United States

Beijing reacted with war exercises to Taiwan's new pro-independence president. China is adamant that Taiwan must be reunified, Washington is adamant that it is independent. Is this the next war?

The very public disagreements between Washington and Tel Aviv over Gaza in recent weeks are both rare and telling, yet this transatlantic alliance has weathered far more severe storms

Israel fears that such action—if taken in Washington—could then be taken by other Israeli allies, whether against Netzah Yehuda or any other military unit

The Iraqi PM and Joe Biden stuck to the script, emphasising economic opportunities. No one mentioned US troop withdrawal, but Baghdad's tense relations with Iraqi Kurds did come up.

Six months of war have led to huge swings in public opinion and growing criticism of Israel from US leaders, which would have been unthinkable in the past. Have things changed?

The Saudis have outlined their conditions for a true and binding pact. Such a pact is highly unlikely, not least because of the current US political atmosphere and the issue of US-Saudi mistrust.

Plastic bottles contribute a quarter of the pollution affecting seas and oceans. The biggest two companies are trying to out 'green' each other, but doubts are being cast over their recycling plans.

The presidential candidate's views encapsulate a deep-seated American cultural preference to prioritise trade benefits over political alliances.

There's a great risk that the Gaza war's repercussions could spread elsewhere, from Baghdad to Beirut to the Red Sea

China is still growing faster than the US, but economic parity will be much delayed