The Globalist Podcast (September 27, 2023) – We give you the latest on the mass exodus from the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. Also in the programme: a diplomatic spat between Austria and Romania over Schengen and news from the Balkans.
Plus: will there soon be a new hotline between the US and China for crises – in space?
The Federal Trade Commission and 17 states sued Amazon, saying its conduct in its online store and services to merchants illegally stifled competition.
The decision in a lawsuit that could go to trial next week is a major win for Attorney General Letitia James, who says former President Donald J. Trump overvalued his holdings by as much as $2.2 billion.
Biden Joins Autoworkers on Picket Line in Michigan
The president’s trip came a day before former President Donald J. Trump was scheduled to arrive in Michigan, as the two offer dueling messages in a key swing state.
‘Monster Fracks’ Are Getting Far Bigger. And Far Thirstier.
Giant new oil and gas wells that require astonishing volumes of water to fracture bedrock are threatening America’s fragile aquifers.
Senators of both parties are debating whether to include new military assistance for the fight against Russia in any stopgap spending bill to keep the government funded past the end of the month.
After decades of going it alone in security issues, Finns are finding that life in a large alliance is complex, expensive and deeply political.
In a Blow to Russia, Ukraine Says It Killed Chief of Black Sea Fleet
As they ramp up attacks on occupied Crimea, Ukrainian forces are repeatedly targeting the fleet based there, a key to Russia’s attacks deep into Ukraine and its blockade of Ukrainian ports.
Hollywood’s Focus Turns to Actors After Writers Agree to Deal
The studios and the actors’ union haven’t spoken for more than two months, but a deal is needed before the entertainment industry can fully return.
We know because we were there. This boat was carrying Times journalists off the island of Palawan, in the Philippines, looking at how China was imposing its territorial ambitions on the South China Sea.
Right-wing Republicans who represent a minority in their party and in Congress have succeeded in sowing mass dysfunction, spoiling for a shutdown, an impeachment and a House coup.
In Hospitals, Viruses Are Everywhere. Masks Are Not.
Amid an uptick in Covid infections, administrators, staff and patients are divided over the need for masks in health care settings.
Clams Ruled This Town Until the Crabs Moved In
Goro, on the Adriatic Sea, is famous for its clams — essential for the beloved spaghetti alle vongole. But an infestation of crabs is threatening the town’s cash crop.
Federal prosecutors have accused Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey and his wife, Nadine, of accepting bribes in exchange for official actions by Mr. Menendez.
Fentanyl use is increasingly out in the open, and increasingly fatal. But New Yorkers are divided over what to do: decriminalize it or make more arrests.
Gold’s Deadly Truth: Much Is Mined With Mercury
Ten years after an international treaty to ban mercury, the toxic metal continues to poison. The reason might have to do with your wedding ring.
TV Networks’ Last Best Hope: Boomers
Viewers have fled prime-time lineups for streaming outlets, with one notable exception: people over 60.
The governor of New Jersey called on Senator Robert Menendez to resign. The senator stepped down from his chairmanship of the Foreign Relations Committee.
The surge of migrants trekking north mostly from South America has placed increasing pressure on Mexico as the country applies a range of tactics to quell arrivals.
Inside the Deal to Free 5 American Prisoners in Iran
U.S. negotiators say the release of the prisoners is proof that even fierce adversaries can sometimes find their way to an agreement. But the deal almost didn’t happen.
For South Korea’s Senior Subway Riders, the Joy Is in the Journey
The fare is free for those older than 65, and so some retired people spend their days riding the trains to the end of the line.
The Globalist Podcast (September 22, 2023) – Poland has decided to stop sending weapons to Ukraine: how did it get to this point?
Plus: Rupert Murdoch steps down as chair of Fox and News Corp, Estonian filmmaker Ilmar Raag explains why saunas are being sent to the Ukrainian frontline and a flick through today’s papers.
The situation provides ammunition to conservative Republicans who are vowing to shut down the government unless Congress agrees to harsh new anti-immigration measures.
As Armenia and Azerbaijan Clash, Russia Is a Distracted Spectator
In the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, Russia, drained by the war in Ukraine, seemed incapable of acting as the indispensable power capable of knocking heads together.
What Happens When Wall Street Buys Most of the Homes on Your Block?
Investors were largely uninterested in wealthier enclaves. Instead, they targeted middle-income neighborhoods, many with larger Black and Latino populations.
The Economist Magazine (September 23, 2023): The latest issue features ‘Ukraine faces a long war’ – A change of course is needed; Its backers should pray for a speedy victory—but plan for a long struggle.
Its backers should pray for a speedy victory—but plan for a long struggle
The war in Ukraine has repeatedly confounded expectations. It is now doing so again. The counter-offensive that began in June was based on the hope that Ukrainian soldiers, equipped with modern Western weapons and after training in Germany, would recapture enough territory to put their leaders in a strong position at any subsequent negotiations.
Western countries have for too long acquiesced to the Indian government’s abuses
For years, India objected to Western strategists lumping it together with its violent and chaotic neighbour in the phrase “Indo-Pakistan”. Now recognised as a fast-growing giant and potential bulwark against China, India claims to have been “de-hyphenated”. Yet the explosive charge aired this week by Justin Trudeau suggests that diplomatic recalibration may have gone too far. Canada’s prime minister alleges that Indian agents were involved in the murder in Vancouver of a Canadian citizen sympathetic to India’s Sikh separatist movement.
News, Views and Reviews For The Intellectually Curious