World news

‘Viceroy’ of Venezuela: Rubio runs Caracas with total deference from interim president - report

Marco Rubio has been running Venezuela's finances, government, and natural resources without stepping foot in the country, dozens of sources told the NYT.

|ByCORINNE BAUM
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio attends a trilateral meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun (not pictured) on the sidelines of the NATO leaders' summit, in Ankara, Turkey, July 7, 2026.
US President Donald Trump speaks at a Fourth of July rally, marking the 250th anniversary of US independence, on the National Mall in Washington, DC, US, July 4, 2026.

From McCarthy to Trump: How the politics of fear made a comeback - opinion

Trump’s revival of anti-communist rhetoric echoes McCarthyism as Republicans battle fears of losing control of Congress.

|ByDOUGLAS BLOOMFIELD
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President of the UAE Sheikh bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The Iran campaign proved it: It’s time to upgrade the partnership with the UAE - opinion

Combining Israeli technological expertise with Emirati resources and industrial ambitions could generate a significant strategic advantage for both countries.

|ByRONEN LEVI, NOA LAZIMI
Donald Trump over a backdrop of an Iranian flag. (Illustrative)

Trump, Iran, and the dilemma facing today’s lovers of Zion - opinion

As Trump pursues an Iran deal, concerns are growing among Israel’s supporters, but the reality could be more complicated.

|ByMICAH HALPERN

Israel should back South Azerbaijanis in Iran’s fight for rights - opinion

South Azerbaijanis risk their lives to oppose Tehran, seeking friendship and support from Israel.

MARCH 4, 2026ByAHMED OBALI
A funeral is held for late Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi in Tabriz, East Azerbaijan, Iran.

Iranians, this is your chance: Take action, decide your country's future - opinion

Freedom is not given; it’s taken. Iranians must act boldly to decide their nation’s path.

MARCH 2, 2026ByELI AVIDAR
People drive by a mural featuring images of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the leader of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini on a building, in Tehran, Iran, March 2, 2026.

For regime change in Iran to work, include Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi - opinion

Washington needs a politically credible Iranian counterpart, and Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi offers a clear path to transition.

FEBRUARY 22, 2026BySIAVASH GHOLAMI
Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the last Shah of Iran, attends a press conference about the situation in Iran and the need to support Iranians, in Paris, France, June 23, 2025.

Europe struggles to matter in a chaotic Middle East today - opinion

Once a key player, Europe now risks being viewed as a marginal player in the Middle East.

FEBRUARY 22, 2026BySHARON PARDO
European Union, Israeli and German flags flutter near the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, September 5, 2022

'No deal with mullahs': Trump must finish the job in Iran - opinion

One thing is for certain: The moment President Trump steps out of the White House, even the best deal will unravel.

FEBRUARY 19, 2026ByKHOSRO ISFAHANI
Donald Trump over a backdrop of an Iranian flag. (Illustrative)

Iran mirrors Trump’s playbook, sending mixed signals for nuclear talks - opinion

Iran has learned from Trump’s 2025 tactics, using contradictory signals to control nuclear talks and keep the US off balance.

FEBRUARY 15, 2026ByAVIRAM BELLAISHE
US President Donald Trump gestures after returning early from the G7 Leaders' Summit in Canada, at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, US, June 17, 2025

From hostages to heritage: Defending Diaspora Judaism's modern world - opinion

Young Jews face a new kind of captivity: cognitive warfare eroding identity, purpose, and resilience across Israel and the Diaspora.

FEBRUARY 14, 2026ByJEFFREY KAHN
Participants hold up posters of hostages as thousands of people attend the March for Israel on the National Mall in November 2023 in Washington, DC. Following October 7, American Jews mobilized more than $1 billion for Israel’s relief and recovery.

China’s disappearing elite: The high-stakes gamble behind Xi’s crackdown - analysis

Empty seats define President Xi’s rule, as China’s political elite faces a relentless purge.

FEBRUARY 14, 2026ByAMICHAI STEIN
PRESIDENT OF CHINA Xi Jinping reviews troops during a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end, in Beijing, Sept. 3, 2025.

Trump-Netanyahu effect: Iran caught off guard and off balance - opinion

Tehran struggles to respond as Trump and Netanyahu disrupt Iran’s usual strategic strategy for control in the region.

FEBRUARY 9, 2026ByMICAH HALPERN
US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hold a press conference after meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, US, December 29, 2025.

Japan's 'Iron Lady' Takaichi sweeps in stunning election win

Sanae Takaichi, Japan's first female leader, was projected to deliver as many as 328 of the 465 seats in parliament's lower house for her Liberal Democratic Party.

FEBRUARY 8, 2026ByREUTERS, JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), places a red paper rose on the name of an elected candidate at the LDP headquarters on general election day in Tokyo, Japan, February 8, 2026.