Forging Partnerships: Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad Visits China
Seeking funds and allies to rebuild war-torn Syria, President Bashar al-Assad made a historic visit to China on September 21, 2023, and met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. During the visit, a strategic partnership was established, fostering cooperation in various areas. The Sino-Syrian partnership will serve to enhance China’s influence in the Middle East and challenge Western hegemony in the region.
Benito Mussolini: The Father of Fascism
Benito Mussolini, full name Benito Amilcare Andrea Mussolini and designation ‘Il Duce’ (meaning ‘The Leader), was the pioneer of 20th-century Europe’s dictators under the dictates of fascism.
From humble beginnings to absolute peaks of power, to his own people passing the harshest of verdicts of execution, Benito Mussolini was a famed character in the WWII period. He introduced the concept of fascism which originated from the right-winged party he was leading in Italy.
The US Dollar vs BRICS: Is the American Financial Order Declining?
Muhammad Mustafa Ahmed Khan discusses the historical dominance of the American currency, the dollar. He examines the challenges to the supremacy of the US dollar and, additionally, to the American financial order, posed by the economic policies of the BRICS member states. Though they might not match the US individually, together these states contribute significantly to the global economy. Their decision to trade in their respective currencies itself poses a threat to the dollar.
Understanding the Devastating Impact of the 2023 Floods in Libya
In September 2023, Libya faced a catastrophe of unparalleled proportions as it was ravaged by devastating floods. The effects of these floods were far-reaching, leaving behind a trail of destruction and human suffering. As the waters swept through cities and villages, homes were destroyed, infrastructure was decimated, and lives were upended. In the aftermath of the floods, Hafsa Ammar sheds light on the extent of the damage caused and the challenges faced by the affected communities. From the loss of lives and displacement of people to the disruption of essential services like healthcare and clean water supply, the impact of these floods cannot be overstated.
It’s Happening: the Saudi-Israel Peace Deal
Saudi Arabia and Israel have been working on a deal to normalize ties between the two nations. The news spread when Mohammed Bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, appeared in a televised interview with Fox News on 20th September and said that the nations were close to concluding a ‘serious’ agreement regarding bilateral peace.
Israel’s right-wing Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed the rumors of budding peace two days later as well. This deal is complex, and to understand it, there is a need to recognize all stakeholders and their respective demands.
Key Takeaways from the G20 Delhi Declaration
Held this year in Delhi, the G20 summit holds economic and political significance in reshaping the world order. The summit saw an expansion of the African Union.
However, both China and Russia did not participate in the summit. It also saw India and the US seizing an opportunity to lay down the conceptual underpinnings of what might be an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative: a new economic corridor.
Murder of Nijjar: Will Canada-India Relations Continue to Sour?
On 18th June 2023, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, born in India and living in Canada, was murdered by two masked gunmen right outside his Sikh temple in a Vancouver suburb. The likely suspect by the Canadian authorities? The Indian government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Khalistan movement is the reason behind the allegations that Canada has leveled against India. Bilateral diplomatic tensions have so far caused suspensions of visas, expulsion of diplomats, and a negative impact on trade and investment.
China’s Influence in the Middle East Surges
China has seized the opportunity to assert its presence in the Middle East to reshape the regional dynamics amidst a shift in the United States’ policy focus from the Middle East to the Indo-Pacific region under the Biden administration.
Recent events like the Saudi-Iran agreement and the admission of some Middle Eastern nations in the BRICS bloc demonstrate China’s varied interests in the region, which range from conventional energy requirements to economic and geopolitical worries.
Indonesia’s Cultural Diplomacy at the 2023 ASEAN Summit
Indonesia is known for its large cultural diversity spread from one end of the country to the other, ultimately making it pay great attention to culture as the best tool in conducting diplomacy. Cultural diplomacy is carried out as a tool to achieve the national interests of each country.
Taking advantage of its position as the host country for the 2023 ASEAN Summit, Indonesia carried out cultural diplomacy with artistic and cultural performances, promoting Batik as traditional clothing, as well as gastro diplomacy which received good appreciation from the heads of states who were present.
India’s Moon Landing: A Remarkable Milestone
India has achieved a momentous milestone by successfully landing a spacecraft, Chandrayaan-3, on the Moon. This groundbreaking endeavor, which has garnered global attention, marks a significant step for the country’s space exploration program. The mission, led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), showcases India’s prowess in the field of technology and highlights its commitment to pushing the boundaries of scientific innovation. With this successful landing, India joins an exclusive group of nations that have achieved the remarkable feat of a lunar landing.
Introduction to the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC)
The China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) is a strategic infrastructure project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) aimed at connecting China with Myanmar’s major economic centers.
CMEC was endorsed by Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to Myanmar in January 2020, marking the culmination of China’s efforts to reconstitute Sino-Myanmar relations after Myanmar’s democratic transition.
Panama Canal’s Climate Crisis Affects $270 Billion Trade Industry
For the fifth time this drought season, the Panamanian Canal Authority (ACP) has restricted the size of ships allowed to transit the canal.
With about 38 vessels navigating it daily, a water supply issue is threatening the survival of this vital waterway. The climate crisis has forced Panama’s government to curtail maritime traffic in the channel that connects the Atlantic and Pacific.
Intersecting Challenges: Arms Control and Climate Change
Wajeeha Amin explores the undeniable link between militarism and climate change. She asserts that military operations have substantial environmental impacts, including energy consumption, hazardous waste production, and habitat destruction. Nuclear weapons themselves pose devastating threats to the environment, from immediate devastation to long-term radioactive fallout. Hence, balancing defense budgets with climate solutions, and disarmament are essential to reducing climate change’s impacts.
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: 10 Years and Beyond
It’s been a decade since the inauguration of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a $50 billion project under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
While many believe that the project has failed in many respects, Ayesha Shaikh shares what it is and what it isn’t.
Importance of Incorporating UN Resolution 1325 in Countering Violent Extremism
Conflicts render women and children utterly vulnerable to violence, harassment, abuse, and the psychological and economic effects of war. In such a volatile environment, women are often forced to step up as the heads of families, and take on odd, if not illegal, jobs for survival. Their experiences also make them more susceptible to radical ideologies.
Yet, the link between gender and conflict resolution, security, and peace is often overlooked. Iman Faisal describes the UN Resolution 1325 to address the dire need for gendered lenses in countering violent extremism, and for establishing comprehensive and inclusive peace.
Why is Russia Rolling Out Islamic Banking?
It was certainly a surprise when the Russian parliament’s lower chamber approved the bill allowing the introduction of the Islamic banking system.
The trial will start on 1st September and last for two years, but with the possibility of an extension depending on the results. Russia’s engagement in developing Islamic banks is a sign of its ambitions to seize new economic possibilities and improve connections with nations with a Muslim majority.
Fukushima Water Discharge Controversy
A disastrous tsunami followed the 2011 earthquake in Japan, causing disruption to the reactors at the Fukushima nuclear plant site. As a consequence, there was a release of radioactive material.
Japan has now decided to release treated radioactive water into the Pacific, but China, South Korea, and the Pacific Island nations are opposing the discharge of the Fukushima water.
