All Europe
- First LookWho is Rishi Sunak? Inside the race for Britain's next prime minister
Rishi Sunak, Boris Johnson and former defense minister Penny Mordaunt had joined the fray to become the country's fifth prime minister in six years.
- Not just a matter of Truss: Britons want responsibility from next PM
Liz Truss was forced to resign because her priorities were out of sync with what Britons wanted from their government. Now the public seems most concerned that the next leader restore a measure of maturity to No. 10.
- Belarus may be set for war with Ukraine. But at what cost to itself?
Belarus looks like it may be planning to enter the war in Ukraine. But that could endanger its own independence, if it hastens its integration with Russia.
- Next prime minister’s challenge: Regaining Britons’ trust
The deeper challenge facing Britain has less to do with the fortunes of individual politicians than the health of Britain’s democracy, and the sense of connection between the politicians and those they’re elected to serve.
- First LookDivision and turmoil: UK PM Liz Truss resigns after six weeks
British Prime Minister Liz Truss has called it quits after instability roiled the financial markets and rebellion rippled through the ranks of the Conservative Party. The Labour Party now has a large and growing lead, according to opinion polls.
- ‘Electricity is civilization’: Winter looms over Ukraine battlefront
Among those things governments strive to provide are security, opportunity, and minimal comfort. As winter nears, and Russia targets Ukraine’s infrastructure, add to that list heat and light.
- Nazi criminals, convicted decades later. Is justice served?
Germany has seen an uptick in prosecutions of Nazis for Holocaust-related crimes. But what sort of justice is to be found in convicting centenarians some seven decades after the fact?
- First LookBritish prices on the rise as inflation soars toward 40 year high
Inflation in the U.K. hit a 40-year high as food prices rose by 14.6% so far this year, the fastest increase seen since 1980. An ill-fated package of tax cuts that roiled financial markets has been ditched, but a difficult winter is ahead, says Treasury chief.
- First LookIn test of EU cooperation, leaders meet to stem energy cost crunch
In upcoming “week of truth,” European leaders will seek to control rising energy prices and stay united against Russia’s war in Ukraine. Leaders will need to compromise to bolster struggling economies, experts say, no matter how difficult it may be.
- When leaders don’t listen: Lessons from Liz Truss’ rise and fall
Liz Truss’ plan to cut British taxes was radical; the lack of indication of how to pay for it was daring. Her failure to hear criticism was fatal.
- First LookUkrainians respond with resilience to Russian barrage, vow victory
Ukrainian focus on homeland defense is unwavering despite the recent rise in Russian attacks. The more the Kremlin threatens to make the upcoming winter intolerable, the more Ukrainians seem to unite in their intent to drive out the Russians.
- First LookWhy Meloni's win in Italy not sitting well with former PM Berlusconi
Long-simmering tensions among allies Giorgia Meloni and Silvio Berlusconi have turned nasty in public in recent days. Ms. Meloni says she's determined to form a government with her allies and won't be deterred by posturing.
- First LookTruss in turmoil: UK PM reverses economic plan, boots Treasury chief
Prime Minister Liz Truss has appointed a new Treasury chief and scrapped a key part of her Cabinet’s bold economic plan. Her previously proposed corporation tax cut sparked weeks of political and financial turmoil.
- First LookNATO, wary eye on Russia, continues with planned nuclear exercise
Amid tensions over Russia’s war on Ukraine, NATO’s Nuclear Planning Group met ahead of a planned nuclear exercise next week. The military alliance is keeping a close eye on Russia’s movements, but has so far seen no change in its nuclear posture.
- First Look'I'm with women': Iranians abroad join protests against government
As anti-government protests in Iran enter a fourth week, Iranians living abroad are uniting in support of what many hope will be a turning point for their home country. Many agree these protests directly challenge the fundamentals of the Islamic Republic.
- Kremlin pushes patriotism in class. Teachers and parents push back.
When the Russian Ministry of Education rolled out classroom discussions of current events, some parents and teachers pushed back. They worry the state is trying to impose its values on students.
- First LookRussia targets Kyiv, other Ukrainian cities in retaliatory strikes
Russia launched deadly strikes against Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities on Monday. Russian President Vladimir Putin said they were retaliation for what he called Kyiv’s “terrorist” actions.
- Sans mustard? France gets creative amid shortage.
The French are doggedly seeking mustard anywhere they can get it as grain shortages crimp production. But the surge in demand is also opening up opportunities for mustard innovation.
- Putin’s nuclear threat: Now the West takes it seriously
Ukraine’s Western allies are taking Vladimir Putin’s veiled nuclear threats seriously, and seeking to deter him without risking Armageddon.
- First LookRecent shipwrecks highlight continued mishandling of migrant crisis
Despite a decrease in migrants crossing the Mediterranean, the sinking of two boats off of Greece highlight the persistent dangers of migrant and refugee passages. E.U. member states continue to pass blame as the death toll mounts.