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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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Shaping Peace in Ukraine: Recent European Diplomatic Efforts
International discussions on peace efforts regarding the ongoing war in Donbas explore new solutions for achieving a concrete ceasefire. Credit: Australian Institute of International Affairs.The ongoing conflict in Donbas continues to draw international attention, with recent discussions involving European leaders, the United States, and Ukraine. These developments include French-Polish talks about the possible deployment of a peacekeeping force and Hungarian President Viktor Orban’s proposal for a ceasefire. Previous Discussions
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Afghan Minister Killed in Kabul Suicide Bombing
Khalil-ur-Rahman Haqqani, Afghanistan’s acting Minister of Refugees and Repatriation, was killed in a suicide bombing at the Ministry of Refugees in Kabul on Wednesday. This marks the first attack targeting a minister since the Taliban regained power in 2021. The incident occurred within the ministry compound, which was reportedly hosting training workshops in recent days.…
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Putin and Lukashenko Sign New Security Pact
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko convened in Minsk to celebrate 25 years of the Union State – a political and economic alliance between Russia and Belarus. Key outcomes included the Interstate Treaty on Security Guarantees, a new a pact aimed at mutual defense. The Interstate Treaty includes: Mutual obligations for defense…
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Russia Recruits Houthis for War in Donbas
The Financial Times reported that Russia has recruited hundreds of Yemeni mercenaries to fight in Ukraine, facilitated by a Houthi-linked operation. Recruits were reportedly promised lucrative jobs and Russian citizenship but were coerced into signing military contracts upon arrival. Many lacked training and were deployed to Ukraine, facing harsh conditions and significant casualties. The operation,…