17 February 2026 General Brief
In domestic news, read about the Bondi hearing on the Epstein Files, Trump’s repeal of the 2009 EPA precedent for acting on climate change, and the American responsibility to cut the UAE out of Sudan. In international news, read about Bangladesh’s recent election results, diplomatic progress in US-Iran talks, updates on the Munich Security Conference, and the end of Kenyan Aviation attacks.
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Kenyan Aviation Worker Strikes Finally Over
Earlier this week, the Kenya Aviation Workers Union and the government of Kenya were able to come to an agreement to raise wages and ensure better regulation for workers in the industry after a disruptive 2-day strike.
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Munich Conference Updates
At this year’s 62nd Munich Conference, an international meeting held annually in February, heightened tensions between America and foreign powers were palpable. Topics discussed ranged from China’s Indo-Pacific policy to America’s security guarantees for Ukraine.
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US-Iran Nuclear Talks Progress
President Trump has suggested that his top priority is for Iran to scale back its nuclear program and that it would be “traumatic for Iran” if they refused to comply.
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Bangladesh Nationalist Party Dominates General Election
International observers praised improvements in transparency compared with previous contests. However, economists say the incoming government will face immediate challenges, including foreign exchange pressures and job creation for a young populace.
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The American Responsibility to Cut the UAE’s Involvement in Sudan
The civil war in Sudan is often framed as an internal power struggle. In reality, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has played a large role in aiding the RSF militarily and financially.
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Trump Administration Repeals 2009 Endangerment Finding
The 2009 endangerment finding, which determined that six key greenhouse gases (GHGs) harm human health, was passed during the Obama administration and was the legal and scientific basis that allowed the government to regulate GHGs.
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Bondi Hearing Goes Off The Rails Over Epstein Files
The hearing was one of the most combative in recent memory, with Attorney General Pam Bondi arguing with both Democrat and Republican members of Congress in what could only be described as extraordinary political television.