World
Russia’s pared‑down Victory Day parade tells a story: Away from the pomp, war in Ukraine is not going to Putin’s plan
Moscow’s influence is Eastern Europe has been slipping of late, including with the loss of a stalwart ally in Hungary. The battleground, as ever, remains Ukraine.
Foreign aid’s hidden benefit: Recipients are more likely to pay the generosity forward
A study found that South Koreans who received donated US vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic were more in favor of their government giving to other nations.
Why the US military is stuck using $1 million missiles against Iran’s $20,000 drones
Bureaucratic hurdles mean the US military typically has to wait a decade between the time it sees a new threat and the employment of a new system to defend against it.
Gulf state cooperation has long been shaped by the threat of Iran − but shows of unity belie division
The Gulf Cooperation Council was formed after the Iranian Revolution of 1979. Since then, GCC members have tried different strategies to contend with Tehran.
Trump‑Xi summit: Cautious progress on trade, ties and some ‘win‑wins’
On the issue of contested island, both US and China appear happy to keep with the status quo. Meanwhile, the presence of US Defense chief hints at Washington’s desire for a military ‘hotline.’
Financial strain, lockdowns and fear of infection during disease outbreaks magnify violence against women and girls − new research
Disease outbreaks can make women and girls especially vulnerable to violence, but health surveillance systems do a poor job tracking these trends.
Baloch insurgency: Suicide bombs and uptick in violence threaten Pakistan, regional security
A long-running insurgency has recently flared up again in Pakistan’s restive southwest province – complicated by instability in Iran and resource interest by the US.
More than just a critical blow to Keir Starmer and Labour, local votes signal a dis‑United Kingdom
The leading parties that have dominated British politics for decades are badly wounded, and nationalism is also rising in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The method in Iran’s madness? Closure of Strait of Hormuz echoes a centuries‑old Danish play − and is a tragedy for the world order
Iran’s decision to levy tolls on ships passing through the crucial choke hold has an unlikely connection to the site of Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet.’
We tested the new World Cup ball – this is what you need to know about how it will fly, dip and swerve
For two decades, researchers have studied soccer ball aerodynamics. Latest tests suggest the 2026 ball is more stable, but with a slightly shorter range.