Politics Briefing: Germany news: Merz to call Trump amid Hormuz standoff Strategic angle: The US president has ramped up pressure on European NATO partners to help patrol the Strait of Hormuz. Editorial Staff Mar 21
Politics Briefing: Egypt intensifies diplomacy as Iran war reshapes regional tensions Strategic angle: Egypt’s recent outreach comes as countries across the region try to contain the fallout from the war, with Gulf states under attack and leaders trying to avoid a wider conflict. Editorial Staff Mar 21
Politics Briefing: An answer to America's drought may be hiding in the toilet Strategic angle: Americans are open to paying more for recycled wastewater as cities seek solutions to climate-induced drought. Editorial Staff Mar 21
Politics Briefing: Russian tanker drifts into Libyan waters amid environmental warnings Strategic angle: The Russian sanctioned tanker has been unmanned and poses a significant environmental threat as it carries hazardous cargo. Editorial Staff Mar 21
Politics Briefing: Gather together: Photographer Neal Slavin on what 50 years of taking group shots says about us Strategic angle: Neal Slavin's landmark photography book "When Two or More Are Gathered Together" reveals the many sides of 20th century American society and is notably for its use of colour. Editorial Staff Mar 21
Politics Briefing: US to deploy more troops and warships to Middle East, despite Trump claiming to 'wind down' operation Strategic angle: Despite President Trump's statements on reducing military presence, the US is increasing its forces in the Middle East. Editorial Staff Mar 21
Politics Briefing: South Korea: Blaze at auto parts factory kills 11 Strategic angle: A devastating fire at a Daejeon factory has resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries as workers attempted to escape. Editorial Staff Mar 21
Politics Briefing: Germany's finance minister rejects money misuse accusations Strategic angle: Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil defends his spending of new debt aimed at reviving the economy amid serious doubts about its appropriateness. Editorial Staff Mar 21
Politics Briefing: Streamlining the kill chain: how AI is changing modern warfare Strategic angle: The US-Israeli war with Iran has highlighted the transformative role of AI in defense systems. Editorial Staff Mar 21
Politics Briefing: New Imam al-Bukhari complex opens to host up to 65,000 visitors daily Strategic angle: The site includes a mosque, museum and structured visitor services designed to manage high daily attendance. Editorial Staff Mar 21
Politics Briefing: ‘You can’t live without us’: Have fossil fuel giants gone back on their green promises? Strategic angle: A new analysis warns that some of the world’s biggest fossil fuel companies have entered a ‘gaslighting’ phase to bolster their profits. Editorial Staff Mar 21
Politics Briefing: Wine drinkers show lower heart risk than other alcohol consumers, study finds Strategic angle: A study of 340,000 adults suggests not all alcohol carries the same risk. Editorial Staff Mar 21
Politics Briefing: Racism in Germany widespread, but more subtle than before Strategic angle: New studies reveal the pervasive nature of racism and discrimination in Germany, coinciding with the International Day Against Racism. Editorial Staff Mar 21
Politics Briefing: Buffy the Vampire Slayer actor Nicholas Brendon dies aged 54 Strategic angle: Brendon died of 'natural causes', his family said in a statement, remembering him as 'passionate' and 'sensitive'. Editorial Staff Mar 21
Politics Briefing: India news: New Delhi sends medical aid to Afghanistan Strategic angle: India has dispatched 2.5 tons of emergency medical supplies to Kabul following a recent airstrike. Editorial Staff Mar 21
Politics Briefing: Why 2027’s ‘eclipse of the century’ is worth travelling for Strategic angle: The path of totality will pass through major cities including Málaga, Tangier, Jeddah and Luxor in August next year. Editorial Staff Mar 21
Politics Briefing: UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini's grim assessment: 'Without firm political and financial support, we face a slow death' Strategic angle: The commissioner-general of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees voices deep concern for the survival of the underfunded organization amid Israeli attacks. Editorial Staff Mar 21
Politics Briefing: Iran war: Israel launches strikes on Tehran, Beirut Strategic angle: The Israeli military has launched a new wave of strikes on Beirut and 'regime targets' in Tehran. The US has temporarily eased sanctions on some Iranian oil. Editorial Staff Mar 21
Politics Briefing: Thick Smoke Billows from South Korea Car Parts Plant in Deadly Fire Strategic angle: At least 10 people were killed and dozens injured in a massive blaze at a factory in Daejeon. Editorial Staff Mar 21
Politics Briefing: Trump says considering 'winding down' war as US eases Iranian oil sanctions Strategic angle: The US president's post signals a potential end to hostilities amid rising oil prices and supply concerns. Editorial Staff Mar 21