International Crisis Group

China conducted a submarine-launched ballistic missile test into the Pacific, which analysts say was intended to signal growing military capabilities to U.S. allies in the region. The U.S. State Department and several Pacific nations criticized the launch, which occurred shortly after Australia and Fiji signed a mutual defense treaty.

China continues to view the United States as its primary geopolitical rival despite a report highlighting increased military activity by Japan and the Philippines in the South China Sea. The report noted Tokyo and Manila's growing defense cooperation with Washington, which Beijing perceives as threats to its territorial claims and regional influence.

Colombia's election of Abelardo de la Espriella, endorsed by U.S. President Donald Trump, alongside Peru's potential election of Keiko Fujimori and Brazil's upcoming vote, raises concerns about shifting political priorities in the Amazon region. These leaders have signaled support for economic growth through extractive industries, contrasting with previous environmental-focused policies in Colombia and Peru.

NPR's Ayesha Rascoe discusses with Ali Vaez, director of the Iran Project at the International Crisis Group, the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding and priorities for a future peace deal.

Colombia's polarized presidential election features Iván Cepeda, a peace activist advocating for continued negotiations with criminal groups, and Abelardo de la Espriella, a Trump-endorsed candidate promising a harsh approach to crime. Both candidates face opposition from conflict victims who fear a return to the country's violent past marked by decades of armed conflict involving guerrillas, military forces, and paramilitaries.

Colombia's polarized presidential election features peace activist Iván Cepeda and Trump-endorsed Abelardo de la Espriella, both seeking to avoid a return to the country's violent past. The conflict, which displaced over 10 million people, remains a central issue despite a 2016 peace pact with FARC.

Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group argues that the US-Iran conflict failed to achieve strategic goals, leaving both sides with significant costs. Iran survived but faced economic devastation, while the US and Israel did not secure regime change or a better nuclear agreement.

A report by the International Crisis Group states that the West Bank economy is collapsing due to Israeli restrictions on movement, withheld revenue, and land seizures. Palestinian unemployment is 30%, with businesses declining by 50% since the Israel-Hamas war began, and the Palestinian Authority struggles to fund public services as Israel withholds tax revenue.

A report by the International Crisis Group warns that Israeli restrictions, including deprivation of tax revenues and work permits, are pushing the Palestinian economy in the West Bank toward collapse. The report states that these conditions threaten the economic foundation necessary for any Palestinian future beyond 'permanent subjugation.'

A report from the International Crisis Group warns that the occupied West Bank's economy is nearing collapse due to Israeli restrictions. The analysis highlights the dismantling of the region's economic infrastructure as a critical issue.

Armed men in Haiti's capital kidnapped James Boyard, a top security official and police inspector general. The abduction, the highest-ranking in recent years, occurred in a relatively safe area of Port-au-Prince, controlled partly by the gang coalition Viv Ansanm. The motive and ransom details remain unclear, with analysts suggesting possible collusion with security personnel.

President Donald Trump claims a potential deal with Iran to end the three-month-old war could be finalized this weekend, with Vice President JD Vance set to attend the signing. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated no agreement has been finalized, though mediators remain active. Trump's threats of escalating military action and seizing Iran's oil infrastructure are cited as factors in the negotiations.

Donald Trump's missile diplomacy strategy in Iran backfired as he canceled planned attacks after threatening to take control of Iran's oil industry. The administration claims a ceasefire remains in place, but Iran has not made key concessions on its nuclear program, and tensions persist with threats of retaliation.

The US and Iran seek to end their conflict, but an agreement remains elusive. Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group argues that any deal would merely restore the status quo without resolving core issues like Iran's nuclear program or sanctions.

Colombia's June 21 presidential runoff between Iván Cepeda and Abelardo de la Espriella will determine the country's approach to Amazon rainforest conservation, fossil fuel development, and Indigenous rights. Cepeda supports Petro's policies to limit oil/gas exploration and promote renewables, while de la Espriella advocates for expanding extractive industries and fracking. The election follows Colombia's hosting of a global fossil fuel transition summit under President Gustavo Petro.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping will visit North Korea next week, his first trip since 2019, to strengthen ties amid North Korea's recent military cooperation with Russia and its nuclear program expansion.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping will visit North Korea next week for his first trip since 2019, aiming to strengthen ties amid North Korea's closer alignment with Russia. North Korea recently unveiled a new facility for producing nuclear bomb ingredients, which experts suggest is a move to bolster its nuclear status ahead of Xi's visit.

Donald Trump stated talks with Tehran were progressing well and a peace agreement was 'largely negotiated,' but the US launched strikes in Southern Iran the following day. By Thursday, Trump shared a draft peace agreement with allies, though the deal remains unstable. Jonathan Freedland discusses Trump's shifting stance with Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group.

The Trump administration is applying similar pressure tactics against Cuba as it did with Venezuela, including oil blockades, military presence, and federal charges. However, experts note key differences that make Cuba a more difficult target, including the lack of an obvious successor leader and smaller military buildup compared to the Venezuela operation that resulted in Nicolás Maduro's capture in January.

Chinese President Xi Jinping warned President Trump during their Beijing meeting that mishandling Taiwan could lead to conflicts, while China's latest Five-Year Plan suggests Beijing increasingly views Taiwan and the South China Sea as an integrated strategic theater for regional control and competition with the U.S. Analysts suggest China is accelerating concrete steps toward Taiwan reunification while strengthening its maritime position.

US President Donald Trump's comments on using arms sales to Taiwan as a negotiating chip with China have raised anxieties in Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory. Trump suggested that the US is open to negotiation and may condition arms sales to Taiwan on his negotiations with China. This has sparked concerns in Taiwan and China.

The Trump administration is clinging to a ceasefire with Iran despite numerous attacks, with President Donald Trump warning of severe consequences if Iran attacks US ships. The ceasefire has been tested with Iran launching multiple attacks on commercial vessels and US forces. The situation remains volatile with the US claiming victory in the war while also seeking to extend the deadline for withdrawing forces.

Taiwan's Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling visited Taiping Island in the disputed Spratly Islands, overseeing exercises framed as humanitarian operations that included armed coast guard drills. The visit represents Taiwan's adoption of China's 'gray zone' tactics to assert its territorial claims in the South China Sea without direct military escalation.

Pope Leo XIV visits Cameroon's conflict-ridden western city of Bamenda to promote peace in the Anglophone separatist crisis. The visit includes interfaith dialogue and a Mass, amid stalled peace talks and ongoing violence that has killed over 6,000 and displaced 600,000. Separatists declared a three-day ceasefire ahead of the pope's arrival.

Pope Leo XIV is visiting Cameroon to promote peace amid separatist conflict and meet President Paul Biya. Separatists have announced a three-day pause in fighting to facilitate the Pope's visit, which includes a peace meeting in Bamenda. The Vatican emphasizes combating corruption and advocating for democratic governance during the trip.

Pope Leo XIV embarked on an 11-day Africa trip focusing on Christian-Muslim coexistence, resource exploitation, corruption, and migration. The visit includes stops in Algeria and Cameroon, addressing historical grievances and regional conflicts.