A concise profile of the international group
U.S. officials have signalled a plan to reduce the pool of military capabilities available to NATO, cutting strategic bombers, some fighter deployments, naval assets and withholding certain drones, while senior U.S. diplomats are touring India to repair trade and energy ties and press Quad cooperation (as of 09 Jun 2026).
European, Indian, and Canadian policymakers are pursuing strategic autonomy while staying within the U.S.-led order, recalibrating ties with major powers. Afghanistan’s engagement with Russia raises questions about legitimacy and regional balance as Moscow and others weigh long-term commitments.
In El Obeid, drone strikes by the RSF have escalated, hitting fuel depots, water points, and aid trucks. The IRC warns deliveries fall short of needs for a city of about 600,000, including 100,000 IDPs. Electricity outages are compounding water shortages as civilian infrastructure comes under attack. The UN and aid groups fear a repeat of Darfur-style atrocities if the attacks continue.