Russia and Belarus Inch Closer to a Full-Blown Merger

In their sixth meeting in less than a year, the countries’ presidents agreed to deepen economic ties, leaving tougher political questions for later.

France to Offer Free Contraception for Women Up to 25

The government, responding to what it said was a decline in the use of contraceptives among some young women because of the cost, will pay for contraception starting next year.

Olaf Scholz Is Running as the Next Angela Merkel, and It Seems to Be Working

Mr. Scholz, a Social Democrat who is modeling himself as the candidate of continuity, has a fair shot at being Germany’s next chancellor.

Olaf Scholz Is Running as the Next Angela Merkel, and It Seems to Be Working

Mr. Scholz, a Social Democrat who is modeling himself as the candidate of continuity, has a fair shot at being Germany’s next chancellor.

‘Reversing Gears’: China Increasingly Rejects English, and the World

A movement against Western influence threatens to close off a nation that succeeded in part by welcoming new ideas.

Opinion | California’s Recall Election Is Broken

Voters should choose “no” on the recall question and the state should look to reform the process.

Brazil’s President Bans Social Networks From Removing Some Posts

The new rules in Brazil appear to be the first national policy that restricts how tech companies can control their sites, analysts say.

Inside Missouri’s ‘2nd Amendment Sanctuary’ Fight

A new law puts Missouri at the vanguard of states challenging federal authority on guns. It began as a backlash, and it has set off another.

Incendiary Essay Ignites Guessing Over Xi’s Plans for China

After Communist Party websites shared Li Guangman’s fierce denunciation of private corporations, contention broke out over whether leaders share his views.

Islamists See Big Losses in Moroccan Parliamentary Elections

The moderate Justice and Development Party may have lost control of Parliament, according to early results, in the latest defeat for Islamists in the region.

As Taliban Crush Dissent, New Leaders Face Cascading Challenges

The Taliban continued to brutally crack down on demonstrations against their rule. The new government faces an unfolding humanitarian crisis and flaring tensions on the Afghan-Pakistan border.

Senior Russian Minister Dies During Drill

The government said Yevgeny Zinichev, a longtime Putin aide responsible for emergency situations, dived off a cliff to save a film director who fell into the water.

As Taliban Crush Dissent, New Leaders Face Cascading Challenges

The Taliban continued to brutally crack down on demonstrations against their rule. The new government faces an unfolding humanitarian crisis and flaring tensions on the Afghan-Pakistan border.

Aid Workers Staying in Taliban-Ruled Afghanistan Tread a Tricky Path

Afghanistan desperately needs aid. Nonprofits desperately want to provide it. But the aid groups are being tested as never before by the uncertainty that has followed the Taliban takeover.

Senior Russian Minister Dies During Drill

The government said Yevgeny Zinichev, a longtime Putin aide responsible for emergency situations, dived off a cliff to save a film director who fell into the water.

Aid Workers Staying in Taliban-Ruled Afghanistan Tread a Tricky Path

Afghanistan desperately needs aid. Nonprofits desperately want to provide it. But the aid groups are being tested as never before by the uncertainty that has followed the Taliban takeover.

Hong Kong Police Arrest Organizers of Tiananmen Square Vigil

The group, which holds annual events to remember those killed during the 1989 crackdown, had refused to hand over funding details.

Opinion | China Doesn’t Want to ‘Live With’ Covid. But It May Have To.

The benefits of the zero-infections policy have dropped in relation to the costs of implementation, and there are signs it is becoming counterproductive.

Opinion | Texas’ Long History of Hollowing Out Women’s Health Care

It’s a watershed moment in a long-running war on reproductive rights in the state.

With Her Party Fading, Merkel Dips Into the Campaign Fray

Germany’s chancellor pleaded with voters to support her party, which has flagging poll numbers and a candidate who has failed to capture imaginations.