Reader Edition

Monday, May 18

An Iranian woman walks near a huge billboard referring to the Strait of Hormuz and words reading in Persian 'Forever in Iran's hand' at Vanak square in Tehran, Iran, 06 May 2026.
Foreign PolicyMay 18, 2026

Trump Puts Iran on Notice: 'Clock is Ticking' for Terror-Sponsoring Regime

President Trump has issued a stern ultimatum to Iran, warning that time is running out for the regime to accept U.S. terms or face severe consequences.

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te poses during an exclusive interview with AFP at the Presidential Office Building in Taipei on February 10, 2026.
PoliticsMay 18, 2026

Taiwan President Defies Beijing's Coercion: 'We Will Not Give Up Sovereignty'

President Lai Ching-te declared that Taiwan remains a sovereign, democratic nation and will not be coerced by Beijing's threats or pressure to abandon its autonomy.

Sunday, May 17

Mehrab Abdollahzadeh looks at the camera. He is wearing a blue chequered shirt.
Foreign PolicyMay 17, 2026

Tehran’s Desperate Death Grip: Iranian Regime Accelerates Executions Amid Regional Conflict

As the Iranian regime faces mounting internal instability and the consequences of regional conflicts, it has ramped up the use of the death penalty to crush political opposition and project strength.

A Ukrainian serviceman checks the sky for fpv-drones in the frontline town of Kostyantynivka, Donetsk region, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. taken in 2025
Foreign PolicyMay 17, 2026

Inside the Kill-Zone: Why Boots on the Ground Remain the Ultimate Decider in Ukraine

While drones and advanced weaponry have transformed the front lines in Ukraine, the necessity of soldiers to hold strategic ground remains the decisive factor in the ongoing conflict against Russian aggression.

A large sand-coloured building in the UAE called the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant. In the centre is a large dome while rectangular shaped sections of the building lie to the left, right, and in front of the dome. The sky behind is blue with a few white clouds.
Foreign PolicyMay 17, 2026

Iranian-backed drone strike targets UAE nuclear facility

A drone strike near the UAE's Barakah Nuclear Power Plant has sparked a fire, marking a dangerous escalation in the ongoing regional conflict fueled by Iranian aggression.

Julia Letlow is seen talking to constituents which smiling and appearing to talk. She is turned to the side and is seen from the shoulder up. She is wearing a red top.
PoliticsMay 17, 2026

Voters Oust RINO Bill Cassidy in Major Trump-Backed Primary Shakeup

Louisiana Republican voters have effectively ended the career of Senator Bill Cassidy, a two-term incumbent who faced a primary challenge after his vote to convict President Donald Trump.

A man inspects a damaged apartment building following a Ukrainian drone attack in the Moscow region, Russia. Photo: 17 May 2026
Foreign PolicyMay 17, 2026

Ukraine Strikes Back: Massive Drone Assault Hits Moscow Region

Ukraine launched a significant drone offensive against the Moscow region, hitting oil facilities and military targets as President Zelensky declares the strikes a justified response to Russia's ongoing invasion.

Saturday, May 16

Lu Jianwang leaves New York court
Foreign PolicyMay 16, 2026

Beijing's Long Arm: Chinese Espionage Networks Exposed on American Soil

Federal prosecutors have secured convictions against Chinese agents operating an illegal police station in New York and a compromised California politician, exposing the CCP’s aggressive efforts to monitor dissidents and influence American

A screenshot from a video feed of an FPV drone, it is approaching a tank
Foreign PolicyMay 16, 2026

Hezbollah’s Cheap Drone Tactics Expose New Threats to Israeli Security

Hezbollah is increasingly deploying inexpensive, commercially-sourced FPV drones to evade Israeli electronic countermeasures and strike military assets, forcing the IDF to adapt its defensive posture.

Lebanese army soldiers man a checkpoint in Beirut, Lebanon, on 14 May 2026
Foreign PolicyMay 16, 2026

Israel Strikes Hezbollah Targets as Fragile Ceasefire Struggles to Hold

While the U.S. State Department pushes for a 45-day ceasefire extension, Israel remains committed to neutralizing Hezbollah threats and securing its northern border.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te stands to the right of the picture waving and smiling at his party HQ in Taipei. Behind him is a green backdrop with Chinese lettering.
PoliticsMay 16, 2026

Trump demands cooling of tensions as Taiwan asserts sovereignty

Following high-level meetings in Beijing, President Trump has urged a de-escalation of rhetoric regarding Taiwan while the island's leadership continues to maintain its status as a sovereign democracy.