Ukraine-Russia War; Saudi-Iran Relations; Honduras Seeks Ties With China; NATO Woes

Over the last many years, WACA has been proud to share a weekly publication of world news updates enjoyed by Council members and friends across the country, including by many Academic WorldQuest participants in preparation for the national competition. As we prepare for this year's national competition in late April, we wanted to be sure you knew that we'll be ending the publication of the Weekly World News Update with the March 29 edition. Recent editions of the Update will still be used for this year's competition, and we're excited to circle back in the months ahead with plans for Academic WorldQuest in 2024 and beyond.

In the meantime, we invite you to check out these and other news digest publications to stay informed about global affairs and a wide range of international issues and topics:

• Reuters Weekend Briefing
• Council on Foreign Relations Daily Brief
• Daily Chatter
• ABC World News This Week podcast

Ukraine-Russia War: Battle in Bakhmut

“North of Bakhmut, Another Key Battle Tests Ukraine’s Defences” Mike Collett-White, Reuters – March 15, 2023

“Russian Advance Stalls in Ukraine’s Bakhmut, Think Tank Says” Karl Ritter, Associated Press/ABC News – March 12, 2023

“The Danger of Downplaying the Ukrainian Battlefield Toll” Branko Marcetic, Responsible Statecraft – March 15, 2023

Saudi-Iran Relations Renewed

“Why Iran and Saudi Arabia Making Nice Is a Very Big Deal” Jonathan Guyer, Vox News – March 10, 2023

“Saudi-Iran Reconciliation: Is Arab-Israeli Alliance Against Tehran Ending?” Ameer Makhoul, Middle East Eye – March 15, 2023

“With Saudi-Iran Diplomacy, Is China Pushing the US Aside in the Middle East?” Simon Henderson, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy – March 13, 2023

Honduras Spurs Taiwan, Seeks Ties With China

“Taiwan Is About to Lose Another Ally to China” Rachel Cheung, Vice News – March 15, 2023

“Taiwan Ally Honduras Seeks Diplomatic Switch to China” Joel Guinto, BBC News – March 15, 2023

“Honduras to Seek Official Ties With China, Deepening Taiwan’s Isolation” NBC News – March 14, 2023

Sweden's NATO Membership Delayed Further

“Hungary to Delay Vote on NATO Membership for Sweden” Associated Press – March 14, 2023

“Turkey’s Blockade ‘Makes NATO Weaker’” Alexandra von Nahmen, Deutsche Welle – March 10, 2023

“Hungary Ruling Party Seeks New Delay in Nordic NATO Ratifications” Reuters – March 14, 2023