The Biden plan to counter Russia and China

Plus, Iran protests spread. Biden’s national security strategy focuses on competition among superpowers; Iran protests over Mahsa Amini’s death grow despite violent crackdowns. Tonight's Sentences was written by Jariel Arvin. TOP NEWS The White House finally releases its national security strategy Drew Angerer/Getty Images - The White House unveiled President Joe Biden’s national security strategy on Wednesday; it’s largely focused on countering China and Russia. [[USA Today / Maureen Groppe](] - The release of the congressionally mandated [document](, which summarizes Biden’s recommendations for facing global challenges, was delayed as officials weighed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. [[Politico / Alexander Ward](] - The plan stresses the importance of outcompeting China economically and technologically, and restraining Russian aggression. [[Associated Press / Aamer Madhani](] - The strategy argues that protecting national security requires strengthening American democracy at home. [[New York Times / David E. Sanger](] - Biden’s plan also calls for achieving peace in the Middle East and centering African nations in responding to global problems like climate change. [[The Hill / Brett Samuels](] [Learn more about RevenueStripe...]( Iran protests intensify amid government crackdowns - Despite violent crackdowns, demonstrations in Iran continued in nearly two dozen cities Wednesday, fueled by anger over the death of a young woman in morality police custody last month. [[AP / Jon Gambrell](] - Many demonstrators, including at least 19 children, have been killed; Iranian security forces have used live ammunition to quash the protests, according to human rights groups. [[Washington Post / Sanam Mahoozi](] - Iranian authorities maintain that 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, whose death sparked the protests, died after suffering cardiac arrest. Her family says physical abuse likely contributed to her death. [[New York Times / By Farnaz Fassihi and Jane Arraf](] - This week, the Iran judiciary took the rare step of noting government failures in the response to the protests. It remains to be seen, however, whether the unrest is undermining the regime. [[Time / Karl Vick](] 📍 If you read just one story Vox’s Jonathan Guyer explains how Mahsa Amini’s deaths galvanized revolts across Iran. [[Vox / Jonathan Guyer](]   Support our journalism Reader contributions help keep Vox and newsletters like Sentences free for all. Support our work with a one-time gift today. [Yes, I'll make a gift](   MISCELLANEOUS Wednesday, a federal judge ruled former President Donald Trump must sit for a deposition in a defamation lawsuit from writer E. Jean Carroll, who accused Trump of rape. [[Washington Post / Shayna Jacobs](] - Tuesday, a former Texas cop was charged with two felony counts of aggravated assault for shooting a 17-year-old who was eating a hamburger in a McDonald’s parking lot. [[BuzzFeed / David Mack](] - The CDC on Wednesday authorized Covid-19 vaccine booster shots targeting the omicron variant for children as young as 5. [[NBC News / Berkeley Lovelace Jr.](] - The UN has warned that the impact of summer floods in Pakistan could last for years after the waters washed away crops, homes, and livelihoods. [[Guardian / Shah Meer Baloch](] VERBATIM “We are not seeking competition to tip over into confrontation or a new cold war.” [[White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan on the administration’s strategy / CNN](]   LISTEN TO THIS Introducing The Gray Area Resist certainty, embrace ambiguity. The Gray Area is a philosophical take on culture, politics, and everything in between with host Sean Illing. We don’t pretend to have the answers, but we do offer a space for real dialogue. Get some cool takes on a very hot world. New episodes drop every Monday and Thursday. [Listen now ▶](   Read more from Vox [America’s STI crisis is actually a maternal care crisis]( [The Try Guys have broken our brains]( [You’re going back to the office. Your boss isn’t.]( [Why this football pass seems physically impossible]( [October surprises may not matter in the 2022 midterms]( [Learn more about RevenueStripe...](   [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [YouTube]( This email was sent to {EMAIL}. Manage your [email preferences]( or [unsubscribe](param=sentences). If you value Vox’s unique explanatory journalism, support our work with a one-time or recurring [contribution](. View our [Privacy Notice]( and our [Terms of Service](. Vox Media, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, Floor 12, Washington, DC 20036. Copyright © 2022. All rights reserved.