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The week in Global Affairs
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Saudi-backed forces gained ground against the Houthis, but repeated missile and drone attacks reached Saudi airports, Riyadh, and other civilian targets. Trump considered joining the Saudi campaign, raising the risk of a broader regional war and disruption to maritime routes.
Russia expanded strikes on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure while Ukraine disrupted Russian operations and attacked targets inside Russia. Washington simultaneously pressured Kyiv, opened the door to Russian diesel, and announced an energy ceasefire that Moscow had not confirmed.
US-Iran diplomacy stalled and Washington sustained military and sanctions pressure, including action against Iran-linked shipping. The confrontation also produced disputes over US force posture, Russian mediation, maritime blockades, and threats to regional digital infrastructure.
Repeated tanker attacks kept the Strait of Hormuz dangerous, forcing carriers toward costly alternatives and increasing oil and freight forecasts. The disruption also shifted pressure onto Asian governments and imposed unusually high risks on ship crews.
France and Germany pushed the European Union toward tougher defenses against Chinese industrial competition, while Beijing resisted broader restrictions. The two sides later outlined limits on Chinese hybrid-car exports and possible tariff reductions, but the underlying trade conflict remained unresolved.
The Gaza war continued to drive protests, diplomatic controversy, and disputes over Israel's future role in the territory. A delayed Palestinian election and backlash over Navi Pillay's Nobel Prize showed that the conflict was also reshaping questions of representation and international accountability.
The United States imposed sweeping sanctions on the International Criminal Court and threatened to dismantle it. The measures could restrict the tribunal's operations and deter cooperation with investigations into international crimes.
Renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia revived fears of displacement and widened disputes over Red Sea access, while violence persisted across Sudan and South Sudan. Conflict along the region's routes also produced deadly consequences for migrants and civilians near the Egypt-Sudan border.
Day’s Recap