Walter Russell Mead discusses America’s new lithium wealth; the Palestinians’ bargaining position in Saudi-Israeli peace talks; the drugs, violence, and migration problems in America’s backyard; and why you should read Sir Walter Scott on his podcast What Really Matters.

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President Donald Trump shakes hands with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen as he announces a trade deal with the EU at Trump Turnberry golf club on July 27, 2025, in Turnberry, Scotland. (Andrew Harnik via Getty Images)