Diplomatic Misconduct

World

Trump Grants Brief Reprieve to Key Africa Trade Pact, Leaving Long-Term Future Uncertain

President Trump has signed a short-term extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a cornerstone trade preference program for sub-Saharan Africa. While averting immediate expiration, the move offers only temporary relief and signals potential modifications aligned with the 'America First' policy, raising concerns among African nations dependent on U.S. market access.

Feb 4, 2026

World

Germany's Gulf Gambit: Chancellor Merz Courts Riyadh, Doha, and Abu Dhabi to Forge New Economic Alliances

Chancellor Friedrich Merz embarks on a pivotal three-nation Gulf tour, signaling Berlin's strategic push to diversify trade and energy partnerships amid global realignment, as both Germany and the Gulf monarchies seek to reduce mutual dependencies.

Feb 4, 2026

World

Xi, Putin Reaffirm Strategic Partnership in Video Summit, Hail Alliance as Global 'Stabilizing Force'

Presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin underscored the deepening China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership in a high-level video call, framing their alignment as a crucial anchor amid global turbulence. The talks focused on enhanced coordination, robust trade ties, and a shared commitment to a multipolar world order.

Feb 4, 2026

World

As Washington Seeks Minerals, Congo Fears a Raw Deal

While U.S. officials host a global summit on critical minerals, communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo voice deep skepticism that new deals will translate into local benefits, amid fears of entrenched exploitation and conflict.

Feb 4, 2026

US

Morning Brief: Shutdown Averted, Assassin Sentencing, and Bitcoin's Slide Headline a Busy News Day

A temporary spending bill ends a brief government shutdown, while a would-be assassin of former President Trump faces sentencing. Other headlines include murder charges for Jill Biden's ex-husband, renewed US-Iran nuclear talks, and a sharp decline in Bitcoin's value.

Feb 4, 2026

World

Ceasefire Under Fire: Gaza Mourns as Israeli Strikes Claim Nearly 20 Lives in Single Morning

A wave of Israeli airstrikes across Gaza on Wednesday shattered the fragile U.S.-brokered truce, killing at least 19 Palestinians, including infants, and drawing sharp condemnation from local health officials who question the ceasefire's viability.

Feb 4, 2026

World

Iran's Ballistic Missile Arsenal: A Red Line in Nuclear Talks and a Persistent Regional Threat

As Iran and the U.S. prepare to resume nuclear negotiations, Tehran's expansive and hardened ballistic missile program remains a non-negotiable pillar of its defense strategy. This analysis examines the capabilities, strategy, and regional impact of one of the Middle East's largest missile arsenals.

Feb 4, 2026

World

Xi, Putin Reaffirm Strategic Partnership in High-Stakes Video Summit Ahead of Ukraine War Anniversary

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a high-level video conference, emphasizing the stabilizing role of their deepening alliance amidst ongoing global tensions and as the conflict in Ukraine approaches its fourth year.

Feb 4, 2026

Warsh Steps Into a Fractured Fed: Can He Bridge the Divide and Deliver Rate Cuts?

President Trump's nominee to lead the Federal Reserve, Kevin Warsh, faces a historically divided committee and a complex economic landscape, casting doubt on his ability to swiftly lower interest rates as the administration desires.

Feb 4, 2026

Business

Trump Taps Kevin Warsh for Fed Chair, Setting Stage for Political and Policy Showdown

President Donald Trump has nominated former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh to lead the Federal Reserve, a move that could reshape monetary policy and ignite a contentious Senate confirmation battle amid ongoing political tensions.

Feb 4, 2026

World

Israeli Airstrikes Kill 17 in Gaza, Military Cites Attack on Officer Amid Fragile Truce

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed 17 people and wounded dozens, according to local rescue services, after the military said gunfire wounded an officer. The violence underscores the fragility of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire as limited humanitarian crossings resume.

Feb 4, 2026

World

Oman to Host Critical U.S.-Iran Nuclear Talks Amid Rising Gulf Tensions

Washington and Tehran are set for direct negotiations in Muscat this Friday, with Iran insisting the agenda remain strictly on its nuclear program. The meeting comes as recent military incidents in the Strait of Hormuz and a U.S. force buildup heighten fears of a broader confrontation.

Feb 4, 2026

World

Exclusive: U.S.-Led Gaza Reconstruction Plan Stalls as Donors Await Hamas Disarmament

A U.S.-backed plan to rebuild Gaza faces a critical funding shortfall, with potential donors withholding commitments over concerns that stalled talks on Hamas disarmament could reignite conflict, Reuters has learned.

Feb 4, 2026

World

UN Announces Resumption of Critical Aid Flights to Yemen's Houthi-Held Capital

After a month-long blockade, the United Nations has secured approval from Houthi authorities to resume vital humanitarian air services to Sanaa this February, offering a lifeline to millions amid Yemen's deepening crisis.

Feb 4, 2026

US

Fourth-Grader Released from ICE Custody in Minnesota Suburb, Three Students Remain Detained

Federal immigration authorities have released a fourth-grade student from Columbia Heights, Minnesota, the first of several detained children to be freed this week. The case highlights ongoing tensions in a community grappling with intensified enforcement actions.

Feb 4, 2026

U.S. Convenes Global Summit on Critical Minerals, Aims to Counter China's Dominance with $12B Stockpile Plan

Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosts officials from dozens of nations in Washington to forge alliances on securing critical mineral supply chains, with a new $12 billion stockpile initiative at the heart of the U.S. strategy.

Feb 4, 2026

World

U.S. Convenes Global Summit to Counter China's Dominance in Critical Minerals Supply

Washington hosts ministers from over 50 nations to forge a united front on securing vital mineral resources, aiming to reduce collective dependence on China for materials essential to modern technology and defense.

Feb 4, 2026

World

Oman to Host Critical U.S.-Iran Nuclear Talks as Regional Tensions Simmer

Exclusive: Washington and Tehran are set for direct negotiations in Muscat this Friday, focusing solely on Iran's nuclear program amid a backdrop of military posturing and recent confrontations in the Gulf.

Feb 4, 2026

World

Brazil's Tourism Boom: European Visitors Drive Record 37% Surge in 2025

Brazil has emerged as the world's fastest-growing international tourist destination, with a record 9.3 million visitors in 2025. A surge in European travel and new direct flight routes, particularly from Spain, are credited for the historic boom that is reshaping the country's economy and global image.

Feb 4, 2026

World

The Final Countdown: New START Nuclear Treaty Expires, Leaving U.S.-Russia Arms Control in Uncharted Territory

The last major nuclear arms control pact between the United States and Russia, the New START treaty, has lapsed, raising profound questions about strategic stability and the future of global arms control in an era of heightened geopolitical tensions.

Feb 4, 2026