The Morning Picture: Three Themes Shaping Monday's Global Agenda

Three themes dominate the global agenda this Monday morning.

Geopolitical risk remains exceptionally high. The Strait of Hormuz crisis continues to threaten global energy supplies while Washington simultaneously pursues difficult diplomatic initiatives involving Iran, Gaza and Ukraine.

Artificial intelligence is becoming an economic force rather than simply a technology story. Taiwan's projected 11.05% expansion demonstrates how AI demand is transforming trade, investment and national economic performance.

And humanitarian pressures remain severe. Congo is confronting its deadliest Ebola outbreak, extreme weather is affecting Asian communities, instability continues in Somalia, and concerns persist over vulnerable religious communities in the Middle East.

These developments make Hormuz, Congo Ebola, Gaza diplomacy and Taiwan's AI-driven economic surge the four strongest international stories to watch through Monday.

Berean News analysis, Monday 17 August 2026.