North Korean troops in Ukraine war called ‘huge’ escalation risk – POLITICO

North Korean troops in Ukraine war called ‘huge’ escalation risk – POLITICO

Both the Kremlin and Pyongyang deny they have engaged in military transfers. And NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said on Friday that he could not “confirm reports that North Koreans are actively now as soldiers engaged in the war effort.” But Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un last summer signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty that commits … Read more

Israel bombards northern Gaza and southern Beirut, stepping up attacks on Iran proxies – POLITICO

Israel bombards northern Gaza and southern Beirut, stepping up attacks on Iran proxies – POLITICO

Israel has also vowed to strike Iran itself after it launched a ballistic missile attack on the country last week. The conflict threatens to widen into a regional war, and also risks drawing in the U.S., which has provided military and diplomatic support to Israel, as well as U.S.-allied Arab countries that host American forces. … Read more

Macron urges halt to deliveries of weapons used in Gaza – POLITICO

Israel bombards northern Gaza and southern Beirut, stepping up attacks on Iran proxies – POLITICO

The U.K. has suspended some arms sales to Israel, while the U.S. has stopped one arms shipment. Macron also criticized the failure of diplomatic efforts to reach a cease-fire in Gaza. “I think we are not being heard,” Macron said, calling the lack of a cease-fire “a mistake, including for the security of Israel tomorrow.” … Read more

California’s failed AI safety bill is a warning to Britain – POLITICO

California’s failed AI safety bill is a warning to Britain – POLITICO

Meta executive and former U.K. Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg recently said Britain had “wasted a huge amount of time.” | Nhac Nguyen/AFP via Getty Images But California’s experience had other lessons for Britain, too. In vetoing the bill, Newsom took aim at its narrow focus on frontier systems, arguing that it ignored the context … Read more

The Labour-linked lobbying firm boasting invite-only access to the UK Treasury – POLITICO

The Labour-linked lobbying firm boasting invite-only access to the UK Treasury – POLITICO

“Ahead of the International Investment Summit on 14 October, this meeting will provide an opportunity for you, alongside other U.K. business leaders, to hear from Ian about the government’s investment priorities, and for you to share your thoughts and ideas,” the invite read. Murphy and his lobbying firm Arden Strategies are seen as leading power … Read more

Target Iran: Israel seizes its moment to reshape the Middle East

Target Iran: Israel seizes its moment to reshape the Middle East

TEL AVIV — Israel’s leaders believe they now have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape the Middle East, one that goes well beyond pulverizing Hamas and Hezbollah. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made clear on Monday that his ultimate target in the regional power shift is to undermine the authority of Tehran’s clerical leadership, defanging the … Read more

West should set its own red lines, not just accept Putin’s, argues veteran diplomat – POLITICO

West should set its own red lines, not just accept Putin’s, argues veteran diplomat – POLITICO

Talking with POLITICO on the margins of  the recent annual Yalta European Strategy conference, a high-level gathering of Ukrainian and Western leaders and officials, Ischinger, added with a chuckle:  “Of course, as many of my friends remind me, the problem, is that if you paint a red line you’ve got to stick to it. You can’t … Read more

Act now to ensure health policies address the burgeoning demands of Myopia – POLITICO

Act now to ensure health policies address the burgeoning demands of Myopia – POLITICO

By 2050, the direct cost of myopia is projected to be $870 billion globally The WHO has spotlighted the urgency of global policy review to ensure the needs of children with myopia are met with the launch of the SPECS 2030 initiative, aiming to tackle the main causes of vision impairment through developing advocacy, raising … Read more

China slams Germany for sending navy ships through Taiwan Strait – POLITICO

China slams Germany for sending navy ships through Taiwan Strait – POLITICO

Beijing claims the democratically governed Taiwan as its own and says the strait is within Chinese jurisdiction. Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius defended the transit on Friday. “International waters are international waters,” Pistorius said during a press conference with Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurynas Kasciunas. “It’s the shortest route and, given the weather conditions, the safest, … Read more

Germany’s Scholz wants new EU anti-deforestation law delayed – POLITICO

Germany’s Scholz wants new EU anti-deforestation law delayed – POLITICO

“To be clear: the regulation must be practicable,” Scholz said on Thursday. Scholz is the first head of government to call for delaying the new rules. This comes after a group of agriculture ministers, as well as center-right politicians like German MEP Peter Liese of the European People’s Party — the political family of von … Read more