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Inside the Desperate Diplomatic Efforts to Salvage U.S.-South Africa Ties
South Africa’s support for Russia after its invasion of Ukraine has incensed some in Washington.

U.S. Lifts Human Rights Violation Designation on Ethiopia
The decision, despite evidence of ongoing abuses, clears the way to new economic aid.

North Korea Does More Cyberspying Than You Think
The Hermit Kingdom doesn’t just steal cryptocash; it steals state secrets—especially from neighbors.

U.S. Readies New Sanctions on Warring Sudanese Forces
Some officials privately worry it’s too little, too late.

Seasoned Russia Envoy Joins Biden’s NSC
Nicholas Berliner, a veteran diplomat, has joined the White House to run Russia policy.

In Russia, Embassy Staff Left Behind Face Targeting, Harassment
When crises hit, local staff at U.S. embassies are often left in the lurch.

U.S. Weighs Offering Economic Lifeline to Ethiopia Despite War Atrocities
The internal administration debate comes ahead of Blinken’s plans to visit Africa.

Eastern Europe Wants NATO to Beef Up Defense Spending
Poland and Estonia are planning to push the alliance to raise its defense spending benchmark this year to at least 2.5 percent of GDP.

The State Department Makes Life Difficult for Breastfeeding Mothers
At some U.S. missions abroad, diplomats are banned from bringing breast pumps into their offices.

Pentagon Balks at Sending Ukraine Long-Range Bombs
It’s not fear of escalation. It’s fear of being too late.

Turkey Is Sending Cold War-Era Cluster Bombs to Ukraine
The artillery-fired cluster munitions could be lethal to Russian troops—and Ukrainian civilians.

How an Unusual Coalition Outfoxed China and Russia at the U.N.
The United Nations, thanks to a clever procedural revolt by small countries, is finally moving to close one of its last gaps on international law.

A Narrow Escape, a Massacre, an Invite to Washington
U.S. officials hatched a plan to smuggle Chad’s pro-democracy leader to safety—while Washington planned to fete his tormentor.

U.S. Plans for a Hypothetical War Limit Aid to a Real One
“We’re measuring against a reality that no longer exists,” one congressional aide said.

Ukraine Says It Needs More Guns, Shells, and Firepower
“We are requesting new rounds all the time that have longer range and more explosiveness,” said one Ukrainian military official.