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What to watch for today
US-China trade talks resume in Washington. The two-day powwow, the first high-level talks in two months, is unlikely to result in much more than a postponement of tariffs, which take effect next week. China is reportedly open to a partial deal if the US nixes the next rounds of tariffs.
Vladimir Putin heads to Saudi Arabia. The Russian president will meet with Saudi crown prince Mohammad bin Salman to discuss trade and investments in the kingdom. Moscow has sought closer ties with Riyadh as US priorities in the Middle East have shifted.
Iranian women enjoy a soccer game. A FIFA qualifier match against Cambodia in Tehran marks the first time in decades women will be allowed in a soccer stadium following a suspension threat against Iran’s team last month by the sport’s governing body.
While you were sleeping
Donald Trump called Turkey’s Syria offensive a “bad idea.” Hours after Ankara began its attack on US–allied Kurds, the US president issued a statement saying it did not “endorse” the incursion. Trump had faced criticism for pulling back troops from northern Syria—but he’s not bringing them home.
The UN declared US strikes in Afghanistan unlawful. Airstrikes in May that killed or wounded 39 targeted alleged drug labs used to fund the Taliban. Under international law, such funding activities are considered civilian operations, thus the workers would be civilians.
Alibaba halted e-cigarette sales in the US. The Chinese e-commerce giant said it would stop selling vaping paraphernalia to US buyers in the wake of concerns about underage vaping and a mysterious lung disease that has killed 23.
Thomas Cook’s brick-and-mortars found a buyer. UK–based Hays Travel announced plans to buy all of the bankrupt firm’s 555 retail stores, potentially offering a lifeline to 2,500 Thomas Cook employees.
Iraq’s prime minister offered new concessions to protesters. Adel Abdul-Mahdi reshuffled his cabinet, declared three days of mourning, and said those who fired on protesters would be punished—but the measures are unlikely to make a difference.
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The US military is the world’s largest consumer of fossil fuels, but its commander in chief has called climate change a hoax. Yet from the military’s perspective, the future effectiveness of America’s armed services hinges on taking environmental precautions. In this week’s field guide on the future of war, Quartz reporter Justin Rohrlich uncovers how the world’s most expensive armed forces is quietly going green.
Quartz Obsession
Kratom will get you high. Derived from the leaves of an evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia, many users tout kratom as a way to step down from opioid addiction. It’s legal, though controversial, in much of the US and Europe, though there’s very little science examining how it works. Experiment with the Quartz Obsession.
Matters of debate
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Higher education’s value is time. Young adults need more years gaining perspective than vocational skills training can provide.
Designing for Instagram is killing design. Focusing on what will look good for the publicity photos misses the entire point.
The lesser of two evils is still evil. There’s no excuse for fondly remembering a time when George W. Bush was the leader of the free world.
Surprising discoveries
Just 20 companies could save the world. That is, they’re responsible for a third of the globe’s carbon emissions.
This Bud’s for White Claw. The hard seltzer manufacturer may actually have outsold the “king of beers” this summer.
Human body parts can regenerate. Salamander-like abilities could be developed to repair joints and even regrow limbs.
Pirates don’t make good scapegoats. A Greek ship-owner was denied $77 million in a complex insurance fraud involving fake pirates, fire, and a murdered investigator.
Madrid declared war on parrots. They’ll be “ethically slaughtered” to cut down on noise and mess complaints.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, brewskies, and seltzkies to hi@qz.com. Join the next chapter of Quartz by downloading our app and becoming a member. Today’s Daily Brief was brought to you by Susan Howson and Liz Webber.