Nicholas Burns

Experts say international cooperation is critical to combat the novel coronavirus pandemic, but as more and more country borders close, global leadership is also retreating. 

US President Donald Trump appears to more clearly understand the severity of the novel coronavirus pandemic after months of downplaying the crisis. And, the economic ramifications of the pandemic are widespread — and unprecedented. How will the global economy revive itself? Also, it’s been nine years since the start of the Syrian war. One doctor shares his reflections.

US Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland used profanity to express her frustration with the European Union over the crisis in Ukraine. She thought she was talking to a friend, until the whole Internet heard their conversation when it was leaked, presumably by Russia.

UN General Secretary Ban Ki-moon has withdrawn his last minute invitation for Iran to attend Syrian peace talks in Switzerland on Wednesday. Aryn Baker, Time Magazine’s Middle East bureau chief, says the rebels argued for Iran to be “uninvited” to the talks because Tehran was unwilling to back the creation of a transitional government in Syria.

The dispute over the indicted Devyani Khobragade, a deputy Consul General in the Indian embassy in New York, continues to play out. Khobragade’s maid had sought shelter for exploitative conditions. In an apparent deal, the US let the diplomat leave the country. Now India is getting even.