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The week in Global Affairs
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Iranian attacks, reported mines and preparations for possible US or Israeli strikes steadily raised the risk of direct escalation while driving up shipping, insurance and oil costs. A late US pause and continued messages through intermediaries reopened a narrow diplomatic path without removing the threat of renewed attacks.
Houthi strikes moved from deadly attacks in Yemen to repeated hits on Saudi airports, energy infrastructure and cities, prompting US withdrawals and disrupting travel and investment. Saudi Arabia restored some connectivity, but the attacks left a broader security and economic crisis in place.
Washington reopened a Russia-Ukraine channel and floated higher-level diplomacy, but Ukraine’s role and US support remained contested. Russia agreed to talks while continuing major attacks, showing that negotiations had not constrained its military campaign.
Sudan’s warring sides expanded long-range drone attacks beyond established front lines, killing more than 150 people in Abyei and more than 200 near a funeral and fuel market. The strikes deepened the war’s regional reach and its threat to civilians.
Repeated Starlink and Starshield disruptions impaired Ukrainian military operations before service was restored. The dispute made clear that battlefield communications remain vulnerable to decisions by a private provider, while Kyiv began seeking alternatives that cannot yet match its coverage.
Washington moved to restrict American investment in Chinese artificial intelligence, biotechnology and hypersonic sectors, while Beijing criticized US technology controls. The measures point toward selective decoupling and rival technology blocs rather than a complete commercial break.
Israeli raids, settler violence, demolitions and movement restrictions compounded Palestinian insecurity across the West Bank. The pressure disrupted livelihoods and detention-related incidents while increasing the risk of further unrest and retaliation.
The international effort to confront Haiti’s gangs moved from questions about its viability to a major operational crisis after four Salvadoran soldiers were abducted or went missing in an ambush. Reports of remains found during the search added to pressure on the mission and its participating governments.
Day’s Recap