Key Takeaways
- Gallup is retiring its 88-year-old presidential approval poll, ending the longest-running political report card in U.S. history due to extreme partisan polarization and a shift in corporate research priorities.
- Pakistan launched extensive airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan, targeting seven sites in Nangarhar and Paktika; the Afghan Red Crescent reports at least 18 deaths, including women and children.
- Israeli PM Netanyahu is seeking new regional alliances against "radical axes" (both Shiite and Sunni) as he prepares for a high-profile visit from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and coordinates with the Trump administration.
- France has summoned US Ambassador Charles Kushner following his public comments on the death of a far-right activist, marking a sharp escalation in diplomatic friction between the two allies.
Gallup Ends Historic Presidential Approval Tracking
In a major shift for political analytics, Gallup announced it is retiring its presidential approval question after 88 years of continuous tracking. The firm, which began the survey during the Harry Truman era, stated the move reflects an "evolution" in its research focus toward broader social and economic conditions that shape lives.
Analysts suggest the decision is also a response to the hardened partisanship of the current era, which has made traditional polling increasingly difficult to conduct and interpret. The New York Times (NYT) and other major outlets have noted that Gallup had recently become a consistent outlier, often reporting lower approval ratings for the current administration compared to other pollsters.
Pakistan-Afghanistan Conflict Reaches Boiling Point
Tensions in South Asia escalated sharply on Sunday as the Pakistani military conducted "intelligence-based" airstrikes inside Afghanistan. The strikes targeted what Islamabad described as hideouts for the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and ISIS-K in the provinces of Nangarhar and Paktika.
The Afghan Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks as a "blatant violation" of sovereignty, reporting that the bombardment hit a madrasa and civilian homes, resulting in dozens of casualties. In response, Kabul has summoned Pakistan’s ambassador and warned of a "measured and appropriate" retaliation, further destabilizing a region already reeling from recent suicide bombings.
Netanyahu Outlines New Middle East Alliance Strategy
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to forge new alliances "around or within" the Middle East to counter "radical axes." This strategic push comes as Netanyahu maintains close ties with the Trump administration, having visited Washington seven times since the start of the U.S. President's second term.
Netanyahu highlighted the upcoming visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a cornerstone of this expanding network, describing India as a "gigantic power." The Wall Street Journal, owned by News Corp (NWSA), reported that these diplomatic maneuvers are aimed at neutralizing risks from both Shiite-led Iranian proxies and extremist Sunni groups.
US-France Diplomatic Row Intensifies
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has officially summoned US Ambassador Charles Kushner to address comments regarding the death of far-right activist Quentin Deranque. France has rejected what it terms "foreign interference" in its domestic judicial and political matters following Kushner's public critiques.
This move follows a series of public disagreements, including a letter Kushner recently published in The Wall Street Journal criticizing French President Emmanuel Macron. The diplomatic spat signals a period of heightened friction between Paris and Washington over issues of national sovereignty and internal security policy.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.