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Partial Ceasefire Reached Without Ukraine at the Table
Combats continue in Donbas despite a brokered partial ceasefire. CREDIT: Ukrainian Presidency.A two-hour phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 18 resulted in a series of preliminary agreements concerning the ongoing conflict in Donbas. Notably, Ukraine was not included in these negotiations. This call marked the first direct contact between the two leaders in a month and came amid…
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Calls for Monarchy Revival in Nepal
Gyanendra Shah’s Return to Kathmandu.Nepal’s former king, Gyanendra Shah, was welcomed by thousands of pro-monarchy supporters as he returned to Kathmandu on Sunday following a visit to western Nepal. Gyanendra’s Return to Kathmandu Approximately 10,000 demonstrators gathered near the main entrance of Tribhuvan International Airport. The demonstration temporarily disrupted access to the airport, forcing passengers to walk to and…
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Syria SitRep: Alawite Uprising Crushed, Mass Executions Reported
Today, we revisite the latest developments in Syria’s ongoing crisis. CREDIT: Rafael Medina.Armed clashes erupted on March 6 in the Syrian provinces of Latakia and Tartus, strongholds of the Alawite minority, after insurgents attacked security forces in Beit Ana. The violence escalated as pro-Assad militias also seized military positions, prompting a large-scale government military response. The Alawites The Alawites are a branch of Shia Islam, making up…
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Georgia’s Protests: A Local’s Perspective on a Political Crisis
To better understand the developing crisis in Georgia, we spoke with a protester for firsthand, on-the-ground insight.Through the past 2 years, Tbilisi has been at the heart of lasting waves of protests, with thousands of Georgians taking to the streets in opposition to the government’s actions. While international observers debate the implications, the perspective of those on the ground provides crucial insight into the movement’s evolution. Nino*, a young protester in…
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Three Years of War: The US-Russia Talks and Ukraine’s Uncertain Future
As the war in Ukraine reaches its third anniversary, diplomatic efforts have intensified to explore potential resolutions. Under the leadership of US President Donald Trump, the United States has taken a new approach, engaging directly with Russia while sidelining Ukraine in critical negotiations. Recent discussions between Washington and Moscow signal a potential shift in international…
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Sudan: Chemical Weapons, Sanctions, and Starvation as a War Tactic
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has exacerbated a worsening humanitarian crisis. CREDIT: Steve Evans.As Sudan’s civil war continues, the use of chemical weapons, international sanctions on key leaders, and a worsening famine underscore the gravity of the crisis, with millions at risk amid escalating violence and blocked aid efforts. Chemical Weapons Use in Sudan’s Civil War The Sudanese civil war began in April 2023, rooted in a power…
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Georgia: Reports of Systematic Abuse and Torture Against Protesters
Ongoing protests in Georgia over EU membership have led NGOs to allege torture from authorities. CREDIT: Tbel Abuseridze.Multiple human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch (HRW) and the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA, leading Georgian human rights advocacy), have reported allegations of excessive force and ill-treatment of protesters by Georgian police and security forces between November 28 and December 20, 2024. The incidents occurred during protests in Tbilisi, sparked by the ruling…
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North Korean Troops Confirmed in Ukraine, Amid Allegations of Disfigurement to Conceal Identity
A North Korean soldier stands guard at the Korean Demilitarized Zone in 2011. CREDIT: US Army (army.mil).US and South Korean intelligence agencies’ reports suggest the deployment of North Korean soldiers to Russia’s Kursk region as part of military collaboration between Moscow and Pyongyang. These troops are believed to be engaged in frontline operations in Russia’s war against Ukraine, drawing international scrutiny and leading to sanctions by the United States and South…
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Assad Regime Falls: Ukraine’s Role, Russian Retrenchment, and US Diplomacy
Russian troops in Khmeimim Air Base, Syria, 2017. CREDIT: Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation (Mil.ru).The fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has reshaped the political and military landscape of Syria, amid suspicion of covert support from Ukraine to the rebel advance. As a consequence, Russia is withdrawing their forces from northern Syria while retaining key military bases, and the United States is exploring engagement with new leadership. Context In…
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Georgia: a Year of Crisis
We turn our attention back to Georgia in 2024. CREDIT: Tbel Abuseridze.Throughout 2024, Georgia experienced mounting political turmoil, characterized by violent protests, international criticism, contentious elections, and escalating accusations of pro-Russian policies against the ruling Georgian Dream party. Today, we revisit the political crisis that unfolded in Georgia over the past year. The Foreign Agents Law In early 2023, the Georgian Parliament introduced a draft law…