Bolton ousting fuels speculation

The dismissal of national security adviser John Bolton by Donald Trump over strong disagreements on policy has seen commentators speculate on the US president’s foreign policy strategy. The Guardian reckons Trump is “trying to build a foreign policy legacy of his own” and that the “bellicose” Bolton would have made that “hairpin pivot” difficult if not impossible. Reuters suggests the move could revive talks with North Korea, whose officials loathed Bolton. CNBC says the move has reduced the odds of conflict with Iran and examines what that could mean for the oil market. The New York Times has a shortlist of possible candidate to become the fourth national security adviser of Trump’s presidency.

Van der Leyen praised for team and vision

The make-up of Ursula van der Leyen’s European Commission team has drawn praise from several quarters. The FT reckons that despite its flaws, the new Commission will stand up for EU interests, then goes on to say the EC president elect has “begun to outline a clear strategic vision” and has “more energy and ambition” than the outgoing Jean-Claude Juncker. The BBC likes the fact that the 13 women and 14 men represent the most gender-diverse executive team in EU history. The Economist suggests that the structure and programme van der Leyen announced on Tuesday is a win for Emmanuel Macron’s ideas. Politico highlights some of the “eye-catching picks” among the team who will have an impact “beyond the Brussels bubble”.

Netanyahu’s annex plans

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announcement that he plans to annex parts of the West Bank if he wins re-election was given “tacit approval” by the United States, reckons CNN. But it has drawn criticism from the United Nations, which said the move would have no “international legal effect”, according to The Times of Israel. Meanwhile, Reuters has a good explainer on Netanyahu’s chances of winning next week’s election.

Apple unveils new product

At its annual product launch, which seems to be less and less eagerly anticipated, Apple on Tuesday unveiled a trio of new smartphones including the top-of-the-range iPhone 11 Pro Max which, CNBC reports, has a wide-angle camera capability and longer battery life. The Guardian reports that the company also used the occasion to promote its privacy capabilities. Reuters says that Apple also revealed details of its new streaming TV service, which undercuts both Disney and Netflix.

Khashoggi’s last words revealed

The BBC reports that Turkish newspaper Sabah has published excerpts from a recording that reportedly details the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The Daily Mail reveals moments from the full transcript, including Khashoggi's final pleas to his killers not to suffocate him.

Electric eel record

Researchers in the Amazon have come across a species of electric eel, Electrophorus voltaic, that they say can deliver a shock of 860 volts, easily beating the previous known record of 650 volts, The Guardian reports.

Today’s breakfast briefing was written by Duncan Roberts