FOREIGN POLICY

MAY 28. 2026

Friedrich Merz Doesn’t Understand the EU

Germany’s chancellor keeps complaining about the source of the continent’s power.

Trump Should Just Admit He Screwed Up

The Iran war was obviously a mistake. Why not say so?

MAY 27. 2026

Can the U. S. End Nigeria’s Insurgency?

Despite recent successful strikes, experts doubt the campaign’s long-term success.

Trump Accuses Iran of Stalling Peace Talks

At the same time, the White House is optimistic that a deal to end the war is in reach.

Trump Is Making NATO Stronger, Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Says

He also said NATO allies should “take their part” in the Iran war.

Rubio’s Visit Won’t Assuage India

Repairing Trump’s damage to bilateral ties will require more than a charm offensive.

China Needs North Korea on Side

A Xi visit to Pyongyang is likely soon, after a seven-year gap.

Inside the Struggle to Build an Iranian Opposition

A new group is trying to create what its predecessors could not: an effective democratic force for Iran.

On AI, It’s the Pope vs. Trump

The Vatican has made a frontal challenge to the Trump administration’s approach to technology.

Indonesia’s Dive Into Economic Nationalism

A messy rollout looks set to disrupt global commodity markets.

MAY 26. 2026

Trump Is Treating Taiwan Like Collateral

The pause of a $14 billion arms package raises concerns about U. S. support for Taipei.

U. S. Launches ‘Self-Defense’ Strikes on Iran

Still, Washington insists that it is committed to peace talks with Tehran.

The Iran War Has Remade the Gulf

The region knows that Iran won the war—and is hedging its bets as a result.

Xi Ascendant

Trump’s Beijing trip shows that the wind is blowing in China’s direction.