Overall, the Basic Agreement represents a positive step forward for Kosovo, amounting to recognition in fact, if not yet in law.
Kosovo
Brussels Agreement on the path to recognition
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Western Sahara
France backs Morocco in dispute over Western Sahara
France’s President Emmanuel Macron has told Morocco’s parliament that he believes Western Sahara should be under Moroccan sovereignty, and has pledged to invest French money there.
Middle East
Israel Struck Iran Over the Weekend. Here’s What Might Happen Next.
Israel’s weekend airstrikes against Iran have inspired the usual commentary. Some fear that it marks a severe escalation, spurring the region closer to all-out war. Others hope that it could spark a winding-down of tensions, possibly creating the conditions for a broad cease-fire.
Middle East
Egypt proposes two-day Gaza ceasefire, exchange of Israeli and Palestinian captives
Egypt has proposed a two-day ceasefire in Gaza which would entail an exchange of four Israeli hostages for some Palestinian prisoners, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said on Sunday.
Western Sahara
Why did the idea of dividing the Sahara emerge now?
Who dusted it off and took it out of the archives?
Middle East
Gaza ceasefire talks to resume in coming days
Negotiations over a potential Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal are set to resume in Doha in the coming days, officials from the US, Israel and Qatar have said.
Ukraine
Scholz rejects Zelensky’s victory plan for Ukraine
German chancellor insists no country can join Nato while it is at war.
Western Sahara
Partition of Western Sahara: UN envoy’s suggestion rejected by all sides
Both Morocco and the Polisario Front have dismissed Staffan de Mistura’s proposal of carving Western Sahara into two territories – one belonging to Morocco, the other independent – with Rabat furious at South Africa’s involvement.
Middle East
Blinken heads to Middle East in long-shot bid for Gaza cease-fire
With Israeli forces pounding targets in northern Gaza and Lebanon despite U.S. objections, Secretary of State Antony Blinken embarked Monday for the Middle East to try to bring about a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas amid signs of Washington’s limited influence over Israeli policy.