The agreement between Washington and Kyiv to create an investment fund to search for rare earth minerals has been seen as something of a turn by the Trump administration. From hectoring and mocking the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky before the cameras on his visit to the US capital two months …

The statement by Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković (HDZ), declaring that the Republic of Croatia would not impose sanctions on the President of the Republika Srpska entity, Milorad Dodik (SNSD), represents the most serious blow to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) since December 1991, when a joint criminal enterprise (JCE) was …

Bottom Line Up Front The Trump administration’s air strike campaign against the Houthis is degrading the group’s missile and drone capability, but has failed to force the group to capitulate. By targeting Houthi officials, the U.S. strikes have begun to cause significant civilian casualties, prompting criticism from U.S. and global …

The eruption of violence in Ashrafiyet Sahnaya and surrounding areas has exposed the profound failures of the Syrian state to protect its citizens—especially its minorities—in the supposed aftermath of dictatorship. Far from being an isolated flare-up, the events represent a deepening crisis rooted in sectarian marginalisation, government negligence, and a …

The ongoing discussions between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the new Syrian administration over the integration of military forces have hit a series of roadblocks, reflecting deeper tensions in the country’s post-Assad transition. While the administration pushes for a unified army under the Ministry of Defense, the SDF seeks …

The Syrian government has firmly rejected recent calls for international protection following a wave of violent unrest in the southern suburbs of Damascus, even as senior officials emphasised constructive dialogue with the United States over Syria’s future. Speaking from New York, Syrian Foreign Minister Assaad al-Shibani hailed what he described …

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The Caspian Sea, the world’s largest inland body of water, is at the heart of the Eurasian landmass. Its unique geography, geostrategic location and ecological importance make it one of the most significant natural features on the planet. The Caspian is situated between the major energy-consuming markets of Asia and …

Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers were shunned by foreign governments after seizing power in 2021 but have recently notched up some big wins in their diplomatic efforts to forge international ties. This week, Indian special envoy Anand Prakash was in Kabul for talks with senior Taliban leaders on boosting political and trade …

The Russia–Ukraine war has shaped regional political, economic and security dynamics. The three South Caucasus nations—Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia—are geographically located in Russia’s backyard and strongly connected to Russia. They have maintained a relationship with Russia while strengthening ties with the US and the European Union (EU). Other regional powers …