The Washington Post reports that Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is set to meet former President Donald Trump at the White House, signaling a significant shift in U.S.-Saudi relations. This meeting, notable for its symbolism, marks a step back from the pariah status the Crown Prince faced following the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, raising questions about the durability of U.S. foreign policy principles and the prioritization of strategic alliances over human rights.

The Guardian highlights Poland’s claim that Russian intelligence was likely behind recent rail sabotage incidents. Polish officials described the acts as part of a broader pattern of hybrid threats affecting Europe, underscoring the ongoing geopolitical tensions with Russia and the critical need for EU-wide cooperation on security.

According to the Boston Globe, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy plans to visit Turkey in an effort to reignite peace negotiations to end the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. This diplomatic push reflects Ukraine’s urgency to counteract Russian aggression amidst escalating attacks on infrastructure, but the absence of substantial U.S. support at this juncture remains a troubling dynamic.

Inside Climate News emphasizes the growing legal and diplomatic weight of the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) advisory opinion on climate accountability. The ruling has set a precedent that could hold major emitters like the United States legally liable for climate inaction, but the Trump administration’s climate denialism and expansion of fossil fuels starkly contradict these international obligations. Washington Post (World) The Guardian bostonglobe.com Inside Climate News

The Wall Street Journal reports that France's Credit Agricole aims to expand its European customer base as part of a new three-year growth plan. This strategic decision reflects the competitive pressures on French banks to diversify revenues amid domestic market stagnation. While potentially boosting cross-border integration, such moves may also expose the bank to regulatory complexities within the European Union. Wall Street Journal (Markets)

The Washington Post reports that Narendra Modi’s BJP achieved a decisive victory in Bihar’s state elections, solidifying its dominant grip on Indian politics. The fractured state of opposition parties continues to hinder any credible challenge, raising concerns over the erosion of political plurality in the country.

According to The Guardian, Labour has criticized Nigel Farage’s Reform UK Party for proposing to cut EU citizens’ benefits, a move they argue risks provoking a trade war with Europe. This highlights the growing polarization in UK politics, where nationalist rhetoric increasingly shapes fiscal and immigration policies, potentially undermining post-Brexit economic stability. Washington Post (World) The Guardian

The Guardian reveals that over 300 industrial agriculture lobbyists are attending COP30 in Brazil, sparking allegations of undue corporate influence. With agriculture identified as a significant driver of deforestation and emissions, the presence of these lobbyists raises doubts about the summit’s ability to implement meaningful climate action. Indigenous leaders have condemned these developments as prioritizing profit over ecological and social justice. The Guardian

The developments in U.S.-Saudi relations highlight a recurring tension in foreign policy: the balancing act between moral principles and strategic interests. While the rapprochement with Saudi Arabia may strengthen energy and security ties, it risks undermining efforts to promote accountability for human rights abuses. Similarly, Ukraine’s diplomatic overtures reflect the broader struggle for peace amidst geopolitical inertia, with major powers hesitant to commit to meaningful intervention.

Domestically, Labour’s critique of Reform UK’s proposals underscores the risks of adopting overly nationalist policies that could isolate the UK further from its European partners. Meanwhile, the ICJ’s climate ruling represents a potentially transformative moment in international law, though its impact will depend on the political will of major emitters to align their actions with global climate goals.