British Prime Minister Theresa May issued her most forceful edict yet on Brexit today, telling the BBC that the "soft Brexit" Chequers plan she negotiated in July, which involves keeping close economic ties to the European Union, is the only possible way forward — even though it's "strongly opposed" by the EU.
Why it matters: With just over six months to go until Brexit day, her statement is sure to provoke the hard-line Brexiteers in her own Conservative Party by essentially forcing them to choose between backing her own moderate Brexit vision or a "no-deal" scenario, which could wreak economic havoc on the U.K.
A marketing stunt in Russia kicked off a minor rush to tattoo parlors when Domino’s Pizza promised 100 years of free pies to anyone who permanently inscribed themselves with the company's logo.
The big picture: A local franchise found that it needs to be much more careful in its offers of free food, write WSJ's James Marson and Thomas Grove.
The big picture: The U.S.’ apparent strategy is to decide a priori the fate of Jerusalem and refugees in Israel's favor, and to force the Palestinians to accept an inferior deal. Whether the U.S. unveils the details of its plan during the UNGA session or not, it’s likely to exacerbate tensions in the region.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have agreed to establish a 9- to 15-mile demilitarized zone in the Syrian province of Idlib to separate rebel fighters and Syrian government forces, reports BBC News.
Why it matters: Idlib is the last rebel stronghold left in Syria. The United Nations has warned that an offensive by the Syrian government could lead to a massive humanitarian disaster, with more than 30,000 civilians already displaced by attacks last week.
U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley accused Russia of helping North Korea evade international sanctions during an emergency session of the UN Security Council on Monday.
The big picture: The Treasury Department announced sanctions against several Russian companies and vessels last month for engaging in petroleum trade with North Korea. On Monday, Haley called on the Security Council to punish Russia for its continued infractions, claiming its deliberate subversion of international sanctions is "impeding our ability to achieve complete denuclearization in North Korea."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that his government is working to prevent its enemies from obtaining sophisticated weaponry — just hours after Israeli missiles purportedly struck in Syria's capital, reports AFP.
The details: Israel had previously acknowledged it has carried out hundreds of strikes in Syria to prevent the country from providing advanced weapons to Hezbollah, though it did not confirm or deny its involvement in Saturday's attack near Damascus' airport.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan penned an op-ed in The Observer Sunday calling for a public vote on any deal — or lack thereof — that the British government negotiates on Brexit, one that will include the option to remain in the European Union.
"I don’t believe it’s the will of the people to face either a bad deal or, worse, no deal. That wasn’t on the table during the campaign."
The big picture: Khan was clear during an appearance on BBC that he is not calling for a second referendum. Rather, he is demanding that the British people have a say in the outcome of negotiations that may lead toward a "no-deal Brexit," due partially to divisions within Theresa May's own Conservative Party.
