Benjamin Netanyahu is nothing if not a fighter. Having been ousted as Israel’s prime minister a year ago by an alliance of political foes and now embroiled in a corruption trial (he denies all charges), one might have thought the 73-year-old’s career was up. But no: after Israel’s fifth election in four years, he is poised to return to power – this time at the head of the most extreme rightwing coalition the country has ever seen.
Jerusalem correspondent Bethan McKernan charts the fall and rise of the man they call “King Bibi” and explores what his Faustian-looking pact with the ultra-religious right may mean, as well as the devastating blow defeat has dealt to Israel’s Arab-supporting and leftwing parties.
The Cop27 climate talks got under way in Egypt, as debate raged over the agenda as well as a furore over hosting the event in a country where political and human rights are a live issue. Environment editor Fiona Harvey explains what the talks – which run until 18 November – can hope to achieve, amid a slew of alarming reports about the rate of global heating.
This week’s magazine went to press too soon to feature news of the US midterm elections – there’ll be plenty on that in the next edition. In the meantime, Leyland Cecco reports from Canada, where there are claims China is operating a chain of clandestine police stations to keep tabs on its diaspora.
The International Monetary Fund was established as a financial safety net for nations in need. But, amid a string of economic crises from Sri Lanka to the UK, has the world’s lender of last resort been over-reaching its remit, asks Jamie Martin.
Also in features, we look at how the Japanese comic art of manga achieved worldwide popularity. And, as Netflix’s royal TV drama The Crown returns, Mark Lawson wonders if King Charles will not be amused by series five’s controversial plotlines.
