Politics

Government, policy, institutions, and political power dynamics.

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Briefing: Putin conducts a 'special musical operation' in Europe

Strategic angle: Valery Gergiev seeks to return to Europe's concert halls amid cultural tensions.

Briefing: Middle East war live: Israel strikes Tehran on Persian New Year as war rattles energy markets

Strategic angle: Israel pounded Tehran with airstrikes Friday as Iranians marked Nowruz, or the Persian New Year, in the midst of a war that has sent shock waves through the global economy.

editorial-staff Mar 20

Politics

Briefing: Australia PM heckled at Sydney mosque Ramadan event

Strategic angle: The government's response to the Israel-Gaza war and rising Islamophobia has angered many Muslim Australians.

editorial-staff Mar 20

Politics

Bachelorette's new season pulled after Taylor Frankie Paul abuse allegations

The decision comes after footage emerged appearing to show the reality star in an altercation with her ex-partner.

editorial-staff Mar 20

Politics

Belarus releases 250 political prisoners as part of US deal

Belarus freed 250 political prisoners in its largest release yet, marking a significant humanitarian breakthrough linked to the easing of US sanctions.

editorial-staff Mar 20

Politics

Briefing: 'Nobody can blackmail us': Leaders excoriate Orbán's veto as he tests EU limits

Strategic angle: The Hungarian leader ups the rhetoric ahead of an April election, pushing the limits of EU rules close to breaking point.

editorial-staff Mar 20

Politics

Briefing: Anne-Claire Legendre, new president of France's Arab World Institute: 'Our role is to provide tools for understanding'

Strategic angle: Legendre discusses her vision for revitalizing the Arab World Institute in an interview with Le Monde.

editorial-staff Mar 20

Politics

Briefing: Nearly 100 ships pass the Hormuz Strait - who is getting through?

Strategic angle: Just under 100 ships have passed through the Strait of Hormuz since the start of March, according to data analysed by BBC Verify.

editorial-staff Mar 20

Politics

Briefing: Umberto Bossi, provocative founder of Italy's League party, dies at 84

Strategic angle: 'A passionate political leader and a sincere democrat,' Italian President Sergio Mattarella said in tribute.

editorial-staff Mar 20

Politics

Briefing: Netanyahu says Iran 'decimated,' as Tehran targets Gulf petro-facilities

Strategic angle: Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu expresses optimism about the war's duration while highlighting cooperation with the US.

editorial-staff Mar 19

Politics

Briefing: Labor secretary’s security staffer resigns amid misconduct investigation

Strategic angle: A staff member of the Labor Secretary has stepped down following allegations of misconduct.

editorial-staff Mar 19

Politics

Briefing: Gaza: Phase two of Trump's peace plan stalls amid war with Iran

Strategic angle: Planned measures are now at a standstill, including reconstruction of the enclave, the demilitarization of Hamas, the gradual withdrawal of the Israeli army and the establishment of a technocratic government.

editorial-staff Mar 19

Politics

Briefing: Video of Iranian soldier being targeted in a Tehran strike is AI generated

Strategic angle: Doubts arise over authenticity of videos shared by pro-Israel accounts and Israeli media.

editorial-staff Mar 19

Politics

Briefing: Qatar PM after Gulf energy attacks: 'This war must be stopped immediately'

Strategic angle: Qatar’s prime minister demands an immediate end to the conflict following missile strikes on energy facilities, urging Iran to halt attacks amid rising gas prices.

editorial-staff Mar 19

Politics

Briefing: Iranian TV shows man rescued from South Khorasan rubble

Strategic angle: Red Crescent teams rescue survivors in South Khorasan after reported US-Israeli strikes, as Iran counts rising civilian toll and mounting destruction.

editorial-staff Mar 19

Politics

Briefing: Senegal not losing without a fight

Strategic angle: Senegal asserts its determination as it navigates challenges ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

editorial-staff Mar 19

Politics

European leaders seek breakthrough on €90bn Ukraine loan blocked by Viktor Orban

EU leaders aim to resolve funding dispute affecting Ukraine's financial aid.

editorial-staff Mar 19

Politics

Briefing: Ukraine may restart peace process as Iran war escalates and EU aid remains blocked

Strategic angle: Ukraine is preparing to resume peace talks with the US amid geopolitical tensions and potential loss of EU support.

editorial-staff Mar 19

Politics

Briefing: French Socialists split over alliance with hard-left party in mayoral runoffs

Strategic angle: Several candidates from France’s mainstream left have joined forces with Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s France Unbowed to boost their chances in mayoral runoffs, while others reject the alliance.

editorial-staff Mar 19

Politics

Briefing: Federal student loans will move to Treasury, further shrinking Education Department

Strategic angle: The Trump administration announced a three-phase transition that will eventually include management of most federal student loans as well as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

editorial-staff Mar 19