Category: International Relations

Leaders Mix Sports and Diplomacy at the World Cup

The New York Times – Sports:
Dozens of top officials have flown to Qatar to cheer for teams while talking shop. The event has magnified the tiny Gulf nation’s role as a diplomatic broker.
US Cracks Down on Chinese Companies for Security Concerns

The New York Times – Business:
The Biden administration placed severe restrictions on trade with dozens of Chinese entities, its latest step in a campaign to curtail Beijing’s technology ambitions.
Brussels Court Orders 3 Linked to Qatar Bribery Case to Stay in Prison

The New York Times – Sports:
Belgian officials said they suspected a Gulf country of trying “to influence the economic and political decisions of the European Parliament.”
A Powerful Climate Leader From a Small Island Nation

The New York Times – Business:
Mia Mottley, the prime minister of Barbados, has been drawing attention to the environmental and financial threats faced by small and vulnerable countries like hers.
As Morocco and France Prepare for World Cup, Historical Tensions Swirl

The New York Times – Sports:
Wednesday’s face-off between the Atlas Lions and Les Bleus will be about more than just soccer, reviving old colonial wounds and fueling identity debates.
Joy and Anxiety Collide as Moroccans Look to World Cup Match With France

The New York Times – Sports:
Morocco’s magical run has elated fans, but for some, the strain of the impending showdown with the country’s former colonial overlords is too much.
Chechen Leader Has More Interactions With UFC Fighters Amid US Sanctions

The New York Times – Sports:
The U.S. State Department says it knows of apparent ties between Ramzan Kadyrov, the Chechen strongman, and mixed martial arts fighters.
An Open Letter to Welcome Home Brittney Griner

The New York Times – Sports:
When Griner was imprisoned in Russia, letters were her main form of communication with home. Our columnist offers one last letter to mark her return to the United States.
Turkey Is Strengthening Its Energy Ties With Russia

The New York Times – Business:
As Moscow seeks new customers for oil, gas and coal, Ankara is a willing buyer as it promotes plans as a regional trading hub.
Griner’s Detention Showed the Strength and the Struggle in Women’s Sports

The New York Times – Sports:
The W.N.B.A.’s players and fans pushed furiously for Brittney Griner’s release from a Russian penal colony, but her plight also highlighted gender inequities in sports.
Qatar Extends Its Natural Gas Dominance at Russia’s Expense

The New York Times – Business:
As its influence grows, the country is poised to become a big energy supplier to Europe, which has turned away from Russia after its invasion of Ukraine.
WNBA and More Sports Figures Celebrate Brittney Griner’s Release

The New York Times – Sports:
Brianna Turner, a Phoenix Mercury teammate, thanked “every single person that kept Brittney Griner’s name alive.” Another teammate, Shey Peddy, said the situation went from “FREE BG to BG is FREE!!”