Diplomacy
Italian journalist arrested in Iran
Cecilia Sala is being held in Tehran’s notorious Evin prison, according to her newspaper Il Foglio.
6 times food diplomacy went wrong
NATO’s Rutte slams Zelenskyy for criticizing Germany’s Scholz
Post-Brexit Britain has a new best friend: Brazil
Peter Mandelson confirmed as Britain’s next ambassador to US
Was Deutschland in Syrien ausrichten kann
US in ‘direct contact’ with Syria rebels, Blinken says
This is the first public confirmation of interaction with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the terrorist-designated group that ousted Assad.
EU’s climate chief warns of ‘geopolitical winter’
Wopke Hoekstra vows to keep EU climate targets despite Trump and populist pushback, but admits Europe can’t go it alone.
New rule-of-law chief to Hungary: ‘It’s never too late’
Michael McGrath is prepared to give Hungary a chance to make things rights but stands ready to turn off the EU money taps.
Kallas gave top EU official the ax and governments aren’t happy
Sannino’s departure leaves gap at top of foreign policy wing.
In the case of Trump loyalist Ric Grenell, loyalty did not trump all
He and his allies mounted an aggressive effort for the top diplomat role.
Ireland wants a new government in time for Trump
As Irish election winners tussle for positions of power, Donald Trump’s Jan. 20 inauguration adds a sense of urgency in Dublin.
Massad Boulos picked to be Trump’s senior adviser on Arab and Middle East affairs
He is the father-in-law of Trump’s daughter, Tiffany Trump.
7 weeks until Trump: Russia and Ukraine fight for advantage before peace talks are imposed
The risk of a miscalculation is growing as the war enters a potentially decisive — and dangerous — new phase.
Commission plans to slash EU embassy staff around the world
Faced with a budget squeeze, the bloc wants to cut back staff and focus on countries “where the EU’s primary interests lie.”
Trump can’t deliver a peace deal, says ex-Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba
In a grim interview, Kuleba contrasts the West’s reluctance to send weapons to North Korea’s commitment to send troops.
Russia expels British diplomat over spying claims
It’s the latest tit-for-tat move amid mounting tensions over Ukraine.
Climate conferences are dying. How to save the world now?
This year’s U.N. climate change summit wore its contradictions and failings on its sleeve, prompting existential anxiety.
Wanted: Europe’s next foreign policy leader
Balts preferred. Germans need not apply.
Turkey rapprochement sparks rift in Greece’s ruling party
Tensions came to a head Nov. 16 when Mitsotakis ousted one of his predecessors, Antonis Samaras, from the party.
EU extends tentative olive branch to Trump on trade
“We should not be opening old trade disputes, and we should be avoiding new trade disputes,” Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis says.
Guns for yaks? Putin sends dozens of zoo animals to North Korea as sign of support
Gift also includes an African lion and two brown bears, Russian government says.
US Embassy in Kyiv closes over anticipated ‘significant’ air attack
Announcement comes after Washington lifted restrictions on use of American long-range missiles on Russian territory.
Olaf Scholz on German missiles for Ukraine: It’s still a no
Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s refusal to provide long-range missiles comes after the White House reportedly allowed Ukraine to conduct long-range strikes inside Russia.
Hungary slams Joe Biden’s approval for Ukraine to hit Russia with American weapons
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s top diplomat says White House’s decision could “expand the Ukraine war to a global scale.”