Rachel Chason

Russia is expanding its influence in Africa as democracy wanes, with military strongmen carrying out coups and the United States seeing its influence decline.

Washington Post journalists faced numerous challenges in reporting from the Sahel region of Africa, including hostility from locals and restrictions on access. 

Going back to the days of the Cold War, many Africans studied in the Soviet Union and later Russia. They’re now among Russia’s biggest boosters.

The debate about female genital cutting has led to an open discussion about sexual pleasure in Gambia, with women buying sex toys and men learning about foreplay.

The Africa Initiative is part of an opaque network of groups that Western officials and analysts say the Kremlin uses to spread Russian influence in Africa.

Since the Hamas attack of Oct. 7, 2023, over 11,700 Americans have opened applications to immigrate to Israel. That’s nearly double the number the year before.

As Islamist militants spread south, group leaders have made clear their fight is with Mali’s government — and the Wagner mercenaries protecting it.

Tens of thousands of Israeli businesses have closed over the last year and reservists are struggling to juggle careers with military service.

In northern Israel, fighter jets roared as they streaked across the border late Saturday.

“There is a rope hanging over my son’s head,” said Yehuda Cohen, father of hostage Nimrod Cohen. He says the U.S. must pressure Netanyahu into a cease-fire.