The bonds between Japan and the Middle East are based on trust and respect, since both seek peace and stability in the region. In these newly dangerous times, that bond is even more important.

Now that a rare earths deal has finally been clinched between Kyiv and Washington, Russia may find that the US is less inclined to give in to its demands to end the war in Ukraine

His disdain for Europe, the global tariff war, and his hot-and-cold approach to dealing with Iran have left observers scratching their heads for answers. Where is Trump taking the world?

Prior to her visit, Meloni had discussions with von der Leyen to devise a mutually beneficial plan for dealing with Trump

Steve Witkoff, Trump's personal envoy to the Middle East, says US officials are "bridging the gap between the two sides" and was upbeat that a comprehensive deal could be reached by 20 April

By placing conditions to ending the war, the Russian president seems to be stretching the negotiations to bait Trump into maintaining pressure on Kyiv and weakening Europe

Trump officials are united in anger at the failure of European member states to support one aborted mission. This explains their thinking on the Ukraine war.

The comedian-turned-wartime president became an international celebrity after Russia's invasion when most of the world stood by his side. But things look very different today with Trump in office.