Meet the world’s most hated man

There are several people now vying for the title of 'Most Hated Man'. Some are politicians, some are tycoons, and some are called Martin Shkreli.
Read this story
There are several people now vying for the title of 'Most Hated Man'. Some are politicians, some are tycoons, and some are called Martin Shkreli.
Read this story29 July

28 July

27 July

24 July

23 July

IRAN
After pledging to “beat the f—ing sh— out of Iran” for yesterday’s attempts on US forces in Jordan, the US has now launched another heavy wave of overnight strikes across Iran. Meanwhile, presumed Iranian drones just struck a US-owned floating LNG storage tanker at Egypt’s Damietta port on the Mediterranean, with a neighbouring tanker also ablaze. (NYT $)
UNITED STATES
Microsoft shares are up 4% in after-hours trading after a blowout earnings report driven by 43% cloud growth. It was a dash of much-needed good news after a day when US chipmakers wiped $1T in market cap amid lingering AI spending fears, fanned by Meta’s drop in free cash flow. (WSJ $)
UNITED NATIONS
The 15 members of the UN Security Council will hold their first straw poll today (Thurs). It’s an informal, non-binding vote to feel out any preferences for (and vetoes against!) the seven candidates now vying to succeed António Guterres as UN Secretary-General. (NPR)
SUDAN
The Sudanese military might be inflicting heavy losses on the notorious RSF paramilitary, amid reports Khartoum has retaken key towns plus a strategic highway linking out to the besieged city of El-Obeid. There are also credible reports of RSF defections amidst the chaos. (BBC)
CHINA
The folks at Reuters are reporting that China has sold Iran 400 local-made shoulder-launched air-defence systems (with the regrettable acronym of MANPADS) worth ~$70M. The first shipment is reportedly due in Iran within weeks. (SCMP)
FRANCE
Per Reuters again (hot streak), DC is mulling rejecting France’s incoming ambassador, as part of a broader spat after the US unsuccessfully opposed the UN human rights boss getting a second term. (Reuters)
RUSSIA
Moscow has added Telegram chat-app founder Pavel Durov to its international wanted list, on allegations he’s aiding terrorists and has ties to Ukrainian intelligence. (Le Monde)
Unlock the most original and engaging geopolitical analysis on the web, plus full access to a community of globally curious people. We’ll even throw in the sense of satisfaction that comes with supporting independent media, for free!
Daily audio newsletter.
Unlock our unvarnished analysis in every newsletter.
Connect with Intriguers around the world.
Our weekly rundown of the week ahead.
Hang out with the Intrigue team.
No interruptions, no clutter.
Also included
Early access to everything we’re building — a job board, relaunched merch, IRL meet-ups, and more.
7 days free · $149/yr · Cancel anytime
Still in school? Get full access for $39/yr. Or let us help you expense it.
29 July

28 July

27 July

24 July

23 July

Editor's picks
How global diplomatic pay stacks up — the numbers, the gaps, and what they signal about state priorities.
Read moreQuiet Signals: What online life inside China shows about how citizens read their own state.
Read moreReading the company's worldview through its public-facing argument — and what it implies for US tech policy.
Read more