Sanctions

The Rome-Moscow Connection: How Italy and Kyrgyzstan are Keeping Russian Trade Alive

While Europe builds a wall of sanctions against Russia, Italy has found a backdoor, shipping goods through the mountains to Kyrgyzstan.

Iran’s Hidden Drone Ring: U.S. Sanctions Companies in China, Turkey, and the UAE

U.S. sanctions on companies supplying Iran’s drone program hit firms in China, Turkey, and the UAE—disrupting trade, finance, and supply chains.

Europe Boards Russia’s Ships: New Rules for Sea Conflict

French commandos rappelled onto the ships of the Boracay near Saint-Nazaire, handcuffing the captain and first officer.

New Pressures on Israel: Trade Sanctions and Abraham Accords Freeze

The calculus of regional partnerships in the Middle East changes overnight as economic leverage replaces diplomatic courtesy with Israel.

108 Years Too Late: Palestine and Politics

When diplomatic schedules matter more than diplomatic substance, London shows how to manage competing constituencies with the recognition of Palestine.

Popular

Poland’s Catholic Football Pilgrimage: Unity, Faith and a Hard Line on Migration

At a Marian shrine where football supporters gather to pray, a presidential call for “Poland without illegal immigrants” turned a devotional event into a political stage.

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

Modern Toys, Old Childhood: Barbie and Lego at a Crossroads

As Mattel unveiled its first autistic Barbie yesterday, developed over 18 months with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, the $11.87 doll raised familiar questions about whether modern toys widen childhood or quietly narrow it.

Alps Without Snow: Winter Tourism Tries Reinvention

As Grandvalira in the Pyrenees postponed its late-November 2024 opening until mid-December, warm temperatures left slopes across France, Austria and Spain grassy well into the month, forcing managers to watch thermometers anxiously.

Iranian Heritage Under Threat From All Sides

As civil unrest spreads across Iranian cities in early January 2026 and President Trump renews warnings about military options, the country's 28 UNESCO World Heritage sites sit vulnerable to dangers from multiple directions.