04
Pakistan’s Diplomatic Pivot Makes It a Trump-Era Power Player
Islamabad is happy to give the U.S. president the image he craves.
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Pakistan’s Diplomatic Pivot Makes It a Trump-Era Power Player. Islamabad is happy to give the U.S. president the image he craves.
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president the image he craves.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 16:39
London tube strike to go ahead after 11th-hour talks fail to find resolution
About half of drivers will take action on Tuesday as RMT blames TfL’s ‘refusal to engage meaningfully’ Strikes on the London Underground will go ahead on Tuesday after a day of talks failed to avert industrial action. About half of London’s tube drivers will go on strike, bringing widespread transport disruption to the capital. A second strike is planned for Thursday. Continue reading...
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London tube strike to go ahead after 11th-hour talks fail to find resolution. About half of London’s tube drivers will go on strike, bringing widespread transport disruption to the capital. A second strike is planned for Thursday.
TL;DR:
About half of drivers will take action on Tuesday as RMT blames TfL’s ‘refusal to engage meaningfully’ Strikes on the London Underground will go ahead on Tuesday after a day of talks failed to avert industrial action.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 16:35
Nature boys and girls – here’s your chance to get published in the Guardian
Our wildlife series Young Country Diary is looking for articles written by children, about their summer encounters with nature Once again, the Young Country Diary series is open for submissions! Every three months we ask you to send us an article written by a child aged 8-14. The article needs to be about a recent encounter they’ve had with nature – whether it’s a nesting bird, a beetle on the move, a field full of flowers. Continue reading...
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Nature boys and girls – here’s your chance to get published in the Guardian. Every three months we ask you to send us an article written by a child aged 8-14. The article needs to be about a recent encounter they’ve had with nature – whether it’s a nesting bird, a beetle on the move, a field full of flowers.
TL;DR:
Our wildlife series Young Country Diary is looking for articles written by children, about their summer encounters with nature Once again, the Young Country Diary series is open for submissions!
Theguardian
Jun 1, 16:26
Windrush compensation scheme needs significant overhaul, MPs told
Victims should be given legal support to help slash number of claimants denied payouts, says Windrush commissioner The Windrush compensation scheme has failed to repair a grave injustice and needs a significant overhaul, a Westminster inquiry into government compensation schemes heard on Monday. Survivors of the Windrush scandal should be given legal support in making claims for compensation to help slash the number of claimants who are denied payouts and to bring the scheme in line with compensation programmes rolled out for victims of the Post Office Horizon and infected blood scandals, the independent Windrush commissioner, Clive Foster, told MPs. Continue reading...
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Victims should be given legal support to help slash number of claimants denied payouts, says Windrush commissioner The Windrush compensation scheme has failed to repair a grave injustice and needs a significant overhaul, a Westminster inquiry into government compensation schemes heard on Monday.
TL;DR:
Victims should be given legal support to help slash number of claimants denied payouts, says Windrush commissioner The Windrush compensation scheme has failed to repair a grave injustice and needs a significant overhaul, a Westminster inquiry into government compensation schemes heard on Monday.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 16:02
Colorado elections clerk Tina Peters released from prison after sentence commuted
Peters, a conspiracy theorist convicted after 2020 election, served less than a quarter of her nine-year sentence Tina Peters , the former clerk convicted of participating in a scheme to chase election conspiracy theories promulgated by Donald Trump , was released from prison on Monday after the president successfully pressured Colorado ’s Democratic governor into commuting her sentence . Peters’ release was confirmed by the Colorado corrections department. The state agency said it would have no more information about the 70-year-old Continue reading...
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Colorado elections clerk Tina Peters released from prison after sentence commuted. Peters’ release was confirmed by the Colorado corrections department. The state agency said it would have no more information about the 70-year-old Continue reading...
TL;DR:
Peters, a conspiracy theorist convicted after 2020 election, served less than a quarter of her nine-year sentence Tina Peters , the former clerk convicted of participating in a scheme to chase election conspiracy theories promulgated by Donald Trump , was released from prison on Monday after the president successfully pressured Colorado ’s Democratic governor into commuting her sentence .
Theguardian
Jun 1, 15:54
‘A shock to all Lebanese’: Israel sends a message as it takes ancient fort
Conquering of Beaufort Castle for first time in 26 years bring back memories of occupation of south Middle East crisis – live updates When Hussain Alawieh used to take tourists to Beaufort Castle, they would marvel at the view. The ancient hilltop fort, captured nearly 1,000 years earlier by Crusaders, still offered the same sweeping panoramic views of south Lebanon and the Litani River that empires fought over for a millennia. On Sunday, the view from the castle was obscured by white phosphorus smoke, the toxic incendiary munition providing a smoke-screen for advancing Israeli soldiers. Out of the fog rose an Israeli flag, and the castle, for the first time in 26 years, was once again conquered . Continue reading...
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‘A shock to all Lebanese’: Israel sends a message as it takes ancient fort. The ancient hilltop fort, captured nearly 1,000 years earlier by Crusaders, still offered the same sweeping panoramic views of south Lebanon and the Litani River that empires fought over for a millennia.
TL;DR:
Conquering of Beaufort Castle for first time in 26 years bring back memories of occupation of south Middle East crisis – live updates When Hussain Alawieh used to take tourists to Beaufort Castle, they would marvel at the view.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 15:27
Democrats vow to challenge Trump’s $1.8bn ‘Maga slush fund’ in US Senate
Chuck Schumer shares plans to force vote on ‘anti-weaponization’ fund and accuses Trump of ‘corruption’ Democrats in the US Senate vowed to force Republicans to vote on a $1.8bn “MAGA slush fund” established as part of a resolution of Donald Trump’s long-shot lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service. The US president has described the secretive and loosely controlled “anti-weaponization fund” as a means of paying the victims of politicized prosecutions. Members of his own party are among those who have expressed alarm. Continue reading...
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Democrats vow to challenge Trump’s $1.8bn ‘Maga slush fund’ in US Senate. The US president has described the secretive and loosely controlled “anti-weaponization fund” as a means of paying the victims of politicized prosecutions. Members of his own party are among those who have expressed alarm.
TL;DR:
Chuck Schumer shares plans to force vote on ‘anti-weaponization’ fund and accuses Trump of ‘corruption’ Democrats in the US Senate vowed to force Republicans to vote on a $1.8bn “MAGA slush fund” established as part of a resolution of Donald Trump’s long-shot lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 15:00
Linda Reynolds repays nearly $9,000 after partner billed taxpayers to visit son in Melbourne
Former Liberal senator initially labelled ruling by parliamentary expenses authority ‘patently ridiculous’, saying visits were necessary Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Former Liberal senator Linda Reynolds has paid back nearly $8,800 in parliamentary expenses after her partner claimed family reunion allowances to visit his son in Melbourne while en route to meet her in Canberra. Reynolds accepted the ruling of the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority (IPEA) but initially disputed their ruling, saying her partner’s visits to his son – her stepson – were necessary after “high profile (and false) 2021 workplace allegations made against me”, seemingly a reference to her long-running court dispute with former staffer Brittany Higgins. Continue reading...
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Former Liberal senator initially labelled ruling by parliamentary expenses authority ‘patently ridiculous’, saying visits were necessary Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Former Liberal senator Linda Reynolds has paid back nearly $8,800 in parliamentary expenses after her partner claimed family reunion allowances to visit his son in Melbourne while e…
TL;DR:
Former Liberal senator initially labelled ruling by parliamentary expenses authority ‘patently ridiculous’, saying visits were necessary Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Former Liberal senator Linda Reynolds has paid back nearly $8,800 in parliamentary expenses after her partner claimed family reunion allowances to visit his son in Melbourne while en route to meet her in Canberra.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 15:00
Peter Garrett to head independent inquiry into the Aukus submarine pact
Exclusive: Former Labor minister will lead the community-based investigation and report in October Peter Garrett on why Australians deserve the truth about Aukus – Full Story podcast Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Former environment minister Peter Garrett will lead an independent inquiry into the Aukus defence pact, launched by a group of Labor veterans and public figures concerned proper scrutiny has never been applied to the $368bn defence plan . Garrett, the Midnight Oil frontman and longtime environmental campaigner, will be the lead commissioner on the five-month community-based investigation, being launched on Tuesday. Continue reading...
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Garrett, the Midnight Oil frontman and longtime environmental campaigner, will be the lead commissioner on the five-month community-based investigation, being launched on Tuesday.
TL;DR:
Exclusive: Former Labor minister will lead the community-based investigation and report in October Peter Garrett on why Australians deserve the truth about Aukus – Full Story podcast Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Former environment minister Peter Garrett will lead an independent inquiry into the Aukus defence pact, launched by a group of Labor veterans and public figures concerned proper scrutiny has never been applied to the $368bn defence plan .
Theguardian
Jun 1, 15:00
Property prices may drop but it’s decades of policy failure, not the budget, to blame
Instead of relying on tax-enhanced speculation, investors must now look at established properties based on actual profitability – leaving space for first home buyers Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast For decades, Australia’s property market has been defined by relentless price rises, reinforcing the old adage that real estate investment is “as safe as houses”. There’s now a wrinkle in that wisdom. Continue reading...
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Instead of relying on tax-enhanced speculation, investors must now look at established properties based on actual profitability – leaving space for first home buyers Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast For decades, Australia’s property market has been defined by relentless price rises, reinforcing the old adage that real estate investment is “as safe as houses”.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 15:00
How Miami taxpayers could be left holding a $400m bill for luxury real estate
Miami-Dade county officials agreed to pay HRP Group more than double the price for land on Fisher Island to protect fuel depot used by the cruise industry A three-way tug-of-war erupted in recent months over ownership of a property on Fisher Island – one of the wealthiest zip codes in the United States – that sits in Biscayne Bay opposite the skyline of downtown Miami. When TransMontaigne Partners, a Denver-based global energy company, put the parcel on the market in May 2024, interest ran high because that land represented the last remaining piece of real estate available for development on the island. The eventual winner of the bidding war was a Chicago-based developer called the HRP Group, which purchased the property for $180m in late September last year. The developer then announced ambitious plans to build condominium towers on the property at an estimated cost of $2bn. Continue reading...
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How Miami taxpayers could be left holding a $400m bill for luxury real estate. Miami-Dade county officials agreed to pay HRP Group more than double the price for land on Fisher Island to protect fuel depot used by the cruise industry A three-way tug-of-war erupted in recent months over ownership of a property on Fisher Island – one of the wealthiest zip codes in the United Sta…
TL;DR:
The eventual winner of the bidding war was a Chicago-based developer called the HRP Group, which purchased the property for $180m in late September last year.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 14:44
Trump admirer’s surprise first-round win is a blow to Colombia’s traditional conservatives
Success of far-right presidential candidate, Abelardo de la Espriella, suggests some voters are ‘fed up with politics’ The far-right lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella and the leftwing senator Iván Cepeda have just under three weeks to compete for the roughly 3.6m votes that did not go to either of them in the first round of Colombia’s presidential election on Sunday. That is no insignificant margin, given that De la Espriella’s lead over Cepeda amounted to little more than 670,000 votes – 43.7% against 40.9%. Continue reading...
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Success of far-right presidential candidate, Abelardo de la Espriella, suggests some voters are ‘fed up with politics’ The far-right lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella and the leftwing senator Iván Cepeda have just under three weeks to compete for the roughly 3.6m votes that did not go to either of them in the first round of Colombia’s presidential election on Sunday.
TL;DR:
Success of far-right presidential candidate, Abelardo de la Espriella, suggests some voters are ‘fed up with politics’ The far-right lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella and the leftwing senator Iván Cepeda have just under three weeks to compete for the roughly 3.6m votes that did not go to either of them in the first round of Colombia’s presidential election on Sunday.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 14:43
Mandelson criticised Starmer’s lack of ‘verve’ and tendency to buckle under pressure
Criticisms revealed in major release of files relating to Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to US UK politics live – latest updates Peter Mandelson exchanged WhatsApp messages with a senior cabinet minister criticising Keir Starmer’s lack of “verve” and tendency to buckle under pressure, suggesting the prime minister should behave in a more “Trumpian” fashion. The former US ambassador said Number 10 was “beleaguered and bereft” and that the public were “crying out for leadership”. Continue reading...
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Criticisms revealed in major release of files relating to Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to US UK politics live – latest updates Peter Mandelson exchanged WhatsApp messages with a senior cabinet minister criticising Keir Starmer’s lack of “verve” and tendency to buckle under pressure, suggesting the prime minister should behave in a more “Trumpian” fashion.
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Criticisms revealed in major release of files relating to Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to US UK politics live – latest updates Peter Mandelson exchanged WhatsApp messages with a senior cabinet minister criticising Keir Starmer’s lack of “verve” and tendency to buckle under pressure, suggesting the prime minister should behave in a more “Trumpian” fashion.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 14:01
Australia’s 178 billionaires are $25.7bn richer than last year as 3.7 million live in poverty
Oxfam finds the 20 richest Australians now hold more wealth than the bottom 3 million households, analysis shows Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The wealth of Australia’s billionaires increased by $25.67bn in the past year, equivalent to almost $50,000 a minute, according to new Oxfam Australia analysis of the 2026 Australian Financial Review Rich List. The anti-poverty organisation said the total wealth of Australian billionaires in 2026 has reached more than $686bn, while Acoss figures show 3,706,000 people live in poverty, including 757,000 children under 15 years. Continue reading...
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Oxfam finds the 20 richest Australians now hold more wealth than the bottom 3 million households, analysis shows Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The wealth of Australia’s billionaires increased by $25.
TL;DR:
Oxfam finds the 20 richest Australians now hold more wealth than the bottom 3 million households, analysis shows Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The wealth of Australia’s billionaires increased by $25.67bn in the past year, equivalent to almost $50,000 a minute, according to new Oxfam Australia analysis of the 2026 Australian Financial Review Rich List.
Foreignpolicy
Jun 1, 13:53
Washington Wants Myanmar’s Minerals
Democracy promotion is out, and the race to engage the country’s junta is on.
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Democracy promotion is out, and the race to engage the country’s junta is on.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 13:49
UK house prices fall for first time this year amid rising mortgage rates
Nationwide finds typical price was £278,024 in May, as Savills says Iran war has ‘fundamentally changed’ outlook Business live – latest updates House prices fell in the UK for the first time this year in May, as rising interest rates triggered by the war in Iran hurt homebuyer demand. The price of the average UK home dropped 0.6% in May compared with the month before, according to the lender Nationwide. Continue reading...
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Nationwide finds typical price was £278,024 in May, as Savills says Iran war has ‘fundamentally changed’ outlook Business live – latest updates House prices fell in the UK for the first time this year in May, as rising interest rates triggered by the war in Iran hurt homebuyer demand. The price of the average UK home dropped 0.
TL;DR:
Nationwide finds typical price was £278,024 in May, as Savills says Iran war has ‘fundamentally changed’ outlook Business live – latest updates House prices fell in the UK for the first time this year in May, as rising interest rates triggered by the war in Iran hurt homebuyer demand.
Foreignpolicy
Jun 1, 13:49
Can the State Department Make Europe Great Again?
A small but influential office will soon announce grants to support Trump administration causes in Europe.
TL;DR:
A small but influential office will soon announce grants to support Trump administration causes in Europe.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 13:34
Wise investigated in Belgium over money-laundering control concerns
International money transfer service’s shares tumble as it confirms discussions with prosecutor’s office Business live – latest updates Wise, the UK-based international money transfer service and darling of the London fintech scene, has confirmed it is answering questions from Belgian prosecutors investigating money laundering, sending its shares tumbling. In a statement to the stock market , Wise said it was “currently working with the Brussels prosecutor to respond to queries about our business, as we routinely do with regulators and law-enforcement authorities. Continue reading...
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International money transfer service’s shares tumble as it confirms discussions with prosecutor’s office Business live – latest updates Wise, the UK-based international money transfer service and darling of the London fintech scene, has confirmed it is answering questions from Belgian prosecutors investigating money laundering, sending its shares tumbling.
TL;DR:
International money transfer service’s shares tumble as it confirms discussions with prosecutor’s office Business live – latest updates Wise, the UK-based international money transfer service and darling of the London fintech scene, has confirmed it is answering questions from Belgian prosecutors investigating money laundering, sending its shares tumbling.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 13:04
Meteor over Massachusetts prompts reports of booms across US and Canada
People from Delaware to Montreal reported either hearing loud booms or seeing the fireball in the sky over weekend A meteor over Massachusetts during the weekend ultimately prompted reports of booms and sightings across New England into Canada. The American Meteor Society said that the meteor in question was about 3ft (1 meter) wide as it entered the atmosphere around the New Hampshire border with Massachusetts, north of Boston. Continue reading...
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People from Delaware to Montreal reported either hearing loud booms or seeing the fireball in the sky over weekend A meteor over Massachusetts during the weekend ultimately prompted reports of booms and sightings across New England into Canada.
TL;DR:
People from Delaware to Montreal reported either hearing loud booms or seeing the fireball in the sky over weekend A meteor over Massachusetts during the weekend ultimately prompted reports of booms and sightings across New England into Canada.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 13:03
Free speech activists condemn UK entry ban for two leftwing US commentators
Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker, who have both been accused of propagating antisemitism, barred from visiting for event The UK is failing to protect freedom of speech, prominent activists have said, after the government banned two leftwing US political commentators from entering the country to attend speaking engagements. Cenk Uygur, the host of the Young Turks online political talkshow, and Hasan Piker, who runs his own hours-long stream each day, were both due to appear at SXSW London, while the former said he had also been due to speak at an event run by University of Oxford students. Continue reading...
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Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker, who have both been accused of propagating antisemitism, barred from visiting for event The UK is failing to protect freedom of speech, prominent activists have said, after the government banned two leftwing US political commentators from entering the country to attend speaking engagements.
TL;DR:
Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker, who have both been accused of propagating antisemitism, barred from visiting for event The UK is failing to protect freedom of speech, prominent activists have said, after the government banned two leftwing US political commentators from entering the country to attend speaking engagements.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 13:00
‘Catastrophic for creative industries’: Brexit barriers shut UK actors out of EU jobs
Casting shifts to EU talent as paperwork delays and visa limits make hiring British crews less viable From blacklists for UK passport holders to being asked to work illegally while on holiday, the plethora of extra costs and red tape thrown up post-Brexit are restricting opportunities for British actors seeking work in the EU. Mainland Europe has always been a springboard for those in the creative industries, from gaining crucial first credits on a TV, film or theatre production to building a marketable resume and paying the bills while attempting to make it big in the UK or US. Continue reading...
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Casting shifts to EU talent as paperwork delays and visa limits make hiring British crews less viable From blacklists for UK passport holders to being asked to work illegally while on holiday, the plethora of extra costs and red tape thrown up post-Brexit are restricting opportunities for British actors seeking work in the EU.
TL;DR:
Casting shifts to EU talent as paperwork delays and visa limits make hiring British crews less viable From blacklists for UK passport holders to being asked to work illegally while on holiday, the plethora of extra costs and red tape thrown up post-Brexit are restricting opportunities for British actors seeking work in the EU.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 13:00
LA’s storied fashion district in a slump – can the Olympics put it back on its feet?
The neighborhood that makes America’s clothes has been buffeted by ICE raids and post-Covid problems – but leaders say hope is on the horizon Downtown Los Angeles’s fashion district, the largest apparel manufacturing hub in the United States, is a neighborhood in freefall. While 83% of clothing cut and sewn in the United States is made here, the district has suffered in recent years as visitation and sales have plummeted. “I went from making $2,000 a day to making now $500, sometimes $700,” said Fernando Carmona, who owns the women’s dress store AP Design by Rocca. He added that rent for his store is $8,250 a month. Continue reading...
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LA’s storied fashion district in a slump – can the Olympics put it back on its feet?. While 83% of clothing cut and sewn in the United States is made here, the district has suffered in recent years as visitation and sales have plummeted.
TL;DR:
The neighborhood that makes America’s clothes has been buffeted by ICE raids and post-Covid problems – but leaders say hope is on the horizon Downtown Los Angeles’s fashion district, the largest apparel manufacturing hub in the United States, is a neighborhood in freefall.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 11:59
Cyclist praised for rescuing four people who nearly drowned in Ruhr, Germany
Family were enjoying a waterside barbecue in Bochum before members ended up in jeopardy in river A cyclist has been praised for having “stepped in decisively” and rescuing four members of a family who nearly drowned in the Ruhr River in Germany during a waterside barbecue that almost ended in tragedy. The family of eight had set themselves up on the riverbank in the western city of Bochum, the local fire brigade reported, but the gathering took a panicked turn when one woman got too close to the water’s edge and toppled down into the current, police told local media. Continue reading...
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Family were enjoying a waterside barbecue in Bochum before members ended up in jeopardy in river A cyclist has been praised for having “stepped in decisively” and rescuing four members of a family who nearly drowned in the Ruhr River in Germany during a waterside barbecue that almost ended in tragedy.
TL;DR:
Family were enjoying a waterside barbecue in Bochum before members ended up in jeopardy in river A cyclist has been praised for having “stepped in decisively” and rescuing four members of a family who nearly drowned in the Ruhr River in Germany during a waterside barbecue that almost ended in tragedy.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 11:59
People ‘panicking’ as Ghana passes sweeping law criminalising LGBTQ+ activity
Community groups say some fear they could lose homes, jobs and access to healthcare if the new law is ratified by President John Dramani Mahama Ghana’s LGBTQ community is living in fear after the country’s parliament approved a sweeping bill that criminalises the promotion of LGBTQ+ activities and identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer, rights groups have warned. The legislation, which was passed on Friday, mandates prison sentences of three to 10 years. Continue reading...
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Community groups say some fear they could lose homes, jobs and access to healthcare if the new law is ratified by President John Dramani Mahama Ghana’s LGBTQ community is living in fear after the country’s parliament approved a sweeping bill that criminalises the promotion of LGBTQ+ activities and identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer, rights groups have…
TL;DR:
Community groups say some fear they could lose homes, jobs and access to healthcare if the new law is ratified by President John Dramani Mahama Ghana’s LGBTQ community is living in fear after the country’s parliament approved a sweeping bill that criminalises the promotion of LGBTQ+ activities and identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer, rights groups have warned.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 11:56
Royal Mail investigated again as almost a quarter of first-class post arrives late
Latest figures show the company’s delivery performance has worsened compared with the previous year Business live – latest updates The postal regulator has launched an investigation into Royal Mail for once again missing its annual delivery targets, with almost a quarter of first-class mail arriving late. The company, which has been fined £37m since 2023 for routinely failing to meet delivery targets set by Ofcom, revealed on Friday that 24.3% of first-class mail failed to arrive on time in the year to the end of March. Continue reading...
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Latest figures show the company’s delivery performance has worsened compared with the previous year Business live – latest updates The postal regulator has launched an investigation into Royal Mail for once again missing its annual delivery targets, with almost a quarter of first-class mail arriving late.
TL;DR:
Latest figures show the company’s delivery performance has worsened compared with the previous year Business live – latest updates The postal regulator has launched an investigation into Royal Mail for once again missing its annual delivery targets, with almost a quarter of first-class mail arriving late.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 11:48
‘What happened to the testicles?’: mockery in Milan over bull mosaic’s restoration
Rampant Bull needed a makeover after wear and tear from tourists, but refurbishment ‘castrated’ it, critics say The restoration of a floor mosaic in Milan called the Rampant Bull has been mocked after the works appear to have erased a crucial anatomical detail – its testicles. The 19th-century mosaic in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade needed a makeover because a small crater had formed in the tiny pink tiles featuring the bull’s testicles, due to the constant stream of tourists performing a heel-spinning gesture. Continue reading...
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Rampant Bull needed a makeover after wear and tear from tourists, but refurbishment ‘castrated’ it, critics say The restoration of a floor mosaic in Milan called the Rampant Bull has been mocked after the works appear to have erased a crucial anatomical detail – its testicles.
TL;DR:
Rampant Bull needed a makeover after wear and tear from tourists, but refurbishment ‘castrated’ it, critics say The restoration of a floor mosaic in Milan called the Rampant Bull has been mocked after the works appear to have erased a crucial anatomical detail – its testicles.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 11:01
Nvidia launches ‘superchip’ putting AI power into laptops and PCs
Firm says its RTX Spark PC chip for Microsoft Windows will let AI agents replace the mouse and keyboard Business live – latest updates A new front has opened up in the battle for dominance in AI chips, as Nvidia said its latest development could replace the mouse and keyboard in how people use computers. The $5tn (£3.7tn) US semiconductor company has launched a “superchip” that puts AI capabilities into laptops and desktop computers, a move that will pit it against Intel, Apple, Qualcomm and AMD. Continue reading...
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Firm says its RTX Spark PC chip for Microsoft Windows will let AI agents replace the mouse and keyboard Business live – latest updates A new front has opened up in the battle for dominance in AI chips, as Nvidia said its latest development could replace the mouse and keyboard in how people use computers. The $5tn (£3.
TL;DR:
Firm says its RTX Spark PC chip for Microsoft Windows will let AI agents replace the mouse and keyboard Business live – latest updates A new front has opened up in the battle for dominance in AI chips, as Nvidia said its latest development could replace the mouse and keyboard in how people use computers.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 10:56
First Thing: Trump tells critics to ‘sit back and relax’ as Iran claims to target US base
US says it struck Iranian military sites at the weekend, as Iran targets an airbase used by the US to attack southern Iran Good morning, Martin Belam here. I will be popping into your inbox writing First Thing regularly for the next little while. Here are today’s main stories … Is this the end of the ceasefire, then? The US and Iran have sporadically exchanged strikes since their ceasefire took effect in early April, as negotiations aimed at a more durable agreement drag on. A similar exchange occurred last Thursday. The war launched by the US and Israel on 28 February has killed thousands of people – mainly in Iran and Lebanon – and caused global economic pain by pushing up energy prices. What was Comey accused of? Comey, who was indicted in North Carolina in April, faces up to 10 years in prison for a photo of seashells arranged to read “86 47.” Prosecutors allege the post constituted a threat against Donald Trump, the 47th US president. Comey denies the allegation. Continue reading...
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First Thing: Trump tells critics to ‘sit back and relax’ as Iran claims to target US base. The US and Iran have sporadically exchanged strikes since their ceasefire took effect in early April, as negotiations aimed at a more durable agreement drag on.
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US says it struck Iranian military sites at the weekend, as Iran targets an airbase used by the US to attack southern Iran Good morning, Martin Belam here.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 10:50
UK will not have to pay Rwanda £100m over failed asylum scheme, court rules
Rwanda had sued UK government over alleged breach of agreement, after scheme scrapped by Labour on first day in office The UK will not have to pay the Rwandan government millions of pounds over a failed migrant deportation scheme set up by Boris Johnson’s administration, an international court has ruled. The east African nation had sued the current UK government for more than £100m, claiming it was owed after a breach of an agreement. Continue reading...
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Rwanda had sued UK government over alleged breach of agreement, after scheme scrapped by Labour on first day in office The UK will not have to pay the Rwandan government millions of pounds over a failed migrant deportation scheme set up by Boris Johnson’s administration, an international court has ruled.
TL;DR:
Rwanda had sued UK government over alleged breach of agreement, after scheme scrapped by Labour on first day in office The UK will not have to pay the Rwandan government millions of pounds over a failed migrant deportation scheme set up by Boris Johnson’s administration, an international court has ruled.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 10:49
Middle East crisis live: Israel targets southern Beirut as Kuwait condemns Iranian missile and drone attack
Strikes undermine efforts towards de-escalating conflict, says Kuwait, as US president hits out at ‘chirping’ critics and says they should ‘sit back and relax’ Netanyahu orders Israeli bombing of southern Lebanon Iran targets American bases in region The exchange of strikes between the US and Iran reflects the fragility of the current ceasefire, which has seen repeated violations even as American and Iranian officials try to negotiate a deal to extend it. Iran has maintained its chokehold on the strait of Hormuz, disrupting global energy supplies as a fifth of all oil and natural gas traded once passed through the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf. The US continues to enforce its own blockade on the strait, as it pressures Tehran to reach an agreement. Continue reading...
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Middle East crisis live: Israel targets southern Beirut as Kuwait condemns Iranian missile and drone attack. Iran has maintained its chokehold on the strait of Hormuz, disrupting global energy supplies as a fifth of all oil and natural gas traded once passed through the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf.
TL;DR:
Strikes undermine efforts towards de-escalating conflict, says Kuwait, as US president hits out at ‘chirping’ critics and says they should ‘sit back and relax’ Netanyahu orders Israeli bombing of southern Lebanon Iran targets American bases in region The exchange of strikes between the US and Iran reflects the fragility of the current ceasefire, which has seen repeated violations even as American and Iranian officials try to negotiate a deal to extend it.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 10:41
No 10 braced for ‘excruciating’ revelations as messages between Mandelson and ministers to be released – UK politics live
Sources predict ‘toe-curling’ revelations as more than 1,000 pages of documents relating to his appointment as US ambassador to be published Mandelson files show no mitigation of security concerns James Murray , who recently replaced Wes Streeting as health secretary after Streeting resigned so he could start campaigning to be the next Labour leader, has said he is “absolutely clear” that single-sex spaces within the NHS should be “protected on the basis of sex”. He made the comment in an interview on the Today programme where he also said he would no longer use the phrase “trans women are women”. Yeah, I have changed what I would say. I wouldn’t say that phrase any more. And I think that, you know, over the last few years, I think a lot of us, myself included, have thought about this question in quite some detail. This is a really grim decision alongside Cenk. People often talk about dangerous road we’d go down under a Reform government - this is another clear warning we’re down there already. Shabana Mahmood, we’re told will get a senior position in an Andy Burnham government. She needs to explain this strange and worrying decision, and Andy Burnham needs to make his view clear. Continue reading...
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No 10 braced for ‘excruciating’ revelations as messages between Mandelson and ministers to be released – UK politics live. And I think that, you know, over the last few years, I think a lot of us, myself included, have thought about this question in quite some detail.
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She needs to explain this strange and worrying decision, and Andy Burnham needs to make his view clear.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 10:35
Colombia’s far-right presidential candidate Espriella wins first round of vote ahead of runoff
Lawyer and Trump admirer has risen rapidly in the polls and will face Iván Cepeda in election runoff in three weeks The far-right lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella won the first round of Colombia’s presidential election on Sunday and will face senator Iván Cepeda, the candidate backed by leftwing president Gustavo Petro, in the runoff. With 100% of ballots counted, the outsider and Donald Trump admirer Espriella secured 43.7% of the vote – just over 10.3m votes – compared with 40.9% (about 9.6m votes) for Cepeda, a philosopher and human rights activist who has served as a senator since 2014. Continue reading...
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Lawyer and Trump admirer has risen rapidly in the polls and will face Iván Cepeda in election runoff in three weeks The far-right lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella won the first round of Colombia’s presidential election on Sunday and will face senator Iván Cepeda, the candidate backed by leftwing president Gustavo Petro, in the runoff.
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Lawyer and Trump admirer has risen rapidly in the polls and will face Iván Cepeda in election runoff in three weeks The far-right lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella won the first round of Colombia’s presidential election on Sunday and will face senator Iván Cepeda, the candidate backed by leftwing president Gustavo Petro, in the runoff.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 10:32
Water-related deaths in UK heatwave hit 15 after girl dies in North Yorkshire
Girl, 13, pulled from River Wharfe on Sunday and boy, 11, remains missing from River Don as hot spell comes to an end A 13-year-old girl has died after getting into difficulty in a river as the water-related death toll reached at least 15 in the recent UK heatwave. Emergency services continue to search for a boy who went missing in a river two days ago. The girl was pulled from the River Wharfe in Burnsall, near Skipton, North Yorkshire, on Sunday evening. She was airlifted to hospital where she was pronounced dead, North Yorkshire police said. Continue reading...
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Water-related deaths in UK heatwave hit 15 after girl dies in North Yorkshire. Emergency services continue to search for a boy who went missing in a river two days ago. She was airlifted to hospital where she was pronounced dead, North Yorkshire police said.
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Girl, 13, pulled from River Wharfe on Sunday and boy, 11, remains missing from River Don as hot spell comes to an end A 13-year-old girl has died after getting into difficulty in a river as the water-related death toll reached at least 15 in the recent UK heatwave.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 10:00
‘We want fans to know the risks’: US immigrant rights groups mobilize across World Cup host cities amid ICE fears
More than 120 groups issued warning to 10 million visitors about ‘serious rights violations’ under Trump With the Fifa World Cup just two weeks away, immigrant rights advocates in the 11 US host cities are mobilizing to protect fans and residents from immigration enforcement activities this summer. In Los Angeles, a labor union representing more than 2,000 hospitality workers at SoFi Stadium is threatening to strike if agents do not stay away from the venue, which is expected to draw about 70,000 fans per match. Continue reading...
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More than 120 groups issued warning to 10 million visitors about ‘serious rights violations’ under Trump With the Fifa World Cup just two weeks away, immigrant rights advocates in the 11 US host cities are mobilizing to protect fans and residents from immigration enforcement activities this summer.
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More than 120 groups issued warning to 10 million visitors about ‘serious rights violations’ under Trump With the Fifa World Cup just two weeks away, immigrant rights advocates in the 11 US host cities are mobilizing to protect fans and residents from immigration enforcement activities this summer.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 10:00
‘Our democracy is run by two private clubs’: can a pro-hunting Democrat lead a blue wave in Iowa?
As Trump’s approval ratings dip and gas prices rise, Democrats see an opening with Rob Sand Rob Sand, the best-known Democrat in Iowa , appears on podcasts to discuss his love of hunting, begins rallies by having the audience sing America the Beautiful and has a tendency to criticize the country’s two-party political system. Now, Sand is running to lead a state that Republicans have come to dominate under Donald Trump, and Democrats believe his candidacy for governor could be the breakthrough needed to win key Iowa offices in the November midterm elections. Continue reading...
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As Trump’s approval ratings dip and gas prices rise, Democrats see an opening with Rob Sand Rob Sand, the best-known Democrat in Iowa , appears on podcasts to discuss his love of hunting, begins rallies by having the audience sing America the Beautiful and has a tendency to criticize the country’s two-party political system.
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As Trump’s approval ratings dip and gas prices rise, Democrats see an opening with Rob Sand Rob Sand, the best-known Democrat in Iowa , appears on podcasts to discuss his love of hunting, begins rallies by having the audience sing America the Beautiful and has a tendency to criticize the country’s two-party political system.
Foreignpolicy
Jun 1, 09:30
The Energy Crisis Will Long Outlast the Iran War
The baked-in damage to oil and gas production will take months to undo.
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The baked-in damage to oil and gas production will take months to undo.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 09:19
Kane Parsons becomes youngest film-maker to open at No 1 in the US with Backrooms
Backrooms stunned industry observers by taking $81m in its first weekend, a record for studio A24 Kane Parsons has become the youngest film-maker to open a film at number one at the North American box office for his directing debut Backrooms. Parsons, 20, is seven years younger than the previous record holder, Josh Trank, who was 27 when his debut Chronicle recorded a $22m opening in 2011. Backrooms stunned industry observers by taking $81m in its first weekend in North America – which was also a record for its studio, A24. Continue reading...
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Kane Parsons becomes youngest film-maker to open at No 1 in the US with Backrooms. Backrooms stunned industry observers by taking $81m in its first weekend, a record for studio A24 Kane Parsons has become the youngest film-maker to open a film at number one at the North American box office for his directing debut Backrooms.
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Backrooms stunned industry observers by taking $81m in its first weekend in North America – which was also a record for its studio, A24.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 09:13
Iran targets American base in region after US strikes Iranian air defences
Attacks reported in Kuwait – home to a US military base – and around the strait of Hormuz in latest exchange of fire as peace negotiations continue Middle East live – latest updates The US said it struck Iranian military sites at the weekend and Iran said on Monday it had targeted a US base in response, the latest exchange of attacks amid negotiations to end the three-month-old war. The US and Iran have sporadically exchanged strikes since their planned ceasefire took effect in early April, as diplomacy aimed at a more durable agreement drags on. A similar exchange occurred last Thursday and was described in near-identical terms by both sides. Continue reading...
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Iran targets American base in region after US strikes Iranian air defences. The US and Iran have sporadically exchanged strikes since their planned ceasefire took effect in early April, as diplomacy aimed at a more durable agreement drags on. A similar exchange occurred last Thursday and was described in near-identical terms by both sides.
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Attacks reported in Kuwait – home to a US military base – and around the strait of Hormuz in latest exchange of fire as peace negotiations continue Middle East live – latest updates The US said it struck Iranian military sites at the weekend and Iran said on Monday it had targeted a US base in response, the latest exchange of attacks amid negotiations to end the three-month-old war.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 09:00
US man named Loony Toon sentenced to 20 years for shooting at police officers
Oregon man with extensive criminal record fired at three officers while speeding away from a traffic stop in 2025 A man with the unusual name Loony Toon and a lengthy rap sheet has been given 20 years in prison after admitting that he shot at police officers in Oregon , according to authorities. The 43-year-old whose name calls to mind the classic television cartoon franchise Looney Tunes – as well as a colloquial term some invoke when describing an eccentric or irrational person – fired a gun at three officers while speeding away from a 20 June 2025 traffic stop in the community of Milwaukie, local prosecutors said in a statement on Thursday. Continue reading...
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Oregon man with extensive criminal record fired at three officers while speeding away from a traffic stop in 2025 A man with the unusual name Loony Toon and a lengthy rap sheet has been given 20 years in prison after admitting that he shot at police officers in Oregon , according to authorities.
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Oregon man with extensive criminal record fired at three officers while speeding away from a traffic stop in 2025 A man with the unusual name Loony Toon and a lengthy rap sheet has been given 20 years in prison after admitting that he shot at police officers in Oregon , according to authorities.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 08:37
Netanyahu orders Israeli bombing of southern Beirut
Thousands leave homes after Israeli military instructed to strike ‘terrorist targets’ in largest escalation of war since ceasefire • Middle East crisis – live updates Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed the Israeli military to bomb the southern suburbs of Beirut, the most serious escalation of Israel’s war in Lebanon since a supposed ceasefire was announced on 17 April. The Israeli prime minister and his defence minister, Israel Katz, said on Monday they had given instructions to strike “terrorist targets” in the southern suburbs for what they called “repeated and ongoing violations of the ceasefire by Hezbollah”. Continue reading...
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Thousands leave homes after Israeli military instructed to strike ‘terrorist targets’ in largest escalation of war since ceasefire • Middle East crisis – live updates Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed the Israeli military to bomb the southern suburbs of Beirut, the most serious escalation of Israel’s war in Lebanon since a supposed ceasefire was announced on 17 April.
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Thousands leave homes after Israeli military instructed to strike ‘terrorist targets’ in largest escalation of war since ceasefire • Middle East crisis – live updates Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed the Israeli military to bomb the southern suburbs of Beirut, the most serious escalation of Israel’s war in Lebanon since a supposed ceasefire was announced on 17 April.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 08:28
EasyJet says US takeover bid would be ‘highly opportunistic’
Airline’s shares hit highest level in three months as investment group Castlelake says it is considering offer Business live – latest updates EasyJet has called a potential £3bn bid by a US investment group “highly opportunistic” as shares in the airline shot up to their highest level in three months on news of the takeover interest. The US private credit firm Castlelake said on Friday it was considering a takeover offer for the airline. On Monday, it said it had already bought a 2.14% stake in the business and its offer would value easyJet at least at 403p a share, or about £3bn overall. Continue reading...
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EasyJet says US takeover bid would be ‘highly opportunistic’. The US private credit firm Castlelake said on Friday it was considering a takeover offer for the airline. On Monday, it said it had already bought a 2.14% stake in the business and its offer would value easyJet at least at 403p a share, or about £3bn overall.
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Airline’s shares hit highest level in three months as investment group Castlelake says it is considering offer Business live – latest updates EasyJet has called a potential £3bn bid by a US investment group “highly opportunistic” as shares in the airline shot up to their highest level in three months on news of the takeover interest.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 08:27
Labor to highlight ‘risk’ of One Nation to cost of living in bid to dent Pauline Hanson’s popularity
Labor MP Mike Freelander says party must continue to help under-pressure workers, including considering further income tax cuts Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Labor will seek to highlight Pauline Hanson’s record of opposing cost-of-living relief for working people as it tries to prevent One Nation further eroding its voter base. As the government grapples with how to deal with Hanson’s surge, one Labor MP predicted One Nation’s support had peaked and the rightwing populist party wouldn’t be able to replicate its polling success at a federal election. Continue reading...
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Labor to highlight ‘risk’ of One Nation to cost of living in bid to dent Pauline Hanson’s popularity. Labor MP Mike Freelander says party must continue to help under-pressure workers, including considering further income tax cuts Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Labor will seek to highlight Pauline Hanson’s record of opposing cost-of-living relief f…
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As the government grapples with how to deal with Hanson’s surge, one Labor MP predicted One Nation’s support had peaked and the rightwing populist party wouldn’t be able to replicate its polling success at a federal election.
Foreignpolicy
Jun 1, 08:18
Germany Is Scrambling to Speed Up Its Rearmament
Berlin has already made a huge commitment to its military—but is facing new obstacles at home and abroad.
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Berlin has already made a huge commitment to its military—but is facing new obstacles at home and abroad.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 08:18
‘Imminent threat’: charges laid against 13-year-old who allegedly planned attack on Queensland school
Alleged threat on regional school north of Brisbane was ‘quite well advanced’, state counter-terrorism police say Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Queensland counter-terrorism police have charged a 13-year-old with planning an attack on a regional school north of Brisbane. The teenager was arrested last Thursday after allegedly making threats at a business in Maryborough, armed with a knife. Continue reading...
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Alleged threat on regional school north of Brisbane was ‘quite well advanced’, state counter-terrorism police say Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Queensland counter-terrorism police have charged a 13-year-old with planning an attack on a regional school north of Brisbane.
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Alleged threat on regional school north of Brisbane was ‘quite well advanced’, state counter-terrorism police say Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Queensland counter-terrorism police have charged a 13-year-old with planning an attack on a regional school north of Brisbane.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 08:05
Queensland police shoot pet dog after running it over as distressed residents watch on
Graphic videos on social media appear to show upset onlookers after police accidentally ran over animal in Mount Isa street Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Confronting footage has emerged of police shooting dead a pet dog as it lay prone in the middle of a street in front of screaming onlookers, after they accidentally ran over the animal in an outback mining city. The graphic videos, posted to social media on Sunday afternoon, appear to show one resident in distress and being led away wailing and pulling at her hair in distress as a shot rings out. Continue reading...
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Graphic videos on social media appear to show upset onlookers after police accidentally ran over animal in Mount Isa street Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Confronting footage has emerged of police shooting dead a pet dog as it lay prone in the middle of a street in front of screaming onlookers…
TL;DR:
Graphic videos on social media appear to show upset onlookers after police accidentally ran over animal in Mount Isa street Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Confronting footage has emerged of police shooting dead a pet dog as it lay prone in the middle of a street in front of screaming onlookers, after they accidentally ran over the animal in an outback mining city.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 07:50
Hastie says falling house prices might not be ‘all that encouraging’ for recent buyers – as it happened
This blog is now closed Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Tony Abbott, the new party president of the Liberals, said he wouldn’t get “too excited” by the poll showing One Nation’s surging support. But he told RN this morning he believes the country is in trouble and the Liberal/National Coalition is best positioned to lead the nation. Abbott spoke to RN Breakfast this morning, saying: Our economy is stagnant, our society is fragmenting, our security is imperiled, and yes, we don’t believe in ourselves nearly enough. I think the current government is making all of this worse. And it’s really important that we get a better government as soon as possible. … Obviously, we are in a degree of competition with other parties and voices on the centre-right. But in the end, our opponent, our enemy, if you like, is a really bad Labor government, a really bad Green-left-Labor government. Which in its budget, [has led an] assault on aspiration and wealth creation. The point I make is: if you normally vote Liberal, if you’re interested in public life, if you think our country is in trouble, please don’t complain on the sidelines. Join the party and make a difference. Continue reading...
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I think the current government is making all of this worse. And it’s really important that we get a better government as soon as possible. But in the end, our opponent, our enemy, if you like, is a really bad Labor government, a really bad Green-left-Labor government.
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This blog is now closed Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Tony Abbott, the new party president of the Liberals, said he wouldn’t get “too excited” by the poll showing One Nation’s surging support.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 07:39
Macron says French navy has boarded Russia-linked oil tanker in Atlantic
French president says it is ‘unacceptable for ships to circumvent international sanctions’, adding operation took place with support of UK The French navy has boarded an oil tanker that was subject to international sanctions and sailing from Russia, the French president, Emmanuel Macron, has said. Macron wrote on X: “This operation took place in the Atlantic Ocean, on the high seas, with the support of several partners, including the United Kingdom, in strict compliance with the law of the sea,. Continue reading...
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French president says it is ‘unacceptable for ships to circumvent international sanctions’, adding operation took place with support of UK The French navy has boarded an oil tanker that was subject to international sanctions and sailing from Russia, the French president, Emmanuel Macron, has said.
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French president says it is ‘unacceptable for ships to circumvent international sanctions’, adding operation took place with support of UK The French navy has boarded an oil tanker that was subject to international sanctions and sailing from Russia, the French president, Emmanuel Macron, has said.
Warontherocks
Jun 1, 07:30
Fences Not F-35s: Drone Attacks and the Illogic of Gulf Procurement
One of the most effective counter-drone systems in the largest drone war in history between Ukraine and Russia is a German anti-aircraft gun designed during the Cold War. The Gepard — a self-propelled 35 mm cannon that first entered service in 1976 — has earned recognition from Ukrainian military experts as the most effective weapon against Shahed-type drones, at a cost of a few thousand dollars per engagement. Meanwhile, one of the more novel counter-drone technologies amounts to a sharpened prong mounted on another drone that lances its target mid-flight — a 12th-century solution to a 21st-century problem.Then there is The post Fences Not F-35s: Drone Attacks and the Illogic of Gulf Procurement appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Fences Not F-35s: Drone Attacks and the Illogic of Gulf Procurement. The Gepard — a self-propelled 35 mm cannon that first entered service in 1976 — has earned recognition from Ukrainian military experts as the most effective weapon against Shahed-type drones, at a cost of a few thousand dollars per engagement.
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One of the most effective counter-drone systems in the largest drone war in history between Ukraine and Russia is a German anti-aircraft gun designed during the Cold War.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 07:25
Jim Chalmers says budget changes allowing first home buyers to ‘have a crack’
Auction success hit a new low for the year on the last Saturday in May, with just 54.5% of homes sold Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The treasurer, Jim Chalmers, has suggested falling auction clearance rates may be a “good thing” for first home buyers if it means they aren’t competing against as many property investors. After data was released showing home prices in Australia’s capital cities had begun to fall and buyers were abandoning auctions, Chalmers on Monday said Labor’s proposed property tax reforms weren’t the only thing slowing the housing market. Continue reading...
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Auction success hit a new low for the year on the last Saturday in May, with just 54.5% of homes sold Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The treasurer, Jim Chalmers, has suggested falling auction clearance rates may be a “good thing” for first home buyers if it means they aren’t competing against…
TL;DR:
Auction success hit a new low for the year on the last Saturday in May, with just 54.5% of homes sold Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The treasurer, Jim Chalmers, has suggested falling auction clearance rates may be a “good thing” for first home buyers if it means they aren’t competing against as many property investors.
Theguardian
Jun 1, 07:17
Typhoon Jangmi threatens Japan as Europe swelters
Powerful winds and rain expected in parts of Japan and Australia, while temperatures in Spain could hit 40C A powerful tropical storm is forecast to track near Okinawa, Japan, on Monday before moving towards the south-east of the country. Typhoon Jangmi (also known as Typhoon No 6) has formed within the monsoonal gyre over the Philippine Sea. A monsoonal gyre is a large, slow-rotating weather system that spawns typhoons through smaller vortices formed within it. This flow can intensify storms. Such typhoons are typically characterised by broad areas of low pressure and extensive wind fields, often without a distinct eye. Continue reading...
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Typhoon Jangmi threatens Japan as Europe swelters. Powerful winds and rain expected in parts of Japan and Australia, while temperatures in Spain could hit 40C A powerful tropical storm is forecast to track near Okinawa, Japan, on Monday before moving towards the south-east of the country.
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Typhoon Jangmi (also known as Typhoon No 6) has formed within the monsoonal gyre over the Philippine Sea.
Warontherocks
Jun 1, 07:15
Deterring Russia Beneath the Waves: Securing NATO’s Critical Undersea Infrastructure
What would happen if you woke up one morning and the internet was gone — not from a software glitch, but because someone had simply cut the wire?Threats to critical undersea infrastructure are rapidly escalating. In 2023, the Balticonnector pipeline and several Baltic data cables were damaged. A year later, four Red Sea cables were cut, disrupting a quarter of data traffic between Asia and Europe, with further incidents across the Baltic. In total, between January 2024 and July 2025, roughly 44 incidents of cable damage were recorded. Not all were deliberate, but Russia’s activity has grown brazen. In 2025, The post Deterring Russia Beneath the Waves: Securing NATO’s Critical Undersea Infrastructure appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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A year later, four Red Sea cables were cut, disrupting a quarter of data traffic between Asia and Europe, with further incidents across the Baltic. Not all were deliberate, but Russia’s activity has grown brazen. In 2025, The post Deterring Russia Beneath the Waves: Securing NATO’s Critical Undersea Infrastructure appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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In 2025, The post Deterring Russia Beneath the Waves: Securing NATO’s Critical Undersea Infrastructure appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Responsiblestatecraft
Jun 1, 04:05
DoD not allowed to fix most of its own stuff. Guess who's cashing in?
Because defense contracts often prevent the military from repairing its own equipment, critics say weapons companies are price-gouging the Pentagon at every turn. As experts and observers tell RS, the military’s lack of a “right to repair” doesn't just allow defense contractors to charge thousands of dollars, for fixes that could be done for free or very cheaply. Rather, the Pentagon’s dependence on weapons makers for maintenance undermines military readiness. Namely, contractors’ extensive repair delays and sweeping decisions about whether to service gear routinely leave warfighters without critical equipment and weapons systems — even while deployed. Defense contractors rake in the dough Until the early 1990s, the Pentagon often purchased complete technical data packages for its equipment, allowing the military to handle its repairs as needed. But, as the number of major weapons contractors shrank during that time from dozens to just five major defense “primes,” the Department of Defense ultimately ceded some leverage over the issue. Consequently, many DoD contracts now leave repair and maintenance, which can make up as much as 70% of a military program’s lifetime cost, to the vendors. “It's a cash-cow for them,” Ben Freeman, director of the Quincy Institute’s Democratizing Foreign Policy Program, tells RS. “They can charge literally thousands of dollars to replace things that service members could replace for pennies.” Take the RQ-11 Raven drone, for example. After hard landings, it often has trouble starting back up again. But due to contractual restrictions, the military is barred from making repairs and must ship the drone to the contractor at a cost of $26,000 , regardless of the issue. When an extensive repair backlog meant service members were temporarily allowed to fix the drone themselves, however, they found they could solve the problem — a broken connector — for free with hot glue. Sikorsky’s Black Hawk helicopter screen control knobs are also prone to breakage . Due to vendor repair restrictions, however, the military cannot fix the knobs. It instead must buy the knob from Sikorsky, which only sells it as part of an entire screen display assembly for the helicopter, for $47,000 . The knob itself could be manufactured for about $15 . Even repair and maintenance instructions are a chance for profit. Lockheed Martin has charged $900 per page for biannually updated maintenance manuals for the AC-130J Ghostrider program. And in 2020, the U.S. paid Boeing $84 million for Air Force One flight and maintenance manuals. Trade secrets at risk? Weapons contractors say that giving the DoD the information it needs for its own repairs may compromise their private intellectual property (IP) and trade secrets. But Freeman says that argument is “usually a load of crap.” “A lot of what we're talking about with right-to-repair, is stuff that service members already know how to do – there's no secret,” Freeman told RS in a written statement. “The only mystery is why they're not allowed to fix their own equipment.” What’s not a mystery is that contractors have pushed back fiercely against legislative reform. In a bipartisan effort, Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) introduced the Warrior Right to Repair Act last year — which would have made contractors hand over the technical data and other materials necessary for troops to fix their own gear. But weapons contractors successfully lobbied to remove it from the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY2026. “The truth is, the manufacturer has very little incentive to solve problems like this,” Nathan Proctor, a senior director at the Public Interest Research Group’s Right to Repair campaign, said at a recent virtual briefing on military right-to-repair. Contractors have “got quite a racket going on.” Saving money Renewing their push for the Warrior Right to Repair Act this year, Sens. Warren and Sheehy contend that a military right to repair will save the Pentagon, and taxpayers, billions of dollars. Recent examples of the military making its own parts and repairs support their argument. Now that the Marines can 3D print a communications antenna it needs, for example, its cost has dropped from $5600 to just $10 each. And the Marines can make the antenna immediately, rather than wait the 220 days the vendor typically takes to provide one. At the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting & Exposition last year, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll likewise explained that his team was able to 3D print a Black Hawk fuel tank prototype, which the vendor charges $14,000 to replace, for only $3,000. As Driscoll told War on the Rocks last year: “We’ve given away our right to repair our own equipment some of the time, which [means] we will have exquisite pieces of equipment sitting on the sidelines for 8 to 12 months, when we know how to 3D print [them much more cheaply]. That is a sin, and we’ve done it to ourselves.” Risks to milit...
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As experts and observers tell RS, the military’s lack of a “right to repair” doesn't just allow defense contractors to charge thousands of dollars, for fixes that could be done for free or very cheaply. Due to vendor repair restrictions, however, the military cannot fix the knobs.
TL;DR:
Because defense contracts often prevent the military from repairing its own equipment, critics say weapons companies are price-gouging the Pentagon at every turn.
Responsiblestatecraft
Jun 1, 04:05
Should Trump just end the Iran War without a deal?
Last week, there were genuine signs that the United States and Iran might be edging toward an agreement to formalize the ceasefire that has tenuously held since April 7. Then, the U.S. launched a new round of attacks on Iran and the week ended with the White House saying there would be no final determination on an agreement . Talks last June and then in February collapsed when Israel and the U.S. launched attacks against Iran, a move that critics argue was aimed at disrupting ongoing diplomatic efforts. In April, within hours of a U.S. delegation leaving talks in Islamabad, Trump announced a counter-blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Then, when a diplomatic solution seemed near last week, pro-war voices in the media and think tanks began to openly criticize it, and Trump responded by launching new attacks. This familiar cycle — progress on talks met with outrage from hawkish voices, followed by further escalation — has led some anti-war voices to wonder whether the pursuit of a comprehensive agreement risks making things worse. If every moment of diplomatic progress triggers a hawkish freakout, and those who oppose diplomacy will never find any agreement satisfactory, then forcing the war to end in a broad negotiation may be handing the war's architects the leverage they want. With an agreement once again seemingly close, the upshot for some restrainers is that Trump should either strike a narrow deal or simply walk away. “I don't want to hear [Trump] say, ‘It's either a deal or we go back to war.’ Because that framing redounds to the benefit of the Iran hawks,” Andrew Day, senior editor at the American Conservative magazine, told Responsible Statecraft. “The pro-Israeli Iran hawks get very agitated during diplomacy. So whenever Trump seems to be making progress, they freak out. They criticize him, they ramp up the pressure. They push for unreasonable demands,” Day added, saying that this cycle has recently led to the U.S. inserting poison pills into the negotiations. As a result, Day tells RS, “continuing with diplomacy makes a war more likely,” so the U.S. should simply end the military conflict without a larger agreement that includes addressing the nuclear issue or, as Trump has suggested more recently , expanding the Abraham Accords. Day and other skeptics of continued diplomacy do not rule out a more narrow deal that could formalize the ceasefire, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and provide some sanctions relief to the Iranians. But they say that pushing for another round of talks aimed at solving bigger questions beyond the current war could distract from the more immediate issue. “Trying to get a settlement now that includes anything on nuclear weapons is a huge impediment to just getting the war over with,” Ben Friedman, policy director at Defense Priorities, told RS. “We don't need any deal at all. I think that's the underrated option.” Others see the current moment, with both sides economically damaged and perhaps cognizant of both the limits and consequences of war, as the kind of opening that makes a larger deal possible. They argue that walking away from that opportunity without a comprehensive agreement simply delays future military confrontations. This group emphasizes that a smaller, cleaner exit isn’t necessarily stable, either. It’s true that, in the years before and after the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Washington and Tehran managed to reduce tensions without resolving their underlying antagonism, and without going to war. But that era is over, according to Trita Parsi, the executive vice president at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. As he told RS, a “small deal” would simply punt on major issues while doing little to prevent a new round of escalation. Parsi agrees that any effort to make a resumption of war less likely will face intense pushback from Iran hawks in Trump’s orbit and in Israel, who will not see any kind of agreement with Tehran as satisfactory. But he contends that “[Trump] is going to be more inclined to break with them if there is a big deal on the table that really fits his persona and his desire to do big historic things.” Reaching any kind of comprehensive agreement will certainly not be easy. For one, both supporters and skeptics of pursuing further talks with Iran note that any momentum toward ending the war could be complicated by Israel playing spoiler and would require Trump to be willing to meaningfully break with Israeli war aims. In addition, the gaps on the nuclear file remain wide, and the domestic politics on both sides complicate compromise. Vali Nasr, a professor of international affairs at Johns Hopkins, says a deal between the U.S. and Iran is “eminently possible” in theory, but he hasn’t seen Trump display any real appetite for dealmaking in this situation. “Since the war has started, he has still asserted maximal goals while offering minimal returns,” Nasr told RS. “He's essentially demanding that Iran surrender at the ...
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Should Trump just end the Iran War without a deal?. Parsi agrees that any effort to make a resumption of war less likely will face intense pushback from Iran hawks in Trump’s orbit and in Israel, who will not see any kind of agreement with Tehran as satisfactory.
TL;DR:
As a result, Day tells RS, “continuing with diplomacy makes a war more likely,” so the U.S.
Responsiblestatecraft
Jun 1, 04:05
No clear winner: Colombia's hard right and left will battle out in runoff
Right-wing outsider Abelardo de la Espriella and left-wing senator Ivan Cepeda have emerged victorious in Colombia’s high-stakes, first-round presidential election Sunday, setting the stage for a tight runoff on June 21 that could reshape the country’s relationship with the Trump administration and political dynamics across Latin America. De la Espriella, 47, a criminal lawyer and businessman with the Defenders of the Homeland movement, won 10.3 million votes, or 43.7% of the total—shy of the 50% required to clinch victory in the first round—while Cepeda, 63, a human rights activist and former peace negotiator with President Gustavo Petro’s Historic Pact party, won 9.65 million votes, or 41% of the total. Trailing far behind were center-right senator Paloma Valencia of former president Álvaro Uribe’s Democratic Center party, with 1.6 million votes, or 7% of the total, and Sergio Fajardo, of the centrist Dignity and Commitment party, with 1 million votes, or 4% of the total. The preliminary vote tallies came in within less than two hours of polls closing at 4 p.m. local time. De la Espriella easily took the country’s central highlands and eastern plains, where Colombia’s largely conservative, majority-white urban centers are located, while Cepeda won the regions on the country’s Pacific and Atlantic coasts and Amazon rainforest, where Colombia’s Indigenous and Afro-descendant populations are the majority. According to Colombia’s National Electoral Council (CNE), nearly 24 million Colombians voted at 118,346 polling tables across 13,489 voting stations nationwide, as well as 2,181 polling tables across 253 voting stations in 67 other countries, for a participation rate of around 57.5%. This was somewhat higher than in the 2022 first-round elections, which Petro, who is limited to a single term, won with 40% of the vote. Sunday’s elections unfolded across the South American country of 54 million people (41 million of whom are eligible to vote) without major incidents or violent episodes, although the country’s non-governmental Electoral Observation Mission (MOE) registered hundreds of presumed anomalies and electoral violations, including armed actors restricting voter mobility, political campaigning at polling stations, attempts at vote-buying and imitation of electoral authorities, and widespread online disinformation campaigns, among others. Petro and Cepeda have urged electoral authorities to scrutinize potential irregularities and ratify the count before accepting the final tally. Election monitors said that nearly a quarter of Colombia’s 1,110 municipalities faced risk of violence from Colombia’s myriad irregular armed groups on election day, while Colombia’s defense ministry deployed over 400,000 soldiers and police to safeguard the vote. The pro-Trump De la Espriella, who calls himself “The Tiger” and promises to convert the violence-afflicted nation into a “Miracle Country,” jumped ahead in most major polls — which for months had him trailing behind both Cepeda and Valencia — in recent weeks, bolstered by his aggressive use of social media, support from charismatic Evangelical pastors, and backing from key conservative figures across Latin America. His efforts to win in the first round, however, fell short despite last minute attempts to shift voter intention even after campaigning had formally closed the weekend before. On Friday night before the election, President Daniel Noboa of neighboring Ecuador joined a live stream with De la Espriella where he announced that 75% tariffs he had enacted on Colombian imports would be lifted the day after Sunday’s vote, a move denounced by Colombia’s foreign ministry as a form of electoral interference. In a similar vein, U.S. senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) — who joined an 86-member State Department electoral observation mission on Sunday after visiting President Noboa in Ecuador last week — along with Reps. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.) and Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.), have made several statements in the days leading up to the vote implicitly encouraging voters to vote for De la Espriella and reject Cepeda. The June 21 runoff pits diametrically opposed visions for Latin America’s third largest country and economy against one another. De la Espriella has promised to end Petro’s “Total Peace” negotiations with the country’s guerilla, paramilitary, and criminal groups; unleash lethal military force to fight drug trafficking, and construct ten maximum-security prisons for low-level criminals just has President Nayib Bukele has in El Salvador. He also wants to cut taxes for the private sector, resume aerial fumigation of coca crops, join the Trump administration’s “Shield of the Americas” consortium, and issue new concessions for fracking and oil exploration. Cepeda, on the other hand, intends to double-down on the demobilization of armed actors through peace negotiations and intensify the country’s clean energy transition. He promises to center human rights and comba...
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De la Espriella, 47, a criminal lawyer and businessman with the Defenders of the Homeland movement, won 10.3 million votes, or 43.7% of the total—shy of the 50% required to clinch victory in the first round—while Cepeda, 63, a human rights activist and former peace negotiator with President Gustavo Petro’s Historic Pact party, won 9.65 million votes, or 41% of the total.
TL;DR:
Right-wing outsider Abelardo de la Espriella and left-wing senator Ivan Cepeda have emerged victorious in Colombia’s high-stakes, first-round presidential election Sunday, setting the stage for a tight runoff on June 21 that could reshape the country’s relationship with the Trump administration and political dynamics across Latin America.
Foreignpolicy
Jun 1, 04:01
Clinton’s Lincoln Bedroom Scandal Looks Quaint Now
What a very 1990s scandal says about corruption during the second Trump administration.
TL;DR:
What a very 1990s scandal says about corruption during the second Trump administration.
Theguardian
May 31, 16:51
Israel seizes strategic castle in deepest incursion into Lebanon in 26 years
Experts say capture is largely symbolic, but it complicates efforts to extend the ceasefire between US and Iran Israeli troops have captured a clifftop castle as they made their deepest incursion into Lebanon in more than 26 years, further shattering a nominal US-brokered ceasefire and complicating efforts to extend the separate truce between Washington and Tehran. After days of intense fighting and airstrikes in nearby villages, the Israeli defence minister, Israel Katz, said the military had captured Beaufort Castle, also known as Qalaat al-Shaqif, which it had used as a base during its previous occupation of southern Lebanon between 1982 and 2000. Continue reading...
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Experts say capture is largely symbolic, but it complicates efforts to extend the ceasefire between US and Iran Israeli troops have captured a clifftop castle as they made their deepest incursion into Lebanon in more than 26 years, further shattering a nominal US-brokered ceasefire and complicating efforts to extend the separate truce between Washington and Tehran.
TL;DR:
Experts say capture is largely symbolic, but it complicates efforts to extend the ceasefire between US and Iran Israeli troops have captured a clifftop castle as they made their deepest incursion into Lebanon in more than 26 years, further shattering a nominal US-brokered ceasefire and complicating efforts to extend the separate truce between Washington and Tehran.
Theguardian
May 31, 16:31
French police arrest 780 after violent clashes as PSG fans celebrate Champions League win
Interior minister says 57 officers injured as rioters set fires and vandalise shops in about 15 cities French police have detained 780 people involved in violent clashes in Paris and other French cities that erupted on Saturday night after Paris Saint-Germain defeated Arsenal to win the Champions League. The interior minister, Laurent Nuñez, said 57 officers were wounded, with most suffering minor injuries, as football fans set off fires and vandalised shops. One small group even tried to storm a Paris police station. Continue reading...
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French police arrest 780 after violent clashes as PSG fans celebrate Champions League win. The interior minister, Laurent Nuñez, said 57 officers were wounded, with most suffering minor injuries, as football fans set off fires and vandalised shops. One small group even tried to storm a Paris police station.
TL;DR:
Interior minister says 57 officers injured as rioters set fires and vandalise shops in about 15 cities French police have detained 780 people involved in violent clashes in Paris and other French cities that erupted on Saturday night after Paris Saint-Germain defeated Arsenal to win the Champions League.
Theguardian
May 31, 15:49
WHO calls for community cooperation to contain Ebola outbreak in DRC
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus makes appeal after protests against protocols for handling victims’ bodies in Ituri province Containing the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo requires community cooperation and is “everybody’s business”, the World Health Organization has said. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , the organisation’s director general, made the plea on Sunday during a visit to eastern Congo where some residents have protested against stringent medical protocols for handling victims’ bodies. Continue reading...
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Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus makes appeal after protests against protocols for handling victims’ bodies in Ituri province Containing the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo requires community cooperation and is “everybody’s business”, the World Health Organization has said.
TL;DR:
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus makes appeal after protests against protocols for handling victims’ bodies in Ituri province Containing the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo requires community cooperation and is “everybody’s business”, the World Health Organization has said.
Theguardian
May 31, 13:59
Death of Congolese man renews scrutiny of race relations in Ireland
Yves Sakila died after being restrained by security guards ‘in broad daylight’ Irish authorities have agreed to a second postmortem on the body of a Congolese man who died after being restrained by shop security guards on a Dublin street, prompting an outcry and comparisons to the death of George Floyd . A forensic pathologist from England is to conduct an independent postmortem this week on Yves Sakila, 35, an alleged shoplifter who was pursued and pinned to the ground in the city centre on 15 May. The police force, An Garda Síochána, is investigating. Continue reading...
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Death of Congolese man renews scrutiny of race relations in Ireland. A forensic pathologist from England is to conduct an independent postmortem this week on Yves Sakila, 35, an alleged shoplifter who was pursued and pinned to the ground in the city centre on 15 May. The police force, An Garda Síochána, is investigating.
TL;DR:
Yves Sakila died after being restrained by security guards ‘in broad daylight’ Irish authorities have agreed to a second postmortem on the body of a Congolese man who died after being restrained by shop security guards on a Dublin street, prompting an outcry and comparisons to the death of George Floyd .
Theguardian
May 31, 12:00
Could Trump’s Iran ‘excursion’ be a bigger global turning point than Vietnam?
The far shorter Middle East war has rapidly revealed the strategic weakness of US firepower in an interconnected world In a 1965 speech justifying the war in Vietnam, Lyndon B Johnson argued that the goal was to ensure “every country can shape its own destiny” since only in such a world could the US secure its own freedom. However, he also admitted “such were infirmities of man that force must often precede reason, and the waste of war, the works of peace”. It was the kind of elegant justification of the country’s moral mission to which successive US presidential speechwriters have turned at times of war. Continue reading...
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Could Trump’s Iran ‘excursion’ be a bigger global turning point than Vietnam?. However, he also admitted “such were infirmities of man that force must often precede reason, and the waste of war, the works of peace”. It was the kind of elegant justification of the country’s moral mission to which successive US presidential speechwriters have turned at times of war.
TL;DR:
The far shorter Middle East war has rapidly revealed the strategic weakness of US firepower in an interconnected world In a 1965 speech justifying the war in Vietnam, Lyndon B Johnson argued that the goal was to ensure “every country can shape its own destiny” since only in such a world could the US secure its own freedom.
Theguardian
May 31, 11:23
Colombia goes to polls in election pitting outgoing leader’s ally against pro-Trump candidates
Ballots are being cast in the first round of the South American nation’s presidential elections Colombians are casting ballots in the first round of the South American nation’s presidential election, choosing between candidates with radically diverging visions for the future of peace in a country haunted by decades of armed conflict. The vote on Sunday, seen as a referendum on outgoing President Gustavo Petro’s policies, comes 10 years after Colombia signed a historic peace pact with guerrillas of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc). Continue reading...
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Ballots are being cast in the first round of the South American nation’s presidential elections Colombians are casting ballots in the first round of the South American nation’s presidential election, choosing between candidates with radically diverging visions for the future of peace in a country haunted by decades of armed conflict.
TL;DR:
Ballots are being cast in the first round of the South American nation’s presidential elections Colombians are casting ballots in the first round of the South American nation’s presidential election, choosing between candidates with radically diverging visions for the future of peace in a country haunted by decades of armed conflict.
Theguardian
May 31, 05:02
Japan defence minister rebuffs claims of ‘new militarism’ levelled by China
Shinjiro Koizumi says Japan valued as a ‘peace-loving’ nation while China expands military capabilities ‘without sufficient transparency’ Japan’s defence minister took a veiled swipe at China on Sunday, pledging to keep strengthening the military despite Beijing’s criticism of Tokyo’s increasingly muscular security stance. Under the prime minister, Sanae Takaichi , Japan has quickened its pivot to a more proactive defence policy, further shaking off – with US encouragement – its pacifist outlook in place since the end of the second world war. Continue reading...
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Japan defence minister rebuffs claims of ‘new militarism’ levelled by China. Shinjiro Koizumi says Japan valued as a ‘peace-loving’ nation while China expands military capabilities ‘without sufficient transparency’ Japan’s defence minister took a veiled swipe at China on Sunday, pledging to keep strengthening the military despite Beijing’s criticism of Tokyo’s increasingly mus…
TL;DR:
Under the prime minister, Sanae Takaichi , Japan has quickened its pivot to a more proactive defence policy, further shaking off – with US encouragement – its pacifist outlook in place since the end of the second world war.
Theguardian
May 31, 04:00
Germany’s embattled nightlife scene welcomes plan to reclassify clubs
There is hope that a change to building regulations could resurrect music clubs, which have been hit by rising rents, social shifts and noise disputes A move by the German government to reclassify nightclubs to distinguish them from amusement and adult entertainment facilities could give a much-needed boost to the country’s struggling nightlife, industry advocates say. Under a fundamental change to building regulations approved by Friedrich Merz’s cabinet last week, nightclubs will be formally recognised as providing cultural and artistic value, making it more difficult for developers to evict venue operators in favour of new construction. Continue reading...
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There is hope that a change to building regulations could resurrect music clubs, which have been hit by rising rents, social shifts and noise disputes A move by the German government to reclassify nightclubs to distinguish them from amusement and adult entertainment facilities could give a much-needed boost to the country’s struggling nightlife, industry advocates say.
TL;DR:
There is hope that a change to building regulations could resurrect music clubs, which have been hit by rising rents, social shifts and noise disputes A move by the German government to reclassify nightclubs to distinguish them from amusement and adult entertainment facilities could give a much-needed boost to the country’s struggling nightlife, industry advocates say.
Theguardian
May 30, 22:10
New Aukus drone tech to protect critical undersea cables as Marles warns: ‘seabed is a battlefield’
Minister at Singapore defence summit also reveals Australia to buy only secondhand Aukus submarines from US Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The defence minister, Richard Marles, has said the “seabed is a battlefield” in a combative speech urging Beijing to be more transparent about its maritime operations, and taking aim at weak international controls over so-called “shadow-fleet” vessels. The warning came as the US, UK and Australia announced a new Aukus project to develop new underwater drone technology to protect undersea cables. Continue reading...
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The warning came as the US, UK and Australia announced a new Aukus project to develop new underwater drone technology to protect undersea cables.
TL;DR:
Minister at Singapore defence summit also reveals Australia to buy only secondhand Aukus submarines from US Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The defence minister, Richard Marles, has said the “seabed is a battlefield” in a combative speech urging Beijing to be more transparent about its maritime operations, and taking aim at weak international controls over so-called “shadow-fleet” vessels.
Theguardian
May 30, 11:00
Bound by blood: new film highlights Jamaica’s outlawed obeah belief system
Stew Peas focuses on obeah, an enduring African magic practice in Jamaica banned by colonisers in the 1700s A new movie from award-winning Jamaican film-maker Sosiessia Nixon shines a spotlight on Jamaica’s enduring west African-based magic and spiritual healing tradition known as obeah. Nixon’s tense, feature-length suspense, Stew Peas , tells of the story of Jamaican detective Tessa, who is obsessed with an old murder case. Continue reading...
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Stew Peas focuses on obeah, an enduring African magic practice in Jamaica banned by colonisers in the 1700s A new movie from award-winning Jamaican film-maker Sosiessia Nixon shines a spotlight on Jamaica’s enduring west African-based magic and spiritual healing tradition known as obeah.
TL;DR:
Stew Peas focuses on obeah, an enduring African magic practice in Jamaica banned by colonisers in the 1700s A new movie from award-winning Jamaican film-maker Sosiessia Nixon shines a spotlight on Jamaica’s enduring west African-based magic and spiritual healing tradition known as obeah.
Theguardian
May 30, 10:46
Four more men freed from flooded Laos cave in hazardous rescue mission
Two still missing as divers make their way deeper into cave through muddy water and sharp rocks to find them Four more miners who were trapped in a flooded cave in Laos for 10 days have been freed by divers, but two people are still missing as rescuers continue to crawl through narrow, deluged tunnels and sharp rocks to find them. The first of the party of seven men was rescued on Friday in a perilous rescue mission which has required teams to drain water from the cave and navigate collapse hazards. Continue reading...
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Two still missing as divers make their way deeper into cave through muddy water and sharp rocks to find them Four more miners who were trapped in a flooded cave in Laos for 10 days have been freed by divers, but two people are still missing as rescuers continue to crawl through narrow, deluged tunnels and sharp rocks to find them.
TL;DR:
Two still missing as divers make their way deeper into cave through muddy water and sharp rocks to find them Four more miners who were trapped in a flooded cave in Laos for 10 days have been freed by divers, but two people are still missing as rescuers continue to crawl through narrow, deluged tunnels and sharp rocks to find them.
Theguardian
May 30, 09:00
Chinese dissident says he was berated by ‘pro-regime’ interpreter for UK police
Hong Qi, who orchestrated protest against Communist government, claims interpreter on 101 call launched political tirade A Chinese dissident who orchestrated an anti-government protest in China after fleeing to the UK has claimed that a “pro-regime” interpreter used by a British police force berated him when he sought help. Hong Qi, who made headlines last year after using a mobile phone while in the UK to remotely project anti-regime slogans on to a building in his home city, Chongqing, contacted police after discovering that his bank accounts had been frozen. Continue reading...
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Hong Qi, who orchestrated protest against Communist government, claims interpreter on 101 call launched political tirade A Chinese dissident who orchestrated an anti-government protest in China after fleeing to the UK has claimed that a “pro-regime” interpreter used by a British police force berated him when he sought help.
TL;DR:
Hong Qi, who orchestrated protest against Communist government, claims interpreter on 101 call launched political tirade A Chinese dissident who orchestrated an anti-government protest in China after fleeing to the UK has claimed that a “pro-regime” interpreter used by a British police force berated him when he sought help.
Theguardian
May 30, 09:00
Colombia prepares to go to polls in election shadowed by resurgence of political violence
Sunday’s presidential vote is contest between left and right – and between contradictory proposals for dealing with the decades-long armed conflict Mateo Pérez Rueda was one internship away from completing a degree in political science. The 24-year-old also worked as a bicycle delivery rider and sold fruit salads and juice to finance his passion: the Colombian independent digital magazine El Confidente . On 4 May he travelled to Briceño, in the western province of Antioquia, to report on the long-running conflict between the army, paramilitaries and dissidents of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc). Continue reading...
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Colombia prepares to go to polls in election shadowed by resurgence of political violence. The 24-year-old also worked as a bicycle delivery rider and sold fruit salads and juice to finance his passion: the Colombian independent digital magazine El Confidente .
TL;DR:
Sunday’s presidential vote is contest between left and right – and between contradictory proposals for dealing with the decades-long armed conflict Mateo Pérez Rueda was one internship away from completing a degree in political science.
Theguardian
May 30, 06:51
Eighteen people killed in Afghanistan truck crash, including 10 children
Truck was carrying Afghan families returning Pakistan when it overturned, official says A truck overturned in eastern Afghanistan on Saturday, killing 18 people on board including 10 children, a provincial official told Agence France-Presse. Deadly traffic crashes are common in Afghanistan, due in part to poor roads after decades of conflict, dangerous driving and a lack of regulation. Continue reading...
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Truck was carrying Afghan families returning Pakistan when it overturned, official says A truck overturned in eastern Afghanistan on Saturday, killing 18 people on board including 10 children, a provincial official told Agence France-Presse.
TL;DR:
Truck was carrying Afghan families returning Pakistan when it overturned, official says A truck overturned in eastern Afghanistan on Saturday, killing 18 people on board including 10 children, a provincial official told Agence France-Presse.
Responsiblestatecraft
May 30, 04:05
Sunday's election could put Colombia back on team Trump
On Sunday, Colombians will go to the polls for the first round of their presidential elections, a race that could radically reshape Colombia’s relations with the United States at a moment of political turmoil and polarization in Latin America. The key contenders include the ruling party’s candidate, Iván Cepeda; conservative outsider Abelardo De la Espriella; and Paloma Valencia of former President Álvaro Uribe’s center-right party, Centro Democrático. Currently, no candidate is polling over 50%, so a runoff between the top two candidates is projected for June 21, 2026. This election comes within the context of heightened concerns over political violence, with the civil society Electoral Observation Mission (MOE) reporting 565 acts of political violence since January 2025. This has included the assassination of a presidential hopeful, kidnappings , attacks targeting candidates and campaign staff, vandalism of campaign offices, and death threats . Apart from rising violence in the country, campaign issues include great economic discontent, the deeply polarized legacy of President Gustavo Petro, and tense diplomatic relations with the U.S. over anti-narcotics efforts and security policy. The leading candidates present three distinct visions for Colombia’s future. Iván Cepeda, senator for the Historic Pact party, is the former leader of the Movement for Victims of State Crimes and a former peace negotiator involved in the National Liberation Army (ELN) guerilla peace dialogues. He plans to advance peace and negotiations with illegal armed groups and focuses on truth and reconciliation. Cepeda proposes advancing Petro’s agrarian reforms, pursuing an energy transition to curb climate change and investing in education. His security proposal goes beyond an exclusively military response, focusing on improving human rights and dismantling the financial infrastructure of criminal groups. He proposes an autonomous, peace-oriented foreign policy that emphasizes Latin American integration, migrant protection, global anti-militarism, and strict adherence to international law. Aberlardo de la Espriella, the candidate for Defensores de la Patria, is a conservative outsider and criminal lawyer with a controversial past who describes himself as not being a politician. His security proposal mirrors that of El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele, and his economic model that of Argentina’s Javier Milei. He would end peace negotiations and tackle narcotrafficking and organized crime with military force. De la Espriella supports fracking, new oil contracts, and cutting taxes for the private sector. He’d advance a Plan Colombia 2.0 that is aligned with the Trump administration’s anti-narcotics strategy and would resume aerial fumigation of coca crops that was halted by the Petro administration. Paloma Valencia, a senator and prominent member of the center-right opposition party, proposes a Plan 30-30 for security, which would recruit 30,000 new members each to the military and police and increase the defense budget to 4% of Colombia’s GDP. Valencia would end the peace dialogues, militarize insecure areas, and resume aerial fumigation. She proposed opening a 22,000-capacity penitentiary and prison with 19,000 spots and restricting social protests. She further proposes that Colombia participate in the U.S. plan to reconstruct Venezuela, and she wants to request a $50 billion loan from the U.S. to refinance Colombia’s external debt. Similar to de la Espriella, Valencia wants a Plan Colombia 2.0 to combat narco-trafficking. Both Valencia and de la Espriella propose including Colombia in the Shield of the Americas , created by the Trump administration, and have engaged with administration officials and Republican members of Congress. The results of Colombia’s 2026 presidential race will have a significant impact on U.S.-Colombia relations and the Trump administration’s strategic goals in Latin America. Since Petro took office in 2022, the long-standing bipartisan strategic relationship between the two countries has faced growing strains, driven in part by tensions between Petro and a group of Republican lawmakers, particularly from Florida, who have used anti-Petro rhetoric to appeal to conservative Latino voters. Since January 2025, Trump and Petro have repeatedly clashed on X, resulting in the temporary recall of ambassadors and threats of tariffs. Petro also strongly criticized U.S. boat strikes in the Caribbean and Pacific that have killed at least 196 people to date. The Petro administration’s decision in May 2025 to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative further widened the rift with Washington. In response, the Treasury Department sanctioned Petro and others, and the U.S. decertified Colombia for failing to meet its counternarcotics commitments. (Decertification can lead to U.S. foreign assistance suspension, the U.S. blocking Colombia from obtaining international loans, and visa cancellations.) Things came to a head last December, when T...
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Sunday's election could put Colombia back on team Trump. He’d advance a Plan Colombia 2.0 that is aligned with the Trump administration’s anti-narcotics strategy and would resume aerial fumigation of coca crops that was halted by the Petro administration.
TL;DR:
On Sunday, Colombians will go to the polls for the first round of their presidential elections, a race that could radically reshape Colombia’s relations with the United States at a moment of political turmoil and polarization in Latin America.
Theguardian
May 30, 02:36
Exam fail: Indian students complain en masse about marking errors in key final exams
New digital marking system is aimed at reducing human errors but many students say it has resulted in wrong grades A national outcry has erupted in India after more than 400,000 students requested copies of their answer sheets amid mounting complaints of errors in the marking of the country’s most important school-leaving examinations. Within days of the grade 12 exam results being issued, students began reporting marking discrepancies they linked to a new digital marking system. Continue reading...
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New digital marking system is aimed at reducing human errors but many students say it has resulted in wrong grades A national outcry has erupted in India after more than 400,000 students requested copies of their answer sheets amid mounting complaints of errors in the marking of the country’s most important school-leaving examinations.
TL;DR:
New digital marking system is aimed at reducing human errors but many students say it has resulted in wrong grades A national outcry has erupted in India after more than 400,000 students requested copies of their answer sheets amid mounting complaints of errors in the marking of the country’s most important school-leaving examinations.
Foreignpolicy
May 29, 20:49
U.N. Blacklists Israel, Russia for Sexual Violence in Conflict
Both countries have refuted the allegations and accused the agency of bias.
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Blacklists Israel, Russia for Sexual Violence in Conflict. Both countries have refuted the allegations and accused the agency of bias.
TL;DR:
Both countries have refuted the allegations and accused the agency of bias.
Foreignpolicy
May 29, 20:28
What Iran Stands to Gain From a Truce Deal With the United States
U.S. concessions could include the unfreezing of assets and unsanctioning of oil.
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What Iran Stands to Gain From a Truce Deal With the United States. concessions could include the unfreezing of assets and unsanctioning of oil.
TL;DR:
concessions could include the unfreezing of assets and unsanctioning of oil.
Foreignpolicy
May 29, 19:35
As Trade Talks Begin, U.S.-Mexico Ties Falter
Bilateral relations have reached a breaking point at a crucial moment for the USMCA.
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As Trade Talks Begin, U.S.-Mexico Ties Falter. Bilateral relations have reached a breaking point at a crucial moment for the USMCA.
TL;DR:
Bilateral relations have reached a breaking point at a crucial moment for the USMCA.
Foreignpolicy
May 29, 19:00
What Magyar Means for MAGA
Mellower European populists have killed some Republicans’ dreams of a far-right alliance.
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Mellower European populists have killed some Republicans’ dreams of a far-right alliance.
Foreignpolicy
May 29, 18:30
The Dollar Was—and Remains—an Accident
As a new book shows, the dollar isn’t really the United States’ currency, but a 500-year-old relic.
TL;DR:
As a new book shows, the dollar isn’t really the United States’ currency, but a 500-year-old relic.
Foreignpolicy
May 29, 18:00
Authoritarian Transformation in Istanbul’s Old City
Two new books seek to capture the changing reality of Turkey and the world.
TL;DR:
Two new books seek to capture the changing reality of Turkey and the world.
Theguardian
May 29, 17:33
Alarm at Mexico bill allowing elections to be annulled for ‘foreign interference’
Opposition says constitutional amendment would give bill ruling party carte blanche to overturn will of voters Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email Amid fierce criticism from opposition groups, Mexico ’s senate has passed a constitutional amendment to include “foreign interference” as grounds to annul election results in the country. The bill, which was presented by the country’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, defines foreign interference as “illicit financing, propaganda, the systematic dissemination of misinformation, digital manipulation, and the intervention of foreign governments or agencies”. Continue reading...
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Opposition says constitutional amendment would give bill ruling party carte blanche to overturn will of voters Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email Amid fierce criticism from opposition groups, Mexico ’s senate has passed a constitutional amendment to include “foreign interference” as grounds to annul election results in the country.
TL;DR:
Opposition says constitutional amendment would give bill ruling party carte blanche to overturn will of voters Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email Amid fierce criticism from opposition groups, Mexico ’s senate has passed a constitutional amendment to include “foreign interference” as grounds to annul election results in the country.
Theguardian
May 29, 17:13
Lula says Brazil will not be treated like ‘tinpot country’ after US designates gangs as terrorists
Marco Rubio made announcement after meeting president’s far-right challenger Flávio Bolsonaro Brazil will not be treated as a “tinpot country,” the country’s president, Luiz Inácio da Silva, said on Friday after the United States designated Brazil’s two largest criminal gangs, the First Capital Command (PCC) and the Red Command, as foreign terrorist organisations. The announcement, made by Marco Rubio, the secretary of state, on Thursday, is being widely seen in Brazil as a setback for Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the president who had strongly opposed the designation – and a boost for Lula’s main challenger in October’s presidential election, the far-right senator Flávio Bolsonaro. Continue reading...
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Marco Rubio made announcement after meeting president’s far-right challenger Flávio Bolsonaro Brazil will not be treated as a “tinpot country,” the country’s president, Luiz Inácio da Silva, said on Friday after the United States designated Brazil’s two largest criminal gangs, the First Capital Command (PCC) and the Red Command, as foreign terrorist organisations.
TL;DR:
Marco Rubio made announcement after meeting president’s far-right challenger Flávio Bolsonaro Brazil will not be treated as a “tinpot country,” the country’s president, Luiz Inácio da Silva, said on Friday after the United States designated Brazil’s two largest criminal gangs, the First Capital Command (PCC) and the Red Command, as foreign terrorist organisations.
Theguardian
May 29, 16:38
WHO puts Ebola outbreak death rate at ‘huge’ 30-50% as chief arrives in DRC
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus calls for ceasefire among armed groups to help avoid deaths from preventable disease The death rate of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is between 30% and 50%, the World Health Organization has said, as its head arrived in the country to support efforts to contain the disease. Anaïs Legand, from the WHO’s high threat pathogens team, said the revised death rate estimate is based on confirmed cases. “It’s huge. It means that up to five out of 10 people are likely to die,” Legand told reporters in Geneva. Continue reading...
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WHO puts Ebola outbreak death rate at ‘huge’ 30-50% as chief arrives in DRC. Anaïs Legand, from the WHO’s high threat pathogens team, said the revised death rate estimate is based on confirmed cases. It means that up to five out of 10 people are likely to die,” Legand told reporters in Geneva.
TL;DR:
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus calls for ceasefire among armed groups to help avoid deaths from preventable disease The death rate of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is between 30% and 50%, the World Health Organization has said, as its head arrived in the country to support efforts to contain the disease.
Foreignpolicy
May 29, 16:06
What in the World?
Test yourself on the week of May 23: The U.S. strikes Iran, European countries summon Russian diplomats, and the WHO calls for a cease-fire in Congo.
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What in the World?. Test yourself on the week of May 23: The U.S. strikes Iran, European countries summon Russian diplomats, and the WHO calls for a cease-fire in Congo.
TL;DR:
strikes Iran, European countries summon Russian diplomats, and the WHO calls for a cease-fire in Congo.
Foreignpolicy
May 29, 15:12
Syria Wants to Replace the Strait of Hormuz
The country hopes to fund its reconstruction by serving as the Middle East’s new transit and logistics hub.
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The country hopes to fund its reconstruction by serving as the Middle East’s new transit and logistics hub.
Foreignpolicy
May 29, 14:10
Of Course It’s a War
Trump’s legal evasion regarding Iran reveals the rotten state of constitutional war powers.
TL;DR:
Trump’s legal evasion regarding Iran reveals the rotten state of constitutional war powers.
Foreignpolicy
May 29, 12:00
What’s Behind the EU-Mexico Trade Deal?
With USMCA on ice, Mexico City is looking across the Atlantic for new partners.
TL;DR:
With USMCA on ice, Mexico City is looking across the Atlantic for new partners.
Responsiblestatecraft
May 29, 10:57
Congress quietly moves to integrate US and Israeli militaries
At a time when the American public is expressing unprecedented levels of distrust in the Israeli government, Congress just proposed tying the U.S. to the Israeli military more than ever before. Buried in the House's version of the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) released on Tuesday, is section 224, entitled “United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative.” The provision would arguably do more to intertwine the U.S. military with the Israeli military than the more than $200 billion (inflation adjusted) in military assistance Israel has received from the U.S. since its founding in 1948. Section 224 lays the groundwork for bilateral research and development, co-production of weapons, joint ventures, licensing agreements, and seemingly every manner of U.S.-Israeli military-industrial complex cooperation. The U.S. and Israel already work together heavily on missile defense, but this provision would greatly expand coordination to seemingly every area of defense tech, including AI, quantum, autonomous systems, directed energy, cyber, biotech, and many more. It also proposes “network integration” and “data fusion.” In other words, the U.S. military’s data could soon be the Israeli military’s data. If fully enacted, this proposal would provide a higher level of military-industrial integration than the U.S. has with any other country in the world. To be sure, the U.S. has worked closely with its NATO partners on co-production and shared supply chains, most notably via the Defence Production Action Plan . And, as the number one arms dealer in the world, the U.S. provides weapons to militaries across the globe. But that is mostly a one-way street, with the U.S. providing weapons to foreign buyers who only occasionally make parts for those weapons themselves, as in the case of the F-35’s global supply chain . Section 224 would be a different beast entirely. It would fuse the U.S. and Israeli defense sectors in multiple areas vital to the battlefields of the future, like autonomous systems and cyber. It would also bring extraordinary Israeli influence to the U.S. beyond what it already has through the Israel lobby and its robust network of social media influencers . It would give the Israeli government the opportunity to greatly expand one of the most powerful levers of influence in U.S. politics: jobs in the U.S. By expanding or starting new co-production facilities like it already has in Mississippi and Arkansas , the Israeli government could boast of providing jobs on U.S. soil, thereby securing allies among members of Congress who represent the districts where those jobs lie. The result could well be a U.S. political system even more susceptible to the whims of an Israeli government that seemingly has no qualms about drawing the U.S. into military conflicts in the Middle East. This unprecedented level of U.S.-Israeli military integration stands in stark contrast to the traditional aid model of defense cooperation, in which Israel already stood out as the top recipient of U.S. military assistance. As laid out in a recent Quincy Institute brief , authored by Steven Simon, this shift from an aid model to a military integration model has troubling implications, namely: The shift will strip away the political and diplomatic oversight mechanisms that make the relationship publicly accountable, moving it from a visible annual aid vote into the opaque machinery of defense acquisition, where oversight is limited and political accountability is minimal. The result would be a defense relationship that is simultaneously deeper and less transparent. This all comes at a time when the Israeli military has repeatedly used U.S. weapons in strikes that have violated international humanitarian laws in Gaza, and as Israel has repeatedly violated ceasefires (as has the U.S. itself) in the Trump administration’s unnecessary war with Iran. The enormous gulf between what most Americans want and what the president is doing when it comes to Israel and what Congress is proposing here should not be ignored. Just 30% of respondents to a New York Times/Sienna poll from mid-May believe Trump made “the right decision” to go to war with Iran, with 64% saying it was wrong. An Institute for Global Affairs poll released earlier this week dove even deeper into the American psyche when it comes to arming Israel, finding that “Just 16 percent say the United States should keep supplying Israel with weapons without new restrictions. Thirty-eight percent want to stop supplying weapons entirely, and another 24 percent want weapons conditioned on how they’re used.” Yet, mainstream leadership in both parties remains largely pro-Israel and continues to shape the base legislative text before amendments and broader congressional debate open it to the full body, as is the case with this NDAA provision. Though slowly, tides within both parties are shifting as more and more members speak out against the growing divide between Israel’...
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to the Israeli military more than ever before. military with the Israeli military than the more than $200 billion (inflation adjusted) in military assistance Israel has received from the U.S. military’s data could soon be the Israeli military’s data.
TL;DR:
itself) in the Trump administration’s unnecessary war with Iran.
Warontherocks
May 29, 08:00
How America Lost Its Most Important Defense Tech Habit
On April 15, technology podcaster Dwarkesh Patel published a two-hour interview with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. For roughly forty minutes, Patel asked one question six different ways. The question was this: If American-made compute trains AI models with the serious cyber-offensive capabilities Anthropic’s Mythos Preview demonstrated — and that compute is sold to a strategic adversary — what responsibility does the seller bear?Huang’s answers hovered a safe distance away from the question. AI is a “five-layer cake,” he told Patel, and ceding any layer to China would be industrial suicide. The Chinese, he argued, already have enough compute to do The post How America Lost Its Most Important Defense Tech Habit appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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On April 15, technology podcaster Dwarkesh Patel published a two-hour interview with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. For roughly forty minutes, Patel asked one question six different ways. The question was this: If American-made compute trains AI models with the serious cyber-offensive capabilities Anthropic’s Mythos Preview demonstrated — and that compute is sold to a strategic adve…
TL;DR:
The Chinese, he argued, already have enough compute to do The post How America Lost Its Most Important Defense Tech Habit appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 29, 07:30
Contriving Imaginary Gaps in Nuclear Deterrence
Among some nuclear strategists, military officers, and lawmakers, a belief bordering on the canonical has taken root that the United States is on the short end of a “deterrence gap” with Russia and China. Both countries, and especially Russia, possess theater-range nuclear weapons, whose comparatively small yield is thought to lower the threshold for their use. The relative dearth of these capabilities on the American side, so the thinking goes, denies Washington the ability to answer a limited regional nuclear strike with a comparable response and thus deter such an attack in the first place. Adversaries may therefore see an The post Contriving Imaginary Gaps in Nuclear Deterrence appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Contriving Imaginary Gaps in Nuclear Deterrence. Among some nuclear strategists, military officers, and lawmakers, a belief bordering on the canonical has taken root that the United States is on the short end of a “deterrence gap” with Russia and China. Adversaries may therefore see an The post Contriving Imaginary Gaps in Nuclear Deterrence appeared first on War on the Rocks .
TL;DR:
Adversaries may therefore see an The post Contriving Imaginary Gaps in Nuclear Deterrence appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 29, 07:15
Glass Jaw? The New Economic Fragility Recasting American Power
A pair of children’s shoes is an odd place to look for the changing dynamics of American power. But stick with me because, after the past year, it is one of the clearest places to see them.Long before those shoes reach a store shelf, tariffs have raised the cost of materials, components, and importation. Oil touches nearly everything else: synthetic fabrics, foam, adhesives, packaging, and freight. When both shocks arrive together, companies cut margins, cut orders, cheapen materials, delay investment, and eventually pass the pain on to consumers. Now, multiply that across the economy, and you start to see the The post Glass Jaw? The New Economic Fragility Recasting American Power appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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The New Economic Fragility Recasting American Power. Now, multiply that across the economy, and you start to see the The post Glass Jaw? The New Economic Fragility Recasting American Power appeared first on War on the Rocks .
TL;DR:
The New Economic Fragility Recasting American Power appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Responsiblestatecraft
May 29, 04:05
Why Trump dumped Europe from Iran talks
When President Donald Trump announced a possible U.S.-Iran understanding, he did so after placing calls to a number of regional countries: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, and – separately – Israel. Not a single European capital was on the call list. As the Quincy Institute’s Executive Vice President, Trita Parsi, noted , “Europe’s near-total absence from the process is striking — though hardly problematic. By this point, Europe’s diplomatic irrelevance in major Middle Eastern diplomacy has become so normalized that its exclusion barely registers.” Yet this absence and its implications deserve a closer look. How did Europe transition from leading on Iran diplomacy – culminating in the nuclear deal known as Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2015 – to this level of irrelevance ten years later? Objectively, there are factors that are beyond Europeans’ control. For one, Trump’s dislike of European leaders is well-established. And the feeling is mutual. Yet, there is another, deeper reason: in his own erratic way, Trump wants to pacify the Middle East and claim sole credit for that. This is probably why he's been pushing his improbable proposal that all countries in the greater region — from Saudi Arabia to Pakistan — join the Abraham Accords. Sharing a diplomatic trophy with Brussels, Berlin or London would presumably detract from his achievement. Then there are the regional actors themselves. For the Persian Gulf nations as well as Egypt, Turkey and Pakistan, the stakes of a continued war on Iran are truly existential . As the war has already shown, they are easily within the range of Iranian missiles. A resumption and exacerbation of active hostilities would risk economic collapse, especially of the Gulf states. An implosion of the Iranian state would destabilize borders, provoke uncontrolled migration, and ignite ethnic and sectarian strife on a regional scale. The consequences for Europe would also be significant: higher energy prices and inflation mean the European Union already is losing €500 million a day , according to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. But this is not a life-and-death matter in the same way it would be for Iran’s neighbors. This asymmetry of the stakes explains why the Gulf nations, Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt have engaged proactively in favor of diplomacy and de-escalation . And the fact that Trump talks to them would help to embed a potential new Iran deal regionally. That would permanently remove a key complaint of some of Iran’s neighbors, particularly Saudi Arabia and UAE, about former President Barack Obama’s original 2015 deal, which dealt only with the nuclear file. Yet attributing everything to Trump’s vainglory and regional diplomacy would miss a more difficult truth. After all, geography was no different in 2015 when the E3 (Britain, France and Germany), working with the EU’s high representative for foreign policy, led the way to the JCPOA. In 2026, Europe’s exclusion was not just imposed from outside. It was earned from within – by squandering any leverage Europe enjoyed with Iran. First, after Trump withdrew from the JCPOA during his first term in 2018, Europe launched INSTEX, a trade vehicle designed to bypass U.S. secondary sanctions on Iran. But it never worked , and thus Iran concluded Europe would posture but ultimately bow to Washington’s wishes. Iranian confidence in Europe was undermined. Second, in 2025, the E3 triggered the United Nations Security Council’s snapback of nuclear-related sanctions on Iran, even as Russia and China insisted the room for diplomacy had not been exhausted, and Tehran itself had offered new concessions that would preclude weaponization. Tehran took note: Europe had clearly ceased to be an honest broker and had become instead a U.S. auxiliary. Third, and most decisively, the war in Ukraine changed Europe's entire worldview. After 2022, Brussels embarked on a geopolitical path that divides the world into friends and foes based solely on their stance toward Russia. Iran – which has supplied Moscow with drones – was swiftly placed in the enemy camp. In the immediate wake of U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran on February 28, European leaders like von der Leyen and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz offered their full-throated support for the initial aim of regime change . In Brussels, the only strategy was transatlantic unity against the purported Russia-Iran axis. None of this is to excuse the role of Tehran's own choices in recent years that have undermined its relations with Europe. Iran's drone transfers to Russia have been real, destructive, and justifiably condemned. But cause and effect run both ways. Having watched Europe fail to deliver on the JCPOA and increasingly echo the U.S.-Israeli line on its nuclear program, ballistic missiles and regional policies, Tehran concluded it had nothing to gain from Europe. Moscow, on the other hand, has provided assistance wit...
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Why Trump dumped Europe from Iran talks. For the Persian Gulf nations as well as Egypt, Turkey and Pakistan, the stakes of a continued war on Iran are truly existential . As the war has already shown, they are easily within the range of Iranian missiles.
TL;DR:
Third, and most decisively, the war in Ukraine changed Europe's entire worldview.
Responsiblestatecraft
May 29, 04:05
This isn't about a few 'bad apples.' Israel is annexing the West Bank
In February, we led a week-long congressional delegation to visit Israel and the West Bank, the latest of several trips we have taken in recent years to better understand the region and the needs of the people who live there. What we saw on the ground is clear: annexation of the West Bank is happening before our very eyes. We were planning to visit the village of Ras ‘Ein al-’Auja in the northern West Bank. But three weeks before the trip, all 700 residents of the village fled due to violence from nearby settlers. When we drove through the ruined remains of the village, we saw groups of Israeli settlers having a picnic. We were able to visit the village Fasa’il al-Wusta in the Jordan Valley. When we visited, six out of eight families had fled. Two weeks later, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) demolished the home of the family we visited. Now only one of those families is left. As the world’s attention is fixed on the war that President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu started with Iran, Israel’s far-right government is quietly pursuing full-scale annexation in the West Bank. What we saw was a microcosm. In 1981, the Israeli government approved a plan titled "Settlement in Judea and Samaria – Strategy, policy and plans." Written by the then-head of the Settlement Division of the World Zionist Organization, it laid out the need for a surge of settlement in “areas between and around the centers occupied by the minorities so as to reduce to the minimum the danger of an additional Arab state being established in these territories. Being cut off by Jewish settlements, the minority population will find it difficult to form a territorial and political continuity.” In other words: split up the Palestinian population so that they cannot form a government. Today, there is not a single supporter of the two-state solution in Israel’s current governing coalition, and ministers frequently call to destroy the possibility of a two-state solution and encourage, in the words of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, the “voluntary emigration” of Palestinians. While we drove through the West Bank, we saw the execution of this plan firsthand. Under President Trump, it is getting worse, and quickly. President Trump insists that he won’t let Israel annex the West Bank. But under his administration, the Israeli far-right has accelerated its efforts. In 2025 alone, Israel approved 54 new West Bank settlements . In President Joe Biden’s four years as president, it approved 14. Eighty-six new settlement outposts, which are illegal even under Israeli law, were established in 2025, and the Israeli government has allocated millions of dollars to support them. These new outposts serve as bases of operations for radical Israeli settlers to launch attacks against Palestinians. 2025 saw over 1,800 attacks, the highest number on record. Since the war with Iran began, settler violence has escalated further, averaging more than six attacks per day. These latest attacks have resulted in the murder of seven Palestinians and injuries to dozens more. Over the years, we have raised these issues with the highest levels of the Israeli government. They dismiss these attacks as the work of a handful of extremists. But the Israeli military has total security control in the parts of the West Bank where settlers attack innocent Palestinians every day. The Israeli government has allowed these attackers to roam free, with almost no arrests, indictments, or convictions. In fact, the IDF’s own rules of engagement mean that they protect Israelis, not Palestinians. When violent settlers invade Palestinian villages, the IDF will often escort them, standing aside while they attack Palestinians. This is exacerbated by the fact that, since October 7, many IDF reservist units in the West Bank have been drawn from the settlers who live there. Traveling in the Jordan Valley and the East Ramallah areas, we saw the consequences of this inaction: empty homes and markets, the hollowed-out remains of the 60 Palestinian communities displaced by settler violence since October 7. Israel’s support for settlements means the continuation of displacement and forced statelessness. Continuing to give Israel’s far-right government free rein over the West Bank is also a catastrophe for both Israel and the U.S. For Israel, annexation would deepen its international isolation and further erode its democratic foundations. It would also undermine its own security, as steps that deny the possibility of a Palestinian state discredit Palestinians who have pursued statehood through diplomatic means and empower violent actors like Hamas. The drive toward annexation coddles an extremist strain of Israeli society that benefits from chaos and shares no values with the United States. Annexation would also be a disaster for American foreign policy. It would threaten to destabilize Jordan and shred our credibility to oppose the acquisition of territory by force. It could mean the end...
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This isn't about a few 'bad apples.' Israel is annexing the West Bank. As the world’s attention is fixed on the war that President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu started with Iran, Israel’s far-right government is quietly pursuing full-scale annexation in the West Bank. President Trump insists that he won’t let Israel annex the West Bank.
TL;DR:
Since the war with Iran began, settler violence has escalated further, averaging more than six attacks per day.
Foreignpolicy
May 29, 04:01
Don’t Count the Quad Out
A more modest agenda is also more credible.
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Don’t Count the Quad Out. A more modest agenda is also more credible.
TL;DR:
A more modest agenda is also more credible.
Foreignpolicy
May 28, 22:02
Groundhog Day: Iran War Edition
This issue is preventing our website from loading properly. Please review the following troubleshooting tips or contact us at [email protected] . Welcome back to Foreign Policy ’s Situation Report.
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Rishi is on a much-deserved vacation this week, so FP’s Sam Skove has graciously stepped in to co-pilot this week’s edition with John. Alright, here’s what’s on tap for the day: The Iran war remains in a holding pattern , U.S. Rishi is on a much-deserved vacation this week, so FP’s Sam Skove has graciously stepped in to co-pilot this week’s edition with John.
TL;DR:
It’s an open question if negotiators can break the repetitive cycle engulfing the war.
Foreignpolicy
May 28, 20:49
Tentative U.S.-Iran Cease-Fire Extension Deal Awaits Trump’s Approval
Tehran’s leadership has also not publicly signed off on the agreement yet.
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Tentative U.S.-Iran Cease-Fire Extension Deal Awaits Trump’s Approval. Tehran’s leadership has also not publicly signed off on the agreement yet.
TL;DR:
Tehran’s leadership has also not publicly signed off on the agreement yet.
Foreignpolicy
May 28, 20:29
No Commodity Is Safe From the Iran War
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The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has laid bare the world’s economic dependence on the narrow waterway leading out of the Persian Gulf. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has laid bare the world’s economic dependence on the narrow waterway leading out of the Persian Gulf. Despite a U.S.
TL;DR:
From Diet Coke to condoms, the world’s supply chains have faced surprising downstream disruptions.
Warontherocks
May 28, 18:30
Hollow Deals, Tricky Negotiations, and State Visits
Welcome to The Adversarial. Every other week, we’ll provide you with expert analysis on America’s greatest challengers: China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and jihadists. Read more below.***IranThere has been increasing chatter that Washington and Tehran are nearing an agreement that might wind down the war launched by the United States and Israel on Feb. 28. The truce that took effect seven weeks ago has been a prickly affair, with occasional fire at Gulf states and tit-for-tats at sea — including in recent days, which have seen U.S. forces strike missile sites and vessels in southern Iran as well as shooting down The post Hollow Deals, Tricky Negotiations, and State Visits appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Hollow Deals, Tricky Negotiations, and State Visits. Read more below.***IranThere has been increasing chatter that Washington and Tehran are nearing an agreement that might wind down the war launched by the United States and Israel on Feb.
TL;DR:
Welcome to The Adversarial. Every other week, we’ll provide you with expert analysis on America’s greatest challengers: China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and jihadists.
Foreignpolicy
May 28, 17:13
The Iran War Has Only Worsened Sudan’s Conflict
The country is uniquely vulnerable to regional shocks.
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The Iran War Has Only Worsened Sudan’s Conflict. The country is uniquely vulnerable to regional shocks.
TL;DR:
The country is uniquely vulnerable to regional shocks.
Foreignpolicy
May 28, 16:57
Erdogan Is Forcibly Designing His Own Opposition
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The court annulled the 2023 congress of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), Turkey’s main opposition. The court annulled the 2023 congress of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), Turkey’s main opposition.
TL;DR:
Turkey is moving from repressing the opposition to reshaping it.
Foreignpolicy
May 28, 16:23
Cubans Abandon the American Dream
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One of the goals of the Trump administration’s pressure campaign against Cuba—including a comprehensive oil embargo, expanded U.S. But the efforts have failed so far because emigration, Cuba’s most reliable release valve for dissent, remains functional despite U.S.
TL;DR:
As conditions on the island worsen, people are leaving—just not for the United States.
Warontherocks
May 28, 16:00
What Would Relations with Post-War Russia Look Like?
Rose Gottemoeller joined Ryan in Washington. They discussed how the West might think about relations with Russia once the war with Ukraine ends, as well as nuclear diplomacy and other critical issues. Gottemoeller was the deputy secretary general of NATO and, before that, served as a senior State Department official. She is currently at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies at Stanford University and has a new book out called Security Through Cooperation: Space, Nuclear Weapons, and US-Russia Relations after the Cold War (Stanford University Press).Image: Kremlin.ru via Wikimedia Commons Image: Kremlin.ru via Wikimedia Commons The post What Would Relations with Post-War Russia Look Like? appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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What Would Relations with Post-War Russia Look Like?. They discussed how the West might think about relations with Russia once the war with Ukraine ends, as well as nuclear diplomacy and other critical issues. appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Responsiblestatecraft
May 28, 16:00
Trump pal funneled millions of Israeli gov't cash into US media
This article was co-published with The Intercept . A company run by former Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale, hired by the Israeli government to push pro-Israel views on a major conservative media network, has directed $13 million from Israel to several Republican digital strategy firms and allies, according to a previously unreported document filed under the Foreign Agents Registration Act. Parscale was hired in part to influence major right-wing Christian media company Salem Media Group, where he is also an executive. His firm spent hundreds of thousands on ads with a Salem subsidiary. As part of the contract, Parscale’s firm also sent millions to other firms run by some of his closest political allies. The new filing sheds light on a more detailed web of interconnected companies and political operatives capitalizing on Parscale’s contract with the Israeli government. Many of the companies getting work as part of Parscale’s Israel contract are being reported here for the first time. Among those that received millions of dollars' worth of payments related to the contract are ventures like SparkFire, an AI chatbot company leading a mass texting campaign, and a shadowy firm run by longtime mainstream Republican strategist Mike Shields. (None of the figures or firms in this story responded to requests for comment.) Israel initially directly hired Parscale’s firm, Clock Tower X, last September with a contract worth $6 million. The new filing reveals that his firm has received over $15 million through an intermediary, Havas Media Network, an international media company working on behalf of the Israeli state. The document shows that Parscale directed over $500,000 for ads to Salem Media Representatives, a subsidiary of Salem Media. Although Parscale was hired to integrate pro-Israel messaging into Salem Media shows — which feature conservative commentators such as Hugh Hewitt, Larry Elder, and Scott Jennings — these payments to the conservative media conglomerate on behalf of Israel were not previously known. Parscale, who is the chief strategy officer for Salem Media, is not the only registered representative of Israel working for the media company. One of Parscale’s team members working on the Israel contract, Ashley Evdokimo, is Salem’s vice president for communications. According to her LinkedIn profile , Evdokimo, who works with Parscale at his digital strategy company Campaign Nucleus, took a position at Salem Media in September 2025, the same month that Parscale was hired to work for the Israeli government. A month later, Evdokimo registered as a foreign agent for Israel. A Parscale partnership One of the largest recipients of the Israeli funds coming in through Parscale’s contract is a firm called Portman Road Strategies, which is run by longtime GOP strategist Mike Shields, according to Virginia state records. Shields’ firm received just under $5 million from Parscale as part of the contract in exchange for media placement, consulting, polling, and advertising work. Shields, a longtime Parscale ally, is also largely responsible for staffing the contract with the Israeli government. Of Parscale’s 18 team members at Clock Tower X, 14 are staffers at Convergence Media, a “campaign strategy, digital, public affairs & media firm” led by Shields. During the first Trump administration, Shields and Parscale operated as a package deal, consistently recommending each other's services as both became power brokers in Trump world. Parscale frequently convinced GOP campaigns — including that of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis — to hire Shields’ Convergence Media. The duo are now applying their digital influence campaign playbook to Israel. According to his bio , Shields was also a CNN commentator, a former chief of staff for the Republican National Committee, and a strategist for former Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.). Parscale directed another $6 million of the Israeli funds to SparkFire Technologies, an AI chatbot company. SparkFire's role was previously unknown, but it was related to a campaign of text messages that was first reported by Responsible Statecraft . Under the contract, Parscale’s firm reaches out to Americans under the auspices of supposed “peace” organizations. SparkFire’s main service, called the flywheel , uses AI to reach out to people with personalized messages. The AI then performs an analysis on the conversation, with SparkFire storing the data and using it to target messages to the recipient. Bot texts sent by SparkFire can appear compassionate, understanding, and referential, based on screenshots shared with the Intercept and Responsible Statecraft. SparkFire claims these types of conversations are highly effective. The company boasts its messaging had a 45% conversion rate , suggesting almost half of the recipients were persuaded by the AI-powered conversation. While the scale of its text campaigns is unknown, SparkFire says it can reach millions of people. In text convers...
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Trump pal funneled millions of Israeli gov't cash into US media. Many of the companies getting work as part of Parscale’s Israel contract are being reported here for the first time. During the first Trump administration, Shields and Parscale operated as a package deal, consistently recommending each other's services as both became power brokers in Trump world.
TL;DR:
Parscale, who is the chief strategy officer for Salem Media, is not the only registered representative of Israel working for the media company.
Foreignpolicy
May 28, 15:00
Bibi’s Manichean Politics
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May 29 will mark 30 years since Benjamin Netanyahu first became prime minister of Israel. May 29 will mark 30 years since Benjamin Netanyahu first became prime minister of Israel. But this is also a useful moment to examine a narrower but no less consequential aspect: how Netanyahu fundamentally reshaped Israeli society and the electoral logic driving its politics.
TL;DR:
Over three decades, Netanyahu’s pivot to divisive electioneering has paid off.
Foreignpolicy
May 28, 13:50
The Madman Strikes Back
This issue is preventing our website from loading properly. Please review the following troubleshooting tips or contact us at [email protected] . Why does U.S.
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President Donald Trump do the things he does? president’s actions on the world stage. President Donald Trump do the things he does?
TL;DR:
Nixon’s theory on the power of unpredictability didn’t account for an actual madman adversary.
Foreignpolicy
May 28, 13:48
Friedrich Merz Doesn’t Understand the EU
Germany’s chancellor keeps complaining about the source of the continent’s power.
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Friedrich Merz Doesn’t Understand the EU. Germany’s chancellor keeps complaining about the source of the continent’s power.
TL;DR:
Germany’s chancellor keeps complaining about the source of the continent’s power.
Foreignpolicy
May 28, 13:41
Trump Should Just Admit He Screwed Up
The Iran war was obviously a mistake. Why not say so?
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Trump Should Just Admit He Screwed Up. The Iran war was obviously a mistake. Why not say so?
TL;DR:
The Iran war was obviously a mistake.
Theguardian
May 28, 11:40
Blond Bangladeshi buffalo nicknamed ‘Donald Trump’ saved from Eid sacrifice
Rare albino buffalo spared due to security concerns over unusual level of public interest in 700kg animal A rare albino buffalo in Bangladesh nicknamed “Donald Trump” for its distinctive blond tuft has been spared from Eid al-Adha sacrifice after a last-minute government intervention, according to a home ministry official. The nearly 700kg (1,543lb) animal had already been sold for ritual slaughter when authorities stepped in, citing security concerns after a surge of public interest before Thursday’s festival. Continue reading...
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Rare albino buffalo spared due to security concerns over unusual level of public interest in 700kg animal A rare albino buffalo in Bangladesh nicknamed “Donald Trump” for its distinctive blond tuft has been spared from Eid al-Adha sacrifice after a last-minute government intervention, according to a home ministry official.
TL;DR:
Rare albino buffalo spared due to security concerns over unusual level of public interest in 700kg animal A rare albino buffalo in Bangladesh nicknamed “Donald Trump” for its distinctive blond tuft has been spared from Eid al-Adha sacrifice after a last-minute government intervention, according to a home ministry official.
Warontherocks
May 28, 08:00
Control Without Ownership: How China’s Party-Business Networks Dominate Indonesia’s Mineral Supply Chains
In 2024, when Jiangsu Delong, the world’s second-largest stainless-steel producer, filed for bankruptcy, several Chinese firms and state-owned enterprises quietly absorbed its Indonesian assets. Among them was China First Heavy Industries, a state-owned enterprise founded in 1954 as one of China’s early Soviet-backed industrial projects. Today, China First Heavy Industries supplies military-grade metals to China’s military, including reactor vessels for nuclear submarines. For a manufacturer embedded deeply in China’s naval industrial base, securing nickel feedstock for specialty steels is crucial.The episode reveals China’s strategy for critical minerals: Incentivizing access to upstream assets for Chinese firms reduces the risk of supply The post Control Without Ownership: How China’s Party-Business Networks Dominate Indonesia’s Mineral Supply Chains appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Control Without Ownership: How China’s Party-Business Networks Dominate Indonesia’s Mineral Supply Chains. Today, China First Heavy Industries supplies military-grade metals to China’s military, including reactor vessels for nuclear submarines. For a manufacturer embedded deeply in China’s naval industrial base, securing nickel feedstock for specialty steels is crucial.
TL;DR:
Today, China First Heavy Industries supplies military-grade metals to China’s military, including reactor vessels for nuclear submarines.
Warontherocks
May 28, 07:30
A Sea Control Revolution?
Sea control has changed. In recent years, there has been a quiet revolution in maritime strategy that has seen navies increasingly expected to exert greater levels of control over more of the world’s oceans, more of the time. Whether it is NATO forces protecting critical maritime infrastructure in the Baltic, Pacific Island nations requiring maritime domain awareness to protect against illegal fishing, or Chinese coast guard and maritime militia vessels occupying features in the South China Sea, navies across the globe are confronting major challenges and are being forced to operate in new and novel ways. Behind all of this The post A Sea Control Revolution? appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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A Sea Control Revolution?. Sea control has changed. appeared first on War on the Rocks .
TL;DR:
appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 28, 07:15
What Everyone is Missing About North Korea’s Reunification Strategy
When news broke that North Korea had revised its constitution, analysts in the West and across the Korean Peninsula rushed to declare it the formal death of Korean reunification as a policy objective. The changes were hard to ignore. Pyongyang stripped all references to a unified Korean nation, codified a territorial clause treating the Republic of Korea as a separate foreign state, vested direct nuclear weapons authority in Kim Jong-un personally, and concentrated near-absolute executive power in the supreme leader alone. On the surface, it looked like the official burial of seven decades of unification ideology.That reading is seductive. It’s The post What Everyone is Missing About North Korea’s Reunification Strategy appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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What Everyone is Missing About North Korea’s Reunification Strategy. When news broke that North Korea had revised its constitution, analysts in the West and across the Korean Peninsula rushed to declare it the formal death of Korean reunification as a policy objective.
TL;DR:
It’s The post What Everyone is Missing About North Korea’s Reunification Strategy appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Responsiblestatecraft
May 28, 04:05
US, Russia test ICBMs as nuclear talks end in deadlock
This month, as delegates from around the world gathered at the United Nations to talk about nuclear nonproliferation, the U.S. and Russia chose to remind everyone just how much destructive power they command. On May 12, Russia staged a test launch of its Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Russian President Vladimir Putin promptly announced that the Sarmat will go on combat duty by the end of 2026. On May 20, the U.S. Air Force launched an unarmed Minuteman III ICBM. The missile has been in service since 1970 and may need to operate through 2050 — 14 years longer than planned — because its next-generation replacement, the Sentinel ICBM, is running years behind schedule and billions over budget. None of these tests made either country safer. Rather, they deteriorated the diplomatic environment. And in political terms, they were corrosive: they further normalized the idea that nuclear policy is about signaling rather than diplomacy at the exact moment diplomats were trying to keep the focus on risk reduction. The Air Force emphasized that its test was scheduled in advance and “not in response to world events,” but the timing could hardly have been worse: just two days later, the 11th Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference wrapped up at the U.N. in New York City without a consensus final document. Why the conference matters The NPT Review Conference is a periodic summit where the world’s nuclear and non-nuclear states gather to negotiate next steps toward disarmament and try to keep the promise of the NPT alive. Held every five years, the conference is one of the main pillars sustaining the global nonproliferation order. When states can agree on a final document, it shows that, despite their differences, they still share common ground on the nuclear threat. But this year, for the third time in a row, the conference ended in failure. The immediate sticking point was a deadlock between the U.S. and Iran over how to address Iran’s nuclear activities in the final text. Washington wanted direct language naming Iran, while Tehran flatly refused and insisted on condemnation of the nuclear-armed states that had attacked it in the past. The chair, Vietnamese Ambassador Do Hung Viet, didn’t even bother to submit the last draft for a vote. Before the conference opened, he had warned that another failure would be catastrophic: “We may lose the credibility of the NPT itself.” Yet focusing only on Iran misses the deeper fracture. “Tragically, NPT states missed an important opportunity to formally reaffirm their support for the treaty and its core principles, goals, and objectives at a time of increasing nuclear dangers,” said Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association. After a month of talks, the draft outcome document failed even to call on nuclear-armed states to pursue disarmament negotiations “with urgency,” despite the fact that this obligation already exists under Article VI of the NPT. Instead, the text called for a vague “constructive dialogue” that “could facilitate” future discussions. Meanwhile, nuclear-armed states and their allies worked to water down or block long-established language about the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons use. Still, not all was lost. Despite U.S. objections, other states managed to insert language supporting the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and opposing any resumption of nuclear explosive testing. That was at least a small defense against an eroding norm; President Donald Trump has floated the idea of resuming testing, with Russia warning it would match any U.S. move. The conference’s conclusion must also be kept in perspective. As Russian arms control expert Vladimir Orlov points out , the NPT Review Conference is about the review process as well as consensus documents. That review happened, and no country questioned whether the NPT is essential. Even if threats to compliance are growing, the treaty remains in force. Signaling replacing diplomacy Actions speak louder than words, and May was full of contradictions between the two. American and Russian diplomats in New York praised the NPT as the foundation of nonproliferation while their military commands showed off capabilities the treaty is meant to restrain. The Sarmat and Minuteman III launches came alongside large-scale Russian nuclear drills that ran May 19-21. Russia billed these as rehearsals for using nuclear forces if threatened. “As a result of blatantly provocative moves in the nuclear sphere, strategic risks are increasing, as is the danger of a head-on clash between NATO and our country, with potentially catastrophic consequences,” warned Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov. Nobody seriously thinks a first strike is coming. Deterrence is working in that sense. The real problem is the crumbling diplomatic space. Even routine missile tests may be seen as threats. In turn, threats start to look like preparations for war. Meanwhile, the arc...
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US, Russia test ICBMs as nuclear talks end in deadlock. and Iran over how to address Iran’s nuclear activities in the final text. Russia billed these as rehearsals for using nuclear forces if threatened.
TL;DR:
In turn, threats start to look like preparations for war.
Responsiblestatecraft
May 28, 04:05
Nothing more dangerous than a Netanyahu scorned
The emerging deal between the United States and Iran represents an existential danger to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political future. With his coalition fracturing and elections approaching, Netanyahu can’t survive a peace that leaves Hezbollah intact and Iran’s nuclear program deferred. The only path that may keep his future viable now runs through Lebanon. This may help explain why, just hours after President Donald Trump announced that a deal with Iran was “largely negotiated” through talks that excluded Israel, Netanyahu ordered the Israeli military to “increase the blows” against Hezbollah, adding on Monday that “we are deepening our operation in Lebanon.” Israel has now issued evacuation orders for two of southern Lebanon’s biggest cities, and Israeli aircraft have struck over 100 sites in southern Lebanon, adding to a death toll that has now surpassed 3,000 since the latest escalation in March, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. This comes as Lebanese and Israeli officials are engaged in historic, U.S.-brokered talks in Washington, including a security track that was due to be launched on May 29. When the U.S. and Israel initiated strikes on Iran in late February, Netanyau framed the aims of the campaign in maximalist terms: destroy Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile capacity, sever Tehran’s support for regional proxies, and, most ambitiously, overthrow the Islamic Republic. Three months later, Iran is still standing. The deal taking shape between the Trump administration and the Islamic Republic addresses almost none of these objectives in the preliminary phase, focusing instead on restarting maritime shipping and bringing an end to direct U.S.-Iran hostilities. The blowback from Israeli politicians and commentators has been fierce. Israeli opposition leader and former Prime Minister Yair Lapid said the deal was “bad for Israel, bad for the region, bad for the people of Iran.” Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s national security minister and a key coalition partner in Netanyahu’s government, framed the proposal in similar terms, calling it “an agreement that can harm the State of Israel.” Against this background, Netanyahu’s predicament is especially acute. He co-launched a war that degraded Iran’s capabilities but failed to bring Tehran to heel. He has been excluded from negotiations on the conflict’s outcome and now faces an electorate that is expected to hit the polls as early as September. With these elections looming, only 10% of Israelis viewed the Iran campaign as a significant success when polled in mid-April. The dominant analysis holds that Netanyahu is trying to drag out the election timeline, hoping to buy more time to achieve something he can market to voters on the security and diplomatic fronts. Lebanon is a key part of that calculation. The immediate trigger for the escalation in Lebanon has a tactical dimension distinct from the emerging Iran deal. Hezbollah has deployed fiber-optic drones against Israeli troops occupying a self-declared buffer zone or “Yellow Line” in southern Lebanon. These cheap drones are unjammable because they avoid radio frequencies. Multiple Israeli soldiers have been killed or severely wounded by these drones, and some have struck civilian homes within Israel. In response, Israel’s finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, approved a $700 million budget for counter-drone operations and added that playing defense was insufficient. "For every explosive drone, ten buildings in Beirut should fall,” Smotrich said. The Israeli military’s chief of staff, Eyal Zamir, agreed that Beirut should be struck. Ben-Gvir went furthest: “It is time for the Prime Minister to knock on Trump's desk and inform him that we are returning to war in Lebanon. We need to cut off the electricity in Lebanon..and return to a fierce war.” To understand why Netanyahu cannot dismiss these voices, it helps to understand that Ben Gvir and Smotrich are not merely difficult coalition partners. Rather, they are men whose support gave Netanyahu the premiership and whose maximalism on Gaza and the West Bank have defined the identity of his government. Smotrich has overseen the approval of more than 100 new settlements in the occupied West Bank. He recently boasted that he seeks to make this process “irreversible,” despite the fact that International Criminal Court prosecutors are now seeking to arrest him for overseeing this expansion. Ben Gvir, whose maximalism on Gaza led him to to briefly resign over a Trump-brokered ceasefire deal for the battered enclave, stirred controversy last week by posting a video in which he is seen taunting Gaza flotilla activists at Ashdod port. The footage drew condemnation from the staunchly pro-Israel U.S. ambassador in Jerusalem, Mike Huckabee, in addition to European governments. Even Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar criticized Ben Gvir for having “knowingly caused harm to our state in this disgraceful display.” For both Smotrich and Ben Gvir, L...
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He co-launched a war that degraded Iran’s capabilities but failed to bring Tehran to heel. Ben-Gvir went furthest: “It is time for the Prime Minister to knock on Trump's desk and inform him that we are returning to war in Lebanon. We need to cut off the electricity in Lebanon..and return to a fierce war.
TL;DR:
The emerging deal between the United States and Iran represents an existential danger to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political future.
Responsiblestatecraft
May 28, 04:05
Noboa's Ecuador: Is this what 'partnering' with the US looks like?
Ecuador’s president , Daniel Noboa, has used his country’s spiraling security crisis to tighten his grip on power. Under the banner of the “war on drugs,” his government has expanded emergency rule and intensified a crackdown on political opponents. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has continued to provide the Noboa government with political cover and military support despite mounting evidence of rising authoritarianism and human rights abuses. President Noboa’s visit to the United States last month was overshadowed by a letter from twenty members of Congress demanding the Pentagon’s “immediate suspension” of joint U.S.-Ecuador military operations pending investigations into alleged human rights violations, including the bombing and torture of civilians. The legislators also expressed “concern that our military is deepening its ties with the Government of Ecuador, even as it undergoes an alarming authoritarian and anti-democratic drift.” The letter adds to mounting congressional scrutiny in Washington of the Trump administration's security partnership with Ecuador, after a recent U.S.-backed anti-narcotics strike near the Colombian border hit the wrong target. A subsequent New York Times investigation found that the operation — publicly presented as part of a new offensive against "narco-terrorism" — had in fact struck a civilian dairy farm. Witnesses alleged that Ecuadorian soldiers beat and abused unarmed workers there in the days before the bombardment. U.S. intelligence-sharing , operational coordination and military support have expanded continuously under Noboa. In February 2024, he ratified two military cooperation agreements with Washington that had been signed under his predecessor, Guillermo Lasso, including one allowing joint naval operations against drug trafficking, arms trafficking, human trafficking and illegal fishing. Noboa’s government has since become one of Washington’s closest security partners in the U.S. fight against “narco-terrorism,” even as allegations of human rights abuses, forced disappearances and authoritarian drift continue to mount. In Ecuador, more than 70% of the population now lives under nightly curfew, with 75,000 troops deployed in what the defense ministry called the “largest internal security mobilization in the country's recent history.” Yet violence continues to surge. Ecuador recorded 9,216 murders in 2025 — the highest figure in its history. Whereas a decade ago, the country was among the safest in Latin America, its homicide rate is now just under 51 per 100,000 inhabitants, making Ecuador the most violent country in the Western Hemisphere. Noboa’s strategy of escalating militarization, pursued in close partnership with the United States, has clearly done little to curb violence or weaken organized crime. As Noboa’s approval ratings continue to decline steadily after he lost a major referendum vote last November, his anti-drug platform has become a mechanism for holding on to power . His government routinely invokes the threat of organized crime to justify abuses of power and discipline critics while also accusing opponents across the political spectrum of links to narcotrafficking. Noboa now exerts growing control over the judiciary. He has purged dissenting judges and repeatedly threatened the independence of the Constitutional Court. With the executive, legislature and courts now under his influence, Noboa has turned his attention to local government, where the Citizens' Revolution, the main opposition party, still holds important strongholds. As a result, in March, Ecuador's electoral authorities suspended Citizens’ Revolution and dissolved two other parties — Construye and Unidad Popular — ahead of next year's local elections. In February, Aquiles Álvarez — the mayor of Guayaquil and one of the opposition’s most prominent figures — was arrested in a pre-dawn raid, placed in pre-trial detention and transferred to a maximum-security prison modeled on El Salvador’s notorious CECOT , where he was later shown on camera with his head shaved head and wearing an orange jumpsuit. By early April, three judges ordered Álvarez’s release from prison; within days, the prosecutor general moved to disqualify them. Noboa subsequently announced that he wanted his own mother to run for mayor in Álvarez's place. Other opposition figures have fared no better. In April 2024, Ecuadorian forces raided the Mexican Embassy in Quito and seized former Vice President Jorge Glas, who had been granted political asylum there. The international community condemned the operation, but Glas remains in a maximum-security prison, with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights continuously insisting that his life is at risk . The home of Luisa González — twice the opposition's presidential candidate — has been raided by police. Another former presidential candidate, Andrés Arauz, has also been prosecuted in a case marked by serious violations of due process. None of this has weakened ...
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Ecuador’s president , Daniel Noboa, has used his country’s spiraling security crisis to tighten his grip on power. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has continued to provide the Noboa government with political cover and military support despite mounting evidence of rising authoritarianism and human rights abuses.
TL;DR:
Under the banner of the “war on drugs,” his government has expanded emergency rule and intensified a crackdown on political opponents.
Foreignpolicy
May 27, 22:30
Can the U.S. End Nigeria’s Insurgency?
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The highlights this week: The United States expands its joint military operations with Nigeria in the country’s northeast, Senegal’s political schism deepens after the ousted prime minister is elected parliament speaker, and the Trump administration plans to accept more white South African refugees .
TL;DR:
Despite recent successful strikes, experts doubt the campaign’s long-term success.
Foreignpolicy
May 27, 20:24
Trump Accuses Iran of Stalling Peace Talks
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Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at limited progress in U.S.-Iran peace talks, Israeli forces killing Hamas ’s new military leader, and corruption allegations within Spain ’s ruling Socialist Party. President Donald Trump accused Iran on Wednesday of stalling peace talks in the hopes that looming U.S.
TL;DR:
At the same time, the White House is optimistic that a deal to end the war is in reach.
Foreignpolicy
May 27, 20:16
Trump Is Making NATO Stronger, Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Says
He also said NATO allies should “take their part” in the Iran war.
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Trump Is Making NATO Stronger, Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Says. He also said NATO allies should “take their part” in the Iran war.
TL;DR:
He also said NATO allies should “take their part” in the Iran war.
Warontherocks
May 27, 19:15
What Did the NPT Review Conference Achieve?
The 11th Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) concluded on May 22. Held every five years, the conference offers an opportunity to evaluate the treaty’s implementation, respond to technological and geopolitical developments, and reinforce states’ commitment to the treaty. For the third time in a row, the conference failed to reach consensus on a final document.We asked five experts for their perspectives on what the conference achieved — or failed to achieve.Read more below.Ankit Panda Stanton Senior Fellow in the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Host of War on the Rocks’ Thinking the Unthinkable PodcastWhile the The post What Did the NPT Review Conference Achieve? appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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What Did the NPT Review Conference Achieve?. The 11th Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) concluded on May 22. appeared first on War on the Rocks .
TL;DR:
appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Foreignpolicy
May 27, 19:08
Rubio’s Visit Won’t Assuage India
This issue is preventing our website from loading properly. Please review the following troubleshooting tips or contact us at [email protected] . The highlights this week: U.S.
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Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrapped up a four-day visit to India aimed at repairing bilateral ties, Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal leads a 100-member trade delegation to Canada , and Sri Lanka’s central bank hikes its main interest rate amid the Iran war.
TL;DR:
Repairing Trump’s damage to bilateral ties will require more than a charm offensive.
Foreignpolicy
May 27, 18:07
China Needs North Korea on Its Side
A Xi visit to Pyongyang is likely soon, after a seven-year gap.
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China Needs North Korea on Its Side. A Xi visit to Pyongyang is likely soon, after a seven-year gap.
TL;DR:
A Xi visit to Pyongyang is likely soon, after a seven-year gap.
Warontherocks
May 27, 18:00
Washington Shouldn’t Fly Solo on Building Space Superiority
In 2025, Nazmelis Zengin wrote, “The Fragility of U.S. Space Power in a Multipolar World,” where she argued Washington’s space superiority could be challenged if the United States doesn’t rethink its course, taking lessons from mid-tier space powers. A year later, we asked Nazmelis to revisit her arguments.Image: NASA Kennedy Space Center/NASA/Chris Swanson via Wikimedia CommonsIn your 2025 article, you argued that American space dominance could be challenged if the United States doesn’t alter how it systematically thinks about adaptability, resilience, and co-development, taking lessons from mid-tier space powers. In late 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order “Ensuring American Space Superiority,” The post Washington Shouldn’t Fly Solo on Building Space Superiority appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Washington Shouldn’t Fly Solo on Building Space Superiority. Space Power in a Multipolar World,” where she argued Washington’s space superiority could be challenged if the United States doesn’t rethink its course, taking lessons from mid-tier space powers.
TL;DR:
In late 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order “Ensuring American Space Superiority,” The post Washington Shouldn’t Fly Solo on Building Space Superiority appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Foreignpolicy
May 27, 14:08
Inside the Struggle to Build an Iranian Opposition
This issue is preventing our website from loading properly. Please review the following troubleshooting tips or contact us at [email protected] .
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This issue is preventing our website from loading properly. Please review the following troubleshooting tips or contact us at [email protected] . Attendees were trapped inside the historic Church House Westminster building for an hour, waiting for the Metropolitan Police to ensure security and escort them out through the back door.
TL;DR:
A new group is trying to create what its predecessors could not: an effective democratic force for Iran.
Foreignpolicy
May 27, 08:48
On AI, It’s the Pope vs. Trump
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In 2023, world leaders and tech executives gathered in England for the AI Safety Summit, which was the first global conference on artificial intelligence. Two years later, the group reconvened in Paris under a different title: the AI Action Summit. Vance told the room: “The AI future is not going to be won by hand-wringing about safety.”
TL;DR:
The Vatican has made a frontal challenge to the Trump administration’s approach to technology.
Warontherocks
May 27, 08:00
Synthetic Biology, Drones, and AI: The Risks of Dual-Use Technologies
Is it too late to stop criminals and American adversaries from exploiting AI to conduct cyberattacks or design novel pathogens? Has regulation kept pace with the threat civilian drones pose to critical infrastructure? AI researcher Lennart Heim, Army drone strategist Paul Lushenko, and CEO of Sentinel Bio Claire Qureshi join Jonathan to discuss the trade-offs between protecting the public and letting the private sector forge ahead. The conversation gets into synthetic DNA, the risk of drones at the FIFA World Cup, and whether the U.S. government should get early access to Silicon Valley’s newest large language models.Image: T. T. Paris The post Synthetic Biology, Drones, and AI: The Risks of Dual-Use Technologies appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Synthetic Biology, Drones, and AI: The Risks of Dual-Use Technologies. Is it too late to stop criminals and American adversaries from exploiting AI to conduct cyberattacks or design novel pathogens? Paris The post Synthetic Biology, Drones, and AI: The Risks of Dual-Use Technologies appeared first on War on the Rocks .
TL;DR:
Paris The post Synthetic Biology, Drones, and AI: The Risks of Dual-Use Technologies appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 27, 07:30
The Road to Space Runs through the Poles
Why are there more antennas on Svalbard than anywhere else on Earth? Svalbard of all places, where cats and childbirth are banned and there are more polar bears than people? This cluster of islands in the Arctic, one thousand kilometers from Norway, is key to everything from your weather forecast to your car’s navigation. At 78 degrees north, Svalbard is the highest-latitude satellite ground station on Earth and is a crucial point in humanity’s growing dependence on space. In fact, the polar regions — the Arctic and Antarctic — are both crucial to space access.The polar regions are the only The post The Road to Space Runs through the Poles appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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The Road to Space Runs through the Poles. At 78 degrees north, Svalbard is the highest-latitude satellite ground station on Earth and is a crucial point in humanity’s growing dependence on space. In fact, the polar regions — the Arctic and Antarctic — are both crucial to space access.
TL;DR:
In fact, the polar regions — the Arctic and Antarctic — are both crucial to space access.The polar regions are the only The post The Road to Space Runs through the Poles appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 27, 07:15
Leading in the Dark: How Submarine Commanders Think Under Uncertainty
We had been tracking the contact for six hours.The acoustic signature was ambiguous. The geometry was incomplete. The tactical picture had shifted twice in the preceding hour.I ordered battle stations anyway. Not because I was certain, I was not. I ordered it because the decision window was closing. Waiting for certainty was no longer a strategy, it was a risk. That moment — the space between incomplete knowledge and irreversible action — is where submarine command lives. It is where I spent 14 years.Modern militaries have spent decades trying to eliminate that space. Networked sensors, satellite surveillance, and instantaneous communications The post Leading in the Dark: How Submarine Commanders Think Under Uncertainty appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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We had been tracking the contact for six hours.The acoustic signature was ambiguous. The geometry was incomplete. The tactical picture had shifted twice in the preceding hour.I ordered battle stations anyway. Not because I was certain, I was not. I ordered it because the decision window was closing. Waiting for certainty was no longer a strategy, it was a risk.
TL;DR:
Networked sensors, satellite surveillance, and instantaneous communications The post Leading in the Dark: How Submarine Commanders Think Under Uncertainty appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Foreignpolicy
May 27, 05:00
Indonesia’s Dive Into Economic Nationalism
A messy rollout looks set to disrupt global commodity markets.
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Indonesia’s Dive Into Economic Nationalism. A messy rollout looks set to disrupt global commodity markets.
TL;DR:
A messy rollout looks set to disrupt global commodity markets.
Responsiblestatecraft
May 27, 04:05
Dying in Diesel protests: Africa slammed by Iran war energy crisis
Beginning last week, waves of protesters taking part in nation-wide strikes gathered on the streets of Nairobi to demand the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum reduce its state-controlled fuel price. What initially began as a labor initiative soon grew into violent demonstrations , pitting thousands of protesters against Kenyan police officers, who fired live ammunition on demonstrators, killing four and injuring more than 30 others. What was at the root of the fury? Escalating diesel prices due to the U.S-Israel war with Iran and the closure of the Hormuz Strait in the Persian Gulf. The economies of African countries have been among the most severely impacted by rising energy costs. But what was for months a mere economic problem for countries looking to contain the inflationary fallout from the war is now turning into a political headache for governments forced to contend with labor strikes and mass protests. Kenya has seen perhaps the greatest manifestation of this trend. On Friday, the union announced that strikes would end following successful negotiations with the government in which Kenyan President William Ruto agreed to reduce the country’s diesel price in June. But gasoline prices are likely to remain higher than the public would like because the government stood firm against lowering fuel taxes further, saying that its April decision to reduce its value-added tax on fuel from 16% to 8% had negatively impacted government revenue, risking the survival of important social services. Similar protests have also taken over Mozambique . Following a 46% increase in diesel prices in the country since the start of the war, private minibus drivers in the country’s capital city of Maputo went on strike, bringing to a halt much of the city’s public transportation system. These striking workers demanded that the national government take action to reduce the country’s high fuel prices, which have dented their profit margins. In Comoros , an east African island nation off the coast of Mozambique, protests also erupted in recent days against the country’s heightened fuel prices. Demonstrations began following a meeting between a town mayor and a union representing some of the country’s fishermen. The fishermen’s union joined with the merchants’ union to protest increased fuel prices after the government announced that it was increasing diesel prices by 46% and gasoline by 35%. Following several days of violent demonstrations in which one person died and five others were injured, the government agreed to suspend a planned increase of its fuel price for June. Across Africa, the economic toll from inflationary prices is manifesting itself in political turmoil. Part of the problem facing African governments stems from the fact that many of them have direct or indirect control over the country’s fuel prices. While it’s common for African governments to heavily subsidize the fuel industry in their respective countries, some also have direct control over the price of gasoline and diesel people pay at the pump, which they generally change once per month. This power to set fuel prices is a double-edged sword. On the positive side, African countries have more direct control over fuel prices, which can shield them from market forces to some extent. But in severe crises such as this one, when market pressures far outweigh the ability of governments to subsidize or otherwise support the local fuel industry without making huge financial tradeoffs, governments are forced to raise fuel prices substantially. This makes state actors easy targets to be blamed for rising fuel costs, despite the fact that African governments themselves have practically no impact on global energy prices and are simply responding to the economic demands placed on them by the supply crunch. That supply crunch is due to the fact that, although some African countries have strong commodity reserves of energy inputs — such as crude and natural gas — Africa has very limited local refining capacity , which restricts its ability to downstream the local commodities it has on hand to generate local jobs. They therefore export unrefined commodities and import finished products. This leaves them at the mercy of international market disruptions and steep price increases. While mass demonstrations have been contained to just a handful of African countries thus far, the entire continent is reeling from this current crisis. Egypt has dimmed street lights and billboards across Cairo in an effort to save fuel. Meanwhile, the city of Soweto in South Africa has shut down schools because buses lack the fuel needed to transport children. Somali fishing vessels are docked en masse at port, unable to go out to sea due to a lack of affordable diesel. And even in Nigeria , which is one of the few African countries with major refining capacity thanks to its Dangote refinery, fuel prices have increased substantially due to the global pressure on prices stemming from the war. Unle...
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Dying in Diesel protests: Africa slammed by Iran war energy crisis. But what was for months a mere economic problem for countries looking to contain the inflationary fallout from the war is now turning into a political headache for governments forced to contend with labor strikes and mass protests.
TL;DR:
Escalating diesel prices due to the U.S-Israel war with Iran and the closure of the Hormuz Strait in the Persian Gulf.
Responsiblestatecraft
May 27, 04:05
Face the facts: China isn't leaving Latin America anytime soon
On May 22, the first train of Bogota’s new metro system made its initial trial run on the 15-mile elevated viaduct for Line 1. The line runs all the way from the southwestern part of the Colombian capital to Avenida Caracas, with a total of 16 stations. This marks a milestone in a project set to revolutionize the city’s public transport. Long accustomed to some of the worst traffic jams in Latin America, bogotanos can now look forward to shorter and more comfortable commuting times, on thirty electric trains with capacity for 1800 passengers each that will run in a line that is set to be inaugurated in 2028. But Bogota’s new subway also marks another first: this is the first such system in Latin America to be entirely designed, built and operated by a consortium of Chinese companies. Led by China Harbor Engineering Company (CHEC), the group won the bid for the project with an initial cost of $4 billion, expected to rise to $5.8 billion with various additions, in an open tender in October 2019. This is the biggest infrastructure project in Colombia in a long time and presently employs 15,000 workers. Chinese companies have won bids to provide train cars for the Mexico City, Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires metro systems, and are involved in the building of a new line in Santiago. With over 4000 electric buses of Chinese manufacture (mostly from Shenzhen-based BYD), Santiago prides itself as being the city outside China with the largest number of e-buses. These buses can also be found in Bogota, Mexico City, Sao Paulo, Quito, Montevideo and elsewhere. In short, Chinese companies and transport technology are revolutionizing mobility in Latin American cities, traditionally known for long commutes, heavy pollution from smoke-belching diesel buses, and deafening noise. In the 2000s, it was the rapid rise of trade between China and Latin America that mainly drove links between the region and Beijing. In the following decades, trade has been joined by investment and various infrastructure and energy projects, as well as power-generating and distribution initiatives and e-vehicle factories. These are making a significant impact on the quality of life of Latin Americans. In Santiago, the fact that 68% of the bus fleet is now electric has led to an 80% reduction in the emissions of Fine Particulate Matter, a two-thirds noise reduction in the city’s main thoroughfare, and the saving of 60 million liters of diesel fuel. Not surprisingly, in a 2026 AMLAT poll conducted in ten Latin American countries on the perceptions of the role of various foreign powers in the region, China is the only country that has improved its image since 2021-2022. In fact, China has displaced the United States as the region’s preferred development model and is also seen as the preferred partner in areas like education, science and technology. A total of 36.1% of those polled now consider China as their preferred development model, while 31.5% prefer the U.S. In turn, the United States is considered the most significant military and economic power, but its standing has considerably deteriorated under the Trump administration, with a 28 point drop in the approval rating of U.S. policies since 2021-2022. This drop reaches as much as 65 points in the case of Mexico, and 34 points in the case of Colombia. In the battle for the hearts and minds of Latin Americans, the United States is clearly losing ground. Revealingly, a vast majority of those polled reject the notion of a new Cold War between the United States and China and do not want their countries to take sides in this great power competition. They are keen for their nations to diversify their foreign links and to collaborate with all great powers and with the Global South. In the wake of the recent summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, U.S. policymakers should rethink a key aspect of their approach to Latin America under Trump, namely, the effort to exclude China as much as possible from the region. This is a self-defeating strategy that is eliciting much pushback. Moreover, it stands in stark contrast to the message conveyed by Trump in Beijing, which was all about the many business opportunities offered by improved bilateral relations and how Washington and Beijing should make the most of them. This conciliatory tone is very different from Washington’s hostility toward Latin America’s dealings with China. One can understand U.S. reservations about, and opposition to, the military presence of extra-hemispheric powers in the Americas, a reasonable concern with a long history. What is untenable, however, is for Washington to rail against China’s highly effective investments in Latin America while professing its own keenness to do business with China, secure more access to the Chinese market for U.S. companies, and attract more Chinese investment in the United States. This is not a proposition based on any kind of legitimate U.S. security interest, or even ...
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Face the facts: China isn't leaving Latin America anytime soon. But Bogota’s new subway also marks another first: this is the first such system in Latin America to be entirely designed, built and operated by a consortium of Chinese companies. In the wake of the recent summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, U.S.
TL;DR:
Revealingly, a vast majority of those polled reject the notion of a new Cold War between the United States and China and do not want their countries to take sides in this great power competition.
Foreignpolicy
May 26, 21:50
Trump Is Treating Taiwan Like Collateral
The pause of a $14 billion arms package raises concerns about U.S. support for Taipei.
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Trump Is Treating Taiwan Like Collateral. The pause of a $14 billion arms package raises concerns about U.S. support for Taipei.
TL;DR:
The pause of a $14 billion arms package raises concerns about U.S.
Foreignpolicy
May 26, 20:25
U.S. Launches ‘Self-Defense’ Strikes on Iran
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strikes against Iran , a high-level Quadrilateral Security Dialogue conference, and Russia ’s impending assault on Kyiv . strikes against Iran , a high-level Quadrilateral Security Dialogue conference, and Russia ’s impending assault on Kyiv .
TL;DR:
Still, Washington insists that it is committed to peace talks with Tehran.
Foreignpolicy
May 26, 20:16
The Iran War Has Remade the Gulf
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The guns have not yet fallen silent over the Persian Gulf, but the governments of the Gulf Cooperation Council are already doing what they have always done in moments of upheaval: calculating, hedging, and preparing for a world that looks nothing like the one that existed before.
TL;DR:
The region knows that Iran won the war—and is hedging its bets as a result.
Foreignpolicy
May 26, 18:37
Xi Ascendant
This issue is preventing our website from loading properly. Please review the following troubleshooting tips or contact us at [email protected] . U.S.
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He could have made an embarrassing faux pas, handed over the United States’ most advanced technology, or created a new crisis by imposing new major sanctions in an attempt to regain the upper hand on Chinese President Xi Jinping.
TL;DR:
Trump’s Beijing trip shows that the wind is blowing in China’s direction.
Foreignpolicy
May 26, 17:54
Why the U.S. Should Wind Down Military Aid to Israel
Washington should no longer be liable for Israeli misdeeds.
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Why the U.S. Should Wind Down Military Aid to Israel. Washington should no longer be liable for Israeli misdeeds.
TL;DR:
Washington should no longer be liable for Israeli misdeeds.
Responsiblestatecraft
May 26, 17:17
The US suggests it might dump talks as Russia escalates war
The warning from Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to the U.S. and European governments to evacuate their diplomats and citizens from Kyiv before Russia launches “systematic strikes” marks a drastic escalation in the Ukraine conflict — with a serious risk of drawing the Washington and NATO into direct conflict with Russia. It most probably means that Russia intends to use Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missiles to strike the underground headquarters in Kyiv where U.S. and European officers have been helping the Ukrainian armed forces to target Russia with missiles and drones. In recent weeks, these have caused increased damage deep within Russia itself. In addition, a Ukrainian drone last week in the Russian-occupied Donbas struck a college and reportedly killed 21 students. Russia responded with a massive assault on Ukraine, including the use of Oreshniks. So far, however, Moscow has refrained from targeting Ukrainian headquarters. This is somewhat remarkable, given that the Ukrainian armed forces have repeatedly targeted Russian headquarters. On Tuesday, the Ukrainian General Staff claimed that it had destroyed a major Russian command and control center in Lugansk with British storm shadow cruise missiles. The effective use of these missiles — which Ukraine has been firing for the past two years — requires U.S. targeting data. Despite this, Moscow has not targeted Ukrainian headquarters in Kyiv precisely because of the likelihood that U.S. and other NATO soldiers and intelligence officers would be killed, risking drastic escalation in response by the West. Since Donald Trump returned to the presidency and initiated the peace process, the Russian government has also been restrained by a desire not to either anger or weaken him. However, last week U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that the peace talks are at a standstill, and that “there are no such talks occurring at this time.” He essentially threw responsibility for moving the process forward back to the Russians and Ukrainians: “If we see an opportunity to pull together talks that are productive, not counterproductive, and that have the chance to be fruitful, we’re prepared to play that role [of mediation].” The Russian army has also proven unable to advance on the ground in the Donbas. When President Vladimir Putin insisted that Ukraine withdraw from the remaining small part of the Donbas that it holds as a condition of peace, he presumably thought (like many Western military analysts) that the Russian army would soon capture this territory in any case. The massive use of drones by the Ukrainian army has prevented this; and despite heavy casualties, for two years the Russian army has made only tiny advances. Russian generals are reportedly telling Putin that they will capture the rest of the Donbas by this autumn; but he has little reason to believe them, since at the current rate of advance so far this year, it will take the Russian army almost three more years to do so. Meanwhile, Russian public discontent with the war is growing, as its economic costs begin to bite. Putin’s personal popularity has dropped sharply. While public opinion polls suggest that most Russians might accept a ceasefire along the present battlefront, Russian hardliners would see this as a severe Russian defeat. For years now, they have been urging Putin both to intensify attacks on Ukraine and to threaten the West with radical escalation. Until this week, Putin resisted this pressure; but he now seems to be listening to them. The Russian government may calculate that a new strategy will bring a measure of success whatever the Western response. If the U.S. and NATO withdraw their advisors and diplomats, this will be a considerable victory for Russia; as will also be the case if Russia manages to destroy Ukrainian headquarters and damage their targeting capabilities. Moscow may well also believe that it has less to fear than in the past from U.S. and NATO escalation in response to Western deaths. The U.S. is mired in war with Iran that it can seemingly neither win nor withdraw from. Pentagon officials have reported a serious depletion in key U.S. weapon stockpiles, including cruise missiles and air defense systems, and is diverting them to the Gulf from its reserves in Europe and the Pacific. Thus the Pentagon has just warned Japan of “severe delays” of two years or more in the supply of Tomahawk missiles that Tokyo has already paid for, due to the need to replenish U.S. stocks used up in Iran. Japan regards these as critical for deterrence against China. This has led to Japanese commentators asking what has happened to the supposed U.S. “prioritization” of Asia and the China threat. Meanwhile in Europe, half of the countries that had promised artillery ammunition to Ukraine have now suspended their participation in the process, leading to a risk that supplies of shells will sink drastically. The Iran War also means that Russia could be in a position to threaten...
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The US suggests it might dump talks as Russia escalates war. Meanwhile, Russian public discontent with the war is growing, as its economic costs begin to bite. is mired in war with Iran that it can seemingly neither win nor withdraw from.
TL;DR:
The Iran War also means that Russia could be in a position to threaten...
Warontherocks
May 26, 15:30
Understanding the Value of Ukrainian Railways
Welcome to The Ukraine Compass, a weekly digest of Ukrainian commentary and analysis from across the political spectrum only for War on the Rocks members. Each Monday, we bring you a curated selection of articles from Ukrainian media offering insight into how Ukrainians themselves debate the issues shaping their country.American coverage often narrows the view to the battlefield — these pieces widen it, revealing the texture of daily life, politics, and public argument in a nation at war. The perspectives gathered here are varied, candid, and often surprising, together forming a more complete picture of Ukraine as it really is.Frontline and StrategyЦензор.НЕТ — The post Understanding the Value of Ukrainian Railways appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Understanding the Value of Ukrainian Railways. Welcome to The Ukraine Compass, a weekly digest of Ukrainian commentary and analysis from across the political spectrum only for War on the Rocks members. The perspectives gathered here are varied, candid, and often surprising, together forming a more complete picture of Ukraine as it really is.Frontline and StrategyЦензор.
TL;DR:
Welcome to The Ukraine Compass, a weekly digest of Ukrainian commentary and analysis from across the political spectrum only for War on the Rocks members.
Responsiblestatecraft
May 26, 09:51
Iran to Israel: You hit Lebanon, and we'll hit the UAE
Despite the ceasefire and tentative progress toward a memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran, the Persian Gulf has remained perilously volatile. In the past 24 hours alone, several rounds of fire have been exchanged between US and Iranian forces in the region. Though both sides appear to view the incidents — which may have killed as many as four IRGC naval personnel — as falling below the threshold that would shatter the ceasefire altogether, the clashes underscore the fragility of the current arrangement and the ever-present danger of renewed escalation. Yet in recent days, it was not the Persian Gulf that emerged as the greatest threat to the agreement. It was Israel’s potential refusal to fully adhere to the regional ceasefire and halt its bombardment of Lebanon. That danger remains acute. Iran has three principal reasons for insisting that any ceasefire be genuinely regional in scope — one that includes not only the United States and Iran, but also Israel and Lebanon. First, solidarity with the peoples of Gaza and Lebanon is not merely rhetorical theater for Tehran; it lies at the heart of the Islamic Republic’s regional identity and strategic posture. Having already been perceived by some in the Arab world as abandoning these constituencies in 2024, Iran can scarcely afford another rupture that would further erode its credibility within the so-called “axis of resistance.” Second, continued Israeli attacks risk reigniting direct confrontation between Israel and Iran — a dangerous cycle that has already erupted twice since October 7, 2023. The linkage between these theaters is neither imagined nor incidental. It is openly acknowledged in Western discourse, which routinely portrays Iran as the central node of resistance to Israeli and American policies, operating through allied groups in Lebanon, Palestine, Iraq, and Yemen. From Tehran’s vantage point, a durable cessation of hostilities with Israel cannot be disentangled from ending Israel’s wars in Gaza and Lebanon. For Iran, this is not an aspirational addendum to diplomacy; it is a foundational condition. But perhaps the most consequential issue is what Lebanon reveals about Washington itself. For Tehran, tying Israel to the ceasefire is ultimately a test of America’s willingness — and ability — to restrain its closest regional ally. If President Donald Trump either cannot or will not do so, then the value of any agreement with Washington comes sharply into question. A ceasefire that leaves Israel free to reignite hostilities at will — while the United States remains unable to prevent itself from being dragged back into conflict — offers little assurance of stability. Under such circumstances, the utility of a deal with Washington diminishes dramatically. Trump could still choose to put American interests first and compel Israel to comply, much as Ronald Reagan did in 1982 when he pressured Prime Minister Menachem Begin to halt Israel’s devastating assault on Lebanon . Reagan reportedly expressed outrage at the bombardment of Beirut, warning Begin that America’s support could not be taken for granted. Within hours, the bombing stopped. Trump, by contrast, has thus far shown little ability to ensure sustained Israeli compliance with his demands. A more plausible scenario may be a murkier and more dangerous one: Washington and Tehran reach an agreement, Israel initially abides by it, but over time gradually extricates itself from the arrangement and resumes strikes on Lebanon under the familiar banner of “self-defense.” At that point, Iran would face a painful dilemma. Tehran would almost certainly pressure Trump to intervene and might even threaten to abandon the agreement altogether. But if Washington failed to act, would Iran truly sacrifice sanctions relief, economic recovery, and an end to open warfare merely to register its objections? Moreover, walking away from the deal might not compel Trump to restrain Israel. Iran could end up with neither an agreement nor a ceasefire in Lebanon. In fact, it would be an outcome Israel would welcome. One option increasingly discussed within segments of Iran’s security establishment is more ominous still: remaining within the agreement while imposing costs elsewhere — namely on the United Arab Emirates, one of Israel’s closest regional partners. This argument has circulated quietly within segments of Iran’s security establishment, though the extent of its support remains unclear. Yet given the growing sentiment among Iranian decision-makers that Tehran showed excessive restraint toward the UAE during the war, the notion of a “UAE for Lebanon” strategy no longer appears far-fetched. The logic is brutally simple. If the broader US-Iran arrangement tolerates Israel attacking an Iranian ally in Lebanon, then Tehran may conclude that the same arrangement can tolerate Iran targeting an Israeli ally in the Persian Gulf. Under such a scenario, Iran could retaliate against Emirati territory or Israe...
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Iran to Israel: You hit Lebanon, and we'll hit the UAE. Iran has three principal reasons for insisting that any ceasefire be genuinely regional in scope — one that includes not only the United States and Iran, but also Israel and Lebanon. Moreover, walking away from the deal might not compel Trump to restrain Israel.
TL;DR:
Iran could end up with neither an agreement nor a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Warontherocks
May 26, 07:30
An Inconvenient Reality: Climate-Preparedness Cuts Are Lethality Cuts
In 2019, the Missouri River flooded at historically high levels and damaged 137 facilities, destroyed 1.2 million square feet of workspace, and flooded 3,000 feet of runway at Offutt Air Force Base. Repairing the installation cost $1.2 billion. The Trump administration and Department of Defense justified $1.2 billion in budget reductions to the U.S. Geological Survey, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Defense Department climate programs as cuts to “woke” climate or environmental initiatives, but a singular event caused sufficient damage to erase those savings.The lethality of American presence in the Pacific depends upon the resilience of bases, ports, and The post An Inconvenient Reality: Climate-Preparedness Cuts Are Lethality Cuts appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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In 2019, the Missouri River flooded at historically high levels and damaged 137 facilities, destroyed 1.2 million square feet of workspace, and flooded 3,000 feet of runway at Offutt Air Force Base. Repairing the installation cost $1.2 billion. The Trump administration and Department of Defense justified $1.2 billion in budget reductions to the U.S.
TL;DR:
Geological Survey, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Defense Department climate programs as cuts to “woke” climate or environmental initiatives, but a singular event caused sufficient damage to erase those savings.The lethality of American presence in the Pacific depends upon the resilience of bases, ports, and The post An Inconvenient Reality: Climate-Preparedness Cuts Are Lethality Cuts appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 26, 07:15
The U.S. Military Lacks an Ethics Doctrine. Combat Effectiveness Suffers
In 2004, I was a boot (translation: brand new) first lieutenant in 1st Battalion, 7th Marines at a retransmission site in the middle of nowhere, al-Qa’im, Iraq. I heard a sudden explosion and small-arms fire two kilometers away. The battalion radio net burst with chatter, with someone saying there were three casualties: two urgent surgicals (send help quickly!) and one routine (no rush to provide aid). Someone in the operating center asked about the status of the routine casualty, and the radio crackled with the kind of transmission that changes everything. “It’s Whiskey Six, he’s KIA [killed in action].” I The post The U.S. Military Lacks an Ethics Doctrine. Combat Effectiveness Suffers appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Military Lacks an Ethics Doctrine. Military Lacks an Ethics Doctrine. Combat Effectiveness Suffers appeared first on War on the Rocks .
TL;DR:
Combat Effectiveness Suffers appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 26, 07:00
Rebuilding American Manufacturing: A Keystone for Economic Statecraft
Editor’s note: This is the ninth article in an 11-part series examining how the United States should organize, lead, and integrate economic statecraft into strategy, defense practice, and the broader national security ecosystem. The special series is brought to you by the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies and War on the Rocks. Prior installments can be found at the War by Other Ledgers page.In September 2010, after a Chinese fishing trawler captain was detained near the Senkaku Islands, Beijing halted rare-earth exports to Japan. The embargo lasted weeks. China showed, on a U.S. treaty ally, how a supply chain could be The post Rebuilding American Manufacturing: A Keystone for Economic Statecraft appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Rebuilding American Manufacturing: A Keystone for Economic Statecraft. The special series is brought to you by the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies and War on the Rocks. treaty ally, how a supply chain could be The post Rebuilding American Manufacturing: A Keystone for Economic Statecraft appeared first on War on the Rocks .
TL;DR:
treaty ally, how a supply chain could be The post Rebuilding American Manufacturing: A Keystone for Economic Statecraft appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Responsiblestatecraft
May 26, 04:05
Fiber-optic drones show profound limits of 'cutting-edge' weapons
“ Birds in Ukraine are building nests from drone cable .” The headline itself tells a story, but the subsequent article in The Sunday Times missed the true magnitude of what the story represents. Almost from the beginning of the Ukraine war more than four years ago, the use of uncrewed drones has drawn significant attention. Observers were overwhelmed with articles declaring that “ For Western Weapons, the Ukraine War Is a Beta Test ,” or averring that “ This drone-on-drone dogfight in Ukraine is a glimpse of the future of war .” The vast majority of such articles attempted to make the case that unmanned drones had fundamentally changed the character of war. Ukrainian birds have shown that such bold pronouncements are a bit premature. In 2024, Russian troops began deploying small attack drones with cylindrical drums on their bottoms, which contain long spools of fiber-optic cable running back to their operators. The hard-wired connection ensures that the drones cannot be electronically jammed by the enemy. The fact that both the Russians and Ukrainians have resorted to using fiber-optic drones clearly demonstrates that drones are not as threatening as their vendors claim. Transitioning from radio-controlled to wire-guided drones does not represent a great leap forward. Rather, it is an acknowledgement of the inherent vulnerability of remote-operated systems. The weakness of any uncrewed technology is the link back to the proverbial mothership. The filament-covered landscapes in Ukraine demonstrate how fragile those connections are. While much touted at the beginning of the war as a game changer, drones are just the latest new weapon to reach the battlefield. History is rife with examples of new weapons disrupting the old military order until an inventor creates an effective countermeasure, or the weapon is adopted by militaries around the world and becomes just another tool in the arsenal. Knights in heavy armor on horseback dominated warfare for a brief historical moment until state capacity increased to the point where governments could institutionalize infantry formations capable of defeating their mounted foes. When the first tanks lumbered over World War I battlefields, enemy soldiers were terrified by the behemoths. At first, the infantry had no means to defeat tanks. But, because war is the ultimate mother of invention, soon armies on both sides developed effective anti-tank weapons, and the tank became another ordinary weapon. Like every military innovation before it, drones will eventually complete the weapon countermeasure cycle. The wider implication of the fiber-optic drones is what makes this case worth examining more closely. Defense policymakers around the world should carefully contemplate the devolution of drone technology in the Ukraine War because it casts doubt about the reliability of the technology they are currently developing. Military futurists want to build a force consisting of cyber-physical weapons powered by artificial intelligence. They envision not only uncrewed aircraft but also unmanned naval vessels and ground vehicles . All of these systems rely on secure communications with the humans who ultimately command them. “Uncrewed ground vehicles are inherently data-intensive, with their autonomy and mission algorithms depending on continuous bandwidth,” writes one company grappling with the connectivity challenge. The fundamental problem is that eventually the weapon-countermeasure cycle will come full circle with the digital battlefield. All wars are really nothing more than a conflict between two competing human wills. Because their very survival is at stake, the humans on both sides will find every advantage possible to prevail. Directly fighting the robot army the futurists envision will be costly. But defeating such a cyber-physical force will be a rather straightforward effort to disrupt the communications network at the center of its functionality. The Russians and Ukrainians solved the connectivity challenge with fiber-optic cables, but that solution only works in limited circumstances. The Ukraine war has largely devolved into a static war of attrition over mere yards of territory. If the armies were making sweeping assaults across hundreds of miles, it would be impractical for the attacking force to launch thousands of drones each trailing 30 miles of filament. The wheel entanglements alone would stop the force dead in its tracks. Even more impractical would be an F-35 operating with eight Collaborative Combat Aircraft . How would that scheme work if each uncrewed aircraft had to trail 100 miles worth of fiber-optic cables? Companies developing such technology claim “loyal wingman” aircraft will use artificial intelligence to automatically switch to predetermined mission parameters in the event communications are lost. That may be adequate if the overall mission hasn’t changed, but if the enemy has the ability to disrupt the manned-unmanned system, the enemy probab...
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Almost from the beginning of the Ukraine war more than four years ago, the use of uncrewed drones has drawn significant attention. While much touted at the beginning of the war as a game changer, drones are just the latest new weapon to reach the battlefield. When the first tanks lumbered over World War I battlefields, enemy soldiers were terrified by the behemoths.
TL;DR:
The Ukraine war has largely devolved into a static war of attrition over mere yards of territory.
Responsiblestatecraft
May 26, 04:05
Trump's intensified airstrikes in Nigeria are strategically pointless
On May 19, a press release from the Nigerian military proclaimed that, in a joint operation with the United States, it dealt a “devastating blow” to ISIS and “eliminated” a senior leader and more than 170 fighters. The press release followed a few days after the announcement by President Donald Trump that “brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield.” U.S. operations in Nigeria had already reached a new stage of direct and publicly announced military involvement with the Christmas Day strike targeting an alleged Islamic State camp. Now, with the latest strikes, U.S. operations are reaching yet a higher stage of intensity and frequency. Much here is new — but much is not. For over 15 years, in fact, Nigerian military spokespersons have assured the Nigerian public and the world that pivotal battlefield successes are occurring. Choosing almost at random, here is a part of one statement from 2020, which uses the acronym for the Islamic State’s West Africa Province: “Scores of the terrorists were killed and over 20 terrorists [sic] dead bodies were counted…Troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE under the guidance of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen TY Buratai will continue to sustain the aggressive, offensive posture to rid the entire North East of remnants of Boko Haram/ISWAP criminals, rapists and marauders.” In this framing, every dead commander was a pivotal figure, every pile of corpses brought victory one step nearer, and the “terrorists” were always on the back foot. In reality, the grinding insurgency that Nigeria has faced since 2009 has proved relatively impervious to the application of sporadic, albeit brutal force. Boko Haram, which grew from a hardline preaching community in northeastern Nigeria into a formidable pseudo-army , staged a mass uprising in 2009 under its then-leader Muhammad Yusuf. After the uprising was crushed and Yusuf killed, Nigerian authorities waxed triumphant – only to see an even more dangerous version of Boko Haram resurface the following year. Military crackdowns on civilians in the northeast inflamed rather than blunted the insurgency, which reached a peak of sorts in 2014-2015; Boko Haram seized substantial territory, only to be beaten back by Chadian, Nigerien, and Nigerian forces. In the 2010s, the U.S. provided significant training and logistical support to the Nigerian military and neighboring governments, and may have deployed special forces to northeastern Nigeria as well. But direct U.S. participation in combat in Nigeria did not, according to publicly available sources, occur during that period. Although Boko Haram’s territorial control was disrupted in early 2015, the group persisted, and a splinter faction, affiliated to the Islamic State and acting as the Islamic State West Africa Province, broke off in 2016. The rump Boko Haram and ISWAP have pursued, over the ensuing decade, campaigns of killing Nigerian soldiers, extorting and brutalizing civilians, and rendering some remote zones too dangerous for government officials to function. The operation that targeted “the most active terrorist in the world,” to use Trump’s phrase, went after an ISWAP commander and logistician, Abubakar Mainok, in an area so remote and well-fortified by ISWAP that plans for a ground-based capture were reportedly abandoned in favor of an airstrike. How many fighters would need to be “eliminated” for Boko Haram and ISWAP to be defeated? Is it 1,000? If so, then, at a rate of 175 fighters killed every few days, Nigeria should be victorious by June. Is it 10,000? That would take, at a rate of 40 per day, 250 days, or until January 2027. Or is it 20,000? That would put the end of the insurgency in October 2027. One might find a Nigerian military official or elected politician bold enough to predict the defeat of Boko Haram or ISWAP by then, but I wonder whether one could find anyone at U.S. Africa Command or in the Trump White House who would make such a promise. Body counts alone do not lead to victory — a lesson that reaches back to Vietnam — and neither do “decapitation” strikes necessarily make insurgencies crumble. In fact, they can worsen the problem. As noted above, violence against Boko Haram and ISWAP, and especially violence against innocent civilians accused of belonging to those groups, has only made the insurgency grow. What, then, are the current strikes going to achieve? Notably, the U.S. attack in northwestern Nigeria in December did not meaningfully alter dynamics there. Like the insurgency in the northeast, the long-running instability in the northwest — a mix of banditry, other organized crime, jihadism, and more — is a symptom of Nigeria’s intertwined political, economic, and security crises. What Trump then called a “powerful and deadly strike” soon emerged as something much more ambiguous and fleeting, as journalists and anal...
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The press release followed a few days after the announcement by President Donald Trump that “brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield.” U.S.
TL;DR:
On May 19, a press release from the Nigerian military proclaimed that, in a joint operation with the United States, it dealt a “devastating blow” to ISIS and “eliminated” a senior leader and more than 170 fighters.
Responsiblestatecraft
May 26, 04:05
More Iran war? There goes the neighborhood, and global economy.
For all the uncertainty about what will happen next on the military and diplomatic front in the Iran war, there is certainty about what has already happened on the economic front. And it is not good. The world has seen a spike in oil prices that has been moderated so far by large drawdowns in global oil reserves. In addition, the most vulnerable populations of the Global South are suffering ever-increasing distress, while most of the world has been experiencing rising inflationary pressures and increasing interest rates on government bonds. And even if the U.S. stock market appears relatively unperturbed, a version of this unpleasant mix has also hit the United States. Global oil prices are much higher than they were before the war, with the financial market benchmark price of Brent crude late last week (down to $91 on weekend news of a possible deal), well above the $60 per barrel of early January. That said, crude prices have been relatively stable within a broad range over the last two months despite a dramatic drop in energy shipments out of the Persian Gulf since the war began. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) , as of May 13, the cumulative shortfall in global oil deliveries from the Gulf was roughly one billion barrels. This shortfall has been absorbed by reduced oil demand (a consequence of higher prices); increased production outside the Gulf; and by a drop in global oil inventories of roughly 250 million barrels, as these were released to hold down prices in the absence of new production from the Gulf coming to the market. However IEA head Fatih Birol warned last week that inventories were dropping at an unsustainable pace, particularly with summer driving season approaching in the Northern Hemisphere. The biggest shock from the higher cost (and outright shortage) of fuel, petrochemicals, and fertilizers is being felt by the poorest in the Global South. A recent story in the New York Times described how the price for transporting corn into refugee camps in Somalia had doubled or even tripled, as had the price of water at diesel-powered public tubewells. Meanwhile, protests this week in Kenya against fuel price hikes have led to four deaths, and political and financial stresses are mounting across the continent. In India, sharp jumps in the price of Liquid Petroleum Gas have hit urban households hard, particularly those whose breadwinners work in small-scale industrial establishments. Many such enterprises rely on LPG as fuel and have shut down, displacing a workforce composed of recent migrants from the countryside. And because informal migrant workers in the city do not have access to India’s price-controlled public distribution systems, they have been forced to purchase cooking fuel on the black market at exorbitant rates. The combination has sparked fears of a repeat of a mass return to the countryside, as happened in the Covid summer of 2020. Stories like these abound across the Global South. A report from the World Food Program (WFP) two months ago (when the war was two weeks old) projected that 45 million more people could be thrust into acute hunger if the war persisted. And a panel of global officials had already warned the world at the IMF meetings in Washington in mid-April that even an immediate cessation of the war would require at least two months before global shipping approached a semblance of normalcy. Weakness in the real economy of many developing countries has been compounded by financial pressures in the form of larger trade deficits driven by the jump in oil prices, higher inflation, depreciating currencies, drawdowns in central bank reserves, and the threat of central bank rate hikes to keep inflation in check even if the economy is weakening. In the face of such pressures, many countries were forced to sell foreign exchange or gold reserves to defend their currencies from further depreciation. According to Bloomberg, losses in the Philippines amounted to 8.1% of all reserves, in India to 5.1%, and in Indonesia to 3.8%. India has also imposed stiff tariffs and other restrictions on gold imports, and Prime Minister Modi has urged Indians to avoid “unnecessary foreign travel,” in additional efforts to limit further pressure on the Rupee from non-energy imports or tourism. And Malawi is reportedly selling not just gold reserves but also semi-processed gold bars bought from local miners. Europe is less dependent on Persian Gulf oil, with only 7% of it sourced there, as opposed to Asia, which draws roughly 60% of its oil from the region. Even so, it is not immune to the impact of higher prices, with the European Commission’s economic czar warning that the continent faces a stagflationary shock. As a relatively wealthy continent, the EU (and the UK) can afford to grant fiscal subsidies to affected businesses, thus reducing the pain there. However, such measures also force the need to reduce oil demand on the poorest countries that are unable to afford such backs...
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Global oil prices are much higher than they were before the war, with the financial market benchmark price of Brent crude late last week (down to $91 on weekend news of a possible deal), well above the $60 per barrel of early January.
TL;DR:
For all the uncertainty about what will happen next on the military and diplomatic front in the Iran war, there is certainty about what has already happened on the economic front.
Theguardian
May 26, 04:00
Indians protest over ‘forever chemicals’ after relocation of scandal-hit Italian factory
Lack of Pfas regulations raised in parliament after Guardian revealed former Miteni plant bought by Indian company Protests over the production of cancer-linked Pfas chemicals have spread across India, after an investigation revealed that an Italian factory shut down due to an environmental scandal was bought by an Indian company and partly rebuilt. At the end of last year, the Guardian revealed that the former Miteni plant in Vicenza had been acquired by the Indian company Laxmi Organic Industries. The factory produced Pfas and was shut down in 2018 after being linked to one of Italy’s worst environmental contamination scandals. Continue reading...
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Indians protest over ‘forever chemicals’ after relocation of scandal-hit Italian factory. At the end of last year, the Guardian revealed that the former Miteni plant in Vicenza had been acquired by the Indian company Laxmi Organic Industries. The factory produced Pfas and was shut down in 2018 after being linked to one of Italy’s worst environmental contamination scandals.
TL;DR:
Lack of Pfas regulations raised in parliament after Guardian revealed former Miteni plant bought by Indian company Protests over the production of cancer-linked Pfas chemicals have spread across India, after an investigation revealed that an Italian factory shut down due to an environmental scandal was bought by an Indian company and partly rebuilt.
Theguardian
May 25, 19:53
Starmer urged to intervene in ‘rigged’ Indian prosecution of British human rights activist
Senior lawyers call on prime minister to request Indian prosecutors drop charges that would breach double jeopardy rule Four senior lawyers, including the former attorney general Dominic Grieve, have written to Keir Starmer urging him to request that Indian prosecutors drop charges against the British national Jagtar Singh Johal on the basis that continued prosecution would be in manifest breach of the double jeopardy rule which prevents someone being tried twice for the same offence. Johal has been held in an Indian jail for eight years, and in March last year was acquitted of the terrorist charges laid against him in a court in Punjab. The court found the prosecutors had “miserably failed” to present any reliable evidence, despite having had seven years to do so. Continue reading...
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Starmer urged to intervene in ‘rigged’ Indian prosecution of British human rights activist. Johal has been held in an Indian jail for eight years, and in March last year was acquitted of the terrorist charges laid against him in a court in Punjab. The court found the prosecutors had “miserably failed” to present any reliable evidence, despite having had seven years to do so.
TL;DR:
Senior lawyers call on prime minister to request Indian prosecutors drop charges that would breach double jeopardy rule Four senior lawyers, including the former attorney general Dominic Grieve, have written to Keir Starmer urging him to request that Indian prosecutors drop charges against the British national Jagtar Singh Johal on the basis that continued prosecution would be in manifest breach of the double jeopardy rule which prevents someone being tried twice for the same offence.
Foreignpolicy
May 25, 12:00
What to Make of Morocco’s Most Famous Anti-Colonial Hero?
A century later, the meaning of Abd el-Karim and the Rif Rebellion is still up for grabs.
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What to Make of Morocco’s Most Famous Anti-Colonial Hero?. A century later, the meaning of Abd el-Karim and the Rif Rebellion is still up for grabs.
TL;DR:
A century later, the meaning of Abd el-Karim and the Rif Rebellion is still up for grabs.
Foreignpolicy
May 25, 11:00
Europe Is Slowly Getting Ready to Ditch America
Trump’s bad bargains have shaken a complacent continent.
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Europe Is Slowly Getting Ready to Ditch America. Trump’s bad bargains have shaken a complacent continent.
TL;DR:
Trump’s bad bargains have shaken a complacent continent.
Warontherocks
May 25, 07:30
The Lessons of Sacrifice
On this Memorial Day, American servicemembers remain deployed across the world. Many are in harm’s way. This simple fact makes the day less abstract, more real. Memorial Day is not only about wars filed away in history, but also about lives lost in service to the nation and the obligations those losses place on the living.For those who served in combat, the day is intensely personal. It is a day of names, missions, and memories that never fade away entirely. Three of the fallen return to me every year: Cpl. Andrew J. Kemple, 2nd Lt. Tracy Lynn Alger, and Sgt. The post The Lessons of Sacrifice appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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On this Memorial Day, American servicemembers remain deployed across the world. Memorial Day is not only about wars filed away in history, but also about lives lost in service to the nation and the obligations those losses place on the living.For those who served in combat, the day is intensely personal. The post The Lessons of Sacrifice appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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The post The Lessons of Sacrifice appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Responsiblestatecraft
May 25, 04:05
How comics taught us how to love and hate war for nearly a century
When it comes to propaganda, no weapon is left on the table. Film, radio, the internet, and print have all been enlisted to promote this or that party line. Comic books are no exception to this rule, and the military, State Department, and Central Intelligence Agency have all made ample use of comics over the past 80 years. The relationship between the national security state and comics began during World War II, a period often considered the Golden Age of Comics. As historian Paul Hirsch details in his masterful “Pulp Empire: the Secret History of Comic Book Imperialism,” the quasi-governmental War Writers Board worked with the Office of War Information to propagandize for the war effort. The results were mixed. Attempts to promote racial tolerance towards African-Americans on the homefront sat uneasily with racist dehumanization of the Japanese enemy abroad, who were always depicted as inherently evil. Superman was probably the most supportive of the war effort, even encouraging readers to buy war bonds, recycle rubber and scrap iron, and donate blood. Nevertheless, he was investigated by Army Intelligence. Had the Man of Steel turned traitor? Not exactly. After Superman writer Alvin Schwartz used the term “cyclotron” in a story, the War Department became concerned the writer was receiving leaks from the Manhattan Project. In truth, he had simply recalled the term from an old issue of Popular Mechanics. The Cold War was the most productive period in the relationship. During the war on the Korean peninsula, “ Korea My Home” appeared with the blessings of the State Department to explain U.S. war aims to the Korean people and demonize the North. In his “Truth is our Weapon,” Edward W. Barrett of the State Department said that “more than 700,000 copies” of “Korea My Home” were produced. During the Vietnam War, the Vietnamese were showered with Agent Orange, napalm, and propaganda comics. A comic book by Will Eisner instructed American and South Vietnamese troops on the use of the M-16. Comic books were used to explain American war aims, or even to publicize a guerrilla commander , (Phung Hoang, who) readers should look out for as part of the shadowy Phoenix Program, a CIA and special forces operation to “neutralize” leading South Vietnamese Viet Cong insurgents via capture, torture, and targeted killing. Contrast this with commercial war comics that presented such a harsh, brutal view of the Vietnam conflict that Naval Intelligence banned them as “designed to undermine morale.” EC Comics, publisher of “Two-Fisted Tales” and “Frontline Combat,” was investigated by Army Intelligence and the FBI because G-Men determined their Korean War comics were “detrimental to the morale of combat soldiers and emphasizes the horrors, hardships, and futility of war.” Publisher Jim Warren accused the military of “censorship of the worst kind” after his rendition of “Frontline Combat” and “Two Fisted Tales” titled “Blazing Combat” was banned from being sold on overseas military bases. Will Franz, writer of “The Lonely War of Captain Willie Schultz,” reported that a young man cited him and the title by name when he registered as a conscientious objector during the war. Franz claimed that reports from the draft board made their way back to the serial’s publisher, Charlton Comics, which decided to kill it. These acts failed to eliminate comics critical of the war. When U.S. troops first arrived, most comics echoed the pro-war line of titles like “Tales of the Green Beret ” and “Jungle War Stories,” but that didn’t last. “ The Legion of Charlies ,” part of the underground comix movement, contrasted the leniency given to the perpetrators of the Mai Lai massacre with the treatment of murderer Charles Manson. Even Iron Man, the superhero born in the conflict, appeared in antiwar stories as opposition to the war increased. Meanwhile, the Commercial Comics Company was a major contractor with the U.S. for propaganda comics aimed at luring nonaligned nations away from Communism. The title “The Free World Speaks” was aimed at Africans and Asians and showed Stalin as an octopus ready to encircle a helpless globe. The problem was that Commercial Comics also published comics defending segregationist Dixiecrats like George Wallace at home. It was hoped that nonwhite readers would not be able to connect the two. Commercial Comics reappeared after the 1983 U.S. invasion of Grenada. Using a fictitious cutout (an organization that hides official involvement) the Victims of International Communist Emissaries, the CIA produced “Grenada: Rescued from Rape and Torture.” Smiling Grenadians welcome U.S. troops by declaring, “Thank god! And thanks to President Reagan and our freedom loving neighbors!” With its appearance coming shortly before the first post-invasion election on the island, the attempt to influence the political process was obvious. Also during the late Cold War, “ the Freedom Fighter’s Manual” targeted the contra forces attempting to ...
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How comics taught us how to love and hate war for nearly a century. During the war on the Korean peninsula, “ Korea My Home” appeared with the blessings of the State Department to explain U.S. These acts failed to eliminate comics critical of the war.
TL;DR:
The Cold War was the most productive period in the relationship.
Responsiblestatecraft
May 24, 02:53
Warmongers in meltdown as Trump heralds Iran deal
I wrote yesterday that the United States and Iran were on the verge of an agreement. Trump appeared to confirm as much a few hours ago with an unusually disciplined Truth Social post — grammatically coherent, diplomatically measured, and notably devoid of his customary theatrics or ritual humiliation of the opposing side. That restraint matters. Unlike his earlier proclamations of imaginary breakthroughs, this statement carried the tone of a serious diplomatic signal rather than political indiscipline. Its timing, moreover, appeared disconnected from market considerations or domestic spectacle. My own sources in Tehran likewise confirm that a major breakthrough has been reached, though it remains contingent on final approval — precisely as Trump indicated. So what does all of this mean? What do we actually know about the contours of the agreement? How significant was the role played by regional actors in securing the breakthrough, and what explains Europe’s near-total irrelevance in the process? If this arrangement is merely a Memorandum of Understanding, where do the principal vulnerabilities lie as negotiations enter a second phase? Moreover, can Trump successfully sell the deal at home? What steps can — and likely will — Israel take to sabotage the agreement? And if a final deal is secured, how profound would Israel’s strategic defeat be? Let me try to address these questions one by one. First of all, the full details remain unclear. But according to reporting by Amwaj.media —much of which I have independently corroborated — the agreement entails a comprehensive cessation of hostilities, including in Lebanon; the gradual release of Iran’s frozen assets; and an end to America’s “blockade of the blockade” in the Strait of Hormuz. Maritime traffic through the Strait would resume under joint Iranian and Omani oversight. Once these measures take effect, the parties would have an additional 30 days to negotiate a final agreement. That second-stage accord is expected to address both the nuclear issue and the long-term status of the Strait. Significant progress, however, already appears to have been made on the nuclear file, and, as I understand it, broad principles for its resolution have largely been agreed upon. In essence, this agreement restores the situation to where it was always supposed to be following the announcement of the original ceasefire. From the outset, the ceasefire was intended to be regional in scope and to include Lebanon. There was never supposed to be a “blockade of the blockade” — an absurd scheme concocted by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies that only served to undermine America’s strategic position. Nor was commercial traffic through the Strait meant to remain disrupted. The genuinely new elements are limited sanctions relief for Tehran and a formal commitment to resolve the nuclear issue within the next 30 days. Yet while reaching this point is undeniably significant, there is still no real deal until a final agreement is secured. And the 30-day window, though short, nevertheless offers ample opportunity for spoilers on all sides to sabotage the process. The regional buy-in — and the fact that Trump announced the agreement only after speaking with a wide array of key regional leaders, including those of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, and Bahrain, in addition to a separate call with Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu — is highly significant. This regional anchoring affords Trump a degree of political insulation in Washington. Faced with inevitable accusations from hawks that the agreement amounts to defeat or that it betrays Israel, he can point to broad regional support as evidence that America’s principal partners in the Middle East prefer diplomacy to escalation. Indeed, compared to President Obama’s 2015 nuclear agreement, the regional engagement surrounding Trump’s deal is objectively deeper, broader, and more politically consequential. Obama’s agreement was negotiated despite resistance from Israel. Saudi Arabia and the UAE; Trump’s appears to be taking shape with active regional backing. Europe’s near-total absence from the process is nevertheless striking — though hardly problematic. By this point, Europe’s diplomatic irrelevance in major Middle Eastern diplomacy has become so normalized that its exclusion barely registers. Judging by the public panic now emanating from Washington’s war hawks and pro-Israel circles, however, the next 30 days are likely to be politically brutal for Trump. FDD is already openly attacking him. AIPAC is amplifying lawmakers denouncing the agreement. An adviser to the former Crown Prince of Iran has accused Trump of “ total surrender. ” Many of the same allies who enthusiastically applauded Trump’s decision to initiate the war are now turning on him for choosing diplomacy over permanent escalation. Senior Israeli politicians, however, may choose a more cautious approach. Rather than confronting Trump directly, th...
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Warmongers in meltdown as Trump heralds Iran deal. Judging by the public panic now emanating from Washington’s war hawks and pro-Israel circles, however, the next 30 days are likely to be politically brutal for Trump.
TL;DR:
I wrote yesterday that the United States and Iran were on the verge of an agreement.
Responsiblestatecraft
May 22, 19:20
Tulsi Gabbard needed a Trump exit, with integrity and principles intact
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard resigned from her position Friday after months of simmering tensions with President Donald Trump over the Iran war. Officially , Gabbard said she made the decision to leave because her husband is suffering from a rare form of bone cancer. But reports are already saying she was squeezed out . Some would have preferred she resigned in protest like her former colleague Joe Kent . Still, there is a general consensus among her supporters that she had been sidelined for not kowtowing to the pro-Iran war line, and that it is better to leave with one’s dignity intact than to continue to toil away ineffectually in what may be a sinking ship. “It’s not clear if she resigned from moral protest, or familial duty, or was ousted. It’s likely an admixture,” Curt Mills, executive director of the American Conservative, told RS. “Regardless, as with the more explicit example set by Joe Kent, the principle is clear. Anyone of influence in this administration — with the exception of the vice president, who could become the president and halt this nightmare, and whose seat is constitutionally guaranteed — and who opposes its most serious and most grievous decision, the war with Iran, should have resigned yesterday.” He added ominously, “Gabbard wasn’t ‘in the room’ at any room. And there is no power or glory in sitting in a waiting room for no reason.” Gabbard’s office appeared to be at odds with the president over the need to go to war with Iran. When asked during a hearing in March whether Iran posed an imminent threat to the United States, as the Trump administration has repeatedly claimed, Gabbard punted . “The only person who can determine what is and is not an imminent threat is the president,” she said. Before Operation Midnight Hammer, her office said Iran was not actively building a nuclear weapon, which was in line with consistent intelligence taking back to 2007 . Her statements did not sit well with Trump nor the hardliners in his administration, and likely started the clock ticking on her time in office. Kent told RS that their office had been “closed off” from the president and the war, and it had been frustrating. He has consistently blamed pro-Israel voices in the president’s inner circle, though he “doesn’t want to let the president off the hook.” Kent’s experiences jibe with other realists in the administration who have been smeared and silenced. Some before they even made it into positions . Driving this campaign have been outlets like Jewish Insider and neoconservative influencers like Laura Loomer and Mark Levin. “After the 12-day war, after Midnight Hammer, it seemed like the circle shrunk down to just the president and a handful of advisors. The NSC (National Security Council) process seemed to be dead. We were kind of just talking to ourselves. It wasn't reaching the Oval Office,” Kent said. “And then once the (February) war started, I myself and others worked diligently for two weeks trying to present the President with kind of off-ramps, but our ideas really weren't even reaching the White House.” Prior to her resignation, Gabbard was among the most prominent anti-war voices within the administration. Like Kent, she is an Iraq War veteran. She spent time in Congress (as a Democrat) fighting for fellow veterans and was vocal about not getting in more “regime change wars” in the future. She ran for president and withstood a withering backlash in her party for running against the party apparatus on issues of war and peace. Hillary Clinton said she was “groomed by Russia” because she wasn’t toeing the line on the Ukraine War. She found a political home in MAGA, and it seemed a real coup for realists and restrainers to have her in the administration, but alas, she did not have the support of Trump and was clearly never embraced by his inner circle, which had become more and more distanced from the president’s prior pledges to keep the country out of war. Nevertheless, Republican lawmakers and Trump administration officials largely responded to the news of Gabbard’s resignation with well wishes for her husband. Trump himself gave no indication that he was at odds with Gabbard, saying in a Truth Social post that she did an “incredible job” in her role. When asked this week if he expected any other high profile resignation in protest, Kent said he hoped so. “I mean, part of my calculus for leaving government, as opposed to staying, was that I knew that I would reach (Trump) and reach decision makers more effectively from outside, because we had kind of hit our limit of effectiveness going through official channels.” One can only hope that Gabbard eventually comes to the same conclusion and doesn’t stay quiet for long.
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Kent told RS that their office had been “closed off” from the president and the war, and it had been frustrating. Like Kent, she is an Iraq War veteran. Hillary Clinton said she was “groomed by Russia” because she wasn’t toeing the line on the Ukraine War.
TL;DR:
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard resigned from her position Friday after months of simmering tensions with President Donald Trump over the Iran war.
Responsiblestatecraft
May 22, 10:42
House GOP yanks Iran war powers vote amid fears it could pass
House Republican leadership canceled a vote on the latest Iran War Powers Resolution right before it was supposed to be brought to the floor on Thursday evening. It would have been the fourth such effort in the House since the war started in late February. The three previous votes had slowly garnered support from the few Democratic holdouts and a few Republicans. The most recent attempt ended in a 212-212 tie, and Jared Golden (D-Maine), the lone Democrat to oppose the resolution, said he would vote in favor of the next one. That, in addition to nine Republican absences in the proceeding vote on unrelated legislation on Thursday, and the potential for a handful more Republican votes, meant that the push to rebuke President Donald Trump’s war effort was expected to succeed. “The next time they bring it, it’s passing,” Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), one of three members of his party to support the measure when it was last voted on earlier this month, told Politico after the vote. Democrats, who have pledged to keep bringing war powers resolutions to the floor until one passes, blasted Republican leadership for their maneuver to delay a vote on privileged legislation. On the House floor, Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), asked “what has happened with the Iran War Powers Resolution? (...) Are we not voting on it because the American people are sick and tired of this illegal war that is costing tens of billions of dollars?” He accused his Republican counterparts of not having the “guts” to follow through with the vote. Three members of Democratic caucus leadership — Reps. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Katherine Clark (D-Mass.), and Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) — released a statement calling the decision to pull the vote “cowardly.” “Donald Trump and (Defense Secretary) Pete Hegseth took us to war without clear objectives, an exit strategy, public support or the authorization required by the United States Congress,” they wrote. “The Republican-controlled House continues to behave like a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Trump administration.” The vote would have been subject to a White House veto. But its passage would have marked a second consecutive political setback for the Trump administration’s policy in Iran. In a procedural vote in the Senate earlier this week, four Republicans defected in a 50-47 vote that advanced a bill to restrict Trump’s ability to wage war without congressional approval. The war remains unpopular with the American public. Even Republican voters, who broadly support the effort, are starting to say that it is increasing their cost of living. “As tonight shows, the deck is stacked against pro-peace Americans: even when a majority of Americans oppose a war, and a majority of Congress opposes a war, Congressional leaders find ways to cancel a vote so that the war can continue!,” the pro-diplomacy group NIAC said in a statement on X. “This cowardice makes a mockery of the democratic process - but it will not silence Americans who are in the right that oppose this catastrophic, illegal war. We will keep up the momentum until we bring this disastrous and backfiring war to a close.” The administration, for its part, has argued that it does not need an authorization from the legislature because the hostilities between the U.S. and Iran that started at the end of February were “terminated,” and the 60-day clock for securing a congressional go-ahead was therefore stopped. But many legal experts and the members of Congress say this is an incorrect interpretation of the statute. “The Constitution is clear: Congress decides whether this country goes to war, not one person in the White House. Instead of casting a tough vote, GOP leadership pulled it from the floor. That is a disgrace, and the American people are watching,” Rep. Mike Levin (D-Calif.) said on social media. “Republicans are too scared to check executive power. Today, they pulled the War Powers Resolution rather than vote on it,” added Rep. Brittany Peterson (D-Colo.) “They knew they'd lose. So instead of ending Trump's illegal war in Iran, they killed the vote. Too weak to follow the Constitution. Too loyal to Trump to do their jobs.” The vote may now be postponed until next month, when Congress returns from recess. Trump said this week that the U.S. would not immediately resume the war, but that it was prepared to do so if an agreement with Iran about its nuclear program is not reached.
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House GOP yanks Iran war powers vote amid fears it could pass. The war remains unpopular with the American public. So instead of ending Trump's illegal war in Iran, they killed the vote.
TL;DR:
would not immediately resume the war, but that it was prepared to do so if an agreement with Iran about its nuclear program is not reached.
Warontherocks
May 22, 08:00
Inside Ukraine’s Battlefield Innovation Loop
This exclusive Cogs of War interview is with Catarina Buchatskiy, the co-founder and director of analytics at the Snake Island Institute, a Kyiv-based defense analytics center, and Viktoriia Honcharuk, the institute’s director of defense technologies. We asked them to share their views on how Ukraine’s military and defense firms turn battlefield feedback into rapid innovation, what Western investors and defense tech companies can learn from Ukraine, and what a future Ukraine-West defense industrial partnership might look like. Sign Up for Our Newsletter American and allied defense companies often speak about testing their products in Ukraine, but few have consistently done so. Why The post Inside Ukraine’s Battlefield Innovation Loop appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Inside Ukraine’s Battlefield Innovation Loop. This exclusive Cogs of War interview is with Catarina Buchatskiy, the co-founder and director of analytics at the Snake Island Institute, a Kyiv-based defense analytics center, and Viktoriia Honcharuk, the institute’s director of defense technologies.
TL;DR:
Why The post Inside Ukraine’s Battlefield Innovation Loop appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 22, 07:30
The Pentagon Still Cannot Manage Cyber Talent at Scale. Here’s the Fix.
The Department of Defense does not primarily have a cyber recruiting problem — it has a cyber talent management problem. The military already possesses serious qualification frameworks, scholarship programs, credentialing systems, and selection tools. What it still lacks is a system tying assessment, training, assignment, performance, and retention together across an entire cyber career.In March 2026, the department announced at its Cyber Workforce Summit 2.0 an effort to reinvent the cyber workforce. Called Cyber Command 2.0, this effort’s principal goal is improvement in talent management by focusing on identifying, recruiting, hiring, and retaining the right people. The effort also emphasizes The post The Pentagon Still Cannot Manage Cyber Talent at Scale. Here’s the Fix. appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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The Department of Defense does not primarily have a cyber recruiting problem — it has a cyber talent management problem. The effort also emphasizes The post The Pentagon Still Cannot Manage Cyber Talent at Scale. appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 22, 07:15
The Kid Rock Flyby Controversy and the Erosion of Military Professionalism
During Congressional testimony from Department of Defense leadership last week, Representative George Whitesides asked Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, “How does canceling a command-initiated review support a culture of accountability?” But before the secretary could answer, Whitesides instead decided to direct the question to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Dan Caine. Clearly uncomfortable with the question, Caine replied, “What you are alluding to … is a partisan question.” The exchange occupied only a few minutes amid days of acrimonious testimony focused primarily on the war with Iran, but reflected how partisan considerations have now extended to The post The Kid Rock Flyby Controversy and the Erosion of Military Professionalism appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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The Kid Rock Flyby Controversy and the Erosion of Military Professionalism. During Congressional testimony from Department of Defense leadership last week, Representative George Whitesides asked Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, “How does canceling a command-initiated review support a culture of accountability?
TL;DR:
Clearly uncomfortable with the question, Caine replied, “What you are alluding to … is a partisan question.” The exchange occupied only a few minutes amid days of acrimonious testimony focused primarily on the war with Iran, but reflected how partisan considerations have now extended to The post The Kid Rock Flyby Controversy and the Erosion of Military Professionalism appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Responsiblestatecraft
May 22, 04:05
The humiliation of finding secret Israeli bases in Iraq
It is difficult to imagine anything more uncomfortable and embarrassing for leaders of Iraq than clandestinely established Israeli military bases on Iraqi territory. Two such bases were revealed recently when an Iraqi shepherd stumbled upon one of them in the sparsely populated western desert of Iraq and reported its presence to Iraqi authorities before the Israelis killed him. Any such outpost — established by any foreign government, for any purpose — without the permission of the sovereign country in which they are located would be a problem. The problem for Iraq is multiplied by the fact that the bases were established by Israel, making it an especially sensitive matter for Arab governments because of the Israeli subjugation of Palestinian Arabs and doubly so since Israel’s assault on the population of the Gaza Strip, which is considered a genocide by rising number of scholars, human rights organizations, and a UN Commission of Inquiry. Exacerbating the situation further is the purpose of the Israeli bases, which was to facilitate armed attack against Iraq’s neighbor Iran. The bases were part of staging for the war that Israel and the United States launched in February and that Iraq, like other Arab countries in the Persian Gulf , certainly did not want. Even before the current war, Iraq has suffered from being drawn into the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. Six years ago, Iran fired missiles at bases in Iraq that housed American troops in retaliation for a U.S. attack at the Baghdad airport that killed senior Iranian military and political figure Qassim Soleimani and several others, including an Iraqi militia commander. The launching of the current U.S.-Israeli war has resulted in more Iranian strikes on U.S.-related targets in Iraq, as well as Saudi attacks on pro-Iranian militias in Iraq. Iraq has suffered economically from the war at least as much as other Arab states in the region because of the interruption of oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz, and probably more than some of the other oil producers. Saudi Arabia can ship up to 7 million barrels per day of its production through a pipeline to the Red Sea. The United Arab Emirates has a pipeline that can bring 1.8 million barrels per day to the Gulf of Oman, and it is building a second pipeline to add to that capacity. Iraq’s geography does not give it comparable options for bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. Besides exporting what it can through Turkey, it recently initiated tanker truck traffic through Syria. But these routes will make up for only a fraction of the 80% of its oil exports that it has lost since the start of the war. Given the close operational ties between the Israeli military and U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), it is highly likely that U.S. officials were aware of the Israeli bases in Iraq. From Iraq’s point of view, for the United States to allow its partner Israel to establish such a presence was the first U.S. offense. An additional offense may have been to keep Iraqi officials in the dark about that presence, although it is possible that some Iraqi officials had at least an inkling of that presence but to avoid embarrassment did not discuss it openly. Either way, this episode can only hurt U.S. efforts to shape Iraqi policy. The principal U.S. demand being placed on Iraq is to reduce Iranian influence in the country, which especially takes the form of pro-Iranian militias. The pressure that the United States exerts on Iraq in support of that demand has included interruption last month of funding for, and cooperation with, Iraqi security services. The Iraqi government has attempted a balancing act to maintain good relations with both the United States and Iran. The matter of the secret Israeli bases will make Iraqi leaders even less inclined than they might otherwise have been to tip the balance in favor of the United States, especially to the extent that they need to respond to Iraqi public opinion and not just to U.S. pressure. The motivations of both Iraq and Iran to maintain stable and even cordial relations with each other remain. Those motivations are rooted in memories of the enormously costly Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s, in which hundreds of thousands died on both sides. Iraqi leaders also need to be aware of the unease that Israeli bases — established for the express purpose of attacking Iran — understandably cause in Tehran, and the potential they carry for future Iranian strikes on Iraqi territory. Leaders of other Arab countries besides Iraq will take note of this episode about the Israeli bases and think about what it means for future security ties with the United States. The experience of this year’s war, in which those ties meant that Gulf Arab countries became targets more than they were protected, already has raised doubts among those countries about the value of such ties. The possibility that Israeli activities, undisclosed to the Arab governments themselves, might accompany security arrangements with th...
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The bases were part of staging for the war that Israel and the United States launched in February and that Iraq, like other Arab countries in the Persian Gulf , certainly did not want. But these routes will make up for only a fraction of the 80% of its oil exports that it has lost since the start of the war.
TL;DR:
Even before the current war, Iraq has suffered from being drawn into the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.
Responsiblestatecraft
May 22, 04:05
'Comrade Keir' or just (finally) rational UK energy policy?
In a major policy shift, the British government decided this week to lift sanctions on Russian energy products, in two ways. First, a general trade license was issued allowing for the import of diesel and jet fuel from Russian oil that has been processed in third countries like India and Turkey. A second license provides for the importation of Russian liquefied natural gas from two terminals, Sakhalin 2, which supplies gas to Asia, and Yamal, which supplies gas to Europe. U.K. mainstream media and opposition political parties have reacted furiously to this sanctions relief move as a concession to " dirty Russian oil ". A Ukrainian member of parliament pointed out that Keir Starmer made a commitment to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky not to remove sanctions against Russia. The Daily Telegraph labelled the Prime Minister " comrade Keir " on the basis that he was making concessions to the “Soviets,” more than three decades after the Soviet Union collapsed. Such is the febrile nature of political discussion of Russia in the United Kingdom. Prime Minister Keir Starmer justified his move as a response to rising energy prices and reiterated his longer-term plan to tighten sanctions against Russia. On May 19, the same day the United Kingdom’s measure came into force, U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent issued a 30-day extension to a license lifting any restriction on the export of Russian oil. It is hard to imagine that the timing of both the U.K. and U.S. measures was a coincidence. Indeed, it is a sign that the U.K. is coming further into line with the U.S. on lifting energy restrictions to ease global supply concerns. In March, the U.S. Treasury also issued a general license which remains in force, to provide for the temporary lifting of sanctions on Iranian oil . Under fire from the U.K. press, the government has insisted that this is a short-term measure. But there is reason to believe it could endure for a while. The jet fuel and diesel license clearly states that it is of indefinite duration and that the license will be reviewed periodically. The idea of a periodic review might pacify potential critics although the statement is meaningless: with over three thousand U.K. sanctions against Russia there is no system in place for this and I know of no examples of the U.K. reviewing then repealing a Russia sanction unless subject to legal challenge. So, the move on diesel and jet fuel appears to represent a permanent lifting of sanctions on key products for the U.K. economy. There is an obvious reason for this. The U.K. imports almost 70% of its jet fuel and 40% of its diesel . Lifting restrictions on plentiful Russian oil that is processed into diesel and jet fuel is an economically rational policy choice and therefore a sensible thing to do. We have already seen flights being cancelled in the U.K. as fears about a jet fuel crisis mount. Russia is benefiting from an energy revenue windfall from the stand-off over Iran irrespective of any restrictive measures imposed by the West. Maintaining sanctions on Russian energy merely has a boomerang effect on the countries imposing those sanctions, including Britain itself. There is no sign yet that the EU plans to follow the U.S. and the U.K. in lifting restrictions on diesel and jet fuel There certainly appears to be less concern in Europe about a possible crisis in air travel. While the U.K. measure to ease restrictions on diesel and jet fuel shows a commendable realism, its motive for softening sanctions on LNG are less directly related to core U.K. interests. Britain hasn’t imported any Russian LNG since the start of the war in Ukraine and even before the war started, imported negligible volumes of Russian gas. Rather, and at least in part, the LNG exemption is intended to remain in line with the European Union at a time when Keir Starmer has been pushing the idea of the U.K. deepening economic ties with Europe. Three-quarters of the LNG from the Yamal field — one of the two covered by the U.K. license — goes to European customers, accounting for 7.2 billion Euros in 2025 alone. While the EU has recently banned short-term purchases on the spot market, which had been subject to heavy profiteering, long-term contracts remain unsanctioned through to January 1, 2027. This is precisely when the U.K. license also expires, bringing the U.K. and the EU fully in lockstep. The license also indicates that the Minister may “‘vary, revoke or suspend”’ the license at any time, allowing flexibility should the EU policy change. Britain’s temporary decision to lift the ban on LNG exports from Sakhalin 2 is more tangential to U.K. interests. That terminal is located in Asia, with most of its LNG going to Japan , China and South Korea, which are suffering a major energy shock from the war against Iran. Amid high global energy prices, the U.K. move appears to be driven by a mix of rational considerations and support for allied nations in both Europe and in Asia. In a further atte...
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First, a general trade license was issued allowing for the import of diesel and jet fuel from Russian oil that has been processed in third countries like India and Turkey. Russia is benefiting from an energy revenue windfall from the stand-off over Iran irrespective of any restrictive measures imposed by the West.
TL;DR:
Britain hasn’t imported any Russian LNG since the start of the war in Ukraine and even before the war started, imported negligible volumes of Russian gas.
Responsiblestatecraft
May 22, 04:05
Is the CIA car bombing narcos in Mexico?
On March 28, a pickup truck exploded on a highway north of Mexico City, killing two alleged cartel members. One of the victims was identified as Francisco Beltrán, alias ‘El Payín,’ a reported lieutenant of Sinaloa Cartel kingpin ‘El Meño’. The story went largely ignored in the U.S. But recent reports from The New York Times and CNN suggest that the killings may be part of an illegal campaign by the CIA’s Ground Branch inside of Mexico. The allegations come just weeks after the deaths of two CIA officers in Chihuahua, Mexico as well as a U.S. indictment of Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya on drug trafficking charges. Dissatisfied that Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum has repeatedly ruled out a U.S. military intervention against the country’s drug cartels, the Trump administration appears increasingly open to testing the limits of longstanding cooperation on security between Washington and Mexico City. While it’s difficult to separate fact from fiction in the allegations, the sad truth is that they seem quite plausible. In 2025, the Trump administration designated groups such as the Sinaloa Cartel and Cartel Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) as foreign terrorist organizations, granting agencies like the CIA legal justification for covert action against Mexican cartels. Much of the language used by both CNN and the Times is deliberately ambiguous, relying on unnamed sources in the agency. CNN claims that the March car bomb “was a targeted assassination, facilitated by CIA operations officers,” while the Times reports that the agency provided intelligence and support “but was not on the ground when Mexican authorities killed [the cartel operative].” CNN’s reporting left room for interpretation that the agency was playing competing traffickers against one another or relying on vigilante paramilitary groups. This would come as no surprise given the CIA’s long and sordid history of collaborating with questionable non-state actors in the Americas, including members of the Guadalajara Cartel, which facilitated arms trafficking to the Nicaraguan Contras in the 1980s. In contrast, the implication from the Times is that Mexican forces orchestrated an extrajudicial assassination with the help of — and likely at the behest of — Washington’s foremost intelligence agency. All the more shocking is that sources for both publications claim that the March killing is just one of many; CIA spokeswoman Liz Lyon and Mexican Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch have respectively denied any and all allegations. At minimum, it seems clear that the agency has boots on the ground in Mexico. Last month, two CIA officers died in a car crash on the way back from a counternarcotics operation in the state of Chihuahua. In Mexico, foreign agents are forbidden from operating within the country without the express permission of the national government. Sheinbaum has plausibly contended that the deceased officers were illegally invited into Chihuahua by the state’s opposition government. At the same, it’s conceivable that Mexico City has condoned more than it has let on. The CNN report adds a layer of credibility in addition to a relative silver lining to its allegations. It reads: “The [CIA]’s strategy, the sources said, is to dismantle entire cartel networks, which involves not only removing those at the very top but also identifying vulnerabilities throughout the organization and systematically targeting lower-tier players who serve as key cogs in the trafficking enterprise.” In fact, this is the same strategy that has been pursued by Sheinbaum and her security minister, Harfuch. Since the onset of the Mexican drug war in 2006, policymakers in the U.S. and Mexico have prioritized the so-called “kingpin strategy,” with Washington conditioning aid under the Merida Initiative on the apprehension of high-value targets. In technical terms, the strategy was a success. Since the late 2000s, successive Mexican administrations have boasted some impressive results, such as the captures of ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán, Ovidio Guzmán, ‘El Mayo’ Zambada in addition to the disarticulation of the infamous Zetas Cartel. Yet in strategic terms, the strategy was a catastrophic failure . Infighting within and between cartels saw Mexico’s homicide rate triple from 7 to 24 per 100,000 by 2010, with disappearances increasing tenfold by 2023. Sheinbaum and Harfuch have pursued a more thoughtful approach of debilitating cartels’ structural and logistical capabilities in concert with the neutralization of kingpins — to great effect. Government figures have found that homicides have fallen around 40% since Sheinbaum assumed office in 2024, with independent estimates finding a decline of at least 15% . Taken at face value, CNN’s sources suggest that the CIA has learned from past mistakes to some extent and has incorporated input from its Mexican partners. At the same time, the sheer brazenness of tactics such as car bombing suspected narcos on metropolitan highways offers a...
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Is the CIA car bombing narcos in Mexico?. The allegations come just weeks after the deaths of two CIA officers in Chihuahua, Mexico as well as a U.S. military intervention against the country’s drug cartels, the Trump administration appears increasingly open to testing the limits of longstanding cooperation on security between Washington and Mexico City.
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Since the onset of the Mexican drug war in 2006, policymakers in the U.S.
Responsiblestatecraft
May 21, 20:15
Are we pausing weapons to Taiwan because US stockpiles running dry?
Today, Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao said the U.S. is pausing arms sales to Taiwan because of the war with Iran. “Right now we're doing a pause in order to make sure we have the munitions we need for Epic Fury,” Cao told Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who asked about the possible pause at a hearing of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. Cao maintained the U.S. has “plenty” of munitions, and said the arms sales will resume when “the administration deems necessary.” Cao’s remarks clash with the administration’s previously stated rationale for a pause. Last week, Donald Trump floated that he may delay the approval of a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan as a “negotiating chip” with China. “I haven’t approved it yet. We’re going to see what happens,” Trump told Fox News. “I may do it, I may not do it.” NOTUS Defense reporter Joe Gould called the acting Navy Secretary’s remarks “odd.” “If there's plenty, why is the pause needed?” he wrote on X. Cao’s comments come amid continued concerns over the state of U.S. stockpiles. A Washington Post report just Thursday quoted officias saying the U.S. military depleted much of its inventory of advanced missile-defense interceptors in operations against Iran. This followed a CSIS report published last month suggesting the U.S. has burned through key munitions fighting Iran — including about half of its Precision Strike Missiles and up to 80% of its THAAD interceptors But Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has repeatedly dismissed munitions-related concerns. “We know exactly what we have. We have plenty of what we need,” he proclaimed at a congressional hearing last week. Trump’s possible arms sales pause has frustrated Taiwan’s leaders, amid rising tensions over the island and the future of its relationship with the United States. On Sunday, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te urged the Trump administration to continue the sales as a means to maintain “regional peace and security.”
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military depleted much of its inventory of advanced missile-defense interceptors in operations against Iran. Trump’s possible arms sales pause has frustrated Taiwan’s leaders, amid rising tensions over the island and the future of its relationship with the United States.
TL;DR:
is pausing arms sales to Taiwan because of the war with Iran.
Warontherocks
May 21, 08:00
China’s AI Governance Offensive Threatens U.S. Tech Leadership
China’s diplomats are on an “AI governance” offensive. At a May 5 United Nations meeting, China’s vice minister of science and technology championed China’s role in shaping U.N.-led frameworks that determine how the technology should be built and used. Just a week earlier, two top Chinese AI experts actively involved in Beijing’s governance efforts appeared by video on a Capitol Hill panel discussion hosted by Senator Bernie Sanders, touting China’s contributions to AI safety and cooperation.Norms and standards on AI development and applications are still being defined. Being a standards-setter rather than a standards-follower can simultaneously solidify a country’s technological The post China’s AI Governance Offensive Threatens U.S. Tech Leadership appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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China’s AI Governance Offensive Threatens U.S. China’s diplomats are on an “AI governance” offensive. Tech Leadership appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Tech Leadership appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 21, 07:30
The Operational Case Against Israel’s Gaza Campaign
Gaza did not have to look the way it looks. That is not a moral claim. It is an operational one.Claims of necessity are invoked to explain the scale of civilian harm, but they founder in the face of operational logic. Supporters of Israeli methods argue that Gaza’s urban battlefield — tunnels, rocket fire, extreme population density, hostages held underground — left no viable alternative to large-scale destruction. That argument rests on a false assumption: that large-scale fires were inevitable rather than chosen, and that the only tradeoff was between more fires and mission failure. That is a false choice, The post The Operational Case Against Israel’s Gaza Campaign appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Gaza did not have to look the way it looks. That is not a moral claim. It is an operational one.Claims of necessity are invoked to explain the scale of civilian harm, but they founder in the face of operational logic.
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That is a false choice, The post The Operational Case Against Israel’s Gaza Campaign appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 21, 07:15
Europe’s Dangerous Hunger Games for American Troops
Every time reports emerge about a potential reduction of U.S. forces or capabilities in Europe, the old continent falls into the same cycle of anxiety and panic. The same applies to announcements about delayed or suspended deployments, planned rotations, or broader force posture reviews.A brief historical reminder here is necessary. The 2014 Wales Defense Investment Pledge is still often misunderstood in Europe as little more than an American demand for higher defense spending. In reality, it reflected something broader already taking shape in Washington: the expectation that Europe would gradually assume far greater responsibility for conventional defense on its own continent. The post Europe’s Dangerous Hunger Games for American Troops appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Europe’s Dangerous Hunger Games for American Troops. In reality, it reflected something broader already taking shape in Washington: the expectation that Europe would gradually assume far greater responsibility for conventional defense on its own continent. The post Europe’s Dangerous Hunger Games for American Troops appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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The post Europe’s Dangerous Hunger Games for American Troops appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Responsiblestatecraft
May 21, 04:05
The real lesson of Cuba's alleged drone build-up against the US
In the tragic event that a sovereign state chooses to attack another, the party under attack will often shoot back. Russia experienced this after attacking Ukraine. The United States, Israel, and the Gulf Arab monarchies did as well after the U.S. and Israeli attack on Iran. Now, the U.S. may bring this fate down upon itself once again — this time in the Gulf of Mexico, far far closer to home. At least that’s what reporting by Axios on Cuba’s alleged drone capacity suggests. According to the article, Cuba has acquired some 300 military drones from Russia and Iran since 2023 and has explored the possibility of using them to attack Guantanamo Bay and possibly even Key West in Florida. The reporting cites only “classified intelligence” and anonymous U.S. officials. Buried at the bottom is the caveat that Cuba’s drone warfare plans are meant only as a contingency “in case hostilities erupt.” Still, the Axios report instantly triggered a hysterical reaction among usual suspect Miami hawks. All three Miami Cuban Republican members of Congress tweeted within hours of the story dropping, all with very similar messages. Rep. Carlos Giménez tweeted that “Cuba poses a dangerous national security threat to the United States.” Rep. Mario Diaz Balart tweeted, that “It’s clear that the Cuban regime is a national security threat.” Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar tweeted that “It is a direct threat to our national security.” There are good reasons to be skeptical of the reporting’s accuracy. Cuba’s economic problems, recently exacerbated dramatically by the Trump administration’s oil blockade , do not leave much room in the budget for a military buildup. Additionally, one imagines Iran and Russia are both using most of the drones they can produce themselves. Any drones Cuba has acquired “since 2023” have likely already been in Cuba for some time. Indeed, a fair question to ask Axios – or rather the U.S. officials who leaked the reported classified intelligence – would be “why now?” Yet it’s worth taking the reporting seriously. Suppose that Cuba does possess the drone warfare capacity to strike at U.S. bases, vessels, and even the U.S. itself. If true, this would be another very good reason to not start a regime change war in Cuba. Cuba remains a sovereign state. From its perspective, it is well within its rights to seek the ability to impose some costs on the United States in the frighteningly plausible event of a U.S. attack on the island. The U.S. has militarily intervened in Cuba many times , including numerous campaigns before the 1959 Cuban revolution. In the intervening decades, Washington has sought to strangle the island both economically and politically. This history is well known in Cuba, even if often overlooked in the United States. The second Trump administration has also been saber rattling against Cuba. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, another Miami Cuban politician, recently posed for a picture with the commander of U.S. Southern Command in front of a prominently placed map of Cuba. It wasn’t very subtle. Other reports indicate the administration is increasingly looking at plans for military action against Cuba. Wednesday's U.S. criminal indictment of 94-year-old Raul Castro mirrors the lawfare against Nicolas Maduro that preceded the American attack on Venezuela. In such circumstances, it really isn’t too surprising that Cuba should seek to make contingency plans for how to retaliate against a U.S. attack. None of this means Cuba is about to launch a pre-emptive drone strike on the United States. Such a move would be suicidal. The Axios report puts Cuba’s drone warfare capacity at 300 drones, and much of the rest of the Cuban military is effectively composed of museum pieces. There is no way Cuba can hope to win a war with the United States; Cuba can only hope to make the prospect of a U.S. attack on Cuba unpleasant enough to give policymakers in Washington pause before ordering one. Hence the Cuban president’s warning that a U.S. attack on Cuba would trigger “a bloodbath.” It would indeed be healthy for the United States to consider the likely cost of invading Cuba. Such a blatant act of U.S. aggression would certainly harm U.S. standing in much of Latin America. The Trump administration's investment in the Latin American right is already one of diminishing returns, as governments in Argentina , Chile , and Bolivia all increasingly face rising disapproval and, in Bolivia’s case, active revolt . Being seen as complicit in a U.S. attack on Cuba would not help the popularity of U.S.-aligned governments at all, while anti-American sentiment on the Latin American left would become emboldened. Another attack on a Latin American nation this year would also accelerate the trend underway in Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia to hedge against U.S. influence, including by seeking out closer economic and diplomatic relations with both China and the European Union . A remilitarization of the continent is also already under way ...
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Russia experienced this after attacking Ukraine. If true, this would be another very good reason to not start a regime change war in Cuba. There is no way Cuba can hope to win a war with the United States; Cuba can only hope to make the prospect of a U.S.
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and Israeli attack on Iran.
Responsiblestatecraft
May 21, 04:05
Is the petrodollar a war casualty or death greatly exaggerated?
Since the United States and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, the number of articles proclaiming the death of the petrodollar increased nearly as quickly as the price of oil. As a representative headline in the Japan Times declared , the Iran war “just broke the petrodollar.” These headlines only tell part of the story. There is little doubt that the war has done major damage to the petrodollar by driving up oil prices and U.S. bond yields, among other variables. But this has only accelerated an existing trend in global markets: the growing shift toward a multipolar financial system. This is not to undersell the war’s impact. Dismal financial headlines have no doubt affected investor sentiment and confidence in the commodities and financial markets. For example, on May 15 the price of Brent crude closed at $109.26 per barrel, an increase of 51% since February 28. Likewise, the U.S. bond market has experienced one of its most severe selloffs in years, sending long-term Treasury yields soaring. According to World Affairs in Context, a popular economics blog, the yield on the 10-year Treasury climbed towards 4.6% as the 30-year Treasury briefly surpassed the 5% benchmark: “These levels have not consistently been seen since before the 2008 global financial crisis. Because bond prices move inversely to yields, the rise reflected aggressive selling pressure on U.S. government debt.” Since the Iran war began, foreign central banks have been net sellers of Treasury bonds. As an example, holdings at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York decreased to $2.7 trillion marking the lowest level witnessed in fourteen years. While markets can attribute a portion of these fluctuations to events surrounding the Iran war, longer-term geopolitical and geoeconomic pressures for de-dollarization existed long before the conflict. Reverberations continue to emanate from the increased pace of economic multipolarity following the start of the war in Ukraine. As a result of aggressive U.S sanctions over the last decade, a growing number of countries — including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, which make up the original members of the BRICS bloc — have sought to move away from the dollar and dollar-denominated assets. According to an article in Medium , since 2023, global central banks have sold over $1.2 trillion in U.S. Treasury bonds as a result of both geopolitical risk and poor yield returns. Simultaneously, gold has made a historic comeback. Central banks have consistently been net purchasers of gold since 2011, buying over 1,000 tons per year from 2022 through 2024, according to the World Gold Council . The primary driver is diversification away from dollar-denominated assets, particularly after Russian dollar-denominated assets were frozen abroad. In contrast, gold cannot be sanctioned and has historically experienced price increases during times of global instability. Furthermore, since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, BRICS countries have sought to insulate themselves from the dollar through transactions in their own currencies and the creation of alternative financial structures. Indian refiners , for example, are settling transactions for crude from Russia in either Chinese yuan or United Arab Emirates dirhams in order to avoid using U.S. dollars. Additionally, nearly 90% of bilateral trade transactions between Russia and China are now settled in yuan or rubles. In 2024, more than 95% of trade between Russia and Iran was conducted in rubles and rials. Amid the war, Iran has begun charging yuan-denominated transit tolls on tankers crossing the Strait of Hormuz, turning that chokepoint into a live de-dollarization test. BRICS+ unveiled BRICS Pay at the Kazan Summit in 2024, marking a significant addition to the growing global number of de-dollarization initiatives. Beyond increased efforts within the BRICS+ organization, individual BRICS countries have also spearheaded the development of alternative clearance and settlement structures. China's Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) has developed tremendously. As of mid-2025, it now settles approximately 30% of China’s cross-border trade settlements. Unlike the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT), the main messaging network through which most international payments are initiated, CIPS is not simply a network for initiating messaging through the system, but also has the capacity to provide settlement, which offers Beijing greater management of payment flows. Russia’s SPFS (System for Transfer of Financial Messages) has now become a practical option to SWIFT at both the domestic and regional level with integration into payment systems in India and Iran. In 2024, the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which consists of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia, formally approved SPFS as a viable option for intraregional trade within the bloc. The mBridge network, a central bank digital currency platform, allo...
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Is the petrodollar a war casualty or death greatly exaggerated?. As a representative headline in the Japan Times declared , the Iran war “just broke the petrodollar.” These headlines only tell part of the story. government debt.” Since the Iran war began, foreign central banks have been net sellers of Treasury bonds.
TL;DR:
This is not to undersell the war’s impact.
Responsiblestatecraft
May 21, 04:05
Militaries are drone-happy but populations are living in terror
As drones dominate warfare in the Middle East, Ukraine, and beyond, civilians are caught in the crosshairs. Hailing the machines as the future of war , the Pentagon is pouring funds into their development and procurement, as are other militaries around the world. These drones are now becoming the weapon of choice around the world. Staggeringly, drone attacks in conflict settings rose 4,000% between 2020 and 2024. And they are increasingly harming noncombatants: drones accounted for 80% of civilian deaths in the war in Sudan early this year — killing at least 880 people. Human rights experts and a drone specialist spoke with RS about the physical and emotional impacts militarized drones and counter-drone measures have on civilians — as well as the mounting challenges of attributing responsibility when the devices cause harm. To understand drones’ collateral impact, RS also spoke with four Ukrainian civilians about their own lived wartime experiences. Ultimately, without meaningful efforts to manage drones' increasingly unchecked proliferation in conflict, the future of war stands to become all the more perilous for civilians. The front line comes home To begin with, the civilians RS spoke with stressed drones’ omnipresence in their everyday lives. They requested anonymity or shared only their first names to be published, to protect their safety. “Military drones here are an almost daily occurrence,” said Elena, who lives in Luhansk — a border region of Ukraine, which Russia now largely controls . It has seen heavy fighting. Drones make “a distinctive sound, as if an old motor scooter is driving right under your window,” she said. “But instead of passing by quickly, it can hover in the air for a long time. It’s very scary because you don’t know what the person controlling it intends to do.” The civilians all associated drones with death. “The mere presence of drones…creates a sense of instability and insecurity,” an anonymous civilian said. “People have started reacting to any sound that resembles a drone, constantly checking the news.” Russian drone attacks on civilians and soldiers have led some Ukrainian cities to put up nylon netting over roads and buildings, to block drones’ entry. In tandem, Ukrainian drone strikes in Russia have also frequently killed civilians. As Elena told RS, a drone once cornered a friend’s son on his way home from school. “He’d been lying in the bushes for about an hour because a drone was flying very low over him,” Elena said. “He was too scared to even move, while it circled and circled above him.” Along the border, the Ukrainian military has also been using drones to find men fleeing the country, trying to escape conscription. Beyond Ukraine, Palestinians constantly face attacks and surveillance by Israeli drones. Israel Defense Forces drones often follow civilians around Gaza, prompting many Palestinians to stay inside. During Israel’s war on Gaza, drones have routinely shot and bombed civilians. As Middle East Eye and Euro-Med Monitor both reported in 2024 , IDF forces have even used drones to play sounds of crying babies — to draw Gazans out to attack them. Second order harms But if drones can endanger civilians, so, too, can efforts to intercept them. “If you prevent [a drone] from achieving its mission, what you have is an armed drone that is not going where it was going to go,” said Laura Walker McDonald, a Senior Advisor on Emerging Technologies in Conflict at the International Committee of the Red Cross. There could be “shrapnel raining down, or… an armed drone crashing [or] exploding somewhere.” Often, the fallout can severely damage residential areas below. While drone debris does not necessarily cause more damage than missile debris, there can be much more of it. Downed drones may also have weapons attached to them. “Kids play with [fallen drones]...they think they look like toys,” McDonald explained. “They do look like toys. And they get hurt as a result.” But as Molly Campbell, a drone expert at the Center for a New American Security, warns: “There's no way we can beautifully vaporize [an incoming] drone, and it just falls as fairy dust.” “The damage that's being inflicted is collateral from the [drone] interception itself,” Campbell said. “But would you rather [the operator] didn't shoot it down?” When drones cause harm, who's responsible? In decades past, drone attacks could often be traced back to a few countries, like the U.S., which operated fewer and larger military drones. But Lauren Spink, a protection of civilians professional previously at the Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC), warns that today’s widespread proliferation of small, cheap drones makes it harder to identify who is using them. “In the eastern D.R.C. [Democratic Republic of the Congo], you've now got the government flying drones. You've got armed group M-23 flying drones. You've got private military security actors flying drones,” Spink said. “When a civilian is harmed, it's getting...
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Hailing the machines as the future of war , the Pentagon is pouring funds into their development and procurement, as are other militaries around the world. In tandem, Ukrainian drone strikes in Russia have also frequently killed civilians. Beyond Ukraine, Palestinians constantly face attacks and surveillance by Israeli drones.
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During Israel’s war on Gaza, drones have routinely shot and bombed civilians.
Warontherocks
May 20, 17:30
A Check-In On North Korea and Russia’s Wartime Partnership
In 2025, Choong-Koo Lee wrote, “Putting the Screws on the Partnership Between North Korea and Russia,” where he argued that the United States and South Korea should work together to weaken Pyongyang and Moscow’s military relationship. A year later, we asked him to revisit his arguments.Image: The Kremlin via Wikimedia CommonsIn your 2025 article, you argued that the United States and South Korea should work together to limit the deepening military relationship between Russia and North Korea. How has the U.S.-South Korean relationship evolved over the past year, and what does that mean for the prospects of any joint effort? Separately, The post A Check-In On North Korea and Russia’s Wartime Partnership appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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A Check-In On North Korea and Russia’s Wartime Partnership. In 2025, Choong-Koo Lee wrote, “Putting the Screws on the Partnership Between North Korea and Russia,” where he argued that the United States and South Korea should work together to weaken Pyongyang and Moscow’s military relationship.
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Separately, The post A Check-In On North Korea and Russia’s Wartime Partnership appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Responsiblestatecraft
May 20, 10:07
Washington must act to defuse the Baltic powder keg
The Baltic States and the neighboring Russian exclave of Kaliningrad are widely regarded as the most dangerous potential flashpoint for a direct war between NATO and Russia; partly for genuine strategic reasons, and partly because of the intense paranoia at work on both sides. The U.S. administration needs to engage urgently and intensively to reduce tension in the region. This tension has spiraled upwards in recent days as a result of Ukrainian drones crossing the Baltic States on their way to attack targets in western Russia. The Ukrainian and Baltic governments have claimed that they were diverted by Russian electronic jamming; but how far this is true is uncertain. It seems at least as likely that, in a number of cases, Ukraine was using safe Latvian and Estonian airspace to get its drones as close as possible to St. Petersburg before entering Russian airspace and encountering Russian air defenses. The drone threat is becoming an acute issue for Russia as Ukrainian drones inflict increasing damage to Russian energy infrastructure. The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has now issued a harsh warning to the Baltic States. It claims (without providing evidence) that Baltic governments themselves provided “air corridors” for drones from Ukraine, that they are planning to allow the Ukrainians to launch drones from their territory, and that Ukrainian military drone operators are already stationed in Latvia. The SVR statement ends on an extremely menacing note: “[I]t would be useful to recall that the coordinates of the decision-making centers in Latvia are well known…The country’s membership of NATO will not protect the accomplices of terrorists from a just retribution.” Last week, the drones issue forced the resignation of Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina. A Ukrainian drone (also allegedly misdirected by Russian electronic jamming) crashed into a Latvian oil storage facility. Her government was accused of failing adequately to strengthen Latvian air defenses. She had earlier dismissed her defense minister over this. NATO, and the Estonian government, finally do appear to be taking this issue seriously. On Tuesday, a Romanian fighter jet based in Lithuania shot down a Ukrainian drone over Estonian territory, after it had previously crossed Latvia. It was high time that NATO and the Baltic governments took action against Ukrainian drones in NATO airspace, given the prospect of a NATO-Russia war if Russia actually fires missiles at targets in Latvia — something for which Russian nationalist hardliners have been baying . Unfortunately, other Baltic officials seem determined to ratchet up tension, irrespective of the risks to their countries. On Monday, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys told the Swiss newspaper Die Neue Zuercher Zeitung , “We have to show the Russians that we are capable of penetrating the small fortress that they have built in Kaliningrad…NATO has the capability if necessary to raze Russian air defenses and missile bases there to the ground.” Budrys said that it is necessary for NATO to demonstrate this in order to deter a Russian attack on the Baltic states that he claimed would spread to the whole of Europe. Indeed, he considers such an attack virtually inevitable, stating that Lithuania has resigned itself to the possibility of being attacked by Russia soon. Neither Budrys nor the Western media that have reported his statement appears to have noticed the contradiction between simultaneously pointing (correctly) to the extreme military vulnerability of Kaliningrad to NATO attack and claiming Russian plans to attack the Baltic States and start a war with NATO. And indeed, the military balance in the Baltic demonstrates this very clearly. According to Western estimates cited by the International Crisis Group, while Kaliningrad is an important base for Russian missile forces, it only had 20,000 ground troops there before the invasion of Ukraine, and that number has since shrunk drastically. Including their rapidly mobilizable reserves, the three Baltic states have 136,000 troops, the Poles (who would certainly intervene) some 550,000, and an additional 22,000 troops from other NATO countries are now stationed in the Baltic states. And yet it is Russia that is supposed to be threatening an invasion? Seriously? In fact, as Russian experts have told me, it is Russia that fears a NATO attack, or an armed crisis leading to a blockade of Kaliningrad, which can be cut off by NATO both by land and sea. With its army tied down in Ukraine, Russia has no troops available to break such a blockade, and therefore, I was told, in this scenario, Russia would have to resort immediately to the threat of nuclear weapons, followed by their actual use if NATO refused to back down. In the case of Kaliningrad, Baltic paranoia is therefore matched by that of the Russians. Unfortunately, the paranoia of the Balts is being stoked by Western officials and soldiers who also allege , without evidence...
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This tension has spiraled upwards in recent days as a result of Ukrainian drones crossing the Baltic States on their way to attack targets in western Russia. The drone threat is becoming an acute issue for Russia as Ukrainian drones inflict increasing damage to Russian energy infrastructure.
TL;DR:
The Baltic States and the neighboring Russian exclave of Kaliningrad are widely regarded as the most dangerous potential flashpoint for a direct war between NATO and Russia; partly for genuine strategic reasons, and partly because of the intense paranoia at work on both sides.
Warontherocks
May 20, 07:30
The Navy Needs Precise Mass and Here Is How to Get There
Maintaining deterrence in the Indo-Pacific and around the world requires the U.S. Navy to change what it builds and how it fights. Sen. Roger Wicker observed in 2024 that the United States’ approach to fleet design and ship construction is “too small and too old.” The current model of naval power cannot scale at the speed modern war demands. The war with Iran is already exposing the limits. High-end ships are being consumed in sustained operations, munitions inventories are thinning, and replacement timelines for exquisite weapons stretch into years. Against a more capable adversary, such as China, those constraints would The post The Navy Needs Precise Mass and Here Is How to Get There appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Maintaining deterrence in the Indo-Pacific and around the world requires the U.S. Navy to change what it builds and how it fights. Sen. Roger Wicker observed in 2024 that the United States’ approach to fleet design and ship construction is “too small and too old.” The current model of naval power cannot scale at the speed modern war demands.
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Against a more capable adversary, such as China, those constraints would The post The Navy Needs Precise Mass and Here Is How to Get There appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 20, 07:15
Machine Overmatch: What Salt Typhoon Reveals About China’s Data-Centric Intelligence Strategy
What if the next decisive intelligence advantage isn’t a recruited insider but a nation’s ability to model entire societies from its digital exhaust? Salt Typhoon’s multi-year cyber campaigns against U.S. telecommunications networks and critical infrastructure demonstrate China’s unparalleled focus on data-centric espionage: collect widely, analyze fast, and operationalize at scale — alongside continued investments in traditional intelligence disciplines. This approach reshapes how the United States has conventionally thought about intelligence advantage. From Exquisite to ExhaustFor decades, the U.S. intelligence community has prized what analysts call “exquisite” intelligence: narrowly sourced, high-confidence insight into adversary intent. That model depends on scarcity — secrets The post Machine Overmatch: What Salt Typhoon Reveals About China’s Data-Centric Intelligence Strategy appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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What if the next decisive intelligence advantage isn’t a recruited insider but a nation’s ability to model entire societies from its digital exhaust? Salt Typhoon’s multi-year cyber campaigns against U.S.
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That model depends on scarcity — secrets The post Machine Overmatch: What Salt Typhoon Reveals About China’s Data-Centric Intelligence Strategy appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 19, 17:30
Asian Reactions to Trump’s Summit with Xi
From May 14 to 15, U.S. President Donald Trump held a summit in Beijing with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. In addition to pageantry, the summit featured discussions about Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, Taiwan, and bilateral trade. Both Washington and Beijing emphasized a relationship based on “constructive strategic stability.”Many countries, particularly those in Asia, were watching closely to see how the two leaders got along, what they agreed on, and what divided them. We asked four experts to tell us about the reactions in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and the Philippines.Read more below.William Chou Senior Fellow and Deputy Director The post Asian Reactions to Trump’s Summit with Xi appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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From May 14 to 15, U.S. President Donald Trump held a summit in Beijing with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. In addition to pageantry, the summit featured discussions about Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, Taiwan, and bilateral trade. Both Washington and Beijing emphasized a relationship based on “constructive strategic stability.
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We asked four experts to tell us about the reactions in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and the Philippines.Read more below.William Chou Senior Fellow and Deputy Director The post Asian Reactions to Trump’s Summit with Xi appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 19, 07:30
When Refusal Doesn’t Matter: Operation Epic Fury and the Erosion of Host Nation Consent
When the U.S. military launched its war against Iran in Feb. 2026, it did not just dismantle Iranian military capabilities. It shattered the illusion that the United States would consult with its closest allies and that an ally’s refusal to grant base access can stop an American war in motion. Rather than the much discussed “outward flows” of military assets from the Korean Peninsula to the Middle East, it is the anticipated “inward flows” of U.S. military assets that could be more consequential in times of crisis.Focusing on the early days of the fallout of this intervention, I argue that The post When Refusal Doesn’t Matter: Operation Epic Fury and the Erosion of Host Nation Consent appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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military launched its war against Iran in Feb. It shattered the illusion that the United States would consult with its closest allies and that an ally’s refusal to grant base access can stop an American war in motion. military assets that could be more consequential in times of crisis.
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military launched its war against Iran in Feb.
Warontherocks
May 19, 07:15
The Recognition Question: Somaliland, Israeli Security Geometry, and the Red Sea Power Struggle
Since its proclamation of independence from Somalia in May 1991, Somaliland has sought international recognition for the territories under its control. Despite functioning as a de facto independent state for years, it lacked any formal recognition on the international stage until recently, when Israel became the first state to officially recognize Somaliland as an independent state. On Dec. 26, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel and Somaliland had signed a joint declaration establishing full diplomatic relations, describing it as being in the spirit of the Abraham Accords.Despite the enthusiastic reception in Somaliland, Israel’s move did not receive The post The Recognition Question: Somaliland, Israeli Security Geometry, and the Red Sea Power Struggle appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Since its proclamation of independence from Somalia in May 1991, Somaliland has sought international recognition for the territories under its control. Despite functioning as a de facto independent state for years, it lacked any formal recognition on the international stage until recently, when Israel became the first state to officially recognize Somaliland as an independent…
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26, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel and Somaliland had signed a joint declaration establishing full diplomatic relations, describing it as being in the spirit of the Abraham Accords.Despite the enthusiastic reception in Somaliland, Israel’s move did not receive The post The Recognition Question: Somaliland, Israeli Security Geometry, and the Red Sea Power Struggle appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 18, 15:53
Ukrainian Agriculture as Strategy, Diplomacy, and Legacy
Welcome to The Ukraine Compass, a weekly digest of Ukrainian commentary and analysis from across the political spectrum only for War on the Rocks members. Each Monday, we bring you a curated selection of articles from Ukrainian media offering insight into how Ukrainians themselves debate the issues shaping their country.American coverage often narrows the view to the battlefield — these pieces widen it, revealing the texture of daily life, politics, and public argument in a nation at war. The perspectives gathered here are varied, candid, and often surprising, together forming a more complete picture of Ukraine as it really is.Frontline and StrategyВисокий Замок The post Ukrainian Agriculture as Strategy, Diplomacy, and Legacy appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Ukrainian Agriculture as Strategy, Diplomacy, and Legacy. Welcome to The Ukraine Compass, a weekly digest of Ukrainian commentary and analysis from across the political spectrum only for War on the Rocks members. The perspectives gathered here are varied, candid, and often surprising, together forming a more complete picture of Ukraine as it really is.
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Welcome to The Ukraine Compass, a weekly digest of Ukrainian commentary and analysis from across the political spectrum only for War on the Rocks members.
Warontherocks
May 18, 08:00
Regulatory Friendly Fire: How ITAR Undermines the Alliance It Was Built to Protect
For nearly a century, America’s defense industrial strength yielded a subtle benefit: influence as the world’s security guarantor of choice. But the system that once anchored partner access to U.S. weaponry is now an obstacle. Modern statecraft — the interplay of industry, diplomacy, and defense — requires a fresh approach to regulating defense trade.While the American arsenal accounts for more than 40 percent of global arms transfers, that share largely comprises exquisite systems for which the United States is unable to meet its own demand, let alone the needs of other nations. Arab partners expended hundreds of high-end interceptors to The post Regulatory Friendly Fire: How ITAR Undermines the Alliance It Was Built to Protect appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Regulatory Friendly Fire: How ITAR Undermines the Alliance It Was Built to Protect. For nearly a century, America’s defense industrial strength yielded a subtle benefit: influence as the world’s security guarantor of choice.
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Arab partners expended hundreds of high-end interceptors to The post Regulatory Friendly Fire: How ITAR Undermines the Alliance It Was Built to Protect appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 18, 07:30
Army Aviation’s Wasted Decade: Lessons for the Next Generation of Drone Integration
In 2006, the U.S. Army’s 25th Combat Aviation Brigade deployed to Iraq, where it paired Task Force ODIN (Observe, Detect, Identify, and Neutralize) with an Apache battalion from the 82nd Airborne Division — a first-of-its-kind teaming of attack helicopters with drones. These units combined manned and unmanned sensors to identify and destroy improvised explosive devices and high-value targets, leveraging drones to fill gaps in traditional rotary wing aviation. Col. Jamie LaValley, at the time a captain with the 82nd, told me he felt he was witnessing “the future of warfare.” “Man, Army Aviation is on to something,” he recalls thinking. The post Army Aviation’s Wasted Decade: Lessons for the Next Generation of Drone Integration appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Army Aviation’s Wasted Decade: Lessons for the Next Generation of Drone Integration. Army’s 25th Combat Aviation Brigade deployed to Iraq, where it paired Task Force ODIN (Observe, Detect, Identify, and Neutralize) with an Apache battalion from the 82nd Airborne Division — a first-of-its-kind teaming of attack helicopters with drones.
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The post Army Aviation’s Wasted Decade: Lessons for the Next Generation of Drone Integration appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 18, 07:15
Missiles Aren’t Strategy: Lessons From Iran for a Pacific Air War
Western airpower debates are increasingly driven by grim math. Analysts tally missile inventories, strike ranges, and sortie-generation capacity against a small number of critical runways, fuel systems, and aerial refueling aircraft. The prevailing conclusion is that U.S. and allied airpower could be severely disrupted early in a conflict with China. While China’s anti-access/area-denial capabilities place U.S. and allied air operations in the Indo-Pacific under sustained, lethal, and consequential threat, the belief that this numbers game guarantees victory is a fallacy — something Russia is learning the hard way in Ukraine. The 2026 Iran War showed why: Real combat is interactive, The post Missiles Aren’t Strategy: Lessons From Iran for a Pacific Air War appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Western airpower debates are increasingly driven by grim math. Analysts tally missile inventories, strike ranges, and sortie-generation capacity against a small number of critical runways, fuel systems, and aerial refueling aircraft. The prevailing conclusion is that U.S. and allied airpower could be severely disrupted early in a conflict with China.
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The 2026 Iran War showed why: Real combat is interactive, The post Missiles Aren’t Strategy: Lessons From Iran for a Pacific Air War appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 15, 07:30
Restrain and Hedge: A New U.S. Nuclear Strategy for a Two-Peer World
What if fielding more nuclear weapons makes the United States less secure, not more? That question is now at the center of a growing debate as the United States confronts a nuclear landscape shaped by two major nuclear rivals.China is rapidly expanding and modernizing its nuclear arsenal, while the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), the last remaining nuclear arms control deal between the United States and Russia, has expired. In what appears as the beginning of a new, more dangerous nuclear age, some analysts believe the United States should increase the size of its deployed nuclear arsenal. Others believe The post Restrain and Hedge: A New U.S. Nuclear Strategy for a Two-Peer World appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Nuclear Strategy for a Two-Peer World. What if fielding more nuclear weapons makes the United States less secure, not more? Nuclear Strategy for a Two-Peer World appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Nuclear Strategy for a Two-Peer World appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 15, 07:15
South Korea’s 500,000 Drone Warriors Will Be a Hollow Force
Ukraine has reshaped the battlefield with cheap, expendable drones. South Korea reads the signals and wants to match the scale. North Korea has been reading the same signals through a more direct channel. Since late 2024, North Korea has rotated thousands of troops through Russia’s war in Ukraine, alongside what is currently the world’s most combat tested drone force — tied with Ukraine’s, of course. Ukrainian defense intelligence reports that some of those troops have begun returning home and moving into instructor roles within the North Korean military.What exactly they are bringing back is harder to pin down from the The post South Korea’s 500,000 Drone Warriors Will Be a Hollow Force appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Ukraine has reshaped the battlefield with cheap, expendable drones. South Korea reads the signals and wants to match the scale. North Korea has been reading the same signals through a more direct channel.
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Since late 2024, North Korea has rotated thousands of troops through Russia’s war in Ukraine, alongside what is currently the world’s most combat tested drone force — tied with Ukraine’s, of course.
Warontherocks
May 14, 19:40
In Talks with Israel, Lebanon is Walking a Thin Line
This week, Israel and Lebanon are holding their third round of unprecedented direct talks on crucial issues, including borders, the disarmament of Hizballah, and ongoing Israeli military action. The United States, which is clearly driving these talks, views them expansively as seeking a “comprehensive peace and security agreement,” although one that is contingent on Lebanese action against Hizballah. Ironically, as the most injured party, the Lebanese government is the one that can least afford a comprehensive agreement that would isolate it at home. This twist represents the single greatest obstacle to a settlement that would satisfy the United States or The post In Talks with Israel, Lebanon is Walking a Thin Line appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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In Talks with Israel, Lebanon is Walking a Thin Line. This week, Israel and Lebanon are holding their third round of unprecedented direct talks on crucial issues, including borders, the disarmament of Hizballah, and ongoing Israeli military action.
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This twist represents the single greatest obstacle to a settlement that would satisfy the United States or The post In Talks with Israel, Lebanon is Walking a Thin Line appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 14, 19:00
Maximalist Demands, Victory Day, and a Summit
Welcome to The Adversarial. Every other week, we’ll provide you with expert analysis on America’s greatest challengers: China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and jihadists. Read more below.***IranA month after negotiators met for historic high-level talks in Pakistan, Washington and Tehran seem closer to a breakdown of the ceasefire that U.S. President Donald Trump announced on April 7 than a breakthrough. In addition to its blockade of Iranian shipping, the United States has been stepping up sanctions against Iran as part of “Economic Fury,” announcing several tranches of designations in recent days targeting its oil trade and banking networks. The toll on The post Maximalist Demands, Victory Day, and a Summit appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Maximalist Demands, Victory Day, and a Summit. Welcome to The Adversarial. Every other week, we’ll provide you with expert analysis on America’s greatest challengers: China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and jihadists. The toll on The post Maximalist Demands, Victory Day, and a Summit appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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The toll on The post Maximalist Demands, Victory Day, and a Summit appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 14, 08:00
The New Era of Air and Missile Defense
Modern air and missile defense is approaching a structural limit. The model that protected forces over the past two decades remains effective, but only within a narrower envelope than current threats demand. A new approach is required, built on fire-control-level integration, disaggregated survivable architectures, affordable magazine depth, and the integration of offensive action as the central element of defense.I am a retired U.S. Air Force brigadier general and now lead international business development and strategy for Northrop Grumman in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. I previously served as chief operating officer of DEFCON AI. As a defense industry The post The New Era of Air and Missile Defense appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Modern air and missile defense is approaching a structural limit. The model that protected forces over the past two decades remains effective, but only within a narrower envelope than current threats demand.
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As a defense industry The post The New Era of Air and Missile Defense appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 14, 07:30
Cyber Operations Aren’t Slow — Our Thinking Is
The phone rang at 3:45 pm on a Friday afternoon. We were winding down for the weekend when the caller ID lit up — it was the counterterrorism analyst in our office we affectionately called “CT Brian.” When he called, it was never good news. An al-Qaeda-affiliated group seized an American aid worker. Her captors were preparing to move her within the hour and special operations forces needed cyber to pinpoint her location in 30 minutes or less. An assault team stood by, ready to launch — if we could tell them where to go. Weekend plans evaporated. Screens brightened. The post Cyber Operations Aren’t Slow — Our Thinking Is appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Cyber Operations Aren’t Slow — Our Thinking Is. Her captors were preparing to move her within the hour and special operations forces needed cyber to pinpoint her location in 30 minutes or less. The post Cyber Operations Aren’t Slow — Our Thinking Is appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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The post Cyber Operations Aren’t Slow — Our Thinking Is appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 14, 07:30
Meet the New Host of Cogs of War
Ryan sits down at the Cogs of War mic for the last time to introduce Jonathan Panter, the new host and executive editor of Cogs of War. Jonathan shares his background, from naval officer to scholar. They discuss major defense tech issues, and Jonathan shares what he hopes to accomplish at the helm of Cogs of War. Image: Cpl. Jacquilyn Davis via DVIDS. The post Meet the New Host of Cogs of War appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Meet the New Host of Cogs of War. Ryan sits down at the Cogs of War mic for the last time to introduce Jonathan Panter, the new host and executive editor of Cogs of War. The post Meet the New Host of Cogs of War appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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The post Meet the New Host of Cogs of War appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 14, 07:15
While the War Continues in Ukraine, the Kremlin’s Real Battlefield is at Home
On April 1, 2026, Russian officials announced the liberation of the so-called Luhansk People’s Republic — for the third time. The first announcement came under then-Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in July 2022. The second one, in July 2025, came from the “republic’s” own head. By that point, Shoigu had already been reshuffled to the Security Council of the Russian Federation, but not for lying about Luhansk. The neat reports about Russia’s successes kept coming.In the fifth year of what the Kremlin calls a special military operation, that pattern raises a question worth taking seriously: is winning still Russia’s objective?Russia entered The post While the War Continues in Ukraine, the Kremlin’s Real Battlefield is at Home appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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On April 1, 2026, Russian officials announced the liberation of the so-called Luhansk People’s Republic — for the third time. The first announcement came under then-Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in July 2022. The second one, in July 2025, came from the “republic’s” own head.
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The neat reports about Russia’s successes kept coming.In the fifth year of what the Kremlin calls a special military operation, that pattern raises a question worth taking seriously: is winning still Russia’s objective?Russia entered The post While the War Continues in Ukraine, the Kremlin’s Real Battlefield is at Home appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 13, 17:30
Analyzing Trump’s Foreign Policy and Its International Implications
In 2016, Ben Friedman wrote, “The Trump Administration Will be Hawkish,” where he argued that despite Trump’s non-interventionist campaign rhetoric, structural forces, hawkish appointees, and an entrenched foreign policy bureaucracy would push him closer toward conventional military interventionism. Ten years later, we asked Ben to revisit his arguments.Image: Max Goldberg via Wikimedia CommonsIn your 2016 article, you argued the Trump administration would adopt a hawkish foreign policy, namely towards Russia, China, and Iran. What can we gather about his foreign policy objectives towards those countries from his first term and the first year of his second term? What factors have The post Analyzing Trump’s Foreign Policy and Its International Implications appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Analyzing Trump’s Foreign Policy and Its International Implications. What can we gather about his foreign policy objectives towards those countries from his first term and the first year of his second term? What factors have The post Analyzing Trump’s Foreign Policy and Its International Implications appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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What factors have The post Analyzing Trump’s Foreign Policy and Its International Implications appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 13, 07:30
The Missing Navies: The Hormuz Crisis and the Limits of America’s Indo-Pacific Partnerships
On May 4, 2026, a South Korean vessel came under fire in the Strait of Hormuz, leading President Donald Trump to urge the government in Seoul to join the U.S.-led operation to secure the waterway. The South Korean government politely replied it would “review” the American proposal. The event crystallized a major paradox of the ongoing conflict: The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the worst maritime crisis in decades, is fundamentally an Asian problem, yet Asia is almost entirely absent from the debate over how to resolve it.In fact, not only are Asian countries greatly suffering from the Hormuz The post The Missing Navies: The Hormuz Crisis and the Limits of America’s Indo-Pacific Partnerships appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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On May 4, 2026, a South Korean vessel came under fire in the Strait of Hormuz, leading President Donald Trump to urge the government in Seoul to join the U.S.-led operation to secure the waterway. The South Korean government politely replied it would “review” the American proposal.
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The event crystallized a major paradox of the ongoing conflict: The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the worst maritime crisis in decades, is fundamentally an Asian problem, yet Asia is almost entirely absent from the debate over how to resolve it.In fact, not only are Asian countries greatly suffering from the Hormuz The post The Missing Navies: The Hormuz Crisis and the Limits of America’s Indo-Pacific Partnerships appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 13, 07:30
Dazed and Confused: How Marine Corps Promotion Boards Keep Getting It Wrong
An old adage claims a marine’s career came down to the “two or three minutes of a promotions brief.” Turns out that was a little optimistic. In practice, the Marine Corps promotion system decides the institutional worth of a 20‑year career in about 12 minutes of board attention.Imagine the National Football League compressing the seven primary drills of the Scouting Combine — the 40‑yard dash, bench press, vertical and broad jumps, three‑cone drill, 20‑yard shuttle, and 60‑yard shuttle — into a single 12‑minute window. No game file, no multi-day interviews, no medical deep dives. In 12 minutes, it would be The post Dazed and Confused: How Marine Corps Promotion Boards Keep Getting It Wrong appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Dazed and Confused: How Marine Corps Promotion Boards Keep Getting It Wrong. An old adage claims a marine’s career came down to the “two or three minutes of a promotions brief.” Turns out that was a little optimistic. In 12 minutes, it would be The post Dazed and Confused: How Marine Corps Promotion Boards Keep Getting It Wrong appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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In 12 minutes, it would be The post Dazed and Confused: How Marine Corps Promotion Boards Keep Getting It Wrong appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 13, 07:15
Pakistan’s New Logic of Limited War May Not Keep War Limited
In May 2025, as Indian BrahMos missile strikes hit Pakistani air bases — targeting runways, parked aircraft, and critical infrastructure — Islamabad faced a choice. It had the capability to respond with its own long-range systems, but it chose not to. Pakistan deliberately withheld the Babur cruise missile, not because it lacked options, but because using a dual-capable system risked signaling nuclear escalation.That moment captures the changing logic of conflict in South Asia. The four-day crisis was intense but contained, defined less by what was used than by what was held back. Yet, almost a year later, the sustained air The post Pakistan’s New Logic of Limited War May Not Keep War Limited appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Pakistan’s New Logic of Limited War May Not Keep War Limited. In May 2025, as Indian BrahMos missile strikes hit Pakistani air bases — targeting runways, parked aircraft, and critical infrastructure — Islamabad faced a choice. Yet, almost a year later, the sustained air The post Pakistan’s New Logic of Limited War May Not Keep War Limited appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Yet, almost a year later, the sustained air The post Pakistan’s New Logic of Limited War May Not Keep War Limited appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 12, 19:45
Does OPEC Still Matter?
On April 28, the United Arab Emirates announced that it would leave OPEC, effective May 1 — ending nearly six decades as an OPEC member. In terms of oil production, it is the most significant country to leave the group. While multiple factors drove the decision to leave, the timing is notable — as the war with Iran has led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and focused global attention on oil prices. We asked four experts to consider the impact on OPEC’s future.Read more below. Kristian Coates Ulrichsen Fellow for the Middle East at the Baker Institute The post Does OPEC Still Matter? appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Does OPEC Still Matter?. While multiple factors drove the decision to leave, the timing is notable — as the war with Iran has led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and focused global attention on oil prices. appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 12, 17:40
What Does SOUTHCOM’s New Autonomous Warfare Command Herald?
Gen. Frank Donovan, commander of U.S. Southern Command, sat down with Ryan to discuss the vision behind the command’s new Autonomous Warfare Command and what it signals for the future of military operations in the Western Hemisphere. Donovan explains how SOUTHCOM aims to move drones and autonomous systems beyond tactical experimentation and connect them to strategic effect: disrupting cartel networks designated as terrorist organizations, strengthening cooperation with allies and partners, and giving the command new ways to see, decide, and act across a complex region. This episode was brought to you by NODA. Find out more about our friends at The post What Does SOUTHCOM’s New Autonomous Warfare Command Herald? appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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What Does SOUTHCOM’s New Autonomous Warfare Command Herald?. Find out more about our friends at The post What Does SOUTHCOM’s New Autonomous Warfare Command Herald? appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 12, 07:30
The Other Border Problem: How Russia and China’s Lawfare Threaten the Arctic
What happens when the Arctic starts to look like the South China Sea?Historically, a neutral region where cooperation prevailed, the Arctic is quickly becoming a contested space. This is no more evident than in the increasing scope and volume of Russian and Chinese lawfare affecting the region. Through excessive maritime regulations, coordinated challenges to Western continental shelf claims, and the use of shadow fleets to avoid accountability, Russia and China are increasingly coordinating their efforts to exert influence and challenge Western claims to Arctic resources and freedom of navigation. As these tactics continue to converge, the United States and its The post The Other Border Problem: How Russia and China’s Lawfare Threaten the Arctic appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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The Other Border Problem: How Russia and China’s Lawfare Threaten the Arctic. What happens when the Arctic starts to look like the South China Sea?Historically, a neutral region where cooperation prevailed, the Arctic is quickly becoming a contested space.
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As these tactics continue to converge, the United States and its The post The Other Border Problem: How Russia and China’s Lawfare Threaten the Arctic appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 12, 07:15
Closing the Gap? Italy Sets New Rules for Its First National Security Strategy Amidst Old Obstacles
Italy may finally be about to publish its first-ever national security strategy, a striking development for the only G7 country that has never had one.For decades, a mix of government instability, competition between institutions, a relatively permissive international environment, and the perceived reliability of U.S. security guarantees in Europe and the Mediterranean reduced incentives to produce a strategy. Recently, however, domestic political consolidation and external pressures have appeared to align in a way not seen before. Until recently, limited news articles and confidential interviews with policymakers, diplomats, and military officials pointed to a forthcoming publication that could address what military The post Closing the Gap? Italy Sets New Rules for Its First National Security Strategy Amidst Old Obstacles appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Italy Sets New Rules for Its First National Security Strategy Amidst Old Obstacles. Until recently, limited news articles and confidential interviews with policymakers, diplomats, and military officials pointed to a forthcoming publication that could address what military The post Closing the Gap?
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Italy may finally be about to publish its first-ever national security strategy, a striking development for the only G7 country that has never had one.For decades, a mix of government instability, competition between institutions, a relatively permissive international environment, and the perceived reliability of U.S.
Warontherocks
May 11, 17:35
Sensationalism Doesn’t Serve Society
Welcome to The Ukraine Compass, a weekly digest of Ukrainian commentary and analysis from across the political spectrum only for War on the Rocks members. Each Monday, we bring you a curated selection of articles from Ukrainian media offering insight into how Ukrainians themselves debate the issues shaping their country.American coverage often narrows the view to the battlefield — these pieces widen it, revealing the texture of daily life, politics, and public argument in a nation at war. The perspectives gathered here are varied, candid, and often surprising, together forming a more complete picture of Ukraine as it really is.Frontline and StrategyОбозреватель — The post Sensationalism Doesn’t Serve Society appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Sensationalism Doesn’t Serve Society. Welcome to The Ukraine Compass, a weekly digest of Ukrainian commentary and analysis from across the political spectrum only for War on the Rocks members. The perspectives gathered here are varied, candid, and often surprising, together forming a more complete picture of Ukraine as it really is.
TL;DR:
Welcome to The Ukraine Compass, a weekly digest of Ukrainian commentary and analysis from across the political spectrum only for War on the Rocks members.
Warontherocks
May 11, 07:30
Ankara’s Crossroads: Rearmament, Risk, and the Prospect of War with Israel
Talk of war in the Middle East abounds on social media, but not just about the one with Iran. A small, but significant, portion of this chatter relates to a conflict that has not begun. For more than a year now, pundits and politicians have warned of a potential clash between Israel and Turkey. Driving this hypothetical confrontation are a series of issues related to Syria, the Palestinian territories, and regional security as a whole. In December 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indirectly charged Ankara with wanting to reestablish Ottoman imperial rule over the Levant. To that, he declared, The post Ankara’s Crossroads: Rearmament, Risk, and the Prospect of War with Israel appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Ankara’s Crossroads: Rearmament, Risk, and the Prospect of War with Israel. Talk of war in the Middle East abounds on social media, but not just about the one with Iran. To that, he declared, The post Ankara’s Crossroads: Rearmament, Risk, and the Prospect of War with Israel appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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To that, he declared, The post Ankara’s Crossroads: Rearmament, Risk, and the Prospect of War with Israel appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 11, 07:15
Conflict, CASEVAC, and the Golden Hour in the Age of Persistent Surveillance
Editor’s Note: This article contains frank descriptions of battlefield conditions, including accounts of soldiers dying by suicide following injury. Western battlefield casualty evacuation doctrine is built on assumptions forged during the “Global War on Terror.” Central among these is the belief that the wounded can be rapidly moved from the point of injury to progressively higher levels of medical care within a defined timeframe, commonly referred to as the “golden hour.” The concept itself originated in civilian trauma medicine decades prior, generally attributed to Dr. R. Adams Cowley of Baltimore’s Shock Trauma Institute in 1975. In 2009, Secretary of Defense Robert The post Conflict, CASEVAC, and the Golden Hour in the Age of Persistent Surveillance appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Conflict, CASEVAC, and the Golden Hour in the Age of Persistent Surveillance. Editor’s Note: This article contains frank descriptions of battlefield conditions, including accounts of soldiers dying by suicide following injury. Western battlefield casualty evacuation doctrine is built on assumptions forged during the “Global War on Terror.
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In 2009, Secretary of Defense Robert The post Conflict, CASEVAC, and the Golden Hour in the Age of Persistent Surveillance appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 8, 07:30
As Adversaries Integrate, U.S. Partners Bypass Washington
The drones hitting Gulf Arab states daily since the United States and Israel launched large-scale military operations against Iran in February are not merely Iranian. They are originally Iranian, yes. But these designs and production processes were improved and refined by Russia through years of battlefield testing against Ukrainian defenses. So, they were returned to Tehran from Moscow. Confronted with a threat that Ukraine has spent four years learning to counter, the United States found itself in unfamiliar territory. It was one of 11 countries requesting Ukrainian counter-drone assistance to defend against Iran’s attacks, despite the American president’s assertion that The post As Adversaries Integrate, U.S. Partners Bypass Washington appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Partners Bypass Washington. The drones hitting Gulf Arab states daily since the United States and Israel launched large-scale military operations against Iran in February are not merely Iranian. Partners Bypass Washington appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Partners Bypass Washington appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 8, 07:15
Could Russia Follow the “Hormuz Playbook” in the Baltic and Black Seas?
On the eve of the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, 56 tankers sailed through the Strait of Hormuz. Two days later, Lloyd’s List, the maritime industry’s journal of record, counted just seven tankers and a single gas carrier — all small and three of them shadow-fleet vessels — with hundreds more drifting in the Gulf of Oman. One of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints had not been mined, blockaded, or seized by a navy. Rather, it had been priced shut by a handful of drone strikes and the insurance market.Within two days of the first U.S.-Israeli strikes on Feb. 28, The post Could Russia Follow the “Hormuz Playbook” in the Baltic and Black Seas? appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Could Russia Follow the “Hormuz Playbook” in the Baltic and Black Seas?. 28, The post Could Russia Follow the “Hormuz Playbook” in the Baltic and Black Seas? appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 7, 08:00
The Pentagon Needs a Playbook for Munitions Surge Production
The Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles the U.S. military fired during Operation Epic Fury take months to put on contract and years to produce.Whether driven by U.S. military operations or support to partners, the challenge of quickly replenishing U.S. munitions is not new. Exquisite munitions often take an exquisite amount of time to manufacture and deliver. Defense officials, in turn, frequently want to compress that time as much as possible, seeking to restock fast and mitigate future risks.The Russo-Ukrainian War has illuminated the challenge of accomplishing this feat. It also offers lessons for how the U.S can accelerate munitions production timelines The post The Pentagon Needs a Playbook for Munitions Surge Production appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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The Pentagon Needs a Playbook for Munitions Surge Production. Defense officials, in turn, frequently want to compress that time as much as possible, seeking to restock fast and mitigate future risks.The Russo-Ukrainian War has illuminated the challenge of accomplishing this feat. It also offers lessons for how the U.
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It also offers lessons for how the U.S can accelerate munitions production timelines The post The Pentagon Needs a Playbook for Munitions Surge Production appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 7, 07:30
What 300 Emails Say About Americans and the Army’s Direct Commission Program
For nine months in 2024 and 2025, I had an additional duty — monitoring an inbox that connected potential direct commission candidates with the Army’s individual branches. I served on the Army Reserve’s senior leadership team, helping to stand up a brokerage between mid-career professionals and the decentralized branch pipelines that controlled direct commission slots.During that time, I personally reviewed over 300 inquiries from accomplished professionals — data scientists, logistics engineers, cyber specialists, and strategic communicators — all of whom wanted to serve their country in uniform. The experience taught me two main lessons. First, people either regret not serving The post What 300 Emails Say About Americans and the Army’s Direct Commission Program appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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What 300 Emails Say About Americans and the Army’s Direct Commission Program. For nine months in 2024 and 2025, I had an additional duty — monitoring an inbox that connected potential direct commission candidates with the Army’s individual branches.
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First, people either regret not serving The post What 300 Emails Say About Americans and the Army’s Direct Commission Program appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 7, 07:15
The Army Needs to Build Better Command Posts
It would be odd to see a TOC Mahal in the Russo-Ukrainian War. Often spotted at U.S. Army Combat Training Center rotations or large home-station exercises, TOC Mahals are sprawling tactical operation centers (TOCs) made from a series of connected tents, vehicles, and generators. They typically have maps posted at entrances to help people find their way through a labyrinth of desks, chairs, television screens, and cables. Most division command posts, many brigade command posts, and truly exceptional battalion command posts meet the criteria of a TOC Mahal. At their best, these behemoths foster collaborative planning by co-locating command teams The post The Army Needs to Build Better Command Posts appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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The Army Needs to Build Better Command Posts. It would be odd to see a TOC Mahal in the Russo-Ukrainian War. At their best, these behemoths foster collaborative planning by co-locating command teams The post The Army Needs to Build Better Command Posts appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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It would be odd to see a TOC Mahal in the Russo-Ukrainian War.
Warontherocks
May 6, 17:30
How Much Longer Can Russia Last in the War?
In 2025, Collin Meisel and Mathew Burrows wrote, “Russia Can Afford to Take a Beating in Ukraine,” where they argued Russia was able to absorb the blows Ukraine was delivering and could continue fighting for a while. A year later, we asked Collin and Mathew to revisit their assessments.Image: The Kremlin via Wikimedia CommonsIn your 2025 article, you argued that due to its sheer size — in service-capable population, economy, and munitions production capacity — Russia can absorb more of a hit throughout this war than Ukraine can. After another year of combat, Ukrainian defense innovation, and even more Russian The post How Much Longer Can Russia Last in the War? appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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How Much Longer Can Russia Last in the War?. After another year of combat, Ukrainian defense innovation, and even more Russian The post How Much Longer Can Russia Last in the War? appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 6, 07:30
The Cop on the Corner Is Our First Line of Defense: Local Police and the Surveillance Detection Gap
Just before midnight on Nov. 24, 2025, New Castle County police officers conducting a routine property check in Wilmington’s Canby Park spotted a white Toyota Tacoma parked after hours. What initially appeared to be a standard traffic stop uncovered a detailed terror plot. The suspect — a University of Delaware student — was found in possession of a converted machine gun, more than 100 rounds of ammunition, body armor, and a handwritten notebook mapping out a planned attack on the campus police department, including entry points, escape routes, and the name of a specific officer. When FBI agents interviewed him, The post The Cop on the Corner Is Our First Line of Defense: Local Police and the Surveillance Detection Gap appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Just before midnight on Nov. 24, 2025, New Castle County police officers conducting a routine property check in Wilmington’s Canby Park spotted a white Toyota Tacoma parked after hours. What initially appeared to be a standard traffic stop uncovered a detailed terror plot.
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When FBI agents interviewed him, The post The Cop on the Corner Is Our First Line of Defense: Local Police and the Surveillance Detection Gap appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 6, 07:15
Between Intent and Capability: Assessing the Lack of Iranian Attacks on the U.S. Homeland
Three days into the Iran war, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the quiet part out loud: The Revolutionary Guard’s Qods Force has long carried out plots around the world and now intended to deploy those capabilities against the U.S. homeland. The United States, a Qods Force statement carried on Iranian television warned, “will no longer be safe” as the Qods Force targets Americans within the homeland and abroad. “The enemy should know that their happy days are over and they will no longer be safe anywhere in the world, not even in their own homes.” U.S. authorities went on a nationwide high alert The post Between Intent and Capability: Assessing the Lack of Iranian Attacks on the U.S. Homeland appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Between Intent and Capability: Assessing the Lack of Iranian Attacks on the U.S. Three days into the Iran war, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the quiet part out loud: The Revolutionary Guard’s Qods Force has long carried out plots around the world and now intended to deploy those capabilities against the U.S. Homeland appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Homeland appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 5, 18:45
How the War with Iran Is Shaping U.S.-Chinese Competition
The war with Iran has once again raised questions about Washington’s ability to prioritize its interests in East Asia and particularly to manage intensifying competition with Beijing. Furthermore, the war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have presented American and Chinese leaders with new challenges and potential opportunities, as they respond to the war’s global impacts. We asked five experts to address how the war is shaping competition between Washington and Beijing.Read more below.Zack CooperSenior Fellow at the American Enterprise InstituteBoth sides may be taking different lessons from the Iran War. Beijing appears to see it as another The post How the War with Iran Is Shaping U.S.-Chinese Competition appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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How the War with Iran Is Shaping U.S.-Chinese Competition. Furthermore, the war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have presented American and Chinese leaders with new challenges and potential opportunities, as they respond to the war’s global impacts. Beijing appears to see it as another The post How the War with Iran Is Shaping U.S.
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Beijing appears to see it as another The post How the War with Iran Is Shaping U.S.-Chinese Competition appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 5, 08:00
Acquisition Reform Needs Its Own Wargame
One number buried in the Pentagon’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget request reveals a decade of acquisition decisions in a data point: The U.S. Navy is requesting 785 Tomahawk cruise missiles. In 2025, Congress funded 55. That 1,200 percent jump is the cost of choices never stress-tested against the scenario unfolding today — a sustained air campaign against Iran while China watches the magazine drain.As a legislative fellow on the Hill, I watch acquisition reform proposals grind through the legislative machinery every day. A proposal usually arrives with a clean rationale: streamline this contracting mechanism, expand multi-year purchasing authority for this The post Acquisition Reform Needs Its Own Wargame appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Acquisition Reform Needs Its Own Wargame. One number buried in the Pentagon’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget request reveals a decade of acquisition decisions in a data point: The U.S. A proposal usually arrives with a clean rationale: streamline this contracting mechanism, expand multi-year purchasing authority for this The post Acquisition Reform Needs Its Own Wargame appeared firs…
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A proposal usually arrives with a clean rationale: streamline this contracting mechanism, expand multi-year purchasing authority for this The post Acquisition Reform Needs Its Own Wargame appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 5, 07:30
Practice Makes Deterrence: India’s Next Nuclear Challenge at Sea
When India’s third ballistic missile-carrying, nuclear-powered submarine — the INS Aridhaman — entered service on April 3, 2026, it marked a milestone decades in the making.With three boomers, India can now reliably always maintain at least one on deterrent patrol, thus completing the sea leg of its nuclear deterrent. Earlier, India successfully tested the capability to deploy multiple independently targetable warheads from a single missile. If it integrates multiple warheads into its sea-launched ballistic missiles, India further ensures it can cause unacceptable damage to an aggressor in response to an initial nuclear strike. With these capabilities, India now has the The post Practice Makes Deterrence: India’s Next Nuclear Challenge at Sea appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Practice Makes Deterrence: India’s Next Nuclear Challenge at Sea. Earlier, India successfully tested the capability to deploy multiple independently targetable warheads from a single missile. With these capabilities, India now has the The post Practice Makes Deterrence: India’s Next Nuclear Challenge at Sea appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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With these capabilities, India now has the The post Practice Makes Deterrence: India’s Next Nuclear Challenge at Sea appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 5, 07:15
Abandoned and Ungoverned: Lebanon’s Palestinian and Syrian Populations and the Emerging Radicalization Landscape
Inside Lebanon, the conditions for the next extremist uprising are quietly taking root.In the summer of 2007, the Lebanese Armed Forces fought Fatah al-Islam for three months inside Nahr al-Bared, a Palestinian refugee camp in northern Lebanon. Fatah al-Islam was a Salafi-jihadist group that exploited the camp’s power vacuum to establish a strong recruitment base, drawing recruits from Palestinian, Syrian, and broader Arab networks. Once the dust settled, more than 400 people were dead, and the 30,000 residents of Nahr-Bared were displaced for a second time. The very same conditions that led to the Nahr al-Bared clash are reassembling now, The post Abandoned and Ungoverned: Lebanon’s Palestinian and Syrian Populations and the Emerging Radicalization Landscape appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Abandoned and Ungoverned: Lebanon’s Palestinian and Syrian Populations and the Emerging Radicalization Landscape. Inside Lebanon, the conditions for the next extremist uprising are quietly taking root.In the summer of 2007, the Lebanese Armed Forces fought Fatah al-Islam for three months inside Nahr al-Bared, a Palestinian refugee camp in northern Lebanon.
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The very same conditions that led to the Nahr al-Bared clash are reassembling now, The post Abandoned and Ungoverned: Lebanon’s Palestinian and Syrian Populations and the Emerging Radicalization Landscape appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 4, 15:30
Looking at Europe With a Sharper Eye
Welcome to The Ukraine Compass, a weekly digest of Ukrainian commentary and analysis from across the political spectrum only for War on the Rocks members. Each Monday, we bring you a curated selection of articles from Ukrainian media offering insight into how Ukrainians themselves debate the issues shaping their country.American coverage often narrows the view to the battlefield — these pieces widen it, revealing the texture of daily life, politics, and public argument in a nation at war. The perspectives gathered here are varied, candid, and often surprising, together forming a more complete picture of Ukraine as it really is.Frontline and StrategyЕспресо — The post Looking at Europe With a Sharper Eye appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Looking at Europe With a Sharper Eye. Welcome to The Ukraine Compass, a weekly digest of Ukrainian commentary and analysis from across the political spectrum only for War on the Rocks members. The perspectives gathered here are varied, candid, and often surprising, together forming a more complete picture of Ukraine as it really is.
TL;DR:
Welcome to The Ukraine Compass, a weekly digest of Ukrainian commentary and analysis from across the political spectrum only for War on the Rocks members.
Warontherocks
May 4, 08:00
Cheap Missiles, Not Drones, Will Win the Next Air War
After four years of watching the war in Ukraine, NATO defense decision-makers are finally beginning to pour money into drones. The Iran conflict has drawn further attention to these investments. The assumption is that unmanned aerial systems will ensure a long-term advantage in conflicts requiring ground operations and infrastructure defense.But the battlefield in Ukraine is already pointing toward a different future. Russia is transforming slow, propeller-driven Shahed drones into cheap, missile-like systems by equipping them with turbojet engines. This has sharply complicated Ukrainian air defense, as the new platforms now fly four to five times faster (about 460 miles per The post Cheap Missiles, Not Drones, Will Win the Next Air War appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Cheap Missiles, Not Drones, Will Win the Next Air War. After four years of watching the war in Ukraine, NATO defense decision-makers are finally beginning to pour money into drones. This has sharply complicated Ukrainian air defense, as the new platforms now fly four to five times faster (about 460 miles per The post Cheap Missiles, Not Drones, Will Win the Next Air War appear…
TL;DR:
After four years of watching the war in Ukraine, NATO defense decision-makers are finally beginning to pour money into drones.
Warontherocks
May 4, 07:30
The Illusion of Sovereignty: How International Law and Big Tech are Eroding the State
Caught between two hammers — international law and technological dependence on the private sector — modern state sovereignty is in crisis. When a state attempts to act decisively against an adversary operating below the threshold of armed attack, it risks not only diplomatic sanctions and international condemnation but the loss of access to critical digital infrastructure owned by private corporations. In wartime, that loss is catastrophic, as we both experienced firsthand during Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine.The classical understanding of state sovereignty is being challenged. States now must actively ask for permission to use private capabilities for defensive purposes. Two The post The Illusion of Sovereignty: How International Law and Big Tech are Eroding the State appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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The Illusion of Sovereignty: How International Law and Big Tech are Eroding the State. In wartime, that loss is catastrophic, as we both experienced firsthand during Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine.The classical understanding of state sovereignty is being challenged.
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Two The post The Illusion of Sovereignty: How International Law and Big Tech are Eroding the State appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 4, 07:15
Why Kim Jong Un Won’t Pick Up the Phone and What to Do About It
Every American administration pledges to learn from the past when devising a strategy for contending with nuclear North Korea. And yet, few portfolios are so paralyzed by path dependency and resistance to learning. But now, confronted with the inescapable prospect that the legacy approach is actually creating risk rather than reducing it, the time has come to learn and pivot.The Trump administration should sharpen the choice for North Korea, making it enticing, raising the stakes, and being prepared to back it up. In service of this, the U.S. and South Korean governments could make the bold decision to put denuclearization The post Why Kim Jong Un Won’t Pick Up the Phone and What to Do About It appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Why Kim Jong Un Won’t Pick Up the Phone and What to Do About It. Every American administration pledges to learn from the past when devising a strategy for contending with nuclear North Korea.
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and South Korean governments could make the bold decision to put denuclearization The post Why Kim Jong Un Won’t Pick Up the Phone and What to Do About It appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 1, 07:30
Modern Combat Requires Warrior Medics Modeled After Machaon
Modern peer combat has blown apart the myth of protected combat medical units. On the battlefields of Ukraine, scores of medical personnel, shielded in theory by both international law and historic norms, now lie dead. To survive in this environment while rescuing others, medics ranging from junior enlisted caregivers to senior physicians need tactical experience under fire. Skipping this training leaves them vulnerable and turns them into a security risk — a losing formula in modern combat.Throughout the past four years, Russia has targeted Ukrainian aid stations, evacuation routes, and trauma teams. These attacks offer a grim triple advantage: killing The post Modern Combat Requires Warrior Medics Modeled After Machaon appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Modern peer combat has blown apart the myth of protected combat medical units. On the battlefields of Ukraine, scores of medical personnel, shielded in theory by both international law and historic norms, now lie dead. To survive in this environment while rescuing others, medics ranging from junior enlisted caregivers to senior physicians need tactical experience under fire.
TL;DR:
These attacks offer a grim triple advantage: killing The post Modern Combat Requires Warrior Medics Modeled After Machaon appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
May 1, 07:15
Why Lebanon Is Nonnegotiable for Iran
As American and Iranian diplomats gathered in early April in Islamabad for Pakistan‑mediated ceasefire talks to end the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran and its regional allies, including Hizballah, a sticking point emerged: whether the ceasefire was to include Lebanon. The United States and Israel initially rejected the notion that Lebanon had been part of the agreement, with President Donald Trump referring to Israeli operations there as a “separate skirmish.” Conversely, the Iranians signaled that Lebanon had been part of the agreement and threatened to unilaterally end the ceasefire if Israeli attacks continued against Lebanon.Although the ceasefire remains fragile, with Iran The post Why Lebanon Is Nonnegotiable for Iran appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Why Lebanon Is Nonnegotiable for Iran. As American and Iranian diplomats gathered in early April in Islamabad for Pakistan‑mediated ceasefire talks to end the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran and its regional allies, including Hizballah, a sticking point emerged: whether the ceasefire was to include Lebanon.
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The United States and Israel initially rejected the notion that Lebanon had been part of the agreement, with President Donald Trump referring to Israeli operations there as a “separate skirmish.” Conversely, the Iranians signaled that Lebanon had been part of the agreement and threatened to unilaterally end the ceasefire if Israeli attacks continued against Lebanon.Although the ceasefire remains fragile, with Iran The post Why Lebanon Is Nonnegotiable for Iran appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
Apr 30, 19:30
Economic Fury and Claims of Victory
Welcome to The Adversarial. Every other week, we’ll provide you with expert analysis on America’s greatest challengers: China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and jihadists. Read more below.***IranThree weeks since a ceasefire took effect, the United States and Iran have shifted from open hostilities to unsuccessful negotiations to economic brinksmanship. The Trump administration has been squeezing Tehran on two parallel fronts: A naval blockade physically subduing its maritime trade, complemented by increasing sanctions pressure against its oil and banking networks. The Iranian government was already in a weak financial position before the war, so additional sanctions as part of what the U.S. The post Economic Fury and Claims of Victory appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Economic Fury and Claims of Victory. Welcome to The Adversarial. Every other week, we’ll provide you with expert analysis on America’s greatest challengers: China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and jihadists. The post Economic Fury and Claims of Victory appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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The post Economic Fury and Claims of Victory appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
Apr 30, 15:28
What a Post-Orbán Hungary Means for Hungarians and Europe
Join War on the Rocks and gain access to content trusted by policymakers, military leaders, and strategic thinkers worldwide. Hungary has turned the page.
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What a Post-Orbán Hungary Means for Hungarians and Europe. Join War on the Rocks and gain access to content trusted by policymakers, military leaders, and strategic thinkers worldwide. And, as a bonus, Sándor shares the bizarre story of how Orbán’s son — an Army officer — planned a crusade of sorts in Africa.
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Join War on the Rocks and gain access to content trusted by policymakers, military leaders, and strategic thinkers worldwide.
Warontherocks
Apr 30, 07:30
Correcting Course in the Indo‑Pacific
Last month, President Donald Trump hosted Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for a visit that captured both the promise and the shortcomings of America’s Indo‑Pacific strategy.In some ways, the meeting was a success: It produced a few commercial deals, reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral relationship, and — most importantly — demonstrated a visibly warm personal rapport between the two leaders (despite an awkward moment). But as has so often been the case during America’s fitful “pivot” to Asia over the past two decades, the visit was overshadowed by yet another conflict in the Middle East that is absorbing U.S. The post Correcting Course in the Indo‑Pacific appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Correcting Course in the Indo‑Pacific. But as has so often been the case during America’s fitful “pivot” to Asia over the past two decades, the visit was overshadowed by yet another conflict in the Middle East that is absorbing U.S. The post Correcting Course in the Indo‑Pacific appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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The post Correcting Course in the Indo‑Pacific appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
Apr 30, 07:00
Rethinking Corporate Risk and Alignment in an Era of Economic Statecraft
Editor’s note: This article is the eighth in an 11-part series examining how the United States should organize, lead, and integrate economic statecraft into strategy, defense practice, and the broader national security ecosystem. This special series is brought to you by the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies and War on the Rocks. Prior installments can be found at the War by Other Ledgers page.In Sept. 2010, following a collision between a Chinese trawler and Japanese coast guard vessels near the Senkaku Islands, Chinese authorities halted shipments of rare earth minerals to Japan. The move disrupted supply chains for everything from consumer electronics to advanced The post Rethinking Corporate Risk and Alignment in an Era of Economic Statecraft appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Rethinking Corporate Risk and Alignment in an Era of Economic Statecraft. This special series is brought to you by the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies and War on the Rocks. The move disrupted supply chains for everything from consumer electronics to advanced The post Rethinking Corporate Risk and Alignment in an Era of Economic Statecraft appeared first on War on the Rock…
TL;DR:
This special series is brought to you by the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies and War on the Rocks.
Warontherocks
Apr 30, 05:30
The Trump Administration Hasn’t Forgotten America’s Backyard
On Jan. 3, U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, and they are now imprisoned in the United States. That operation followed a buildup of U.S. military assets in the Caribbean and the launching of strikes against boats allegedly trafficking drugs. The latest National Security Strategy and National Defense Strategy emphasize the importance of the Western Hemisphere to U.S. policy. After Maduro’s capture, the Trump administration increasingly appeared to look toward regime change in Cuba. However, when U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran began on Feb. 28, attention — and some military assets — shifted to the The post The Trump Administration Hasn’t Forgotten America’s Backyard appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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On Jan. 3, U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, and they are now imprisoned in the United States. That operation followed a buildup of U.S. military assets in the Caribbean and the launching of strikes against boats allegedly trafficking drugs.
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28, attention — and some military assets — shifted to the The post The Trump Administration Hasn’t Forgotten America’s Backyard appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
Apr 29, 17:30
Human Geography: The Strategic Edge in a Complex World
In 2024, Judd Devermont wrote, “Human Geography Is Mission-Critical,” where he argued that the United States should focus on behaviors and attitudes informed by human geography to craft better strategy. Two years later, we asked Judd to revisit his arguments. Image: Samuel Lamptey via Wikimedia CommonsIn your 2024 article, you argued that the United States needed to focus its attention on behaviors and attitudes informed by human geography to craft strategy that adequately navigates a more complex world and threat environment. Two years later, has the United States utilized human geography more as an indicator for foreign policy decisions? Can you give some examples The post Human Geography: The Strategic Edge in a Complex World appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Human Geography: The Strategic Edge in a Complex World. In 2024, Judd Devermont wrote, “Human Geography Is Mission-Critical,” where he argued that the United States should focus on behaviors and attitudes informed by human geography to craft better strategy.
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Can you give some examples The post Human Geography: The Strategic Edge in a Complex World appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
Apr 29, 08:00
Aligning the U.S. and Canadian Defense Industrial Bases
The United States and Canada are both racing to rebuild their defense industrial bases, recognizing that future conflicts will be determined not only by military capability, but by the ability to produce at scale. But they cannot succeed alone — and importantly, they do not need to start from scratch.After decades of reliance on globalized supply chains for everything from consumer products to critical defense technologies, the United States is reasserting a more active industrial policy, using tools ranging from the Defense Production Act to incentivizing private capital investments and even selective government equity stakes. Canada is undergoing a parallel The post Aligning the U.S. and Canadian Defense Industrial Bases appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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and Canadian Defense Industrial Bases. The United States and Canada are both racing to rebuild their defense industrial bases, recognizing that future conflicts will be determined not only by military capability, but by the ability to produce at scale. and Canadian Defense Industrial Bases appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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and Canadian Defense Industrial Bases appeared first on War on the Rocks .
Warontherocks
Apr 29, 07:30
Western Withdrawal, Jihadist Expansion: How the Sahel Became Ground Zero for Global Terrorism
On April 25, armed groups launched near-simultaneous attacks against military installations and key strategic sites across Mali. Claimed by Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, a jihadist group, and conducted in coordination with Tuareg separatist forces from the Front de libération de l’Azawad, the attacks targeted multiple nodes across the country’s security architecture simultaneously, from the capital Bamako to Gao, Mopti, and Kidal.While the attacks themselves were a shock, they should be understood as the logical endpoint of a deteriorating security trajectory that Western governments have watched from an ever-increasing distance. The geographic scope of the attacks, the targeting of senior officials, The post Western Withdrawal, Jihadist Expansion: How the Sahel Became Ground Zero for Global Terrorism appeared first on War on the Rocks .
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Western Withdrawal, Jihadist Expansion: How the Sahel Became Ground Zero for Global Terrorism. On April 25, armed groups launched near-simultaneous attacks against military installations and key strategic sites across Mali.
TL;DR:
The geographic scope of the attacks, the targeting of senior officials, The post Western Withdrawal, Jihadist Expansion: How the Sahel Became Ground Zero for Global Terrorism appeared first on War on the Rocks .