Tuesday, August 18, 2026 - The Christian Science Monitor Daily

President Donald Trump’s announcement that he is scaling back U.S. participation in long-standing, joint military drills in South Korea is another example of Washington’s willingness to turn away from traditional allies. It also shows how faraway wars might be reshaping security dynamics in the Pacific. Also: today’s stories, including a look at the depletion of U.S. missile stockpiles due to the U.S.-Iran war; why growing food in water is providing a green line of defense in Saudi Arabia; and a look at a turtle conservation effort along Kenya’s coast. Join the Monitor's Ira Porter for today's news.