The best-laid plans
Israel, Palestine, India, the US, Bangladesh, the Philippines, the DRC, and Rwanda.
Hello,
Here are the five things you need to know today:
ISRAEL. PALESTINE. A peace plan is approved by all but the belligerents.
INDIA. UNITED STATES. Agricultural concessions may herald a trade truce.
BANGLADESH. Hasina’s sentencing causes outrage and delight.
THE PHILIPPINES. A cabinet reshuffle won’t end Marcos’s woes.
DR CONGO. RWANDA. Another framework is agreed in an intractable conflict.
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ISRAEL. PALESTINE. A modest proposal
A peace plan is approved by all but the belligerents.
The UN Security Council endorsed Donald Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza Monday, effectively authorising an international stabilisation force. Hamas rejected the resolution. Israel said it remained opposed to Palestinian statehood.
INTELLIGENCE. Russia and China’s decision to abstain, not veto, the resolution is a win for Trump, but as in the plan’s first phase – the return of hostages and prisoners – it will need Hamas and Israel’s cooperation. Neither seems more likely, though the resolution may give the US additional leverage as details are settled. Still, Israeli coalition hardliners are doing what they can to stymie it, including through calls to assassinate the Palestinian Authority’s leadership.
FOR BUSINESS. The most realistic outcome at this stage appears to be a bigger role for the US in the bits of Gaza currently controlled by Israel and a role for a Hamas-acceptable state like Turkey in the rest. Any broader force might require too many unacceptable compromises, risking renewed conflict. No solution will be quick, perfect, or elegant. Reconstruction projects could take years to commence and will never be entirely without risk. Still, it’s something.
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INDIA. UNITED STATES. Early harvest
Agricultural concessions may herald a trade truce.
A US-India deal was “close to the finish” the White House said. Congressmen Ami Bera and Joe Wilson introduced a bipartisan resolution on ties with India. Donald Trump said he might sign a 500% Russia tariff bill if he could control it.
INTELLIGENCE. After providing a Russian oil waver for Hungary, Trump now seems to