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Article snippet: (Want to get this briefing by email? Here’s the sign-up.) Good morning. Here’s what you need to know: • President Trump said in an impromptu interview that the Russia inquiry makes the United States “look very bad,” but he believed Robert Mueller, the special counsel leading the investigation, would treat him fairly (Here’s a transcript.) Our White House correspondent looked back at the first year of Mr. Trump’s foreign policy, including some awkward encounters with European leaders. The postwar international order is “not working at all,” Mr. Trump has told advisers. _____ • In Liberia, the former international soccer star George Weah was elected president, according to unofficial results, defeating the sitting vice president, two former warlords and his ex-girlfriend. Mr. Weah’s experience in government is limited, but expectations are high in Gibraltar, the Monrovia neighborhood where he was raised. _____ • The countdown to Europe’s next pivotal election began when Italy’s president effectively opened the campaign for the first national vote in five years. It is scheduled for March 4. A coalition of right-wing parties could surpass the governing Democratic Party. The anti-establishment Five Star Movement and the far-right League party have gained in recent polls. _____ • Iran and Saudi Arabia are competing in a surprising new category: gender equality. Both countries are responding to domestic and international pressure over women’s rights and are now vying ov... Link to the full article to read more