Topic
usforeignpolicy
29 stories, newest first · page 2 of 2.
Politics · Middle EastTrump envoys meet Hamas and mediators in Cairo to advance Gaza peace plan
Jared Kushner and Nickolay Mladenov met Egyptian, Qatari and Turkish mediators in Cairo on 16 August 2026, with Hamas officials present. Israel rejected the US peace plan and carried out airstrikes in Gaza, injuring at least five Palestinians.
Middle East4 min readTrust 64 · Craft 95 · Hype 15
Politics · Asia-PacificTrump posts 2019 photo with Kim Jong Un, calls their relationship 'great'
Donald Trump posted a 2019 photo of himself with Kim Jong Un on 15 August 2026, accompanied by a message describing their relationship as 'great'. The post followed recent comments from a former Trump administration official and South Korea's president about a possible future meeting, though no concrete plans have been announced.
Asia-Pacific4 min readTrust 68 · Craft 95 · Hype 25
Politics · United StatesTrump administration ends Biden-era DEIA guidelines for US diplomats
The US State Department announced on 13 August 2026 the removal of Biden-era Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) guidelines for diplomats. The Trump administration stated the change prioritises merit and diplomatic skills over ideological training, which had directed diplomats to raise DEIA issues in foreign discussions.
United States5 min readTrust 50 · Craft 55 · Hype 55- Politics · United States
Human Rights Watch and allies sue Trump administration over ICC sanctions
Four advocacy groups, including Human Rights Watch, filed a lawsuit in New York on 11 August 2026 challenging the Trump administration’s sanctions against the International Criminal Court. The plaintiffs argue the measures violate US constitutional rights and hinder prosecutions of war crimes. The administration calls the ICC a threat to US sovereignty.
United States5 min readTrust 85 · Craft 75 · Hype 15 - Conflict & Security · Middle East
IAEA to remove uranium from Syrian Site 99 under US-brokered deal
The International Atomic Energy Agency will remove yellowcake uranium from a clandestine Syrian site known as Site 99, following a deal brokered by the United States involving Syria and Israel. The material, linked to a reactor bombed by Israel in 2007, was stored at the site after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
Middle East5 min readTrust 47 · Craft 95 · Hype 15 
Politics · Latin AmericaUS sanctions five Cuban entities and eight individuals over military procurement
The United States imposed sanctions on five Cuban entities and eight individuals on 6 August 2026, citing their role in procuring military equipment for Cuba’s armed forces. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the sanctions were part of efforts to counter Cuba’s support for Russia, China and Iran.
Latin America5 min readTrust 86 · Craft 95 · Hype 15
Politics · Middle EastUS removes Fly Baghdad from sanctions list, keeps owner blacklisted
The US Treasury lifted sanctions on Fly Baghdad airline and two of its aircraft on 4 August 2026, after the company demonstrated major operational changes. Sanctions remain in place against its previously identified owner, Basheer Abdulkadhim Alwan al-Shabbani, over alleged links to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Middle East4 min readTrust 66 · Craft 77 · Hype 15
Politics · AfricaSouth African court hears challenge to land expropriation law
A legal challenge to South Africa’s Expropriation Act began on 29 July 2026, with opponents arguing the law allows uncompensated land seizures. The government says it corrects historical dispossession. The case has drawn criticism from the U.S. under President Donald Trump.
Africa4 min readTrust 48 · Craft 77 · Hype 30- Conflict & Security · Middle East
Trump announces Iran talks to start Monday as Gulf allies urge restraint
US President Donald Trump said new talks to wind down the war in Iran will begin on Monday, citing requests from Gulf allies to hold off on military strikes. Iranian state media stated Tehran is not currently involved in the discussions.
Middle East3 min readTrust 40 · Craft 45 · Hype 25
