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Georgian Opposition Figure Arrested as Government Pushes EU Narrative
On May 22, Georgian opposition leader Zurab Japaridze was arrested in a Tbilisi courtroom after refusing to pay ₾20,000 ($7,300) bail tied to his noncompliance with a parliamentary investigative commission. The commission, initiated by the ruling Georgian Dream party (conservative party), is examining alleged abuses during the 2003–2012 presidency of Mikheil Saakashvili and has the…
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Silk Roads: China’s Footprint in Georgia
On March 31, 2025, Georgia deepened its shift toward China by signing a financial cooperation deal, reflecting broader strategic realignment amid stalled EU integration and declining Western engagement. CREDIT: Kari Nousiainen.On March 31, 2025, the National Bank of Georgia signed a memorandum of understanding with the People’s Bank of China in Beijing, outlining cooperation in monetary policy, financial technology, payment systems, and securities market development. This development marks a new phase in bilateral cooperation between the two countries, and is part of Georgia’s broader strategic…
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Turkish Envoy Meets in Damascus for Cooperation Talks
Turkish intelligence chief İbrahim Kalin held extensive meetings in Damascus this week with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, and intelligence chief Hussein al-Salama. The discussions centered on restoring bilateral relations, enhancing border cooperation, and supporting Syria’s post-conflict recovery efforts. Key topics included counterterrorism efforts, and the disarmament and integration of armed groups…
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Romania: Simion Concedes as Dan Wins Presidency
Nicușor Dan, the mayor of Bucharest from the Save Romania Union (pro-European liberal party), won Romania’s presidential election on May 18, after defeating the leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR, right-wing nationalist party) George Simion. Official results showed Dan securing 53.6% of the vote in the runoff, while Simion received 46.4%.…
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PM Resigns as Romania Heads to Presidential Runoff
Romania is heading into a second round of presidential elections on May 18, after George Simion, candidate for the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR, right-wing nationalist party) secured over 40% of the vote in the first round on May 4. Simion will face Nicușor Dan from the Save Romania Union (pro-European liberal party),…
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Ex-Kursk Governor Detained Over Military Funds Fraud
Alexey Smirnov has been placed in pre-trial detention for two months by the Meshchansky District Court of Moscow. He is accused of large-scale fraud in connection with misappropriation of state funds meant for military fortifications, allegedly committed by an organized group using official positions. Smirnov’s former deputy, Alexey Dedov, faces the same charges. Smirnov is…
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Political Opponents Face Death Penalty in Tunisia
On March 4, Tunisia opened the first hearing in the high-profile “conspiracy against state security” trial, following two years of investigations. Forty defendants, including political figures, activists, lawyers, and public personalities, are accused of plotting to overthrow President Kais Saied’s government and face charges of conspiracy against internal and external state security and terrorism. If…
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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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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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Impact of Trump’s $60 Billion Foreign Aid Freeze
Since his election, President Donald Trump and his administration have frozen more than $60 billion in US foreign assistance, pending government review. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has indicated that the US Agency for International Development (USAID) may be abolished, citing “conflicting, overlapping, and duplicative” activities. A federal judge has blocked the administration from placing…