FOREIGN POLICY

JUNE 9. 2026

U. S. Launches New ‘Self-Defense’ Strikes on Iran Over Apache Helicopter Crash

But Iranian officials reportedly claim that the downing was not deliberate.

Xi Seeks to Draw North Korea Back Into China’s Orbit

The Chinese leader’s long-awaited visit to Pyongyang aims to counter Russian influence.

Why a South Korean Starbucks Ad Mocked Murdered Protesters

Far-right meme politics shows how strong anti-democratic forces remain.

NATO’s Digital Back End Could Fall Apart Without Change

Shared standards on cloud services are urgently needed.

Lebanon Is No Longer About Lebanon

Iran would rather fight than let Israel decide Lebanon’s fate.

U. S. Power Is Wrung Out

The war in Iran has depleted the Pentagon as China’s military buildup matures.

How to Escape Blame for Bad Advice

If you get an important strategic issue wrong, there are still ways to avoid accountability.

The Invisible Hand Won’t Rebuild U. S. Shipyards

War in Iran has put a spotlight on declining U. S. maritime power.

JUNE 8. 2026

Iran, Israel Pull Back From Brink After Trading Fire

But another Israeli assault on Beirut could collapse the two sides’ fragile truce.

Trump Started a War He Can’t Control

He wants to end the Iran war. But Iran, Israel, and Hezbollah have other ideas.

Show Us the Money

How satire, social media, and shame are forging Syria’s new public square.

China Is Providing AI That’s Literate in Africa’s Languages

Chinese models have become the overwhelming choice for African developers.

China Is Making MAHA’s Favorite Drug

RFK fans and China hawks are on a collision course over peptides.

The U. S. Can’t Exclude China From Latin America

Rather than pushing Beijing out of the region, Washington should offer countries better strategic alternatives.