Recommendations for positive diplomacy on the occasion of a state visit. [...]

The extent of Qatar’s influence and information operations remains one of the least-covered and least-scrutinized stories of the past few years — including its campaign to curry favor within the Jewish community. That slowly is changing. [...]

Several militias associated with the Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli have ben fighting each other over the military equipment that recently was delivered by Turkey.The militia fighting broke out Friday night after Sharkas seized one of the new Turkish vehicles, sparking a clash with rival militants, said witnesses. The fighting culminated in his death and the death of his cousin. [...]

China controls a disturbing amount of the rare earth minerals vital for high tech manufacturing, the defense industry and many other industrial uses. They have been on an extended effort to corner this market for decades and now are threatening to use this as a weapon in in the current trade war. [...]

On everyone's side, and no one's. [...]

The US has a longstanding interest in free and safe passage from the Gulf through the Straits of Hormuz. Although the attacks on four tankers did not include any US-flagged vessels, they certainly threatened the safety of all vessels in the region. If Iran is calculating that this does not constitute a crossing of a clear red line, they are mistaken. [...]

The window has closed for Iran to strike before the successful rapid deployment of a Carrier Strike Group and B-52s. [...]

Rumors and reports suggest the possibility of payments. [...]

Recent allied intelligence affirms Iran is shipping ballistic missiles by sea, as an Iranian ship in Libya is alleged to have been carrying arms. [...]