Asia
Iran / USA: ceasefire is announced, but Israel continues to bombard Lebanon
In the end, cooler heads prevailed – at least for now. A fragile pause has emerged in the conflict between the USA and Iran after Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire to allow…
North Korea: Kim’s sister praises apology by South Korean president
Tensions remain delicate following a recent drone-related incident between South Korea and North Korea. South Korea’s president, Lee Jae-myung, expressed regret over actions which contributed to heightened tensions, describing them as unintended and…
Iran / USA: Trump’s mixed messages create uncertainty
As the conflict in the Middle East continues, Donald Trump has alternated between signalling possible de-escalation and threatening further military action, leaving the situation highly uncertain. Increased military deployments in the Gulf region…
Lebanon: Israel plans buffer zone even after conflict with Hezbollah ends
Amid escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the IDF’s plans to establish a buffer zone deep inside southern Lebanon have intensified fears of prolonged instability. Foreign minister Israel Katz, stating that the aim…
Syria: Christians cancel Easter celebrations after sectarian violence
Sectarian violence erupted on 28 March in Suqaylabiyah, a predominantly Christian town in Syria, following tensions involving two Muslim young men from the nearby town of Qalaat al-Madiq. Reports indicate that they started…
Nepal: increased numbers of tigers mean more risks to those living nearby
In rural areas of Nepal, families living near protected forests face growing danger as tiger populations increase. Pushpa Tamang, a survivor of a brutal tiger attack in 2019, lives with severe disabilities and…
Middle East war: Trump’s claims of negotiations are rebuffed by Iran
Iran has rejected claims by Donald Trump that negotiations are under way to end the conflict, with military spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaqari accusing Washington of ‘negotiating with itself’ to mask failure. While US officials…
Asia: effects of Strait of Hormuz blockade on ordinary people
The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran has disrupted global energy supplies, sending oil prices higher and straining economies, especially across Asia. With nearly 90% of shipments through the strait…
Iran: loss of Ali Larijani will be a body blow to the country
Israel’s assassination of Ali Larijani, a central figure in Iran’s political and security establishment, will be a devastating body blow to the country, probably even more than the loss of the supreme leader…
Iran: a new Supreme Leader
Iran’s clerical leaders have moved quickly to appoint a new Supreme Leader after Ali Khamenei was killed in Israeli and American strikes on the opening day of the conflict. His successor is his…
