diplomacy

Protesters scale a wall at the Swedish Embassy in Baghdad Thursday. Protesters angered by the planned burning of a copy of the Quran stormed the Embassy early Thursday, breaking into the compound and lighting a small fire.

Iraq expels Sweden's ambassador over Quran burning, after protests at Swedish Embassy

2:31pm July 20, 2023

by Ruth Sherlock

Iraq expelled Sweden's ambassador and recalled its diplomat from Sweden, hours after protesters attacked the Swedish Embassy in Baghdad, setting fire to part of the building.

Women walk past the closed Iranian embassy in the diplomatic quarter of the Saudi capital Riyadh, on April 11.

World News

Iran reopens its embassy in Saudi Arabia as the Gulf rivals restore ties

12:18pm June 06, 2023

by Aya Batrawy

The reopened embassy could ease travel between the two countries as they work to resume direct flights, increase trade and restore business ties.

In this photo provided by Saudi Press Agency, Syrian President Bashar Assad (left) is accompanied by Prince Badr bin Sultan, the deputy governor of Mecca, upon his arrival at Jeddah airport, Saudi Arabia, Thursday, ahead of the Arab summit.

World News

Syria's embrace, Sudan's conflict and Saudi Arabia's rise define Arab League summit

3:37pm May 18, 2023

by Aya Batrawy

With Syria's president returning to the fold — despite U.S. resistance — and with Saudi Arabia's recent detente with Iran, this year's Arab League summit reflects a changing region.

People save icons as they clear rubble after a Russian rocket ruined an Orthodox church in an Easter attack, in Komyshuvakha, in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region, early hours Sunday.

Latest on Ukraine: Russia's prisoners, Brazil's diplomacy, the fight for Bakhmut

2:07pm April 17, 2023

by NPR Staff

Catch up on key developments and the latest in-depth coverage of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti attends the 90th Anniversary of the Hollywood Christmas Parade on Nov. 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California.

World News

The U.S. is sending an ambassador to India after leaving the job vacant for 26 months

7:55am March 16, 2023

by Lauren Frayer

It was the longest diplomatic gap in the history of U.S.- Indian relations, at a time when the two countries say they're closer than ever before

Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani (right) shakes hands with senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi, as Saudi national security adviser Musaad bin Mohammed al-Aiban looks on during an agreement signing ceremony between Iran and Saudi Arabia to reestablish diplomatic relations and reopen embassies in Beijing, Friday.

World News

Rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran restore ties, with China's help. Here's why it matters

4:40pm March 10, 2023

by Aya Batrawy

Saudi Arabia and Iran are restoring full diplomatic relations in a deal brokered by China, a move that could reduce tensions in the region and that asserts China's growing influence in the Gulf.

Signs promoting 5G wireless technology from Chinese technology firm Huawei are displayed at the PT Expo in Beijing in 2018. Germany is reviewing the presence of Huawei and ZTE components in its telecommunications.

Germany moves toward restrictions on Huawei, as Europe sours on China

10:24am March 08, 2023

by Rob Schmitz

Germany said Tuesday it is reviewing tech suppliers such as China's Huawei and ZTE, whose equipment is used in Germany's 5G networks. Europeans are starting to favor a tougher stance on China.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken walks to a meeting on the sidelines of the G-20 foreign ministers' meeting in New Delhi on Thursday.

World News

U.S. and Russia's top diplomats meet for the first time since the Ukraine war began

2:13pm March 02, 2023

Relations between the two countries have collapsed over the Ukraine war, with the U.S. slapping thousands of sanctions on Russia, and militarily, economically and diplomatically supporting Ukraine.

Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko meets with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing on Wednesday.

World News

China's Xi heralds 'unbreakable' friendship with Belarus, an ally of Russia

10:04am March 01, 2023

by John Ruwitch

The two leaders met in Beijing and discussed the war in Ukraine, a week after China released a position paper, calling for a cease-fire and peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.

In this photo made available by Saudi Press Agency, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, center, talks with Gulf Arab leaders during the Gulf Cooperation Council Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in December. Gulf Arab leaders and others in the Mideast met as part of a state visit by Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Oil, human rights, security: Here's what's in store for U.S.-Gulf relations in 2023

11:19am January 12, 2023

by Aya Batrawy

Visiting Saudi Arabia last summer, President Biden tried to reassure Arab leaders of U.S. commitment to the region's security. But Gulf nations aren't necessarily rushing to side with Washington.