Unpacked
![Ukraine’s raid into Russia has shifted the tactical narrative](https://www.politico.eu/cdn-cgi/image/width=480,height=320,quality=80,onerror=redirect,format=auto/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/14/GettyImages-2166134910-scaled.jpg)
Ukraine’s raid into Russia has shifted the tactical narrative
Kursk has indeed turned the tables on Russia, but it’s also highly questionable whether it has shifted the grim dynamics of the conflict.
![Will Biden be the last Zionist US president?](https://www.politico.eu/cdn-cgi/image/width=480,height=320,quality=80,onerror=redirect,format=auto/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/11/GettyImages-2166106880-scaled.jpg)
![What a rushed trial for Evan Gershkovich might mean](https://www.politico.eu/cdn-cgi/image/width=480,height=320,quality=80,onerror=redirect,format=auto/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20/GettyImages-2158731169-scaled.jpg)
![Faced with Vance, it’s time for Europe to grow up](https://www.politico.eu/cdn-cgi/image/width=480,height=320,quality=80,onerror=redirect,format=auto/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/18/GettyImages-2162165139-scaled.jpg)
![Orbán: From dissident to Putin’s Hungarian boyar](https://www.politico.eu/cdn-cgi/image/width=480,height=320,quality=80,onerror=redirect,format=auto/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/10/GettyImages-2160016240-scaled.jpg)
![Democracy’s at risk, it’s time politicians stopped fibbing](https://www.politico.eu/cdn-cgi/image/width=480,height=320,quality=80,onerror=redirect,format=auto/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/07/GettyImages-2156715836.jpg)
![Farage let the cat out of the bag — NATO expansion was just an excuse for Putin](https://www.politico.eu/cdn-cgi/image/width=480,height=321,quality=80,onerror=redirect,format=auto/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/27/GettyImages-2039545225-scaled.jpg)
Farage let the cat out of the bag — NATO expansion was just an excuse for Putin
Are Israel and Hezbollah about to square up?
Despite strenuous efforts and stern warnings, the risk of an expanding conflict in the Middle East is rising by the hour.
EU election: Not enough will change — and that’s the real problem
The Parliament election is one more shrill alarm bell that needs to be heeded seriously by Europe’s mainstream establishment, and one that should prompt considerable soul-searching.
For King and country? Europe’s young may not be willing to fight
“The price of unchecked tyranny is the blood of the young and the brave,” Biden said at the Day-Day commemoration. But checking tyranny comes at a price — and one the West’s young don’t seem ready to pay.
Only a lasting cease-fire in Gaza will let Biden off the hook
Washington arguably jumped too quickly to push through a cease-fire deal that wasn’t oven-ready.
After Trump conviction, Democrats are in a triumphal mood. They shouldn’t be.
It’s doubtful the conviction will have any lasting impact on Trump’s election prospects, and will likely only accelerate the downward spiral of tit-for-tat partisan retaliation.
Europe’s alarming descent into extreme political acrimony and violence
Attempt on the Slovak prime minister’s life won’t lead to a world war, but it should be a wake-up call for all who care about democracy.
Netanyahu case will make or break the ICC
The Hague court is coming in for scrutiny over Israel-Hamas moves.
The International Criminal Court just saved Benjamin Netanyahu
Far from forcing a pause in the fighting, accusations of war crimes will cause Israelis to rally around their embattled prime minister.
Trump ally has tough love for Europe
Tipped for a major national security role if Trump is reelected, Elbridge Colby has made clear the transatlantic relationship will only be healthy if Europe pulls its weight.
As Rafah hangs in the balance, will Bibi defy Biden?
The history of U.S.-Israeli relations suggests Washington’s leverage may not be as great as some progressive Democrats think.
Ukraine’s investigative journalists are facing intimidation
While the level of corruption in the country may be on the decline, it’s far from over — and pressure on journalists is only mounting.
Ukraine is ready for a just peace — not Russia’s version of one
“This war isn’t about territory of Ukraine. This is a war about the rules under which [we] will live.”
Uncle Sam finally coughs up weapons — but is it too late to save Ukraine from Putin?
As a Russian storm brews, Kyiv’s military commanders now hope aid will arrive quickly — and that it’s enough.
Friendly Arab nations urge restraint, but will Netanyahu listen?
World is waiting to see how Israel will retaliate after Iran’s attack, and if Bibi will match the forbearance of a legendary predecessor.
Ukraine is at great risk of its front lines collapsing
According to high-ranking Ukrainian officers, the military picture is grim and Russian generals could find success wherever they decide to focus their upcoming offensive.
As ammo runs out, Ukraine still hopes it won’t need that ‘ride’
Support from Kyiv’s allies has proven underwhelming, but Ukraine itself has yet to pull the trigger on recruitment ahead of an expected Russian push.
Putin’s going nowhere. The West needs to get a grip.
Don’t think that social media memes and clever stunts will topple Putin. Only a defeat in Ukraine can do that.
A snap election may well be an option for ‘Bibi the magician’
With pressure mounting at home and abroad, the Israeli prime minister and his trusted aides are considering whether an early election might be the best tactic to keep him in power.
We’re in a war right now, Britain’s former spy chief warns
Given Putin’s aggression, “we’ve got to make some tough choices,” said Richard Dearlove, the one-time MI6 boss.
Germany needs to remember loose lips sink ships
After the Taurus leak, Berlin should take a leaf out of Moscow’s new intelligence playbook and lock up tight. You never know who’s listening or watching.
Ukraine’s in a dire position. Macron’s gaffe made things worse.
Here’s what the French president should have said to give Kyiv a fighting chance against Putin.
Russia’s opposition died with Navalny
The sad truth is the absence of any serious mass opposition to Putin inside Russia — let alone to his war in Ukraine — speaks volumes.
Only connecting with voters can stop Europe’s populist tide
There’s a growing backlash rooted in overall desperation, compounded by many voters’ perception that their grievances are being shrugged off.
3 men are holding the Levant hostage
If the guns of war are to be silenced, it will mean the exit of Benjamin Netanyahu, Mahmoud Abbas and Yahya Sinwar.