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Russ Roberts (https://trendsingeopolitics.blogspot.com).

Eight killed in Umlazi shooting

•

500+by Lynsey Chutel / 10h

The police said they had started a manhunt and were investigating a possible motive.

Three Iranians Accused of Targeting People in Britain

64by Stephen Castle / 9h

The charges against the men come as concerns have grown about Iranian operatives carrying out operations against British residents and citizens.

Spring Fling

by Melissa Kirsch / 13h

Spring cleaning clears space in our homes and heads. How will we fill it?

Today

Three Iranians Accused of Targeting People in the U.K.

by Stephen Castle / 6h

The charges against the men come as concerns have grown about Iranian operatives carrying out operations against British residents and citizens.

America’s New Ambassador to Canada Tamps Down Annexation Talk

US envoy emphasizes defense spending

•

by Ian Austen / 14h

Despite his friendly tone, Pete Hoekstra offered no indication of when, or if, the United States will remove its tariffs against Canada.

Russian Troops Are War-Weary, but Want to Conquer More of Ukraine

81by Anatoly Kurmanaev / 14h

Many Russian soldiers say they would see a cease-fire along the current front lines as a failure, hinting at the nationalist discontent the Kremlin could face in accepting a cease-fire.

Yesterday

How Father Bob Became Pope Leo

Pope Leo XIV elected head of Church

•

500+by Jason Horowitz, Julie Bosman, Elizabeth Dias, Ruth Graham, Simon Romero and Mitra Taj / 14h

A résumé of deep religious education, frontline pastoral experience, parish management and Vatican governance — along with a nudge from Pope Francis — put Robert Prevost on the fast track.

India Is Accused of Inhumane Deportation of Rohingya Refugees

India deporting Rohingya refugees

•

59by Suhasini Raj / 14h

The allegations, which include being pushed into the sea off Myanmar with only life jackets, have prompted a call from the United Nations for an investigation.

Iranians Watched Trump’s Mideast Tour With Envy: ‘A Slap in the Face’

by Farnaz Fassihi / 15h

For some, President Trump’s visits to Arab nations, Iran’s regional rivals, only made their country’s acute energy and economic crises harder to bear.

How the Indian Media Amplified Falsehoods in the Drumbeat of War

2Kby Anupreeta Das and Pragati K.B. / 15h

During the conflict between India and Pakistan, even some long-trusted outlets reported unverified information and fabricated stories.

Trump Wants an Iran Deal, but It May Be Weaker Than His Supporters Demand

by Steven Erlanger / 15h

Iran rejects any deal that would ban it from any nuclear enrichment, long a demand of U.S. conservatives.

At Mexico’s 2 Legal Gun Shops, a Conflicted View of Firearms Is on Display

25by James Wagner and Alejandro Cegarra / 15h

While Mexicans have a right to own guns, they can only be legally bought at two military-run and tightly regulated stores, an effort to better control possession in a country awash with black market weapons.

Trump and Putin Say They Will Discuss Ukraine Peace Proposals on Monday

Russian bus attack kills nine

•

500+by Marc Santora and Liubov Sholudko / 15h

President Trump announced plans for the call after a Russian drone attack killed nine on a civilian bus in northeastern Ukraine.

Under Fire From Trump’s Tariffs, Ammo Makers in a Balkan Valley Hunker Down

21by Andrew Higgins / 19h

Companies that make ammunition in the Bosnian city of Gorazde fear they may not survive the tariffs imposed on the goods that they send to their biggest market — the United States.

Gunfire in Gaza as Israel Says Its Troops Are Mobilizing

Gaza conflict escalates with casualties

•

1Kby Aaron Boxerman, Patrick Kingsley and Bilal Shbair / 19h

Mediators rushed to salvage stalled cease-fire talks amid the Israeli threats to advance deeper into Gaza and seize more territory.

Inside Trump’s Trip to the Middle East: Adulation and Not a Whiff of Protests

Trump hosts Musk in Saudi Arabia

•

100+by Luke Broadwater and Jonathan Swan / 20h

At every step of President Trump’s whirlwind tour, he has been treated with the kind of honor and respect he has long desired.

Under Fire From Trump’s Tariffs, Ammo Makers in a Balkan Valley Hunker Down

by Andrew Higgins / 20h

Companies that make ammunition in the Bosnian city of Gorazde fear they may not survive the tariffs imposed on the goods that they send to their biggest market — the United States.

MrBeast’s Tour of Maya Ruins Draws Criticism and Legal Threats in Mexico

MrBeast sued for filming in Mexico

•

100+by Elda Cantú / 1d

Mexico’s culture secretary said her agency was weighing legal action against a production company for video that seemed to show the YouTube star MrBeast violating the rules for visiting Maya ruins.

Succès Masra, Opposition Leader in Chad, Is Arrested and Accused of Inciting Violence

Chad's former Prime Minister abducted

•

by Ruth Maclean and Saikou Jammeh / 1d

A former prime minister and presidential candidate, Succès Masra, was detained by a government that has used the security forces and judiciary to quash opposition.

Melania Trump Statue Vanishes in Slovenia

Melania Trump's statue stolen Slovenia

•

1Kby Lynsey Chutel and Matej Leskovsek / 1d

The bronze sculpture, erected near Ms. Trump’s hometown in eastern Slovenia, was chopped off at the feet and stolen, the police said.

Walter Frankenstein, Who Hid from the Nazis All Over Berlin, Dies at 100

48by Richard Sandomir / 1d

With his wife and infant sons, he took refuge in unlikely places, including an opera house, an abandoned car and a subway station converted to a bunker.

Gulf States Pay Off $15.5 Million Syrian Debt to World Bank

Syria clears World Bank arrears

•

29by Euan Ward / 1d

The move was the latest victory for Syria’s new government as it attempts to stabilize the nation after a long civil war and decades of dictatorship.

Prosecutor Accused of Sexual Misconduct Takes Leave From I.C.C.

ICC prosecutor faces assault allegations

•

by Jeanna Smialek / 1d

The International Criminal Court confirmed that its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, will step down pending the results of an investigation into allegations against him.

Conservatives Imperil G.O.P. Megabill That Would Fulfill Trump’s Agenda

100+by Catie Edmondson / 1d

Conservatives want deeper cuts in federal spending, including the elimination of clean energy tax credits and work requirements for Medicaid recipients to start earlier.

Ukrainian Man, Roman Lavrynovych, Appears in Court Over Fires at Keir Starmer’s Properties

Arson suspect arrested at Starmer's home

•

by Esther Bintliff and Stephen Castle / 1d

Roman Lavrynovych, 21, was charged with committing arson at two properties and a car with connections to Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Trump Says ‘People Are Starving’ in Gaza and the U.S. Wants to Help

Trump proposes US take Gaza

•

1Kby Luke Broadwater and Erika Solomon / 1d

Humanitarian support has collapsed in the enclave, which has been under total Israeli blockade for over two months. Aid groups say the territory is on the brink of famine.

Trump Wraps Up Middle East Tour Full of Lavish Receptions and Business Deals

Trump hosts Musk in Saudi Arabia

•

500+by Qasim Nauman / 1d

President Trump’s trip, during which he received opulent welcomes in wealthy Gulf capitals, yielded a turnabout with Syria and announcements of multibillion-dollar agreements for U.S. companies.

May 15, 2025

For Some International Students, U.S. Dreams Dim Under Trump

500+by Jenny Gross and Amanda Holpuch / 1d

Once drawn to American universities as havens, some students from abroad are finding the United States is not the bedrock of free speech they had expected.

Hiker or Russian Spy? Latvia Advises Its People How to Be on the Lookout.

Latvia warns of potential Russian spies

•

22by Eve Sampson / 1d

A Latvian security agency tells people to note radio gear and provocative questions, but some signs of espionage that it cites — like fit, unkempt backpackers — could apply to hikers and tourists.

Trump’s Visit Makes a Splash in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia signs $142 billion defense deal

•

400+by Vivian Nereim / 1d

Many Saudis say they are big fans of President Trump, calling him a “straight shooter” who shares their values. Others were not impressed.

Front-runner to Be Romania’s Next President Is a Trump-Aligned Nationalist

Simion leads Romania's presidential election

•

1Kby Andrew Higgins / 1d

George Simion appears well placed to be elected to the role, which is largely ceremonial. But his talk of “uniting” the country with people and land in other nations has infuriated neighbors.

Nine Federally Funded Scientific Breakthroughs That Changed Everything

400+by Alan Burdick, Emily Anthes and Ruru Kuo / 1d

The U.S. is slashing funding for scientific research, after decades of deep investment. Here’s some of what those taxpayer dollars created.

Chris Brown Ordered to Remain in Custody After Arrest in England

Chris Brown arrested for bottle attack

•

100+by Alex Marshall and Claire Moses / 1d

The singer was charged with grievous bodily harm over a 2023 incident in London. He was ordered to remain in custody until June 13.

Fighting India Helps Revive the Pakistani Military’s Popularity

China aids Pakistan in air combat

•

2Kby Zia ur-Rehman / 1d

As Pakistan declares victory, confidence in the troubled country’s state institutions is re-emerging, at least for now.

Peace Talks Between Russia and Ukraine Stop After Short Meeting

Zelensky Putin meeting fails sanctions loom

•

500+by Paul Sonne, Nataliya Vasilyeva and Safak Timur / 1d

Expectations were low for the discussions in Istanbul, the first direct peace negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv since early 2022.

Peace in South Sudan, a Nation U.S. Helped Build, Is Unraveling

by Abdi Latif Dahir / 1d

After years of gradual progress toward stability, a succession battle is pushing the country to the precipice of another full-blown civil war.

China’s First Police Corgi Has 400,000 Followers and a Nose for Trouble

Corgi police dog steals sausage

•

500+by Tiffany May / 1d

Fu Zai has won top workplace reviews as an unusual breed of sniffer dog. But his lack of self-control cost him his annual bonus.

Friday Briefing

by Natasha Frost / 1d

President Trump’s trip to the Middle East.

Harvard Paid $27 for a Copy of Magna Carta. Surprise! It’s an Original.

Harvard's Magna Carta is original

•

100+by Stephen Castle / 2d

Two British academics discovered that a “copy” of the medieval text, held in Harvard Law School’s library for 80 years, is one of seven originals dating from 1300.

Thursday Briefing: Troubled Ukraine Peace Talks

Ukraine seeks Brazil's help for Putin

•

by Justin Porter / 2d

Plus, peace and love at the Eurovision.

Ukrainian Is Charged After Fires at Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Properties

Man arrested for arson linked to Starmer

•

by Esther Bintliff / 2d

One of the blazes took place outside the doorway of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s family home in Kentish Town, in north London, which is currently being rented out.

Canada’s Wildfire Season Off to a Deadly Start

Canada wildfire kills two evacuates 1000

•

200+by Vjosa Isai / 2d

Two people were trapped and killed by a wildfire in a small town in Manitoba, where the provincial capital, Winnipeg, is wilting under a record-breaking heat wave.

Studies of Breast Cancer and Other Diseases Threatened by New Policy

46by Roni Caryn Rabin / 2d

N.I.H. restrictions on payments to foreign partners may jeopardize research into conditions that would benefit Americans.

Marco Rubio Meets Syria’s Foreign Minister, in Another Sign of Warming Ties

Trump's Middle East tour surprises allies

•

60by Christina Goldbaum / 2d

The meeting came days after President Trump announced he would end sanctions against Syria and met with the country’s president, a former jihadist.

Israeli Woman on Her Way to Give Birth Is Killed in West Bank Attack

Pregnant Israeli woman killed in attack

•

7Kby Aaron Boxerman and Ephrat Livni / 2d

After the shooting in the West Bank, doctors were able to save the baby, a boy, who was taken to a neonatal intensive care unit.

Vengeful at Home, Trump Takes His Forgiving Side on Middle East Tour

Trump's Middle East tour highlights contradictions

•

100+by Luke Broadwater, Jonathan Swan and Vivian Nereim / 2d

During the first major foreign trip of his second term, President Trump has told audiences in the Middle East that he’s willing to set the past aside in the interests of peace and profit.

How to Win Eurovision in 7 Easy Steps

44by Alex Marshall and Miriam Quick / 2d

It pays to be spectacular, inspiring and just weird enough. But, please: no key changes.

Israeli Strikes Kill Dozens in Gaza, Health Ministry Says

Israel bombs Gaza hospital again

•

500+by Aaron Boxerman and Saher Alghorra / 2d

Israel intensified its military campaign against Hamas, despite a U.S.-backed push for the two sides to agree a new cease-fire.

How to Win Eurovision in 7 Easy Steps

44by Alex Marshall and Miriam Quick / 2d

It pays to be spectacular, inspiring and just weird enough. But, please: no key changes.

Can Eurovision Avoid Politics in Neutral Switzerland?

200+by Alex Marshall / 2d

The competition is run by an opaque Swiss organization that wants to sidestep controversies that could spoil the fun.

Gérard Depardieu Verdict Is Seen as Turning Point for #MeToo in France

100+by Catherine Porter / 2d

French courts may finally be taking years of complaints about sexual violence seriously, advocates and experts say.

May 14, 2025

Syrian Business Owners Energized by U.S. Promise to Lift Sanctions

Trump lifts sanctions on Syria

•

200+by Raja Abdulrahim / 2d

Since the overthrow of the dictator Bashar al-Assad, business owners have been waiting for Washington to ease sanctions and pave the way for an economic renewal.

Top Priority for Pope Leo: Warn the World of the A.I. Threat

Pope Leo XIV addresses AI challenges

•

100+by Motoko Rich and Adam Satariano / 2d

While it is far too early to say how he will use his platform to address such issues, his focus shows he is a church leader who grasps the gravity of this modern concern.

Officials From Russia and Ukraine Are in Turkey, But Will Peace Talks Take Place?

Trilateral talks in Istanbul scheduled

•

300+by Anton Troianovski, Marc Santora and Andrew E. Kramer / 2d

The Ukrainian and Russian delegations arrived in different Turkish cities. President Vladimir V. Putin was not there. Neither was President Trump.

Thursday Briefing

by Natasha Frost / 2d

Here’s what you need to know.

Harvard Paid $27 for a Copy of Magna Carta. Surprise! It’s an Original.

Harvard's Magna Carta is original

•

300+by Stephen Castle / 2d

Two British academics discovered that a “copy” of the medieval text, held in Harvard Law School’s library for 80 years, is one of seven originals dating from 1300.

Poland’s Election for President Is a Test of Unwinding Populism

Poland's presidential election faces division

•

by Andrew Higgins and Steven Erlanger / 2d

The government is a centrist parliamentary coalition. To undo its predecessor’s democratic backsliding, it needs the presidency. The election starts next week.

3 Deals in 3 Countries on Trump’s Trip

Trump sidelines Israel in Gulf diplomacy

•

100+by Eric Lipton, Melanie Bencosme, David Jouppi and Jordan Gantz / 2d

Three countries on President Trump’s Middle East tour this week are also the sites of recent investments in Trump businesses that benefit the president. Eric Lipton, an investigative reporter for The New York Times, describes those investments, and what those countries — Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates — are, at the same time, seeking from Mr. Trump and the United States.

The Prize-Winning Novel Challenging ‘Ableist Machismo’ in Japan

36by Martin Fackler / 2d

Saou Ichikawa is the country’s first severely disabled author to win a top literary prize. Her novel “Hunchback” is an angry cry against “ableist machismo.”

Funeral Homes Are Forced to Innovate as Consumer Preferences Shift

25by Susan Shain / 2d

As cremation rates rise and consumer preferences shift, funeral homes are innovating in surprisingly unconventional ways so they don’t die out.

U.S.-Backed Group Created to Distribute Aid in Gaza Says It’s Ready to Go

US foundation to aid Gaza

•

by Natan Odenheimer, Ronen Bergman and Ephrat Livni / 2d

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation seeks to create an alternative aid system, but other groups have raised doubts about the feasibility of its plan.

Trump-Kushner Hotel Project in Serbia Hits a Snag: Alleged Forgery

Trump hotel project in Serbia stalled

•

2Kby Eric Lipton / 2d

Serbian authorities say an official admitted to forging a document allowing a protected site in Belgrade to be demolished and replaced with a Trump hotel.

Bayesian Superyacht Carrying Mike Lynch Sank After ‘Extreme’ Wind Gust, Report Says

Bayesian superyacht sank in storm

•

46by Jeffrey Gettleman and James Glanz / 2d

An official report into last year’s yacht tragedy, which killed seven, found that the boat could easily capsize in high winds. Its towering mast made it more vulnerable.

Valeria Márquez, TikTok Influencer, Shot Dead During Live Stream in Mexico

Mexican influencer Valeria Márquez murdered live

•

100+by Jonathan Wolfe / 3d

The death of Valeria Márquez, 23, was the latest reminder of the rise in violence against women in the country.

The Road to Trump’s Embrace of White South Africans

Ramaphosa to meet Trump May 21

•

1Kby Zolan Kanno-Youngs, Erica L. Green, John Eligon and Edward Wong / 3d

The Trump administration’s hostile approach to South Africa was shaped by a convergence of factors.

Will Putin Attend Ukraine Peace Talks in Turkey? Kremlin’s List Indicates Not.

Trump and Putin skip Turkey talks

•

29by Yonette Joseph / 3d

A hard-line aide to the Russian president will instead lead the delegation, according to a Kremlin statement.

Bayesian Superyacht Sank After ‘Extreme’ Wind Gust, Report Says

Bayesian superyacht sank in storm

•

46by Jeffrey Gettleman and James Glanz / 3d

An official report into last year’s yacht tragedy, which killed seven, found that the boat could easily capsize in high winds. Its towering mast made it more vulnerable.

Trump’s Pledge to the Middle East: No More ‘Lectures on How to Live’

Trump's Middle East tour begins

•

2Kby Vivian Nereim / 3d

In Saudi Arabia, the president denounced Western intervention and nation-building, garnering both praise and eye rolls.

Trump Meets Ahmed al-Shara After Vowing to Lift Sanctions on Syria

Trump meets Syria's al-Charaa in Riyadh

•

21by Luke Broadwater, Jonathan Swan, Ismaeel Naar and Neil MacFarquhar / 3d

“The sanctions were really crippling,” President Trump said, before he traveled to Qatar, where he was given a lavish welcome.

Thursday Briefing: Trump Meets Syria’s New Leader

Trump suspends Syria sanctions

•

by Justin Porter / 3d

Plus, the world’s poorest president.

French Prime Minister Defiant in School Sexual Violence Inquiry

Bayrou testifies in child abuse scandal

•

by Roger Cohen / 3d

François Bayrou’s popularity has plunged as his word is doubted on events at a Catholic school to which he had several ties.

Gaza Hospital Strike Draws New Attention to Israel’s Medical Facility Attacks

Israel targets Gaza hospitals amid conflict

•

500+by Patrick Kingsley / 3d

Aid groups and U.N. investigations have accused Israel of aiming to destroy Gaza’s health infrastructure. Israel says it is forced to strike hospitals it says are used by Hamas for military purposes.

US Lining Up More Countries to Take Its Deportees

300+by Amanda Taub / 3d

Besides El Salvador, where the United States has already sent detainees, Rwanda and Libya have records of mistreating migrant detainees.

El Chapo’s Family Members Crossed the Border in Apparent Deal With U.S., Official Says

Cartel family members enter US

•

200+by Alan Yuhas / 3d

Mexico’s security secretary confirmed reports that 17 family members of Sinaloa Cartel leaders had entered the United States, likely as part of a deal with the Trump administration.

Trump Meets Syria’s President a Day After Promise to Lift U.S. Sanctions

Trump's Middle East tour surprises allies

•

76by Ismaeel Naar and Enjoli Liston / 3d

President Trump’s conversation with President Ahmed al-Shara, who once led a branch of Al Qaeda, was the first time in 25 years that the leaders of the United States and Syria had met.

Pepe Mujica, the Former Uruguayan President, Removed the Pomp From Politics

100+by Jack Nicas / 3d

The former Uruguayan president, who died on Tuesday, showed the value in world leaders living like their constituents.

3 Are Arrested in Russia-Linked Sabotage Plot, Germany Says

Three Ukrainians arrested for sabotage

•

24by Christopher F. Schuetze / 3d

The men, Ukrainian nationals, were arrested in Germany and Switzerland, the state prosecutor in Berlin said. They are suspected of planning to sabotage commercial freight infrastructure.

Taking Inches in Battle, Russia Demands Miles in Talks

200+by Paul Sonne and Adam Entous / 3d

Moscow thinks it’s winning in Ukraine and can play hardball diplomatically. Washington sees costly, incremental gains and an unrealistic negotiating position.

Trump Administration to Uphold Some PFAS Limits but Eliminate Others

PFAS contamination in drinking water

•

23by Hiroko Tabuchi / 3d

The E.P.A. said it would maintain limits on the two most common “forever chemicals” in tap water. Rules for four others will be rolled back.

South African President Criticizes Afrikaners Seeking Refugee Status in U.S.

First Afrikaners granted US refugee status

•

3Kby Amelia Nierenberg and Zimasa Matiwane / 3d

President Cyril Ramaphosa called the white South Africans “cowardly” for leaving for the United States.

Trump’s Vow to Lift Sanctions on Syria Unleashes Hope

Trump's Middle East tour surprises allies

•

200+by Ben Hubbard / 3d

The announcement is a boon for the new government as it looks to rebuild an economy wrecked by a decade of civil war.

Israeli Airstrikes Kill Dozens in Northern Gaza Overnight, Health Officials Say

Hamas releases American-Israeli hostage

•

2Kby Aaron Boxerman and Abu Bakr Bashir / 3d

Israel on Wednesday ordered residents to flee parts of Gaza City ahead of more attacks.

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