Monday briefing
Trump's outburst alarmed NATO allies
Donald Trump said this weekend that when he was president, he told NATO allies he would “encourage” Russia to do “whatever they want” to countries that owe the money he claimed to the military alliance , had not paid.
Trump's statement, made at a campaign rally in South Carolina, appeared to portray NATO as a protection racket rather than an alliance. It surprised many in Europe, where countries have developed military capabilities in case U.S. support proves unreliable.
Trump has long called for the US to leave NATO and questions US support for foreign allies. National security veterans from both parties said such views misunderstand the value of the alliances to the US
Never before has an American president — even a former president aiming to reclaim the White House — suggested he would incite an enemy to attack American allies. If Trump's statement is to be believed, his possible re-election this year could fundamentally change the world order.
Possible consequences: Abandoning NATO allies could effectively end the security umbrella that has long guarded friends in Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East; it could also negate the value of mutual security agreements with countries such as Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, Argentina, Australia and Panama.
A shocking election result in Pakistan
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party stunned Pakistan by winning more seats in parliament than any other party, despite a concentrated effort by the country's military to crush support for Khan.
Khan's success marked the first time in Pakistan's recent history that the political strategy used for decades by the country's powerful military to maintain its grip on power had suddenly failed.
Khan's populist party prevailed at the ballot box by relying on social media to bypass state censorship and boost turnout, while tapping into the discontent of Pakistan's internet-savvy youth. Khan's party won even after authorities arrested hundreds of his supporters and jailed him in the days leading up to the election. The crackdown appeared to increase public support for him.
What's next: After the election, allegations of military tampering loomed, and Pakistan was tense as thousands of Khan's supporters took to the streets to protest, only to be met with tear gas and police batons.
It may seem like the most lopsided exchange in history: Pulau Rhun, a small island in what is now Indonesia, for Manhattan.
But in the 17th century, the Netherlands believed it got the biggest piece of the deal when it traded islands with the British because Rhun was covered in nutmeg, a spice worth its weight in gold at the time. There is now little trace of that wealth on the island.
The attributes of the monarchy, in miniature
Visitors to Windsor Castle outside London can marvel at the ornaments of royal life, including a one-inch-tall bejeweled crown.
The small crown, and other artifacts such as a small grand piano with working keys, were incorporated into an elaborate dollhouse made by Edwin Lutyens, a leading British architect, for Queen Mary in 1924.
Cook: This spicy, smoky chili is perfect after a long day of skiing or wintering.
Watch: “The Taste of Things,” a New York Times critic's choice, is a magnificent culinary romance set in 19th-century France.
Read: The popular African comic 'Aya' is full of everyday heroes.
To remind: Just one night of sleep deprivation can affect your short-term memory.