WHO: Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak passes 2,100 cases in Congo
The WHO reported 2,124 confirmed cases and 828 deaths in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as of July 15, while a U.S. humanitarian worker was treated in Germany.
World Affairs & Conflict
International relations, armed conflict, diplomacy, sanctions, global elections, human rights, and humanitarian developments.
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Ugandan statesman enters race to become next U.N. chief
A Ugandan statesman entered the contest to succeed António Guterres as U.N. secretary-general, expanding a field reported to include seven candidates.
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Car Bomb Injures Two Guards in Colombia After President Takes Office
Two security guards suffered minor injuries when a car bomb exploded in southwestern Colombia on Aug. 8, one day after President Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in.
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Australia and Vanuatu Sign Pact Expanding Canberra’s Pacific Role
Australia and Vanuatu signed the Nakamal agreement, giving Canberra a consultation role over third-party investment in Vanuatu’s critical infrastructure.
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IEA Tracks Global Response as Strait of Hormuz Disruption Drives Largest-Ever Emergency Oil Release
The International Energy Agency is tracking measures by governments in nearly 80 countries after disruption around the Strait of Hormuz caused what it calls the largest supply disruption in oil-market history.
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NATO Allies Commit €70 Billion for Ukraine at July 8 Ankara Summit in Turkey
NATO leaders reaffirmed Article 5 and committed €70 billion in 2026 support for Ukraine, while promising at least equivalent assistance in 2027.
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U.N. Says Civilian Casualties in Ukraine Reached Highest Monthly Level Since April 2022
The U.N. Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine said 282 civilians were killed and 1,794 injured in June, a 10% increase from May and 37% above June 2025.
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UN Security Council Turns to Preventive Diplomacy as Conflicts Deepen
A July 23 Security Council debate examined how the UN and regional organizations can strengthen negotiation, mediation and other peaceful tools.
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UNESCO Reports Global Decline in Press Freedom at 2026 Conference in Zambia
UNESCO says freedom of expression has declined worldwide since 2012, while media-control efforts, journalist killings, self-censorship and financial pressure on independent news outlets have increased.
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Myanmar Rejects ASEAN Call to Free Aung San Suu Kyi on Aug. 9, 2026
Myanmar’s military-backed government rejected ASEAN’s renewed demand for Aung San Suu Kyi’s unconditional release and questioned the need for the bloc’s special envoy.
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Netanyahu Says Israel Will Not Leave Gaza Until Hamas Is Disarmed
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on August 4 that Israeli forces would not withdraw from their current positions in Gaza until Hamas was completely disarmed, signaling a dispute over the terms and sequence of a U.S.-backed postwar arrangement.
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South Korea and U.S. Set Aug. 10 Week for Ulchi Freedom Shield Exercises After North Korean Missile Test
South Korea and the United States will begin annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises during the week of Aug. 10, days after North Korea resumed ballistic-missile testing.
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Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Sign Mutual-Defense Deal as Yemen Fighting Escalates
Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a mutual-defense agreement on Aug. 7 as Iran-backed Houthi forces reportedly attacked in Yemen’s Marib province and regional pressure mounted on Gulf states and shipping.
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Ukraine’s Drone Attack on Russian Oil Hub Kills 13, Officials Say
A Ukrainian drone attack struck an oil hub inside Russia on Aug. 10, according to Russian officials cited by The Associated Press, amid repeated overnight strikes by both countries.
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UN Reports Fatal Shipping Attacks Near Strait of Hormuz, Calls for De-escalation
At least two seafarers were killed and several injured in reported attacks on shipping near the Strait of Hormuz, the United Nations said in a 14 July briefing.
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ASEAN Says South China Sea Code Talks Are Progressing Toward a 2026 Deadline
ASEAN foreign ministers said negotiations with China on a South China Sea code of conduct have progressed, setting an end-of-2026 target while leaving the agreement unfinished.
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UN officials warn Israel’s proposed Gaza City offensive risks a new wave of displacement
At a United Nations Security Council briefing, officials warned that Israel’s cabinet-approved plan to gain military control of Gaza City could bring further displacement, death and destruction.
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NATO Allies Pledge at Least €70 Billion for Ukraine at Ankara Summit on July 8, 2026
NATO allies pledged at least €70 billion in military equipment, assistance and training for Ukraine in 2026 and again in 2027, alongside major defense and infrastructure investments.
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NATO Members Pledge €70 Billion for Ukraine at Ankara Summit as Rutte Says Alliance Reunited
NATO members pledged €70 billion, roughly $80 billion, in military assistance for Ukraine in 2026 and called for at least the same level in 2027 after a tense summit in Ankara.
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ICC Panel Finding Leaves Karim Khan Controversy as Palestine Cases and Warrants Remain in Force
A three-judge panel found that a UN investigation had not established misconduct or abuse of office by ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan, Reuters reported.
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ASEAN Says China Talks on South China Sea Code Are Advancing Toward 2026 Target
ASEAN foreign ministers said negotiations with China on a South China Sea code of conduct had made progress and were being targeted for completion by the end of 2026, days after a new maritime dispute between China and the Philippines.
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Iran and Oman Report Progress Toward Strait of Hormuz Reopening Deal Amid Regional Conflict
Iran and Oman said talks were advancing toward an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a provisional development with major implications for global energy shipments.