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Byline: Yaroslav Trofimov Ukraine's foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, was flying home on a Turkish Airlines plane from New York when Russia invaded. He had just been welcomed into the White [...]

The article discusses the intensifying power struggle between Israel and Turkey in the Middle East following the collapse of the Syrian regime and the decline of Iranian influence. Turkey and Israel, both American allies, are on a collision course due to strained relations exacerbated by the war in Gaza. The article highlights concerns about a potential conflict between the two countries in Syria, as Turkey emerges as a dominant power in the region. Despite tensions, there is recognition that a Turkish-dominated Syria is preferable to an Iranian-dominated one for Israel. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the transformation of Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani, a former Islamic State and al Qaeda affiliate, into a leading commander of the Turkish-backed rebel force in Aleppo, Syria. Jawlani has issued edicts protecting religious minorities and has focused on Syria rather than global jihad. Despite doubts about his intentions, Jawlani's group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has taken control of Aleppo, posing challenges for the Syrian regime and its allies. The article highlights the complexities and uncertainties surrounding Jawlani's leadership and the future of the rebel movement in Syria. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the recent loss of Aleppo to Islamist rebels, marking a significant defeat for the Syrian regime and its allies, including Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah. The fall of Aleppo is attributed to new conflicts outside Syria's borders, weakening the regime's supporters. The rebel offensive in Aleppo was led by the Hayat Tahrir al Sham, an Islamist militia coalition with Turkish backing, and the timing of the offensive was likely tied to a cease-fire in Lebanon. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the concerns of U.S. allies as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea deepen their cooperation, while Western capitals brace for potential shifts in trade and security policies under a returning Trump presidency. Trump's remarks about allies and NATO have raised worries among European nations, with concerns about a possible Russian victory in Ukraine. The article also highlights differing reactions to Trump's victory in the Middle East and Asia, with some countries hopeful for stronger U.S. support and others viewing it as a threat. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar's failed attempt to reshape the Middle East through a bloody conflict with Israel in 2023. Despite causing significant devastation and casualties, Sinwar's plan did not achieve its intended outcome, leading to Israel's military successes and a shift in regional power dynamics. The conflict has also reignited global attention on the Palestinian cause, but not on Sinwar's terms, as discussions now focus on a two-state solution and reforming the Palestinian Authority. Israel's expected strike on Iran and the ongoing struggle between the two countries suggest that tensions in the region will persist in the foreseeable future. [Extracted from the article]

Iran's recent barrage of ballistic missiles overwhelmed Israel's air defenses in some areas, according to independent researchers who analyzed satellite imagery. While the damage was limited, this suggests that Iran could cause significant harm if it targets civilian infrastructure or heavily populated residential areas. The missiles used in the attack were faster and more difficult to intercept than previous strikes, making defense more challenging. Israel operates sophisticated missile-defense systems, but they have limited quantities of interceptors and are more expensive than the incoming Iranian missiles. The Israeli military stated that their functionality and operation levels were not significantly affected by the attack. [Extracted from the article]

The article examines the strategic dilemma facing Western democracies as they confront a rising coalition of autocracies led by China and Russia. Topics discussed include the challenges of deterring multiple global rivals simultaneously, the debate over whether to seek accommodation with one of these powers, and the impact of potential U.S. policy shifts on international alliances and security.

The article discusses the strained partnership between Russia and Iran due to parallel conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. Both countries have been growing closer due to their shared hostility towards the US, but the recent escalations have limited their capacity to support each other militarily. Russia is dependent on Iran for weapons after its setbacks in Ukraine, but Iran has been hesitant to provide ballistic missiles. Western governments are concerned about Russia potentially sharing nuclear-weapons technology with Iran. Despite their mutual suspicions, the two countries are brought closer together by their conflict with the US and the West. [Extracted from the article]

Ukrainian forces have entered Russia's Kursk region, causing thousands of Russian civilians to flee and setting up a tent city for refugees. This marks the first major foreign military invasion of Russian territory since World War II. Despite the severity of the situation, Russian media and the Kremlin downplay the events, referring to Ukrainian forces as "saboteurs" attempting an incursion. The Russian government has described the fighting as a "counterterrorist operation" and placed it under the command of the Federal Security Service. The invasion raises questions about Russian military capabilities and President Putin's red lines. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the concerns of Baltic countries, particularly Estonia, about the potential threat from Russia following the loss of ground by Ukraine. The city of Narva in Estonia, which has a significant Russian-speaking population, is seen as a potential target for destabilization. While a military strike on Estonia is not expected in the immediate future, there are concerns that Russian President Vladimir Putin may test Western resolve by challenging NATO members, including the Baltic states. Estonia is taking steps to prepare for this potential threat, including increasing recruitment and readiness levels in its defense forces. The article also highlights the rise of isolationist voices in the US and the erosion of NATO's deterrence, which could mislead Putin into thinking he can attack without severe consequences. Estonia has already experienced cyberattacks and other forms of aggression from Russia. Despite sympathies for Putin among some residents, Estonia's prosperity as an EU member makes any unrest unappealing. However, concerns about a potential conflict remain, particularly among those who have ties to Russia. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores the question of whether Europe can still depend on America's nuclear protection. It raises concerns about America's commitment to defend Europe and discusses the possibility of France and the UK developing their own nuclear deterrence. The article emphasizes the importance of political credibility in nuclear deterrence and discusses the changing dynamics of nuclear deterrence in Europe. It also highlights the growing concern about the reliability of the U.S. commitment under the Trump administration and the complexities and risks associated with relying on nuclear weapons for deterrence. European leaders are considering alternative options for nuclear deterrence, but skeptics argue that European nuclear deterrence lacks political will. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the concerns surrounding the waning commitment of the United States to Ukraine, two years after Russia's invasion. While Ukraine has proven to be a formidable foe and Europe has increased its support, the U.S. has become divided on the issue, with some Republicans expressing admiration for Putin and opposing further military assistance to Ukraine. The cutoff of American aid has left Ukraine vulnerable, and Russia has regrouped and launched a new offensive. The potential abandonment of Ukraine by the U.S. is causing anxiety among European and Asian democracies, as it could embolden dictators and have a domino effect on global security. European nations are stepping up their support, but the decline of the American industrial base limits foreign-policy options. The article highlights the importance of prioritizing the Asia-Pacific region and the need for European nations to increase their military spending. The Russian military is losing more equipment to Ukrainian forces, but the situation could have significant consequences for the security of the continent. [Extracted from the article]

Malaysia, where new Islamic banking laws and bonds have been developed and institutions like the Bank of Islam and Takafal Malaysia have been created, is a trailblazer for the Islamic financial industry. The country is also used as a testing ground by Western financial companies before they establish their own Islamic franchises.

The tourist trade for the Victoria Falls, shared on both sides of the river between Zimbabwe and Zambia, Africa is a reflection of the political climes. Zimbabwe is experiencing political repression with economic shortages, intermittant violence and Western sanctions. Zambia has embraced capitalism and has seen increased tourist traffic bringing economic prosperity as tourists show favour over visiting Zimbabwe.

Ukrainian states that favor close ties with Russia raise the possibility that they may seek autonomy if the recent contested election victory of Viktor Yanukovych is not upheld.