The Foreign Desk

In recent years, the rise of the right has seemed unstoppable. But are rifts among US Republicans over Iran and the fall of Hungary’s Viktor Orbán a sign that the tide is turning?

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Despite a relatively small population and limited economic power, Hungary’s general election result, turning out far-right prime minister Viktor Orbán in favour of conservative Péter Magyar, has outsized international significance. But why?

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A ceasefire has been announced between Iran, the US and Israel, but are all parties in agreement on the terms? Who is the victor? And what did Operation Epic Fury actually achieve?

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US vice-president JD Vance is in Hungary to bolster its prime minister, Viktor Orbán, ahead of elections this weekend. The VP accused the EU of “foreign election interference” – but why is he getting involved?

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Iran’s regime is battered but intact and holding the Strait of Hormuz while the US is militarily dominant but strategically stagnant. Is victory for anyone still possible? Do realistic off-ramps exist?

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At a joint press conference this week, chancellor Friedrich Merz and president Ahmed al-Sharaa encouraged Syrians to return home. But who benefits from the plan?

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Israel has invaded Lebanon, again. With more than 1,000 people killed and 1.2 million displaced, many fear a return to civil war. What does Israel want from this? Does Lebanon have any options?

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This week two Russians are on trial in Angola, accused of espionage. Has the southern African nation been infiltrated by foreign spies or are they scapegoats for a failing government? Andrew Mueller explains.

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The consequences of the US-Israel war in Iran are rippling around the world. Can Volodymyr Zelensky retain focus on the war in Ukraine? Will an already fragile Nato splinter? Is this the end of rules-based order?

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Despite the ongoing military strikes in Iran, Donald Trump has been sizing up his next potential conquest: Cuba. But could, would and should he actually strike the country? Andrew Mueller explains.

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