Category: Diplomacy

Diplomacy, EULeave a comment

Europe should fill the diplomatic vacuum on Iran

Colin Henderson

Important evolving shift proposed for EU to assume control of Iran diplomacy Source: EUISS (originally Dutch) https://www.iss.europa.eu/publications/commentary/europe-should-fill-diplomatic-vacuum-iran 14 April 2026 The negotiations between the United States and Iran have failed. That is hardly surprising. The mistrust runs too deep, and Trump has already shown how his diplomacy works: first talks, then bombs, then talks again, all the while keeping up the threats. That is no way to build trust and it is why the Americans are now trapped in a war they cannot seem to end. In Washington, the illusion persists that if only enough pressure is brought to bear … Continue reading Europe should fill the diplomatic vacuum on Iran

Diplomacy, EU, GeopoliticsLeave a comment

The Europe Brief

Colin Henderson

April 14, 2026 Turkey pushes for larger role in Europe’s defense as Trump questions NATO Shutting out Ankara from EU defense initiatives would cause more damage than the U.S. pulling troops from the continent, warned Turkey’s defense minister. Read More France mulls fallback tank for delayed MGCS program in defense update The delay for the MGCS project is due to Germany deciding to start a program for new Leopard 3 tanks, according to Vautrin. Read More Italian government shakes up Leonardo leadership, replacing Cingolani as CEO Some sources said Cingolani’s focus on non-kinetic priorities may have led to the surprise move, with … Continue reading The Europe Brief

Diplomacy, GeopoliticsLeave a comment

Morning Briefing — Tuesday, April 7, 2026 · 9:00 AM EST · ~1,290 words

Colin Henderson

Today is Day 38 of Operation Epic Fury, and the dominant signal is unresolved: Trump’s Tuesday 8pm infrastructure strike deadline has passed or is expiring as you read this, with no ceasefire in place. Iran rejected the Pakistani-brokered 45-day framework and countered with a 10-point permanent settlement demand. NATO is in the worst internal crisis of its history, with Rutte flying to Washington. BeiDou attribution has moved from inference to confirmed. Oil holds above $108. 1. Top Stories — What Changed Iran/Hormuz: Bridge Day deadline expires; no deal, strikes intensifyingTrump set Tuesday 8pm ET as his deadline to hit Iranian … Continue reading Morning Briefing — Tuesday, April 7, 2026 · 9:00 AM EST · ~1,290 words

Diplomacy, Geopolitics

Morning Briefing — Saturday, 28 March 2026 · 08:15 EST · ~1,180 words⸻

Colin Henderson

Introduction Today marks Day 29 of the US-Israel-Iran war, and the conflict’s geometry shifted materially overnight. The Houthis entered the war for the first time, firing ballistic missiles at southern Israel — completing the “axis of resistance” arc from Lebanon (Hezbollah) through Iraq to Yemen. Simultaneously, the diplomatic track is clustering: Pakistan hosts Saudi, Turkish, and Egyptian foreign ministers from tomorrow, with Germany’s FM flagging a direct US-Iran meeting in Islamabad “very soon.” Trump’s 10-day energy infrastructure pause (to April 6) is creating a narrow de-escalation window — but Iran’s formal rejection of the US 15-point plan, and now the … Continue reading Morning Briefing — Saturday, 28 March 2026 · 08:15 EST · ~1,180 words⸻

Diplomacy, Middle East

Here is a summary of the 15 points of the US plan

Colin Henderson

… that Iranian media says the Tehran government has rejected: Source Bloomberg 1. The Strait of Hormuz will remain open and shall be free zone for vessels 2. Iran’s ballistic missiles will be limited in number and range 3. Iranian missiles will be designated as for use in self-defense only 4. Iran shall be stripped of all nuclear capabilities and facilities 5. Iran will forswear nuclear weaponry 6. There will be no uranium enrichment on Iranian soil 7. Iran’s stockpile of highly-enrich uranium will be handed over the International Atomic Energy Agency on an agreed schedule 8. The Fordow, Isfahan … Continue reading Here is a summary of the 15 points of the US plan

Diplomacy, Economy, Geopolitics

# Morning Briefing — Sunday, 8 March 2026

Colin Henderson

America/Toronto time | ~1,200 words 1. What Changed Iran War Day 9: Oil infrastructure now targeted, escalation intensifies US and Israeli strikes hit Tehran oil storage depots and refining facilities for the first time overnight — the first deliberate strikes on civil industrial infrastructure in the conflict. Iran retaliated with fresh missile salvos toward Israel and Gulf states. Trump has signalled a further escalation wave this weekend and says the war ends only when Iran’s leadership “cry uncle.” ⚠️ Civilisational inflection point flag: Day 9 confirms this is no longer a limited strike campaign — it is an active war … Continue reading # Morning Briefing — Sunday, 8 March 2026

banking, Canada, Diplomacy, Innovation, Military, NATO

Canada in the running to headquarter new multinational defence bank

Colin Henderson

Canada in the running to headquarter new multinational defence bank PIPPA NORMANPublished November 13 2025, 4:15AM Banks like this don’t come around too often. Most recently, the New Development Bank and Asian Infrastructure Bank were established in 2015 and 2016, respectively. Similar institutions such as the World Bank Group are set up to mobilize capital to address issues affecting multiple countries. In the case of the DSRB, that issue is an increasingly divided world in which countries all over the world are increasing their defence spending.A handful of institutions, including Royal Bank of Canada, JPMorgan Chase & Co., ING Group … Continue reading Canada in the running to headquarter new multinational defence bank

Diplomacy

Trump Picks John Ratcliffe, His Former Intelligence Director, for C.I.A. Chief

Colin Henderson

Mr. Ratcliffe, who was also a Texas congressman, fought fiercely for Donald Trump during his first term. By Michael D. Shear and Julian E. Barnes Reporting from Washington President-elect Donald J. Trump announced on Tuesday that his nominee to lead the C.I.A. would be John Ratcliffe, a former Texas congressman who served as the director of national intelligence during Mr. Trump’s first term. Mr. Trump called Mr. Ratcliffe a “warrior for Truth and Honesty with the American Public” on his social media account. As the national intelligence director, Mr. Ratcliffe served as the president’s chief adviser on intelligence issues. As a congressman, Mr. … Continue reading Trump Picks John Ratcliffe, His Former Intelligence Director, for C.I.A. Chief