
Why Islamic State is expanding its operations in north-eastern Nigeria
May 30, 2025 12:02 pm UTC| Insights & Views Politics
Islamic State West Africa Province (Iswap), one of the most powerful global affiliates of the Islamic State jihadist organisation, is in the middle of its largest offensive against the Nigerian military in years. The group...
Ukraine: it’s clear right now there are no serious plans for peace
May 26, 2025 08:41 am UTC| Insights & Views Politics
When it comes to the sincerity, or otherwise, of Vladimir Putins apparent willingness to talk peace with Ukraine, the Russian leader has given us plenty of hints. He may insist he wants to see a deal done and an end to the...

Why Donald Trump has put Asia on the precipice of a nuclear arms race
May 26, 2025 08:41 am UTC| Insights & Views Politics
For the past 75 years, Americas nuclear umbrella has been the keystone that has kept East Asias great‑power rivalries from turning atomic. President Donald Trumps second‑term strategic reset now threatens to crack that...

Xi and Putin Strengthen "Steel" Alliance Amid Ukraine War and Western Tensions
May 08, 2025 13:45 pm UTC| Politics
Chinese President Xi Jinping met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Thursday, pledging to deepen China-Russia ties as friends of steel amid rising global tensions. The meeting, held during the 80th anniversary...

Why Zelensky – not Trump – may have ‘won’ the US-Ukraine minerals deal
May 07, 2025 10:31 am UTC| Insights & Views Politics
Last week, the Trump administration signed a deal with Ukraine that gives it privileged access to Ukraines natural resources. Some news outlets described the deal as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky caving to US...

Trump wants China’s help in making peace in Ukraine. He’s unlikely to get it
Dec 16, 2024 05:00 am UTC| Insights & Views
US president-elect Donald Trump has invited Chinas president Xi Jinping to his inauguration on January 20 in a surprise move which appears to be part of a plan to involve Beijing in ceasefire negotiations in...
US role in Syria is unclear in wake of Assad’s fall from power
Dec 13, 2024 05:37 am UTC| Insights & Views
As a new government is set to form in Syria following a sudden coup earlier this week, the United States response to the political upheaval appears uncertain. Rebel groups unexpectedly overthrew Syrias longtime leader,...