The administration proclaimed itself a leader of the Western Hemisphere under the "Donroe Doctrine." A natural disaster has put that to the test.

"Russia has again chosen escalation over peace with this deplorable onslaught on Kyiv," said one European minister.

Albanian police used water cannon and tear gas to disperse protesters in Tirana, in one of the most tense confrontations since rallies over coastal development projects linked to Jared Kushner began a month ago.

Police say at least 18 people have been killed in clashes related to a land dispute in north-central Nigeria. The violence occurred in the Rafi area of Niger State between Monday and Wednesday.

Jul. 2, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET

Trade experts tell TIME that the move could carry profound long-term consequences, creating the kind of uncertainty that discourages investment, complicates supply chains and, over time, raises costs for consumers.

It’s the 1,000th day since a Hamas-led attack on Israel sparked the war in Gaza. Other conflicts have emerged in the region, and fragile ceasefires show scars of persistent attacks. Both Israelis and Palestinians are weary of the strain.

The blast, near the Syrian capital’s main courthouse, underscored the country’s persistent instability as its leaders try to chart a path out of years of dictatorship and war.