In the coming few days, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will face a defining choice between a politically motivated “war of deception” in Gaza and a deal to release all hostages while ending the war. He must choose between his extreme-right ministers—Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich—or aligning with Donald Trump. There is no symmetry here. Accepting … Read more
The Wednesday court ruling may provide temporary relief for affected consumers and businesses—halting a 30% tariff on China, 25% tariff on certain goods from Mexico and Canada, and 10% universal tariffs on most of the rest of the world—and it throws a wrench in the centerpiece of Trump’s agenda, though the Trump Administration swiftly filed … Read more
In a sharp escalation of trade negotiations with the European Union (E.U.), Trump took to social media on Friday and announced that he is “recommending a straight 50% tariff on the European Union, starting on June 1, 2025.” “The European Union, which was formed for the primary purpose of taking advantage of the United States … Read more
French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has summoned the Israeli ambassador after diplomats encountered “warning shots” from Israeli soldiers during a visit to the Israeli-occupied West Bank. No injuries or damages have been reported. In a post on X, Barrot said: “This is unacceptable,” adding and that the Israeli ambassador “will be summoned” to provide … Read more
The world sighed a breath of relief this week when the U.S. and China agreed to hit pause on unprecedented tariffs between the world’s two most powerful countries. Although the decision is a major breakthrough in the trade war, both sides should take the further step of pursuing détente. Fortunately, that may be on the … Read more
Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince have signed an arms package worth nearly $142 billion in Riyadh, according to the White House. Described by the Trump administration as “the largest defense cooperation agreement” in history, the package includes deals with more than a dozen American defense companies across sectors such as air and missile … Read more
Robert Francis Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV, made history on Thursday, May 8, when he was elected as the first American Pope. The Chicago native, who has spent many years serving as a missionary in Peru, took to the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and addressed the cheering crowd, speaking in Spanish and … Read more
Since the death of Pope Francis, a reform-minded Pontiff who had led the Catholic Church since 2013, thoughts have been circulating as to who will be selected as his successor. The papal conclave—the election of the next Pope—is set to begin on May 7, and will see 133 cardinals gather to vote. One figure who … Read more
After ongoing deliberations and uncertainty, the United States and Ukraine signed a deal on Wednesday, April 30, allowing the U.S. preferential access to new Ukrainian minerals deals in return for an investment fund for Kyiv. The plan was initially suggested some months ago, but talks soon derailed after a heated argument between U.S. President Donald … Read more
Pope Francis was laid to rest in Rome on Saturday with a moving, multi-lingual ceremony that reflected his humble approach to the papacy and the global adoration he enjoyed as the “People’s Pope.” Hundreds of thousands of people gathered on the streets around St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican to pay their final respects to … Read more
