Sinn Fein’s historic victory in the Northern Ireland Assembly elections on May 5 and the Conservative Party’s large losses in local elections in Scotland on the same day have reinforced questions about the United Kingdom’s ability to remain united.

The US last month established a new Combined Task Force 153 within the Combined Maritime Forces in the Middle East to focus on the Red Sea. The new task force reflects growing international interest in the Red Sea area.

Seven months after the American withdrawal from Afghanistan, more than 76,000 Afghans have entered the US in search of safety. Many Americans have welcomed them and the new arrivals are gradually adapting. However, much uncertainty remains regarding their future.

The US is a large country, with regions that have their own subcultures, climates, demographics, economies and politics. COVID-19 affected US regions at different times and in different ways. Those varying experiences have shaped Americans’ views of the pandemic.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will have far-reaching effects around the world, including in the Middle East and North Africa. While the war presents security and diplomatic risks for the region, its most significant impacts are likely to be economic.