The Foreign Desk

On 19 May Iranians get to decide their next president. In an election that’s more a test of current president Hassan Rouhani’s policies than an act of democracy, its importance might seem secondary to those elsewhere. But with domestic economic problems, unrest with its neighbours and the future of the nuclear deal unclear, casting a ballot paper is more important than ever.

As the US government struggles to agree on a budget for the rest of the fiscal year, Ed Stocker looks at why government shutdowns have become so common.

We look at five key days that have defined Donald Trump’s presidency so far: from healthcare, to the relationship with the media, turning against old allies, imposing a travel ban and the ongoing investigation into links with Russia.

It can be rare on election day to be faced with a candidate that really represents your values. So if you're faced with a ballot paper full of maybes, what are your options?

Join us at Midori House in London on Thursday 11 May for a special live recording of The Foreign Desk. For details and to book tickets visit https://monocle.com/events/the-foreign-desk-live/.

Countries that were colonised don’t tend to forget – but for the colonisers it’s a little more complicated. We look at three different periods in colonial history: Belgium and Congo; Portugal and Angola; and the UK and India.

The UK prime minister’s decision to hold a general election in June makes political sense. However, if she wins but her victory is not as impressive as she hopes, will it all have been worth it?

As Europe’s next big election draws closer, France has a choice to make: socialist, far-right populist or straight down the middle. But what are the issues that matter to the only people who matter, and is there anything the candidates can do at this late stage to win over the French voters?

Congo’s presidential election was supposed to happen last year as Joseph Kabila’s second five-year term came to an end – but he doesn’t want to stand down. Under President Obama the US took a leading role in putting pressure on Kabila to step aside. But what happens now?

France’s presidential election has 11 candidates, from established parties and no party at all. The winner will not just take France in a new direction but will also have a major impact on the future of Europe as a whole.