Taiwan defies China as Dubai Airport defies the odds

Taiwan and Australia battle China for primacy at the Pacific Islands Forum. Plus: Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths on how a key aviation hub has managed to keep flying through conflict and remain confident in its long-term plan.

What’s behind renewed tensions between Greece and Turkey?

Are relations really deteriorating between the two countries or are they simply returning to old patterns? We analyse the situation in Europe’s southeast and look at what is driving the hostility.

What does Iceland’s EU vote mean for its sovereignty?

Should Iceland get closer to the EU? We analyse what’s at stake in Saturday’s referendum and what it means for sovereignty and security in the North Atlantic.

The race to protect Europe’s airports from drones

After three drones targeted Leipzig, the question arises: what can Europe’s airports do about it? Plus: New York gallerist Harper Levine at his outpost in Bangkok; Japan’s education model; and remembering Dolly Parton.

Operation Economic Outcast: Washington’s tough new sanctions on Iran

The US slaps harsh new sanctions on Iran as Pakistan tries to kickstart peace talks. Then: Andy Burnham’s first overseas visit as prime minister to Ukraine. And: Canadian news and a preview of Konfekt’s new book.

Are Sino-Japanese relations thawing as the US pulls back from Asia? 

What is the future of security in Asia as Japanese lawmakers head to China? Then: Canada’s tariff war with the US, Kazakhstan’s elections, fashion archives from around the world and rentrée littéraire in France.

Government debt mountains grow – are markets starting to notice?

The United States and Europe are experiencing rising borrowing costs as markets wise up to unprecedented levels of debt. Plus: Reviewing the start of Brazil’s electoral campaign and how to give your children independence.

Will Japan’s Sanae Takaichi stand up to the US?

Over the past week, Japan’s prime minister Takaichi has seen the Trump administration sanction Tomoko Akane, a Japanese citizen and head of the International Criminal Court, which Japan still funds. Trump has also limited military drills with South Korea, which are in Japan’s national interest. So …

Why Bangkok and Canberra are drawing closer

Thailand’s prime minister travels to Canberra as Bangkok looks to deepen ties with Australia. Could the relationship offer Thailand a useful alternative to its reliance on China?

The art of mediation: Can Kushner break the Gaza deadlock?

Can Jared Kushner bridge the divide between Hamas and Benjamin Netanyahu? We examine the art of mediation, how negotiators can break the deadlock over disarmament and withdrawal, and what leverage Washington and regional powers have to help secure a deal.