Politics and Government

• Mamdani Vows to Govern ‘Audaciously’ and Protect New York’s Vulnerable - Zohran Mamdani gave his first public speech as mayor of New York City, after an inauguration that drew tens of thousands of people.
• In Hearing Transcript, Jack Smith Defends Decision to Indict Trump - The former special counsel accused President Trump of “exploiting” violence on Jan. 6, 2021, according to an interview released by House Republicans.
• Mamdani Reverses Call to End Mayoral Control of NYC Public Schools - The mayor-elect’s turnaround came as he selected Kamar Samuels to lead New York City’s school system at a precarious moment.
• The 2025 Politics Yearbook: Most Likely to Be Extreme and Chaotic - How much more chaotic could a second Trump term be? 2025 did not disappoint.
• Can a Corporation Be Complicit in War Crimes? Sweden Is Trying to Find Out. - It’s Sweden’s longest criminal trial. I was there because of a different historic distinction.
• Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s First Female Prime Minister, Dies - A leader for three terms, she traded the country’s leadership with Sheikh Hasina, the head of another political dynasty, over decades. She was believed to be 80.
• Iran’s Currency Collapse Pushes Protesters to the Streets - High inflation and a currency collapse have squeezed Iranians’ budgets, challenging the country’s leaders.
• For Zelensky, Just Keeping Trump Talking About Ukraine Peace Deal Counts as a Win - Though discussions produced little tangible progress, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine at least avoided the type of setbacks that have blighted earlier meetings.
• With Critical Decisions Ahead, Netanyahu Faces Mounting Pressure - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has a series of vexing choices to make in the year ahead on issues including Gaza, conscription and a judicial overhaul, with elections looming.
• Zero Hour for the Middle East - After more than a decade of wars, from Syria to Gaza, the Middle East is exhausted by conflict. Is it ready to find another way?