While the primary focus, and success, of President Donald Trump’s Middle East visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE during 13-16 May was investment, concurrent regional peace-making attempts were a mixed success. But the challenges ahead for peace between Palestine and Israel are very significant for all stakeholders, including Australia.

Poland’s presidential race has exposed deep political fractures, with a surging far right threatening the liberal lead. As fear-driven narratives gain traction, the election’s outcome could reshape not only Poland’s future, but also broader European democratic norms.

The newly signed Pandemic Agreement by the World Health Assembly represents a leap of faith that lessons from COVID-19 can drive stronger cooperation in the next pandemic. However, stumbling blocks remain.