Alexandra Sharp
Verified
(She/Her)
As seen in:
Foreign Policy Magazine,
Yahoo Finance,
Flipboard,
Yahoo,
EIN News,
Washington Monthly,
NewsBreak,
Columbia Missourian,
RealClear Defense,
Vox Magazine,
New Age Islam
and
Covers:
Foreign policy, international law, human rights, war crimes and crimes against humanity, conflict, military/defense policy, national security, elections, climate change, immigration
World Brief writer @ForeignPolicy | Chicago pride | She/Her/Hers | Send tips to: alexandra.sharp@foreignpolicy.com
Articles by Alexandra Sharp
Netanyahu Orders Large-Scale Military Operation in West Bank Original
Military Elections Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at Israeli military action in the West Bank, Taiwan bracing for Typhoon Champi, and a powerful earthquake in Tibet. Two Palestinian gunmen opened fire on an Israeli military checkpoint near the occupied West Bank city of Hebron on Friday, killing two soldiers and injuring three others. Israeli forces said that the militants were linked to Hamas, which praised the attack.
Netanyahu Calls on Israel to Overthrow Iranian Regime
Elections United States Iran Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at Israel preparing for new strikes on Iran, anti-government protests in Serbia, and political violence in Australia. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a forceful directive to the country’s military and security agencies just days before a critical parliamentary election. His message: overthrow the Iranian regime.
Witkoff Pushes Putin to Restart Peace Talks
Geopolitics United States Russia Ukraine Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff courting Russian President Vladimir Putin, the United Kingdom’s approval of an offshore natural gas project, and psychological warfare on the Korean Peninsula.
Zelensky Seeks U.S. Support, but Is Trump Interested?
United States Russia Ukraine Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at Ukraine’s deteriorating relationship with the United States, government measures to tackle protests across Europe, and the Houthis’ deadliest strike in Yemen since fighting resumed in July.
France Orders Curfews Amid Widespread Rioting
Politics Elections Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at government efforts to quell mass unrest in France, recent Israeli settler attacks in the West Bank, and Italy’s cost-of-living crisis. France announced a partial ban on protests in Paris on Monday and ordered curfews in certain areas in an effort to reassert control amid one of the country’s most violent domestic crises in decades.
Israeli Settlers Launch a Coordinated Attack in the West Bank
Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at Israeli settler attacks in the West Bank, Russian strikes on Ukraine’s power grid, and a looming independence referendum in a Canadian province. Dozens of masked Israeli settlers carried out a mass coordinated attack on Palestinian civilians harvesting olives in eight West Bank villages on Friday, injuring at least 20 people and setting olive groves on fire.
Ukraine Resumes Strikes on Russian Oil Refineries
7 hours ago There was always an unclosable distance between my father and me. Instead of cutting him off, like so many of my peers have done with their parents, I spent the last year of his life drawing closer to him than ever before. I lived in the same house from the time I was a small child until I was …
Ukraine Resumes Strikes on Russian Oil Refineries
United States Russia Ukraine Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at Ukraine defying U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand for an energy cease-fire, calls for Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign, and a new border crossing between China and North Korea. Despite the White House repeatedly urging Kyiv not to target Moscow’s energy infrastructure, Ukrainian forces resumed strikes on Russian oil refineries on Thursday. “The block [on attacking refineries] is out.
Surprise Starlink Cuts Blindside Kyiv
Military Science and Technology United States Russia Ukraine Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at the impact of Starlink limits on Ukraine’s defense, jail sentences for two leaders of India’s Cockroach movement, and Pope Leo XIV’s lung cancer diagnosis. Ukraine on Wednesday said that Elon Musk’s SpaceX had abruptly limited the country’s access to its military-grade Starlink internet services without warning, undermining the country’s security.
India’s Growing Cockroach Problem
1:18 8 hours ago Why You Should Be Careful Adding Raw Spinach To Your Diet Unbranded - unbranded - Lifestyle • 8h Raw spinach is widely celebrated as a nutritional powerhouse filled with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, consuming this leafy green in its raw form can introduce a hidden drawback for your digestive tract. According to reviewers at Ubie Health, raw spinach is packed with tough fiber that is difficult for the stomach to break down.
India’s Growing Cockroach Problem
Politics India Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at a growing protest movement in India, alleged Russian drone strikes in the Black Sea, and Houthi attacks on Saudi infrastructure. Indian police detained several leaders of the so-called Cockroach movement on Tuesday after they defied a police order prohibiting them from entering a historic protest site.
Nobel Peace Prize Goes to Former ICC Judge
Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at the winner of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize, big gains for French student protesters, and Ethiopia’s war allegations against Eritrea. The 2026 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded on Friday to Navi Pillay, a South African-born jurist who has been involved in some of the biggest human rights cases of the modern day during her decades-long career.
Where the Saudi-Houthi War Stands Now
Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at deadly Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom’s scaled-back diplomatic mission in East Jerusalem, and trade talks between China and the European Union. Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched a ballistic missile at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Thursday in an effort to force Saudi Arabia to shut down its airspace.
IMF Chief Issues Stark Economic Warning for 2027
Economics United States China Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at next year’s risks to the global economy, escalating student-led protests across France, and Russia denying rumors of the pneumonic plague. Skyrocketing energy costs from two devastating wars. Record-high public debt amid ballooning government bond yields. Debilitating inflation rates, sluggish fiscal growth, and new artificial intelligence investment risks.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey Trigger Mutual Defense Pact
Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at joint efforts to counter Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, the potential future of nuclear weapons in Lithuania, and espionage allegations against a former German spy chief. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey triggered a mutual defense pact on Monday in response to repeated Houthi strikes on Saudi infrastructure.
Sánchez Calls Snap Elections Over Spain’s Housing Crisis
World Brief FP’s flagship daily newsletter, catching you up on 24 hours of news in five minutes. Delivered weekdays. Protesters hold a banner reading “Toward the General Strike” along Gran Vía street during a demonstration against the housing crisis in Madrid. Protesters hold a banner reading “Toward the General Strike” along Gran Vía street during a demonstration against the housing crisis in Madrid on Oct. 3.
G-7 Agrees to Release 100 Million Barrels of Reserve Diesel
Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at global efforts to rein in high fuel costs, violent student protests across France, and Ebola’s rising death toll in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Some of the world’s wealthiest nations agreed on Friday to release 100 million barrels of diesel and crude from their reserve stockpiles over the next four months in an effort to rein in runaway fuel prices.
Violent Student Protests Loom Over France’s Budget Proposal
Elections Economics Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at France’s latest attempt to rein in its deficit, migration policy in the United Kingdom, and a new timeline for China’s possible invasion of Taiwan. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu unveiled Paris’s 2027 budget proposal on Thursday to a backdrop of political uncertainty, violent student protests, and an anxious bond market.
U.S. Forces Leave Behind a Power Vacuum in Iraq
1:48 5 hours ago Gen Jack Keane: That's just a FALSE narrative #shorts YouTube • 5h Gen. Jack Keane rejects the claim that America lost the Iraq War, defending the U.S. mission and what American forces achieved against ISIS and Al-Qaeda.
U.S. Forces Leave Behind a Power Vacuum in Iraq
United States Iran Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at the end of the U.S. military intervention in Iraq, a stabbing attack on a FlyDubai flight en route to Israel, and Russia’s nuclear threats against NATO. U.S. forces have finally left Iraq. Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at the end of the U.S. military intervention in Iraq, a stabbing attack on a FlyDubai flight en route to Israel, and Russia’s nuclear threats against NATO. U.S. forces have finally left Iraq.
Sánchez Unveils Housing Reform Proposals After Eviction of 87-Year-Old
Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at Spain’s push for housing reform, U.S. forces withdrawing from Iraq, and the White House’s latest trade ban on Canada. Less than a week after an 87-year-old Madrid resident was forcibly evicted from her apartment via stretcher, becoming a symbol of Spain’s real estate crisis, the woman is being allowed to return home.
The U.S. and China Agree to Slash Tariffs
United States China Taiwan Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at U.S.-Chinese trade negotiations, a failed suspected terrorist attack on a British air base, and Spain’s worsening housing crisis. China and the United States have agreed to slash tariffs on a slew of “nonsensitive” products collectively worth $60 billion, from Chinese toys to U.S. cosmetics.
Ethiopia Returns to Civil War
Foreign & Public Diplomacy Elections Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at violent clashes across Ethiopia, the Vatican courting France, and a seven-day proposal to end the Iran war. For nearly four years, Ethiopia has clung to a state of precarious peace, afraid to reignite a civil war that became one of the world’s deadliest conflicts in this century.
Trump and Xi Talked a Lot but Accomplished Little
United States China Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at long-anticipated U.S.-China talks, Israel’s and the Palestinian Authority’s U.N. speeches, and the risk of all-out war in Ethiopia. It’s been more than a decade since Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the United States, and in that time, geopolitical tensions between the superpowers have only heightened.
A $2.45 Billion Recovery Plan for Gaza
United Nations Human Rights United States Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at a massive Board of Peace recovery plan for Gaza, Iran defying U.S. threats of annihilation, and calls for global safeguards on AI development. The U.S.-led Board of Peace unveiled a $2.45 billion plan on Wednesday for the reconstruction and governance of Gaza.
Trump Threatens to ‘Annihilate’ Iran in U.N. Speech
United Nations United States Iran Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at U.S. President Donald Trump’s speech at the United Nations General Assembly, an expanded U.S. military presence in Greenland, and the European Union’s initial free-trade deal with the Philippines. U.S. President Donald Trump presented a damning choice during his United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) speech on Tuesday: Make a deal with Iran that “lets them rebuild” or “annihilate” the Islamic Republic.
Russia’s Parliamentary Elections Offer Rituals, Not Results
Elections Russia Ukraine Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at a litmus test on domestic support for Russia’s war, massive pro-government rallies in Iran, and calls for Irish reunification. “Millions of people stand behind our fighters.” That is the message that the Kremlin is hoping to send as Russia kicks off its first State Duma elections since the Russia-Ukraine war erupted in February 2022.
Sweden's Prime Minister Kristersson Resigns Following Narrow Right-Wing Election Defeat
Politics Elections Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at Sweden’s shift to the left, evidence of U.S. war crimes in Iran, and Canada’s response to possibly joining the European Union. What was supposed to be an easy parliamentary win for Sweden’s ruling right-wing coalition instead resulted in a bitter defeat and the formal resignation of Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on Thursday.
The EU’s 28th State?
United States Europe Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at Canada’s future with the European Union, a war crimes conviction against former Kosovar President Hashim Thaci, and alleged Houthi targeting of the holy city of Mecca. Could the European Union expand beyond Europe? Some experts argue that being part of the continent is an integral component of membership.
Are Drone Incursions Europe’s New Normal?
NATO Russia Ukraine Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at NATO intercepting a drone in Lithuania, the threat of Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia, and a long-running maritime dispute between Thailand and Cambodia. NATO deployed fighter jets overnight on Tuesday to shoot down a drone that violated Lithuanian airspace.
Fresh Houthi Strikes Inject New Uncertainty Into Iran War
Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at escalating Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia, a Russian drone narrowly missing a diplomatic train, and a parliamentary election setback for Sweden’s far right. U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on Monday that Iran wants to make a deal to end the war. “The failing Nation of Iran wants to make a deal, quickly and badly,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding that the White House is “open” to the concept.
Who Wears the BRICS Crown? Original
China Iran India Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at what to expect at this year’s BRICS leaders’ summit, the legacy of 9/11 a quarter century later, and the Houthis’ lightning offensive on the Red Sea coast. In a world long dictated by U.S. hegemony, who leads the other side?
The Bab el-Mandeb Problem
Military Iran Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at the fight for control of the Bab el-Mandeb strait, record-high global temperatures, and Ukraine’s request for more foreign aid. Houthi rebels in Yemen seized the strategic Red Sea port city of Mokha on Thursday in their quest to eventually control the vital Bab el-Mandeb strait.
Iran Launches Massive Attack on Global Shipping Original
United States Iran Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at a massive Iranian attack on global shipping, Israel punishing the United Kingdom over its trade restrictions, and Europe’s fractured space strategy. Tehran claimed on Wednesday to have carried out its largest known wave of attacks on shipping since the start of the Iran war.
Are Yemen and Saudi Arabia Returning to All-Out War?
Military Iran Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at Houthi strikes on Saudi energy infrastructure, Canada’s latest retaliatory tariffs against the United States, and a British ban on all Israeli goods made in the West Bank. Houthi rebels in Yemen launched a slew of missile and drone attacks across Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, marking one of the largest Houthi assaults on the kingdom since fighting erupted in July.
The Fallout of Russia’s Failed Drone Attack on Germany
Foreign & Public Diplomacy Russia Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at Europe’s response to alleged Russian hybrid warfare, who is being blamed for the deadly Ceuta mass crossing, and Estonia’s multimillion-dollar defense spending scandal. Tit-for-tat retaliations between Russia and Germany appear to be brewing into a larger diplomatic war as European nations join Berlin in punishing Moscow for an attempted drone attack on German soil.
Iran Accuses U.S. Military of a War Crime
United States Iran Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at renewed fighting between U.S. and Iranian forces, Russia’s failed drone attack on German soil, and a damning United Nations report on global warming. Tehran accused Washington on Wednesday of committing a war crime after a U.S. missile strike hit a wedding party in southern Iran the day before.
Moscow’s Moment of Global Summitry
Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at Russia’s attendance at key international conferences, how renewed conflict in Iran sparked a global bond sell-off, and the fallout of Zambia’s disputed presidential election. Russian forces launched a sixth straight day of missile and drone strikes at the Ukrainian capital and its surrounding areas on Tuesday, killing at least 12 people in attacks that damaged residential homes.
U.S. Attack on Larak Island Reignites Active Fighting With Iran
Military United States Iran Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at the United States’ attack on Iran’s Larak Island, a rising flood death toll in Nepal, and Greece’s multibillion-dollar defense deal with Israel. U.S. and Iranian forces exchanged fire on Sunday and Monday for the first time since late July, once against casting doubt on the White House’s repeated claims that the monthslong conflict is nearing its end.
Iceland to Hold a Referendum to Restart EU Accession Talks
Security United States Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at an upcoming referendum in Iceland, more potential flooding in Nepal and Tibet, and looming trilateral defensive drills against North Korean threats. Icelanders will head to the polls on Saturday to vote on whether to restart talks to join the European Union.
Death Toll Rises in Nepal-Tibet Flash Flood
Climate Change China Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at flooding rescue efforts across Nepal and Tibet, Taiwan’s drone production ambitions, and potential Russian strikes on British targets. Emergency rescue teams scoured the Nepal-Tibet border on Thursday in search of survivors of a devastating flash flood that hit the region the day before.
Iran, Oman Agree to Temporary Strait of Hormuz Deal
Politics 2 hours ago Gas Price Hits $26 Per Gallon in Village of State Trump Won Three Times Newsweek - By Suzanne Blake • 2h Gasoline in Shungnak, a remote village in Alaska's Northwest Arctic Borough, recently hit $26.82 per gallon, according to the Alaska Beacon.
Iran, Oman Agree to Temporary Strait of Hormuz Deal
United States Iran Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at an Iranian-Omani proposal for the Strait of Hormuz, deadly flash flooding in Nepal and Tibet, and rising Israeli extremist violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Iran and Oman reached a revenue-sharing agreement on the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, with Muscat saying it is “hopeful” that the deal will be formalized soon.
The U.S.-Canada Trade War Is Full Steam Ahead
Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at tit-for-tat tariffs between Canada and the United States, Iran and China’s response to Operation Economic Outcast, and the spread of Ebola across Central Africa. Canada announced retaliatory tariffs against the United States on Tuesday, the latest salvo in the ongoing North American trade war.
The U.S.-Canada Trade War Is Full Steam Ahead
Welcome back to World Brief, where we're looking at tit-for-tat tariffs between Canada and the United States, Iran and China's response to Operation Economic Outcast, and the spread of Ebola across Central Africa. Sign up to receive World Brief in your inbox every weekday. 'Everyone's in for an Economic War' Canada announced retaliatory tariffs against the United States on Tuesday, the latest salvo in the ongoing North American trade war.
The U.S.-Canada Trade War Is Full Steam Ahead
Camino De Santiago 6 hours ago I Walked 500 Miles on the Camino de Santiago to Find What Comes Next The Wall Street Journal. - Reporting and photography by Shannon Carroll for WSJ • 6h After losing my job to AI-era job cutting, I joined the pilgrimage across Spain and found singing nuns, ruined feet and a road full of people between lives The Camino de Santiago, a medieval pilgrimage in northern Spain, has a way of making things seem normal that, elsewhere, might make a reasonable …
U.S. Unveils ‘Economic D-Day’ Against Iran
Economics United States China Iran Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at a U.S. sanctions campaign against Iran and its allies, Kazakhstan’s landslide election results, and the cancellation of another U.S.-South Korea military exercise.
Trump Needs China’s Help to Effectively Sanction Iran Original
United States China Iran Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at China’s role in U.S. sanctions on Iran, the killing of a former Zambian cabinet member, and a controversial medical exam for imprisoned Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.
The Clock Is Ticking Down on Another U.S.-Canada Trade War
Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at last-minute U.S.-Canada trade talks, Ukraine’s depleted arsenal, and Taiwan’s record-breaking defense spending proposal. Less than 30 hours remain for Canada and the United States to negotiate trade terms to avoid another round of sweeping U.S. duties.
UAE Joins Global Efforts to Isolate Iran Original
Economics United States Iran Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at the United Arab Emirates’ economic embargo of Iran, renewed calls for a presidential election in Ukraine, and a potential breakthrough in U.S.-Canada trade talks. The United Arab Emirates halted all trade and financial transactions with Iran on Wednesday until further notice.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Alexandra
Contact Alexandra, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack