Power, policy and the forces shaping our era.
Independent reporting and analysis on global politics, public policy, diplomacy, elections and accountability.
Latest reporting
59 STORIESIran's Revolutionary Guards Say Two Oil Tankers Struck Mines and Caught Fire in Strait of Hormuz as US Counter-Blockade and Iranian Transit Controls Escalate
The Hindu International, citing a statement by Iran's Revolutionary Guards, said the IRGC navy laid mines at a transit point in the southern Strait of Hormuz that Tehran had deemed "illegal," and two oil tankers caught fire after explosions and ceased navigation; the report did not provide vessel names, casualties, cargo information or independent on-scene verification. According to the outlet, attacks on transiting vessels have increased recently; Iran requires ships to obtain authorization, wh
Two animal cruelty convictions in Las Vegas Flamingo Hotel case; sentencing hearing set for Dec. 1
According to The Guardian, a Nevada jury convicted Mitchell Fairbarn, a resident of Ontario, Canada, of one felony and one misdemeanor count of animal cruelty. Prosecutors said he deliberately caused physical pain to the flamingo Peachy, while the defense said he was intoxicated and did not intend to harm the bird. Fairbarn remains under house arrest and will face a sentencing hearing on Dec. 1; his final sentence has not yet been determined.
First night of curfews in some French cities largely calm; government says it will continue where necessary
France 24 English reported that some French cities imposed local curfews after protests on October 17 escalated into violent unrest, with Monday night generally calm. Despite criticism from citizens, the government said it would maintain the measures on Tuesday evening in areas where necessary. The report did not identify the cities concerned, the duration, any exceptions or the legal basis, making it impossible to assess the measures' scope and proportionality.
U.S. and Israel Wage War on Iran, Yet Washington Relaxes Russia Sanctions to Lower Fuel Costs
Al Jazeera English reported that after the United States and Israel launched a war against Iran on Feb. 28, Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, driving up oil prices and intensifying pressure on U.S. fuel costs. Amid consumer complaints and with the Nov. 3 midterm elections approaching, Washington eased restrictions on Russian energy and suspended new sanctions. Citing Reuters calculations, Al Jazeera said that by April, revenue from Russia’s largest single oil tax had nearly doubled t
France’s Gulf Diplomacy Centers on Energy and Defense, While the Real Impact of Military Aid Remains Unclear
According to France 24’s English-language channel, President Emmanuel Macron’s Gulf visit aims to ease pressure on France’s energy situation and reaffirm France’s long-term defense partnership with the Gulf monarchies. François Gouyette, France’s former ambassador to the UAE and Saudi Arabia, said France must play the role of a “key partner” and that military assistance to Gulf states reflects “strategic solidarity” rather than direct participation in the war against Iran. However, the report di
‘corrupto’ Written on His Palm Turned Into Self-Mockery: Flávio Bolsonaro Miscalculates on the Eve of the Election
According to The Guardian, on the eve of the second round of voting in Brazil’s presidential election, Flávio Bolsonaro wrote the Portuguese word “corrupto” (corrupt) on his palm and showed it to Lula during a televised debate, but many viewers and Lula supporters turned it into self-mocking memes. Lula also said that if Bolsonaro agreed to make his bank records and phone-call recordings available on the same terms, he would let election authorities inspect corresponding records for himself and