
State of emergency in Crimea as Ukraine focuses pressure on ‘jewel in Putin’s crown’
Jul 02, 2026 15:30 pm UTC| Insights & Views Politics
Vladimir Putin has finally acknowledged that Ukraines relentless drone attacks on Russias energy infrastructure are having an effect. Speaking to the ruling United Russia party on June 28, the Russian president confirmed...

Despite its best efforts, Iran won’t be able to toll the Strait of Hormuz. Here’s why
Jun 29, 2026 07:36 am UTC| Insights & Views Governance Politics
It follows reports of an Iranian drone attack on a cargo ship trying to transit through the strait. Both the US and Iran have accused each other of breaking the agreed 60-day interim peace deal. Since Iran was attacked by...

With Iran and the US signing a peace deal, where does that leave Benjamin Netanyahu?
Jun 22, 2026 11:08 am UTC| Insights & Views Politics
The peace deal between the US and Iran calls not just for the cessation of hostilities between the two countries, but also between Israel and Hezbollah. It also calls for Lebanese territorial integrity and sovereignty to...

How Donald Trump has changed the way diplomacy is done
Jun 22, 2026 11:03 am UTC| Insights & Views Politics
The negotiations to end the US-Iran war, resulting in the signing of a memorandum of understanding on June 17, have been something of an acid test of Donald Trumps approach to diplomacy. What does it tell us? And has this...

Cuba needs a long-term solution to its energy crisis
May 22, 2026 13:20 pm UTC| Insights & Views Economy
Cuba has run out of oil, the countrys energy minister announced on May 14, 2026. It marks a new depth to the islands energy crisis, which has gotten worse in recent months amid the tightening of U.S. sanctions imposed in...

First Trump, now Putin – all roads lead to Xi Jinping
May 22, 2026 13:16 pm UTC| Insights & Views Politics
The red carpet at Beijing Capital International Airport has had something of a workout in recent months. In addition to Donald Trumps visit from May 13-15 and Vladimir Putin over the past couple of days, a parade of world...

Strait of Hormuz: why even neutral and distant countries like Switzerland can’t escape the fallout
Apr 18, 2026 07:49 am UTC| Insights & Views Politics
There is often a perception that geographical distance reduces vulnerability an idea that can be particularly appealing in neutral countries with long-standing stable and strong economies. Switzerland is a clear example:...