Reader Edition

Wednesday, May 27

Employees inspect a Nio Inc. ES9 electric vehicle on the production line at the company's factory in Hefei, Anhui Province, China, on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
Foreign PolicyMay 27, 2026

Beijing's State-Subsidized Auto Machine Crushes Western Competitors

Western automakers are losing their grip on the global market as China leverages massive state subsidies, advanced software integration, and aggressive pricing to outpace traditional competitors.

US President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House
Foreign PolicyMay 27, 2026

Trump Keeps Pressure on Iran: 'Finish the Job' if Deal Isn't Reached

President Trump signaled that the U.S. is far from satisfied with current negotiations with Iran, emphasizing that the regime's desperation for a deal will not lead to a weak agreement.

An image shared by the Russian Defence Ministry press-service which claims to show two Russian servicemen in military garb checking streets of Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk) in the Donetsk region in Ukraine.
Foreign PolicyMay 27, 2026

Putin’s War of Attrition: Half a Million Russian Soldiers Dead as Kremlin Wages Hybrid War on the West

The head of the UK's GCHQ has revealed that Russia has suffered approximately 500,000 casualties in its failed invasion of Ukraine, while simultaneously escalating a 'hybrid war' against NATO nations.

A person walks through rubble in a room of a residential building with extensive damage in view and what looks like half the wall missing in the background.
Foreign PolicyMay 27, 2026

Israel Eliminates Hamas Military Chief in Precision Strike

The Israel Defense Forces and Shin Bet successfully targeted and killed Hamas military commander Mohammed Odeh in a calculated operation, continuing Israel's mission to hold the architects of the October 7 terror attacks accountable.

Dong Guangping
Foreign PolicyMay 27, 2026

Chinese Dissident Detained After Desperate Sea Escape to South Korea

South Korean authorities have detained Chinese dissident Dong Guangping for immigration violations after he completed a perilous 30-hour journey across the sea in a rubber boat to escape the Chinese regime.

Smoke billows following an Israeli strike in Nabatieh, Lebanon.
Foreign PolicyMay 27, 2026

Israel Ramps Up Offensive to Crush Hezbollah Terrorists

The Israeli military has launched a massive wave of strikes against Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanon, fulfilling Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's vow to neutralize the threat posed by the Iran-backed militant group.

Tuesday, May 26

Russian President Vladimir Putin listens as he sits in an ornate chair.
Foreign PolicyMay 26, 2026

EU Desperate for 'Russia Whisperer' as Ukraine Conflict Stalls

With U.S. mediation efforts stalled, the European Union is searching for a diplomat to engage Moscow, even as Russia intensifies its aggression and shows no genuine interest in a ceasefire.

Photo of the moon half in shadow
Foreign PolicyMay 26, 2026

America Must Win the New Space Race Against China

NASA has announced a strategic roadmap to establish a permanent lunar presence, but the agency faces significant pressure to beat China in the race to control the Moon's resources.

A person in Iran holding a smartphone. They are wearing a big red jacket, a black hat, a black face mask and glasses.
Foreign PolicyMay 26, 2026

Tehran Relents: Iranian Regime Begins Restoring Internet After Months of Total Blackout

After nearly three months of a total communications blackout imposed to hide its activities during conflict, the Iranian government has begun a partial restoration of internet access, albeit with tighter controls and increased filtering.

Boats in the Strait of Hormuz, seen from Oman, with mountains behind
Foreign PolicyMay 26, 2026

U.S. Strikes Iranian Missile Sites in Necessary Self-Defense Operation

U.S. Central Command conducted precision strikes against Iranian missile sites and mining vessels in a decisive move to protect American forces and secure the Strait of Hormuz.

Three soldiers sitting on machinary in a dessert terrain. Theu are wearing uniform. The two on the left have burghundy beret and one is holding a small flag. The man on the right is wearing a cap
Foreign PolicyMay 26, 2026

Human Rights Watch Targets UAE Over Alleged Mercenary Pipeline to Sudan

A Human Rights Watch report alleges that Colombian mercenaries recruited by an Abu Dhabi-based firm transited through UAE military bases to support the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan's ongoing civil war.