Diplomacy 101: Undiplomatically Speaking
Where Beliefs Clash and Stories Flash
Mediators and Militaries
Qatar and Egypt launched a new round of ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel, brokered with quiet backing from the CIA and Mossad. Though Israeli ground operations in Rafah continue, sources suggest Israel may allow a short ceasefire to facilitate hostage releases. Hamas is demanding a phased truce and international guarantees—neither of which are forthcoming.
In Ukraine, President Zelenskyy reshuffled his military leadership, replacing General Zaluzhnyi with Colonel-General Syrskyi. Western analysts noted the move could signal internal dissent over battlefield strategy. The White House expressed “full support” for Ukraine’s civilian leadership, but behind the scenes, frustrations over lack of progress are mounting.
The WTO held its 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi, but expectations were low. Talks on e-commerce, fisheries, and agricultural subsidies produced no binding commitments. A handful of developing nations walked out over what they called “structural marginalization,” once again casting doubt on the WTO’s capacity to adapt to 21st-century trade realities.