Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks to the media at a press conference during a European Council session on Oct. 17.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks to the media at a press conference during a European Council session on Oct. 17.

What the U.S. Election Means for Ukraine and the Middle East

The result will have profound consequences for the major crises roiling the world

The entrance of the International Criminal Police Organization headquarters, known as Interpol.
The entrance of the International Criminal Police Organization headquarters, known as Interpol.

Organized Crime Is Surging Dramatically, Warns Interpol’s Secretary-General

Police are struggling to stay ahead of a pandemic-fueled boom.

A woman holds up a sign that says Sinwar's End --> End the War amid a crowd of protesters on a city street at night.
A woman holds up a sign that says Sinwar's End --> End the War amid a crowd of protesters on a city street at night.

What Sinwar’s Death Means for Hamas and the War in Gaza

The militant leader was a singular figure who will be hard to replace.

An anti-Israel sign is displayed in Tehran’s Palestine Square on Oct. 1 during a celebratory rally after Iran launched a barrage of missiles at Israel in response to the killings of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and other Iran-backed militants.
An anti-Israel sign is displayed in Tehran’s Palestine Square on Oct. 1 during a celebratory rally after Iran launched a barrage of missiles at Israel in response to the killings of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and other Iran-backed militants.

Our Best Reads on the Middle East Crisis

The region is perched on a knife-edge. Here’s where things could go.

Israeli army vehicles move through northern Israel on Sept. 26.
Israeli army vehicles move through northern Israel on Sept. 26.

Israel Is Going It Alone in Lebanon

Allies are trying to buy time to prevent all-out war.

The U.N. Security Council holds a meeting on the theme of “Leadership for Peace” at the United Nations headquarters in New York City on Sept. 25.
The U.N. Security Council holds a meeting on the theme of “Leadership for Peace” at the United Nations headquarters in New York City on Sept. 25.

The United Nations Is Still the Biggest Platform for Global Cooperation

Despite its failure to stop wars, the U.N. has made progress on issues from disease eradication to climate change.

U.S. President Joe Biden speaks during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the United Nations headquarters on Sept. 24 in New York City.
U.S. President Joe Biden speaks during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the United Nations headquarters on Sept. 24 in New York City.

Biden’s UNGA Goodbye

The outgoing U.S. president had little to offer on Ukraine and Gaza.

A view of the General Assembly Hall at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Sept. 22.
A view of the General Assembly Hall at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Sept. 22.

Middle East Tensions Overshadow United Nations Summit

The threat of a second Middle East war is taking away from the "Super Bowl" of diplomacy.

An overheard view shows the large central room at the U.N. headquarters. Representatives of members of the Security Council sit at a large horseshoe-shaped desk at center as they attend a meeting.
An overheard view shows the large central room at the U.N. headquarters. Representatives of members of the Security Council sit at a large horseshoe-shaped desk at center as they attend a meeting.

The United Nations Prepares for a High-Stakes Summit

Along with wars in Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine, the issues of sustainability, pandemic prevention, and nuclear weapons are on the agenda.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu points at a map of the Gaza Strip during a press conference at the Government Press Office in Jerusalem on Sept. 4.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu points at a map of the Gaza Strip during a press conference at the Government Press Office in Jerusalem on Sept. 4.

Israel’s ‘Seven-Front War’

Is Gaza just the opening battle in a war with Iran?

U.S. President Joe Biden meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office at the White House on July 25, 2024 in Washington, DC.
U.S. President Joe Biden meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office at the White House on July 25, 2024 in Washington, DC.

The White House’s Puzzling Optimism Over Prospects for Gaza Cease-Fire Deal

The Biden administration has been saying for months that the Gaza cease-fire deal is almost done.

Rebecca Lissner (left), the deputy national security advisor to U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, and policy advisor Ike Irby (center) speak with communications director Kirsten Allen before departing George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas, on Aug. 1.
Rebecca Lissner (left), the deputy national security advisor to U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, and policy advisor Ike Irby (center) speak with communications director Kirsten Allen before departing George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas, on Aug. 1.

The Grand Strategist Who Has Kamala’s Ear

Rebecca Lissner doesn’t want the United States to remake the world, but to keep it open.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators rally in protest over the war in Gaza near the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, where the Democratic National Convention is taking place, on Aug. 21. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators rally in protest over the war in Gaza near the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, where the Democratic National Convention is taking place, on Aug. 21. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

How Is Foreign Policy Driving the U.S. Vote?

A few wedge issues could help determine who ends up in the White House.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks alongside U.S. President Joe Biden during a Ukraine Compact initiative on the sidelines of the NATO Summit at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., on July 11.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks alongside U.S. President Joe Biden during a Ukraine Compact initiative on the sidelines of the NATO Summit at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., on July 11.

Washington Is Out of Sync With Its Wartime Allies

The White House has been kept out of the loop on several major wartime decisions by Israel and Ukraine.

Then-Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu arrives to attend the meeting of Russia’s and Iran’s presidents at the Kremlin in Moscow on Dec. 7, 2023.
Then-Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu arrives to attend the meeting of Russia’s and Iran’s presidents at the Kremlin in Moscow on Dec. 7, 2023.

The Kremlin Plays Mideast Crisis Broker

Russia doesn’t want Iran to escalate. But it’s also giving Tehran weapons.

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