Infrastructure
EUROPE
Rotterdam Blast Tests Europe’s Infrastructure Nerves
The Rotterdam explosion appears to be an industrial accident, but Europe's reaction shows how sabotage fears now shadow every disruption at critical infrastructure.
BUSINESS
Starlink, Grok, and the Price of Private Infrastructure
As UK regulator Ofcom launched a formal investigation into X on 12 January 2026 over Grok's generation of sexualised deepfakes, including images of children, the case exposed how everyday life runs on systems voters never designed.
BUSINESS
AfDB Turns to Gulf as Western Funders Step Back
The African Development Bank has installed a president with ingrained Gulf experience as Washington pulls back hundreds of millions
BUSINESS
After the Raid: Trump, Maduro and Exile Politics
As images of Nicolás Maduro in Manhattan federal court appeared on screens across Madrid on 5 January, Venezuelan exile communities in Europe watched the outcome of an operation that changed the region overnight.
BUSINESS
Rails Across Continents: The Orient Express and Hejaz Line Revived
Two legendary railway lines, one in Europe and one crossing the Middle East, are being restored in 2025, proving that infrastructure can tell stories across time.
Popular
Merz Projects Strength Abroad as His Authority Falters at Home
A chancellor can host foreign leaders and sign investment deals right up until the moment voters at home stop believing he has a plan.
Jordan Valley: The Middle East’s New Fault Line
Iran's missiles strike Jordan, Europe's sanctions hit Israeli settlements, and London's oldest allies learn how quickly loyalty frays under diplomatic pressure.
Sweden’s Growth Pitch Runs Into a Wealth Revolt
As Sweden rehearses burying its war dead, Kristersson's growth pitch competes for voters' trust before Sunday's election and a billionaire's exit .
Venice Festival Turns Screens into Political Battlegrounds
Cultural festivals now face demands for political alignment that test how far artistic freedom can stretch.
How Eiffel Tower Went On Strike Over Religion
Religious accommodation is supposed to make room for someone's own beliefs, not require somebody else to disappear from view.
