President Trump announced an unprecedented agreement in which the Pentagon would become an investor in a private company granted exclusive oil development rights in Venezuela. Nick Schifrin discussed the deal with Francisco Monaldi, director of the Latin America Energy Program for the Baker Institute at Rice University.

For many countries in Europe that recall living under Soviet occupation, the specter of the Russian threat is never far from mind. Many of those nations are now part of NATO, the alliance built to repel that threat. One of those states that was occupied for half a century is Latvia, a NATO member that borders Russia. Nick Schifrin spoke with its foreign minister after an active week of diplomacy.

This week in Gaza, the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is again under strain. Continued Israeli strikes drew criticism from the head of the U.S.-backed Board of Peace. Even the simple joy of flying a kite sparked fear on both sides of the border. Nick Schifrin has a look at ordinary life in Gaza under still extraordinary circumstances.

The U.S. launched what the Trump administration calls "Operation Economic Outcast" against Iran. It includes threats to increase sanctions on Iran's trading partners. The pressure comes as the administration indicates it is trying to avoid returning to war, but cannot overcome Iran's stranglehold over the Strait of Hormuz. Nick Schifrin discussed more with Miad Maleki.

The Israeli military bombed an airbase in Syria, far from the Israeli border, sparking condemnation not only from Syria, but also Turkey and the Trump administration. U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack accused Israel of an "unnecessary escalation that does not advance regional stability." Nick Schifrin spoke with Barrack to discuss the tensions.