The Conflict in Sudan and Pakistan's Repatriation of Illegal Refugees

CWA # 1141

Conflict Weekly

The Conflict in Sudan and Pakistan's Repatriation of Illegal Refugees

IPRI Team
9 November 2023

Photo Source: Zohra Bensemra,Reuters

Conflict Weekly #201, 9 November 2023, Vol.4, No.45

An initiative by NIAS-IPRI and the India Office of the KAS

Anu Maria Joseph and Shamini Velayutham

Sudan: Seven months into the conflict
Anu Maria Joseph

In the news
On 8 November, Reuters reported on the increasing number of people fleeing to Chad from the state of West Darfur following a fresh wave of violence. According to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), nearly seven thousand people have crossed the Chad border in three days. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) referred to an “unimaginable” humanitarian crisis unfolding in Sudan. Earlier, on 4 November, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) took control of the army headquarters in El Geneina in West Darfur.

On 7 November, BBC quoted the residents of Ardamata, a district in El Geneina which hosts a camp for Internally Displaced People (IDPs), where at least 800 people have been killed in an attack by RSF and its allied militias. Meanwhile, on the same day, Reuters reported on RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) agreeing to easing humanitarian aid deliveries and implementing confidence-building measures following the peace meditations that began on 2 November in Jeddah. The talks were mediated by Saudi Arabia and the US.

On 3 November, the Deputy Commander of RSF, Abdel Rahim Hamdan Dagalo, stated that the military group would continue the fighting until they captured all of Sudan. He said: “We will move towards other remaining states and [army] headquarters, and they will be under our control, God willing.”

Issues at large
First, seven months of the conflict and rapid escalation. The conflict in Sudan between the SAF and RSF will complete its seventh month on 14 November. According to the UN, the conflict has killed more than 9,000 people. It has evolved into ethnic violence in Darfur and Kordofan regions. RSF and its allied Arab militias have been accused of carrying out ethnic cleansing in the state of West Darfur, in particular against the Masalit community. Peace talks have failed to reach a ceasefire. The fighting continues between the two military leaders- SAF leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF leader General Hamdan Dagalo- struggling for power-. From the capital Khartoum, cities of Omdurman and Bahri to the peripheral regions of Blue Nile, Darfur and Kordofan, the conflict has intensified in terms of intensity and geography. The fighting has also reached the city of Port Sudan, where the SAF is trying to build a parallel government.

Second, RSF’s agenda and its progress. With the seizing of el-Geneina in the state of West Darfur, the RSF has taken control of the states of South, West, and Central Darfur. According to Al Jazeera, RSF has encircled the state of North Darfur aiming to capture the capital city al-Fashir. The paramilitary group carried out the advancements in two weeks. The city of Nyala, the capital of South Darfur, was captured on 26 October. Besides Darfur, the group have a major hand in Khartoum and its twin cities of Omdurman and Bahri, and parts of the state of West Kordofan. The group is seeking an alliance with Arab militias across Sudan to reach its bid to capture the entire Sudan.

Third, surging violence. RSF and its allied militias are being accused of carrying out ethnic cleansing of non-Arabs in Darfur states. RSF, a loosely organised paramilitary force, is unable to control its forces. Besides, RSF has left the administration of captured regions with respective ethnic leaders. Its Arab allies have looted cities and towns across the conflict-hit regions. According to the UN Human Rights Office (OCHR), at least 20 women were held in “slaves-like conditions” by RSF-linked militias in Darfur. Previously, the UN reported on 50 cases of sexual violence including gang rapes in Darfur. According to the UN, nearly six million people have fled to neighbouring countries of Chad, Sudan and the Central African Republic since the conflict began.

Fourth, the failure of ceasefires and mediations. The new developments come alongside the peace talks in Jeddah led by the US and Saudi Arabia; however, it failed. The failed peace efforts come after a series of nine failed ceasefires mediated by several regional and international actors. A long-lasting ceasefire in Sudan seems elusive. The previous ceasefires failed as the warring sides showed no commitment to compliance. They continue to accuse each other of violating the ceasefires. Although external actors can bring the warring parties to the negotiating table, implementing those efforts remains challenging.

In perspective
First, as the conflict reaches its seventh month with a higher intensity, it is unclear whether the SAF has lost the fighting. However, the RSF's rapid advancements say it is likely that the conflict and the violence will escalate. Subsequently, Sudan will be left to the hands of another military leadership under Hamdan Dagalo. RSF, a remnant of the Janjaweed militia under the Omar al Bashir regime, is historically known for its human rights atrocities in Darfur during the 2003 war. RSF’s alignment with Arab militias and targeted atrocities on non-Arab communities is concerning. RSF is not institutionally equipped to govern regions. The captured regions which RSF left to Arab ethnic leaders will eventually become the ground for ethnic rivalries and instability. RSF in control of Darfur would imply that Darfur would be subjected to widespread human rights atrocities. Darfur will be in chaos.

Second, RSF's new bid to capture the entire Sudan is concerning. It would mean that negotiating grounds for a ceasefire won't be easy. The disorganised structure of RSF and its allies, and the evolution of conflict into multiple dimensions, make it difficult to study the conflict on the ground. Regional and international efforts are failures; so are the longevity of the ceasefires. It seems the structural issues within a short-term ceasefire encourage the warring sides to violate the ceasefire easily, to gain the upper hand. Unsuccessful attempts by international and regional actors highlight the need to revisit the mediating approach to the conflict in Sudan.

Pakistan: Repatriation of illegal immigrants
Shamini Velayutham

In the news
On 1 November, following the expiration of the deadline for the voluntary departure of illegal migrants, the Pakistani government launched a state-wide campaign to deport undocumented migrants, the majority of whom are Afghans. Pakistan’s Minister of Interior clarified that the expulsion of illegal foreign nationals would be carried out in phases with people without travel documents deported in the first phase. The government issued an order to all unauthorised immigrants earlier in October, stating that failure to depart Pakistan by 31 October would result in imprisonment and deportation to their home countries. According to the government, among the nearly four million Afghans who reside in Pakistan, 1.7 million Afghans are undocumented.

On 6 November, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) reported that the Ahmadiyya and Afghan refugee groups in Pakistan are reportedly the target of increased detentions, acts of violence and intimidation. USCIRF Commissioner David Curry stated: "We are particularly concerned that the Pakistani government may forcibly return to Afghanistan religious minorities who fled persecution."

On the same day, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OCHR) urged the Pakistani authorities to halt deportations to prevent a human rights crisis. OCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani stated: "We believe many of those facing deportation will be at grave risk of human rights violations if returned to Afghanistan, including arbitrary arrest and detention, torture, cruel and other inhuman treatment”.

On 31 October, Pakistan's Minister of Interior, Sarfraz Bugti, stated that if these foreign nationals do not agree to leave the country, the government will begin expelling them gradually. He added: "After November 1, the state will commence its operation to expel aliens in phases.”

Issues at large
First, the state of Afghan refugees in Pakistan. Thousands of Afghans fled to Pakistan in the late 1970s and early 1980s following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. In the late 1990s, the UNHCR estimated that 1.2 million Afghans were living in Pakistani refugee villages. The recent UNHCR report states that over 1.3 million Afghans have arrived in Pakistan since August 2021. Over the years, the number of refugees who fled Afghanistan to Pakistan has increased. Fearing arrest and deportation, thousands of Afghans have already fled Pakistan. According to the USCIRF, Pakistani authorities have allegedly carried out raids and set up deportation centres to assist the repatriation process.

Second, worsening Pakistan-Afghanistan relations. Since the establishment of the Taliban rule in Afghanistan, there has been an increase in the number of Afghans crossing the border illegally. The Tehreek-e-Taliban-e-Pakistan (TTP) sanctuaries across the border have put Pakistan and Afghanistan's relationship in jeopardy. For instance, the most recent suicide attack on 1 September 2023 by a TTP militant killed nine Pakistani soldiers in the district of Bannu, in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to Pakistani authorities, 24 suicide bombings occurred in Pakistan in 2023, among which 14 were carried out by Afghan nationals. Regardless, the Taliban government has criticised the Pakistan government’s decision to deport Afghan refugees as “unacceptable,” thereby exacerbating the tensions between the countries.

Third, the humanitarian crisis. Ever since the Pakistani government issued an ultimatum to illegal migrants to leave the country, a significant rise in humanitarian violations has been reported by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch (HRW). According to Pakistani officials, over 800 houses of illegal migrants were demolished in Islamabad. Subsequently, 52,000 illegal residents have been identified and mapped in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Minors have been deported to Afghanistan without the supervision of their parents. Besides, Afghan refugees in detention centres continue to face hunger and sanitation issues due to the surplus population. According to the UNHCR, around 200,000 people among the 1.3 million who are being forced to flee Pakistan would face significant security challenges upon their forced return.

In perspective
First, the likely trajectory of the Afghan refugees leaving Pakistan. Several variables including changes in foreign policy, geopolitical developments, and the state of affairs in Afghanistan are likely to affect the condition of Afghan refugees who are fleeing Pakistan. The future of these refugees would be influenced by the developments in the diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan and the approach of the international actors.

Second, the Taliban’s stance on deportation. Afghanistan has faced several challenges following the US troops’ withdrawal in 2021 which have worsened after the unsettling political circumstances post the August 2021 Taliban takeover along with natural disasters including floods in 2022 and earthquakes in 2023. The likelihood of accommodating the resettling refugees is exacerbated by the presence of over a million IDPs. The sudden deportation of refugees from Pakistan is burdensome to them. Afghanistan is displeased with Pakistan’s ultimatum on deportation. The Taliban’s response will depend on how deportations are carried out and the degree of international attention. Additionally, the Taliban’s aggression on the border can be anticipated until the safe exit of Afghan nationals from Pakistan.

Issues in Peace and Conflict This Week:
Regional Roundups
Rohini Reenum, Rishika Yadav, Anu Maria Joseph, Femy Francis, Padmashree Anandhan, Dhriti Mukherjee, and Shamini Velayutham

East and Southeast Asia
China: Largest lender bank hit with ransomware attack
On 8 November, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) informed that their financial services were a victim of a ransomware attack disrupting the trade of the Treasurys. ICBC, a state-owned enterprise which according to Forbes is the world's largest lender and the third-largest bank, stated that it has “isolated impacted systems to contain the incident.” ICBC did not specify who the attacker was and stated that they had initiated an investigation. The US Treasury Department told the Consumer News and Business Channel (CNBC) media: “We are aware of the cybersecurity issue and are in regular contact with key financial sector participants, in addition to federal regulators. We continue to monitor the situation.” Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Wang Wenbin added that the bank had handled the emergency well and was striving to minimise the impact.

China: Beijing dissatisfied with G7 foreign ministers’ remarks
On 8 November, the Chinese embassy in Japan expressed its displeasure with the China-related comments made at the G7 foreign ministers meeting. The meeting that was held in Tokyo jointly criticised China and urged the country to address its non-market policies. Additionally, they asked China to refrain from assisting Russia in its war in Ukraine, to maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait and to give autonomy to Hong Kong. The embassy stated: “China will resolutely counter any smear campaigns from external forces.”

South Korea: High-level talks on North Korea’s nuclear program held with IAEA
On 8 November, the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) held their 12th round of high-level policy talks. The Deputy Foreign Minister for multilateral and global affairs, Park Yong-min, met with the Deputy Director General of the IAEA, Massimo Aparo, in Seoul. The discussion focused on joint efforts to enhance readiness to verify North Korea’s nuclear program and increase cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The IAEA expressed concerns over North Korea’s continued nuclear activities in violation of UNSC resolutions. The ministry highlighted its peaceful use of nuclear energy contrasting with North Korea's illicit development of nuclear weapons and pre-emptive nuclear strike threats.

North Korea: Criticises US Minuteman III test, threatens “military counteraction”
On 3 November, North Korea condemned the US for testing a Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) vowing “military counteraction.” It described South Korean officials’ presence at the launch as an intention to use nuclear-capable weapons against North Korea. North Korean state media, Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) stated: “The DPRK’s military counteraction stand to respond to the nukes in kind is immutable, irrespective of whether the US targets the DPRK with strategic nuclear weapons or deploys tactical nukes.” In response, the South Korean Ministry of Unification stressed: “We make it clear that the current escalation of tensions on the Korean Peninsula is caused by North Korea’s futile nuclear development and reckless military provocations.”

South Asia
Afghanistan: Half of the population lives in poverty, claims World Bank report
On 3 November, Tolo News quoted the World Bank’s monthly report, “Afghanistan Economic Monitor,” which stated that half of the Afghans are living in poverty. The report which was released on 31 October stated that from January to September 2023, there has been a decrease of 0.5 per cent in exports compared to the same period in 2022 while imports have shown a 27 per cent growth. An economist, Sayar Quirishi, commented: “One of the main reasons why Afghanistan's economy is in the current situation is that after the fall of the republic and the suspension of international aid, unfortunately, the economy has shrunk by 25% in the last two years”. Afghanistan’s Ministry of Economy urged the international community to remove sanctions imposed on the economic sector as it was essential for its progress.

Afghanistan: Bus attack in Kabul targeting Shia Muslims
On 7 November, Al Jazeera reported on a bus attack targeting the Shia Hazara community that took place in the capital Kabul. The blast happened in the district of Dasht-e-Barchi which is a Hazara stronghold. At least seven people were killed and twenty others were wounded in the blast. The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack. The group had claimed responsibility for a deadly explosion in a sports club in the same neighbourhood in late October. The current blast is thus the second targeting the oppressed community in recent weeks. Afghanistan has a population of about six million Shia Muslims of whom the majority are Hazaras who have been historically oppressed and discriminated against.

Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa
Iran: Demonstrations in Iran to mark the 1979 takeover of the US embassy
On 4 November, Al Jazeera reported that several demonstrations were held across Iran to mark the 1979 takeover of the US embassy and to protest against Israel and the US’s involvement in the bombardment of Gaza. The protestors also marked their support for Gaza by waving Palestinian flags. Chants of “death to America” and “death to Israel” and stomping of their flags characterized these marches. On 4 November 1979, the US embassy was stormed as part of the revolution that brought into existence the current theocratic regime in Iran.

Iran: Nobel Peace Prize winner begins hunger strike in Iranian prison.
On 6 November, Al Jazeera reported that Narges Mohammadi who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in October this year has begun a hunger strike in the Evin Prison where she is being held. She is protesting the limited access to medical care for her and other inmates and mandatory hijab for women in Iran. She has also refused to wear the hijab under any circumstance. In response, the prison authorities have refused to transfer her to a hospital for better treatment although she suffers from heart and lung conditions. Mohammadi is a veteran rights activist who was awarded the Nobel Prize for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran.

Syria: After weeks of attacks supported by Iran, the US bombs an Iranian site in eastern Syria
On 8 November, in response to the recent rocket and drone assaults by Iran-backed militias against US soldiers in Syria and Iraq, the US bombed a facility used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Iran-backed militias in the province of Deir Ezzor in eastern Syria. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that this was in response to “a series of attacks against US persons in Iraq and Syria” and emphasised that they would “take all necessary measures to defend our people against those who are responsible for the attacks and will respond at a time and place of our choosing.” According to the Syrian-based Naher media, the attacks killed and injured at least ten Iranian and Iran-backed militants. Iran-backed militias in Iraq claimed shortly after the airstrike that they had fired two drones at the US military’s Harir airbase in northern Iraq.

Israel: IDF says Hamas transporting terrorists and arms in an ambulance
On 8 November, the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) accused Hamas of transporting arms and terrorists through ambulances. In a video of an interrogation published by the Israel Security Agency (ISA) and the IDF, a terrorist affiliated with Hamas revealed that the terrorist group has been exploiting mosques, schools, ambulances, clinics and hospitals for terrorist activities. The terrorist acknowledged that Hamas moves militants and weapons across the Gaza Strip in ambulances.

Israel: Gaza journalist and 42 families killed in Israeli airstrike
On 7 November, Al Jazeera reported that Palestinian journalist Mohammad Abu Hasira and 42 family members were murdered by an Israeli air strike near Gaza. On 6 November, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), a group that advocates for press freedom, revealed statistics showing that at least 37 journalists have been killed by Israeli attacks since 7 October. Of the journalists CPJ tracked, four were Israelis, one was Lebanese and thirty-two were Palestinians.

Israel: Strikes on Gaza
On 7 November, Al Jazeera reported that Israeli attacks on Gaza’s Nasser Medical Complex resulted in at least eight Palestinian deaths. Israeli aircraft have not stopped targeting Gaza City's hospitals. The four institutions that make up the Nasser Medical Complex were attacked both directly and indirectly by Israeli missiles. Several Palestinians were injured in the strikes. On 5 November, Palestinian officials stated that Israeli military forces killed dozens from three refugee camps in Gaza including the Al-Maghazi camp. At least 47 civilians were killed during the attack at the Al-Maghazi.

Horn of Africa: Flash floods in Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia
On 8 November, BBC Africa reported that at least 29 people were killed in flash floods followed by heavy rains in Somalia. The Somali National Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) stated that at least 850,000 people were affected by the floods. The Somali government has declared an emergency in the states of Jubbaland, Hirshabelle South West and Galmudug. The flash floods were caused by the overflowing of the Juba and Shabelle rivers following heavy rains. Meanwhile, flash floods are also reported in neighbouring Kenya and Ethiopia. On 6 November, BBC Africa reported that at least 15 people were killed in Kenya in flash floods. According to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) El Niño weather phenomenon is behind the heavy rains and is likely to continue until April 2024.

Ethiopia: Heavy fighting in Amhara
On 8 November, BBC Africa reported on heavy fighting in Laibela, a Unesco heritage site, in Ethiopia, between the federal forces and the Amhara regional militia, Fano. Meanwhile, the residents of the Amhara region reported drone strikes and indiscriminate shelling in the Gojjam, Shoa and Gondar regions of Amhara. The fighting broke out in August after the government directed to integrate regional forces into the federal forces. The Fano militia claim that the integration will threaten their local defence to other regional militias including the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and Oromo Liberation Army (OLA). The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has accused the federal forces and Fano militia of committing human rights atrocities. The Ethiopian government denied the accusations describing it as “unbalanced.” According to EHRC, more than 3,000 people have fled the region since the beginning of the conflict.

Uganda: The UK and the US issues security alert
On 8 November, the UK High Commission in Uganda issued a security alert citing the “growing terror threat in Uganda, including the targeting of foreigners.” Additionally, the US embassy in Uganda issued a similar security alert. Both countries advised their citizens not to attend larger gatherings including worship events. The UK government warned its citizens against visiting Semuliki National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park. The development comes after a UK and South African couple were killed in an Allied Democratic Force (ADF) attack in September. ADF attacks in western Uganda have increased recently heightening the insecurity situation in the country. In June, at least 42 people were killed in an ADF attack in a school in western Uganda.

Cameroon: 20 people killed in separatist attack
On 6 November, BBC Africa reported that at least 20 people were killed in a separatist attack in the Manyu region of Cameroon. The militants injured several others and set ablaze many houses. Since 2017, Ambazonia Defense Forces (ADF) has been carrying out separatist movements in two Anglophone regions of Cameroon, Yaounde and Manyu, against the government. According to BBC, the conflict has left at least 6,000 people dead and thousands displaced.

Europe and the Americas
Italy: Government signs deal with Albania to curb migrant entry
On 6 November, Italy’s Prime Minister Georgia Meloni announced a deal between Italy and Albania on managing migrants. According to the deal, Italy will build two migrant centres in the northwest of Albania. Meloni stated: “Mass illegal immigration is a phenomenon no EU member state can handle alone.” During the 2022 election campaign, Meloni’s party, Brothers of Italy, pledged to curb “undocumented migrants” by building facilities outside the EU. However, this was unfulfilled due to the rising number of migrants annually. The deal with Albania will result in the construction of centres designed to contain up to 36,000 people in a year. On the same day Albania’s Prime Minister, Edi Rama, stated: “We may not have the strength and capacity to be the solution, but we have a duty towards Italy and the ability to lend a hand.”

Spain: Increase in violent protests against pardoning Catalan leaders
On 7 November, BBC reported on increasing violent protests in Spain against Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. According to the report, 7000 people protested the “investiture vote” that allowed Sanchez to prevent another general election and form a new government. Sanchez responded to the protests that “they will not break the Socialist Party.” The move came after the People’s Party failed to gain majority votes through its coalition parties to form a government. To form the government, Sanchez requires support from Catalonia (JxCat) and the Catalan Republican Left (ERC). These parties were accused of leading the independence movement in 2017 and were subject to legal action. To gain the support of the Catalan group, Sanchez needs to pardon the Catalan leaders from legal action.

Honduras: Ambassador to Israel recalled in light of “serious humanitarian situation”
On 3 November, Honduras recalled its ambassador to Israel while commending the Israeli-led genocide and violations of international law in the Gaza Strip. Honduras’ Foreign Affairs Minister, Eduardo Enrique Reina, claimed the decision over the “serious humanitarian situation the civilian population in Palestine is suffering in the Gaza Strip.” Honduras follows Bolivia, Chile and Colombia in recalling its ambassadors to Israel. Meanwhile, diplomatic relations with Israel are currently stable as Honduran diplomats and staff are still in the embassy.

Mexico: Rebel Zapatista movement to dissolve “autonomous” townships
On 6 November, the Zapatista indigenous rebel movement in south Mexico stated that it was dissolving the “autonomous municipalities” that it declared since its uprising in 1994. The rebellion was to get more Indigenous rights; by this, the group had established “autonomous” townships that rejected government aid programmes. Although the group has not given an official reason, the rising gang violence in south Mexico and the 2024 elections are potential reasons behind the decision. The group stated that they would “describe the reasons and processes” shortly and that administrative, health care and education community centres established by them would remain open to locals.

The US: Guided missile submarine dispatched to the Middle East to contain the ongoing conflict
On 5 November, the US military stated that it had dispatched a guided missile submarine to the Middle East amid fears of the Israel-Hamas conflict spreading to the rest of the region. The US CENTCOM issued an official statement: “On November 5, 2023, an Ohio-class submarine arrived in the US Central Command area of responsibility.” This follows Washington’s efforts to build up defence systems in the Middle East, which has included missile defence systems, the deployment of 1000 US soldiers and operations commandos for “advising” the Israeli military. Pentagon spokesperson Brigadier General Pat Ryder stated that the US has “been crystal clear that we do not want to see the situation in Israel widen into a broader regional conflict,” and that this build-up would warn countries against taking “advantage of this situation to widen the conflict.”

The US: Protestors rally to stop vessel allegedly carrying US arms to Israel
On 6 November, hundreds of pro-Palestine protesters gathered at the Port of Tacoma to block a military supply vessel believed to be carrying arms from the US to Israel. The protest was organised by the advocacy group Arab Resource and Organising Center (AROC) which received a tip-off that the vessel would supply Israel with arms it needed to continue its military offensive in Gaza. An AROC coordinator, Wassim Hage, asserted that the protests demand “a ceasefire now” and a “real examination and action on US foreign policy and US funding to Israel.” Protesters carried Palestinian flags and signs that read “Defend Gaza” while they chanted “Not another nickel, not another dime, no more money for Israel’s crimes!” Bicycles and cars with blinking hazard lights were used by demonstrators to block traffic surrounding the port while seven Indigenous warriors used a ceremonial canoe to block the ship.

About the authors
Rohini Reenum is a PhD Scholar at NIAS. Padmashree Anandhan is a Research Associate at NIAS. Anu Maria Joseph, Femy Francis, Rishika Yadav, Dhriti Mukherjee and Shamini Velayutham are Research Assistants at NIAS.

(The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of any institutions or organisations.)

The World This Week

September 2026 | CWA # 2267

NIAS Global Politics Team

The SCO Summit in Bishkek:

The US-Venezuela Oil Agreement

TWTW Note

September 2026 | CWA # 2266

Nithin V

The US-Venezuela Oil Agreement:

Realignments and Energy geopolitics

TWTW Profile

September 2026 | CWA # 2265

Sreemaya Nair

The SCO Summit 2026:

Who said what

TWTW Takeaways

September 2026 | CWA # 2264

Sreemaya Nair

The SCO Summit in Bishkek:

Four takeaways on rejecting sanctions on Iran, de-dollarisation, and emphasis on territorial integrity

Conflict Weekly

September 2026 | CWA # 2263

NIAS Global Politics Team

The US-Iran War Week 26 I The Trial of Joshua Wong

The State of Food Security and Nutrition

CW Newsmakers

September 2026 | CWA # 2262

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella, Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani and Urja R Kudalkar

Drone attacks in Germany | Settler violence in Palestine

Somali Piracy | DR Congo's Ebola crisis | Attempted coup in Niger

CW Takeaways

September 2026 | CWA # 2261

Akshath Kaimal

Africa's State of Food Security and Nutrition:

Five takeaways on Food insecurity, Geographic disparities and Diet affordability

CW Takeaways

September 2026 | CWA # 2260

Yesasvi Koganti

The State of Food Security and Nutrition:

Six takeaways of the WHO 2026 Report on rising food insecurity and the affordability crisis

CW Explainer

September 2026 | CWA # 2259

Aparna A Nair

The Trial of Joshua Wong:

What are the charges? Why did he plead guilty now?

CW Note

September 2026 | CWA # 2258

Brighty Ann Sarah

The US-Iran War Week 26:

Renewed Escalation and Diplomatic Deadlock

TWTW Newsmakers

August 2026 | CWA # 2256

Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani and Urja R Kudalkar

Lake Ontario

SpaceX hits triple digits:

Global Politics Explainer

August 2026 | CWA # 2255

Priyanka Makhijani

China's First Land-Based Rocket Recovery:

What made the Zhuque-3's landing successful? How do Zhuque-3 and Falcon 9 stack up?

Global Politics Explainer

August 2026 | CWA # 2254

Namrata L Ghanghatkar

The US-Canada tariff tensions:

How did the trade deal end up stuck in limbo?

TWTW Note

August 2026 | CWA # 2253

Akshath Kaimal

The case against Meta:

A historic settlement, global action against social media platforms and implementation challenges

Global Politics Explainer

August 2026 | CWA # 2252

Namrata L Ghanghatkar

The US and North Korea:

A brief history, Trump-Kim Summits and the new gamble

Global Politics Profile

August 2026 | CWA # 2251

Adwaith Sankar

Kim Jong Un:

Internal Consolidation and External Realignment

Conflict Weekly

August 2026 | CWA # 2250

NIAS Global Politics Team

Catastrophic Floods in Nepal

Japan's Yasukuni Shrine Controversy

CW Newsmakers

August 2026 | CWA # 2249

Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani and Urja R Kudalkar

General Ratko Mladic I Kidnapping in Nigeria I Wildfires in North Africa

CW Newsmakers

August 2026 | CWA # 2236

CW Newsmakers

Sheikh Hasina, Settler Violence in West Bank, Heat Waves in Northeast Asia...

The World This Quarter

August 2026 | CWA # 2235

Adwaith Sankar

Southeast Asia (April-June 2026)

Economic headwinds, Internal friction, and Contrasting domestic developments

The World This Quarter

August 2026 | CWA # 2234

Lakshmi Karlekar�

China's External Landscape (Apr-Jun 2026):

Trump-Xi Summit, Pressure on Taiwan and Managing the US-Iran War

The World This Quarter

August 2026 | CWA # 2233

Teshu Singh

East Asia (Apr-Jun 2026):

Strategic Rebalancing, Neo-Militarisation and Increasing Tensions in Taiwan Straits

The World This Quarter

August 2026 | CWA # 2232

Dattesh D Parulekar�

Latin America (Apr-Jun 2026):

The 'Right' Electoral Tilt, Upswing in Venezuela-India relations, and Argentina's Energy Rise

Global Politics Explainer

August 2026 | CWA # 2231

Dhivya KM

China's economy at mid-2026:

Six Takeaways of the World Bank China Economic Update

Global Politics Explainer

August 2026 | CWA # 2230

Acsah H

China's World Artificial Intelligence Conference:

Who participated, and what happened at the WAIC 2026? What was Beijing's endgame? What does it mean for the US?

Global Politics Explainer

August 2026 | CWA # 2229

Adwaith Sankar

India, Indonesia and PM Modi's Visit:

What is the primary focus, and what is new

Global Politics Explainer

August 2026 | CWA # 2228

Namrata L Ghanghatkar

Nepal, Climate disasters and Gender:

How Nepal's disaster response has left its gender minorities behind

Global Politics Explainer

August 2026 | CWA # 2227

Dhivya KM

The IMF in Sri Lanka: Debt, Dependence, and Dissent

Four major takeaways on IMF conditionalities, public discontent, the social cost of adjustment, governance reforms and debt restructuring

Global Politics Explainer

August 2026 | CWA # 2226

Nithin V

Colombia's ban on Female Genital Mutilation:

What is the new legislation? What are the challenges? And what are the implications?

Global Politics Explainer

August 2026 | CWA # 2225

Acsah H

China's C909:

China moves from near-total reliance on foreign jets to domestic dominance. How did it happen? And what does it mean?

The World This Week

August 2026 | CWA # 2224

Global Politics Team

Zelenskyy's US visit

Newsmakers of the week

TWTW Note

August 2026 | CWA # 2223

Yesasvi Koganti

President Zelenskyy's visit to the US:

Strengthening defence cooperation

TWTW Newsmakers

August 2026 | CWA # 2222

Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani and Urja R Kudalkar

Peru's new President Netanyahu's Washington visit

US Senate bill against Russia | Ukraine and Patriot missiles | China's PLA 99th anniversary

PR Commentary

July 2026 | CWA # 2221

Aarav Bhaskar

Pakistan's Compounding Water Crisis:

Environmental, Demographic, Economic and Structural stresses

PR Commentary

July 2026 | CWA # 2220

Dhivya KM

Pakistan's Federal Budget FY2026-27:

Five takeaways on Consolidation, Growth and Structural Reforms

PR Commentary

July 2026 | CWA # 2219

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26: Six Takeaways

Growth and Turnaround, but not much

Conflict Weekly

July 2026 | CWA # 2218

Global Politics Team

The US-Iran War, Week 22 I Heatwaves and Wildfires in Spain and France

Ebola expansion in Africa I Profile: Houthis

CW Newsmakers

July 2026 | CWA # 2217

Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani, Urja R Kudalkar

The Berlin Pride attack

Zelensky's US Visit I Japan's Earthquake

CW Profile

July 2026 | CWA # 2216

Manikranth Chakravarthula

The Houthis:

Origins, Ethnic makeup, Political structure, Geographical footprint and External support

CW Note

July 2026 | CWA # 2215

Lekshmi MK

Heatwaves and Wildfires in Spain and France:

Capacity gaps and Resource constraints amidst Recurring extreme weather

CW Note

July 2026 | CWA # 2214

Akshath Kaimal

Ebola expansion in the Democratic Republic of Congo:

Healthcare worker strikes amidst Misinformation, Climate disaster and Humanitarian crisis

CW Note

July 2026 | CWA # 2213

Brighty Ann Sarah

The US-Iran War, Week 22:

End of pause, Return of hostilities and Expanding conflict geography

The World This Week

July 2026 | CWA # 2212

NIAS Global Politics Team

The US-Saudi Arabia Nuclear Cooperation Agreement I AI's Rogue Agent Breach

Return of US-Canada Tariff Tensions I 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum

TWTW Note

July 2026 | CWA # 2211

Priyanka Makhijani

AI's Rogue Agent Breach:

Recurring Patterns, Gaps in the AI safety rules and the AI rivalry

TWTW Takeaways

July 2026 | CWA # 2210

Adwaith Sankar

ASEAN Regional Forum:

Six Takeaways on Issues, Limitations and Opportunities

TWTW Note

July 2026 | CWA # 2209

Namrata L Ghanghatkar

The return of US-Canada Tariff Tensions:

Retaliation and Legal setbacks

TWTW Note

July 2026 | CWA # 2208

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella

The US-Saudi Arabia Nuclear Cooperation Agreement:

Questions over the agreement's terms, the Abraham Accords condition, and Non-proliferation concerns

Conflict Weekly

July 2026 | CWA # 2207

Global Politics Team

US-Iran War, Week 21 I Houthi's Saudi Arabia target in the Red Sea

Return of South China Sea tensions I Resurgence of Somali piracy

CW Note

July 2026 | CWA # 2206

Akshath Kaimal

The resurgence of Somali piracy:

Sophisticated tactics, Regional instability and an Ineffective international response

CW Note

July 2026 | CWA # 2205

Aparna A Nair

China, the Philippines, and the return of South China Sea tensions:

Accusations, Arbitrations and Ambiguities

CW Note

July 2026 | CWA # 2204

Brighty Ann Sarah

The Houthis target Saudi Arabia:

A new front in the US-Iran War

CW Note

July 2026 | CWA # 2203

Brighty Ann Sarah

US-Iran War, Week 21:

Resumption of attacks and the Strait of Hormuz impasse

The World This Week

July 2026 | CWA # 2202

Special Issue

Special Issue: The World This Quarter (Apr-Jun 2026)

From China to the US

TWTW Note

July 2026 | CWA # 2201

Akshath Kaimal

Ten Years and Seven Prime Ministers in the UK:

Inside the Fall of Keir Starmer and Political Instability

Conflict Weekly

July 2026 | CWA # 2200

NIAS Global Politics Team

The US-Iran War I UNCLOS and the South China Sea Award

Review of the UN SDG Report 2026

CW Review

July 2026 | CWA # 2199

Preetha Renganarayanan

The SDG Annual Report 2026:

Six takeaways on a decade of SDG monitoring, global progress, and key challenges

CW Note

July 2026 | CWA # 2198

Aparna A Nair

UNCLOS and the South China Sea Arbitral Award:

Ten Years Later

CW Note

July 2026 | CWA # 2197

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella

The US-Iran War, Week 20:

Renewed Strikes, Collapsed MoU and the Blockade of the Strait

The World This Quarter

July 2026 | CWA # 2196

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal (Apr-Jun 2026):

New Government, Political Stability and Economic Recovery

GP Takeaways

July 2026 | CWA # 2195

Radhika M Agarwal

PR Review

June 2026 | CWA # 2194

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

Pakistan's macroeconomic performance in the second quarter

Growth, Fiscal Consolidation, and the Middle East war risk

PR Commentary

June 2026 | CWA # 2193

Aparna A Nair

Pakistan PMin China:

75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, CPEC expansion and Middle East mediation

PR Review

June 2026 | CWA # 2192

Lekshmi MK

Climate Change and Pakistan's Economic Faultlines:

Six takeaways on inadequate climate finance, spillover effects, and low climate prioritisation

PR Review

June 2026 | CWA # 2191

Dhivya KM

Pakistan's Economy in the Second Quarter:

Five Takeaways from the SBP Half Year Report on GDP growth, target-range inflation, and fiscal surplus

The World This Week

July 2026 | CWA # 2190

NIAS Global Politics Team

China-DPRK friendship treaty I The IMF World Economic Outlook

TWTW Review

July 2026 | CWA # 2189

Dhivya KM

Five takeaways on Global growth, AI, and Economic resilience

TWTW Note

July 2026 | CWA # 2188

Adwaith Sankar

65 years of the China-DPRK friendship treaty:

Reopening links, Russia factor, and Nuclear compromise

TWTW Note

July 2026 | CWA # 2187

Avaneesh S

China's SLBM test in the Pacific:

Modernization, Increasing deterrence and Strategic messaging

TWTW Note

July 2026 | CWA # 2186

Lekshmi MK

NATO Summit 2026:

Four takeaways on Alliance unity, Defence commitments, and Support for Ukraine

Conflict Weekly

July 2026 | CWA # 2185

Global Politics Team

Iran after Ali Khamenei I The War in Ukraine

CW Review

July 2026 | CWA # 2184

Deb Dutta

Four takeaways on Forced returns, Collapsing protection, Protracted crises

CW Note

July 2026 | CWA # 2183

Preetha Renganarayanan

Europe's expanding and intensifying heatwaves:

CW Column

July 2026 | CWA # 2182

Anu Maria Joseph

Africa This Week

JNIM-FLA coordinated attacks in Mali and the RSF siege in Sudan

CW Note

July 2026 | CWA # 2181

Padmashree Anandhan

The War in Ukraine:

Deep strikes, NATO diplomacy and the Expanding air warfare

CW Note

July 2026 | CWA # 2180

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella

Iran after Ali Khamenei

Institutional resilience, Anti-American sentiment and an Unresolved conflict

GP Explainer

July 2026 | CWA # 2179

Avaneesh S

The "Power of Siberia 2" pipeline:

Russia's endgame and China's calculus

The World This Week

July 2026 | CWA # 2178

CW Note

July 2026 | CWA # 2171

Radhika M Agarwal

Anand V

China's Domestic Landscape (April-June 2026):

Reforms, Regulations, Reinvention and Risk Management

Conflict Weekly

June 2026 | CWA # 2161

NIAS Global Politics Team

Africa's Conference on Slavery

The US-Iran MoU I Ukraine's Crimea Campaign

CW Note

June 2026 | CWA # 2160

Radhika M Agarwal

The War in Ukraine:

Ukraine's Crimea Campaign, The Belarus Standoff, and Russia's Aerial Bombardment

CW Note

June 2026 | CWA # 2159

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella

The US-Iran MoU

Renewed strikes, Persistent disagreements, and a Fragile Agreement

CW Column: Africa This Week

June 2026 | CWA # 2158

Anu Maria Joseph

The World This Week

June 2026 | CWA # 2157

Global Politics Team

The G7 Summit 2026

TWTW Note

June 2026 | CWA # 2156

Avaneesh S

President Xi Jinping's North Korea visit:

TWTW Note

June 2026 | CWA # 2155

Aparna A Nair

Myanmar President's China visit:

Diplomatic legitimacy, Economic cooperation and Beijing's interests

TWTW Takeaways

June 2026 | CWA # 2154

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella

The G7 Summit 2026

Four Takeaways on Economic security, Critical minerals, and Consensus on Ukraine and Iran

Conflict Weekly

June 2026 | CWA # 2153

Global Politics Team

The US-Iran MoU

The War in Ukraine I Anti-immigrant violence in South Africa I Ultra Orthodox Jews' protests in Israel

CW Note

June 2026 | CWA # 2152

Akshath Kaimal

Anti-immigrant violence in South Africa:

Xenophobic attacks, Economic distress, and an Aggressive crackdown

CW Note

June 2026 | CWA # 2151

Rohini Reenum

Israel's Ultra-Orthodox Jews:

Why are they protesting?

CW Note

June 2026 | CWA # 2150

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella

The War in Ukraine:

Massive drone attacks, Europe's support for Ukraine, and a Distant ceasefire

CW Note

June 2026 | CWA # 2149

Brighty Ann Sarah

The US-Iran MoU:

Asymmetric Gains and Implementation Challenges

Remembering Amb PS Raghavan and his legacy

June 2026 | CWA # 2148

Akshath Kaimal

The Making of India's Foreign Policy:

Major pillars and their critiques

Remembering Amb PS Raghavan and his legacy

June 2026 | CWA # 2147

Lekshmi MK

India as a Net Security Provider in the Indian Ocean Region:

A Critique of Raghavan's Maritime Security and Emerging Constraints

Global Politics Review: WPF Report 2026

June 2026 | CWA # 2146

Global Politics Team

Press Freedom in the Indian Neighbourhood

From Afghanistan to Myanmar

Global Politics Review: WPF Report 2026

June 2026 | CWA # 2145

Glynnis Winona B

Myanmar and Press Freedom:

Global Politics Review: WPF Report 2026

June 2026 | CWA # 2144

Nithin V

Bangladesh and Press Freedom:

Global Politics Review: WPF Report 2026

June 2026 | CWA # 2143

Aishal Hab Yousuf

Sri Lanka and Press Freedom:

Five Takeaways on Political influence, Legal mechanisms to control, Ethnic sensitivities and History of State intimidation

Global Politics Review: WPF Report 2026

June 2026 | CWA # 2142

Glynnis Winona B

Bhutan and Press Freedom:

Four takeaways on Regulatory control, Economic fragility, and Social constraints

Global Politics Review: WPF Report 2026

June 2026 | CWA # 2141

Aishal Hab Yousuf

Maldives and Press Freedom:

Four takeaways on the influence of democracy, legislation, and state funding

Global Politics Review: WPF Report 2026

June 2026 | CWA # 2140

Nithin V

Pakistan and Press Freedom:

Four takeaways Military influence, cyber laws, political instability, and youth-driven digital journalism

Global Politics Review: WPF Report 2026

June 2026 | CWA # 2139

Siddhi Halyur

Afghanistan and Press Freedom:

Global Politics Review: WPF Report 2026

June 2026 | CWA # 2138

Siddhi Halyur

Nepal and Press Freedom:

Three takeaways on Political constraints, Missing legal protection and Funding issues

The World This Week

June 2026 | CWA # 2137

NIAS Global Politics Team

Shangri-La Dialogue 2026: Major Statements and Takeaways

The Blue Origin Rocket Explosion

TWTW Explainer

June 2026 | CWA # 2136

Acsah H

The Blue Origin Rocket Explosion:

TWTW Note

June 2026 | CWA # 2135

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella

Shangri-La Dialogue 2026:

Who said what

TWTW Note

June 2026 | CWA # 2134

Aishal Hab Yousuf

Shangri-La Dialogue 2026: Four Major Takeaways

Focus on Rules-based maritime order, AI & Cyber Security, and Preventive Diplomacy, but with no consensus

Conflict Weekly

June 2026 | CWA # 2133

NIAS Global Politics Team

Israel-Lebanon Tensions and a New Deal I The US-Iran War, Week Fourteen

Conflicts in Africa I The UK-Rwanda Asylum Deal

CW Note

June 2026 | CWA # 2132

Brighty Ann Sarah

The US-Iran War, Week Fourteen:

Intensifying Domestic Pressure and the Lebanon Question

CW Note

June 2026 | CWA # 2131

Rohini Reenum

Israel-Lebanon Tensions:

CW Explainer

June 2026 | CWA # 2130

Akshath Kaimal

The UK-Rwanda Asylum Deal:

CW Column

June 2026 | CWA # 2129

Anu Maria Joseph

Conflicts in Africa This Week:

The Ebola fear in DR Congo and the Elections in Ethiopia amidst conflicts

The World This Week

May 2026 | CWA # 2128

NIAS Global Politics Team

TWTW Note

May 2026 | CWA # 2127

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella

The Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting 2026:

Prioritizing Critical minerals, Supply chain resilience, and Maritime surveillance

TWTW Note

May 2026 | CWA # 2126

Aparna A Nair

The Shenzhou-23 Mission:

China's Space Missions, Technology, and Infrastructure

Conflict Weekly

May 2026 | CWA # 2125

NIAS Global Politics Team

Israel-Lebanon Tensions I Crisis in Cuba I Ebola Outbreak in Africa

Weekly Columns on Africa and the Middle East

CW Note

May 2026 | CWA # 2124

Glynnis Winona B

The Crisis in Cuba:

The US Sanctions, Energy Crisis, and Economic Instability

CW Note

May 2026 | CWA # 2123

Akshath Kaimal

The Ebola and the DR Congo:

Multiple Outbreaks, Fragile Healthcare System, and Ineffective Global Responses

CW Column

May 2026 | CWA # 2122

Radhika M Agarwal

The War in Ukraine:

Ballistic missiles, Nuclear drills with Belarus, and the Czech ammunition initiative

CW Note

May 2026 | CWA # 2121

Deb Dutta

Israel, Lebanon, Hezbollah, and the Border Tensions:

Collapse of the Ceasefire, Ineffective Beirut, and Aggressive Tel Aviv

CW Column

May 2026 | CWA # 2120

Brighty Ann Sarah

Conflicts in the Middle East

The US-Iran War Week Thirteen: Escalating Hostilities, Tenuous Ceasefire and Tense Negotiations

CW Column

May 2026 | CWA # 2119

Anu Maria Joseph

Conflicts in Africa

The Ebola spread in DR Congo, The Faye-Sonko split in Senegal, and the Deepening US military involvement in Nigeria

The World This Week

May 2026 | CWA # 2118

Global Politics Team

The Putin-Xi Summit, PM Modi's UAE Visit, and the India-Nordic Summit

TWTW Note

May 2026 | CWA # 2117

Lekshmi MK

Arctic cooperation, Climate diplomacy, and Trade diversification

CW Review

May 2026 | CWA # 2102

Glynnis Winona B

Weakening faith in institutions and Political polarization in Latin America and the Caribbean:

Six Takeaways from the UNDP Democracy and Development Report 2026

CW Note

May 2026 | CWA # 2101

Anu Maria Joseph

The New Wave of Violence in DR Congo:

Farmer-herder clashes, Armed groups, and Security vacuum

The US-Iran War

May 2026 | CWA # 2100

Aishal Hab Yousuf

The Hormuz Strait and the Fertilizer Crisis in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa

The US-Iran War

May 2026 | CWA # 2099

Kirsten Wilfred Coelho

Why is the UK reluctant to engage?

Remembering Amb PS Raghavan and his legacy

May 2026 | CWA # 2098

Sreemaya Nair

India, Russia and the imperative to strengthen the traditional relationship

Remembering Amb PS Raghavan and his legacy

May 2026 | CWA # 2097

Kirsten Wilfred Coelho

President Trump and the US-China Trade Tensions

Remembering Amb PS Raghavan and his legacy

May 2026 | CWA # 2095

Santhosh Guru PR

The Eurasian-Indo Pacific Congruence and its Critique

Remembering Amb PS Raghavan and his legacy

May 2026 | CWA # 2094

Rakshitha B

Transactional US foreign policy and it implications for India's Strategic Autonomy

Remembering Amb PS Raghavan and his legacy

May 2026 | CWA # 2093

Glynnis Winona B

The Russia-Ukraine War and the Rise of Parallel Strategic Systems: A Critique of Raghavan's Strategic Framework

Conflict Weekly

May 2026 | CWA # 2092

NIAS Global Politics Team

The US-Iran War, Week Ten

CW Column on Middle East: Escalating Israeli Aggression in Lebanon I UAE's Covert Manoeuvres

CW Column

May 2026 | CWA # 2091

Brighty Ann Sarah

Conflicts in the Middle East:

Escalating Israeli Aggression in Lebanon I UAEs Covert Manoeuvres

CW Note

May 2026 | CWA # 2090

Brighty Ann Sarah

The US-Iran War, Week Ten:

Fraying Ceasefire, Renewed Negotiations and the Risk of a Stalemate

The World This Week

May 2026 | CWA # 2089

Global Politics Team

US troop withdrawal from Germany I UAEs Exit from OPEC I Japan, Vietnam and PM Takaichis Visit

King Charles's US Visit

TWTW Takeaways

May 2026 | CWA # 2088

Nithin V

King Charles's US Visit:

Emphasis on strong bilateral relations, democratic values and security cooperation

TWTW Note

May 2026 | CWA # 2087

Siddhi Halyur

Japan, Vietnam and PM Takaichis Visit

Exploring Strategic Sectors of Cooperation

TWTW Note

May 2026 | CWA # 2086

Aishal Hab Yousuf

UAE's Exit from OPEC:

Implications for the Middle East and the Energy Market

TWTW Note

May 2026 | CWA # 2085

Glynnis Winona B

US troop withdrawal from Germany:

Growing US-Europe differences and Challenges for Berlin

Conflict Weekly

May 2026 | CWA # 2084

NIAS IPRI

The US-Iran War, Week Nine I Escalating Violence in Mali

Review: Five Takeaways of RSF's 2026 Report on Media Freedom

CW Note

May 2026 | CWA # 2083

Brighty Ann Sarah

The US-Iran War, Week Nine:

Deadlocked Negotiations, Competing Agendas and Domestic Pressure

CW Note

May 2026 | CWA # 2082

Akshath Kaimal

Escalating Violence in Mali:

Between Ethnic Insurgencies, Jihadist Attacks, and Military Coups

CW Review

May 2026 | CWA # 2081

Jenin Raj S

Media freedom hits a 25-year low:

Five Takeaways from the RSF 2026 Index

The World This Week

April 2026 | CWA # 2080

Global Politics Team

Nepals New National Commitment I Japans New Defence Posture

Four Takeaways of the WFP's report on the fallouts of the Middle East crisis

TWTW Note

April 2026 | CWA # 2079

Aishal Hab Yousuf

Japans New Defence Posture:

From Post-War Pacifism to Strategic Recalibration and Autonomy

TWTW Note

April 2026 | CWA # 2078

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal's New National Commitment

Managing Consensus and Moving ahead towards a New Nepal

TWTW Review

April 2026 | CWA # 2077

Nithin V

The Middle East Crisis and its Fallouts on Hunger and Global Food Supply Network

Four Takeaways of the WFP's report on the fallouts of the Middle East crisis, April 2026

CW Column: Africa This Week

April 2026 | CWA # 2076

Anu Maria Joseph

Three years of War in Sudan, DRC-M23 talks in Switzerland and the collapse of the peace agreement in Tigray

Report Review

April 2026 | CWA # 2075

Preetha Renganarayanan

The US-Iran War Fallouts on the Asia Pacific, Energy Security and Supply Chains

Five Takeaways of the UNDP Report, April 2026

CW Note

April 2026 | CWA # 2074

Brighty Ann Sarah

Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire:

Asymmetric Terms, Fragile Truce and Israeli Occupation

CW Note

April 2026 | CWA # 2073

Akshath Kaimal

The US-Iran War, Week Eight:

A Fragile Ceasefire, Attempts to Control Hormuz and the Stalled Talks in Islamabad

Special Commentary

April 2026 | CWA # 2072

Anu Maria Joseph

Three Years of War in Sudan

Prolonged Stalemate, Humanitarian Cost, External Interventions and Regional Fallouts

Conflict Weekly

April 2026 | CWA # 2071

NIAS Global Politics Team

Three Years of Civil War in Sudan I The US-Iran War, Week Eight I Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire

Review of the UNDP Report on Military Escalation in the Middle East I Conflict Weekly Column on Africa

Conflict Weekly Special Edition

April 2026 | CWA # 2070

NIAS Global Politics Team

Peace and Conflicts This Quarter (JanuaryMarch 2026)

The US-Iran War I Conflicts in Africa I The War in Ukraine I China-Japan Tensions I Pakistan-Afghanistan Clashes

Peace and Conflicts This Quarter (JanuaryMarch 2026)

April 2026 | CWA # 2069

Padmashree Anandhan

The War in Ukraine

Expanding Drone Warfare, Russia's Strategic Patience and Ukraine's Diplomatic Outreach

Peace and Conflicts This Quarter (JanuaryMarch 2026)

April 2026 | CWA # 2068

Femy Francis�

China-Japan Tensions

Escalating Defence Posturing and Economic Decoupling

Peace and Conflicts This Quarter (JanuaryMarch 2026)

April 2026 | CWA # 2067

Anu Maria Joseph

Conflicts in Africa

Continuing Conflicts in Sudan, South Sudan and DR Congo, Security issues in Nigeria, and Political Instability in Madagascar

Peace and Conflicts This Quarter (JanuaryMarch 2026)

April 2026 | CWA # 2066

Akshath Kaimal

The Pakistan-Afghanistan Conflict

Recurrent Clashes, Defiant Taliban, Contesting Narratives and Emerging Chinas Role

The World This Quarter

April 2026 | CWA # 2065

Lakshmi Venugopal Menon

The Middle East (JanMar 2026):

The US-Iran War, Israel-Hamas Conflict and their interconnected fallouts

The World This Quarter

April 2026 | CWA # 2064

Anwesha Ghosh

Afghanistan (JanMar 2026):

Gender Repression, Leadership Rifts, Regional Realignments and Clashes with Pakistan

The World This Quarter

April 2026 | CWA # 2063

Ramya B

Russia (Jan-Mar 2026)

Assertive Military Posture, Attempts for an Economic Turnaround and Search for Partners

The World This Quarter

April 2026 | CWA # 2062

Himani Pant

Europe (Jan-Mar 2026)

Trade diversification & FTAs, Increased defence spending, Tightening irregular migration and Economic slowdown

The World This Quarter

April 2026 | CWA # 2061

S Shaji

Africa (Jan-Mar 2026)

Elections, Civil Wars, Militancy and Peace Initiatives

The World This Quarter

April 2026 | CWA # 2060

Nanda Kishor M S

India and the Neighbourhood (Jan-Mar 2026)

Continuity, Caution and Calculated assertiveness

April 2026 | CWA # 2051

TWTW Special Edition

TWTW Special Edition, 350th Issue

THE WORLD THIS QUARTER (Jan-Mar 2026)

Conflict Weekly

April 2026 | CWA # 2050

IPRI Team

The US-Iran War, Week Five: Widening Conflict, Houthi Involvement, and Trumps Renewed Threats

PR Commentary

March 2026 | CWA # 2043

Abhimanyu Solanki

Escalatory Airpower, Hybrid Retaliation, and Regional Security

Reassessing the PakistanAfghanistan Confrontation and Its Implications for India

March 2026 | CWA # 2042

Preetha Renganarayanan

Five Takeaways of the US Annual Threat Assessment (ATA) Report for 2026

March 2026 | CWA # 2041

Aparna A Nair

China-Vietnam 3+3 Strategic Dialogue

Defence, Diplomacy and Public Security

March 2026 | CWA # 2040

Femy Francis

China's Interests and Strategies in the US-Iran War

Why Beijings support for Iran is rhetoric and muted

March 2026 | CWA # 2039

Femy Francis

Trump-Xi Meeting

Why did Trump reschedule it? What does that mean?

March 2026 | CWA # 2038

Anu Maria Joseph

Sudan-Chad tensions and the Boko Haram attack in Nigeria's Maiduguri

March 2026 | CWA # 2037

Padmashree Anandhan

Massive drone attacks, Growing energy leverage and Drifting peace efforts

March 2026 | CWA # 2036

Brighty Ann Sarah

Continuing Israel-Hezbollah Confrontation

Expanding Israeli Military Operations and the Reshaping of Southern Lebanon

March 2026 | CWA # 2035

Akshath Kaimal

Five Takeaways of Human Rights Watch Report 2026

March 2026 | CWA # 2024

Lekshmi MK

The UN and the Iran-US War

UNSC Resolution 2817 between Clear and Unified Message and Manifest Injustice

March 2026 | CWA # 2023

Femy Francis

Chinas Two Sessions 2026

New Five-Year Plan, Ethnic Unity Law, and an Enhanced Defence Budget

March 2026 | CWA # 2022

Padmashree Anandhan

Continuing Strikes and Inconsistent Diplomatic Efforts

March 2026 | CWA # 2021

Anu Maria Joseph

Political instability in Madagascar and spreading violence in South Sudan

March 2026 | CWA # 2020

Brighty Ann Sarah

Continuing Israel-Hezbollah Confrontation

Attacks in South Lebanon, Beiruts Conundrum, and Tel Avivs Greater Goals

March 2026 | CWA # 2019

Akshath Kaimal

Rising Violence in Nigeria

Limited State Capacity, Multiple Actors, and a Complex Security Environment

March 2026 | CWA # 2018

Rohini Reenum

The US-Iran War, Week Two

Expanding Fronts, Shifting Goalposts, and Global Fallout

The World This Week

March 2026 | CWA # 2011

Tanvi Thara Harendra Jha

Canadas PM Mark Carneys India Visit

Resetting Economic, Strategic and Cultural Ties

Global Politics Early Bird

March 2026 | CWA # 2010

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal Elections 2026

The Rise of the New and the Fall of the Old

March 2026 | CWA # 2009

Sreemaya Nair

Nepal Elections 2026

Rise of a new leadership and Reset in political landscape

The World This Week

March 2026 | CWA # 2008

Global Politics Team

Canadian PM's India Visit I Nepal Elections and its Political Reset

March 2026 | CWA # 2007

Global Politics Team

The World Today #272, 06 March 2026

The World Today

Early Bird

March 2026 | CWA # 2006

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal Election 2026, Day One

Peaceful polling, with over 60 per cent turnout

March 2026 | CWA # 2005

Global Politics Team

The World Today #271, 05 March 2026

The World Today

March 2026 | CWA # 2004

Akshath Kaimal

The Forgotten South Sudan Conflict

Instability returns, with a fragile peace agreement, uptick in violence and limited international engagement

March 2026 | CWA # 2003

Yesasvi Koganti

PM Modis Visit to Israel

From bilateral ties to a special strategic partnership

March 2026 | CWA # 2002

Femy Francis

German Chancellors China Visit

Reducing trade deficit and recalibrating economic cooperation with Beijing

March 2026 | CWA # 2001

Preetha Renganarayanan

Six major takeaways on the economy, border and internal security and Iran

March 2026 | CWA # 2000

Rohini Reenum

The US-Iran War, Week One

Rapid Escalation, Regional Spillover, Global Uncertainty

Conflict Weekly

March 2026 | CWA # 1999

IPRI Team

The US-Iran War, Week One | The Return of Violence to South Sudan

Weekly Column on Ukraine & Africa

February 2026 | CWA # 1998

Anu Maria Joseph

Instability in Sudan

Response to the genocide call and the threats of a regional spillover

February 2026 | CWA # 1997

Padmashree Anandhan

Four Years of War in Ukraine

Continuing Uncertainty

February 2026 | CWA # 1996

Akshath Kaimal

Pakistan-Afghanistan Clashes

Another round of cross-border attacks

March 2026 | CWA # 1995

Global Politics Team

The World Today #269, 03 March 2026

The World Today

March 2026 | CWA # 1994

Global Politics Team

The World Today #268, 02 March 2026

The World Today

PR Commentary

March 2026 | CWA # 1993

D Suba Chandran

The US-Iran Conflict and Pakistan

Balancing Rhetoric, Regional Interests and Global Alignments

Conflict Weekly

February 2026 | CWA # 1992

IPRI Team

Pakistan-Afghanistan Clashes I Fours Years of Ukraine War

Weekly Column on Africa

March 2026 | CWA # 1991

Global Politics Team

Trumps State of the Union Address | German Chancellors China Visit | Indias PMs Israel Visit

February 2026 | CWA # 1990

Global Politics Team

The World Today #266, 27 February 2026

The World Today

Conflict Weekly

February 2026 | CWA # 1989

IPRI Team

Abu Dhabi Talks on Ukraine I Militant Attacks in Balochistan

CW Columns on Middle East and Africa

February 2026 | CWA # 1988

Padmashree Anandhan

Ukraine Peace talks in Abu Dhabi

Negotiations without a ceasefire or resolution

February 2026 | CWA # 1987

Akshath Kaimal

Continuing militant attacks in Balochistan

Expanding violence, Security-first response and Missing political dialogue in Pakistan

PR Commentary

November 2025 | CWA # 1966

Lekshmi MK

Pakistans Climate and Water Crisis

Five Questions on Challenges, Capacity and Policies

The World This Week

February 2026 | CWA # 1965

Global Politics Team

AI Impact Summit in New Delhi I Munich Security Conference 2026

Conflict Weekly

February 2026 | CWA # 1964

IPRI Team

US-Iran & Ukraine Negotiations in Geneva I US Military Deployment in Nigeria

CW Columns on Middle East and Africa

February 2026 | CWA # 1963

Global Politics Team

The World Today #255, 16 February 2026

Today in History

The World This Week

February 2026 | CWA # 1962

Global Politics Team

Japan: Sanae Takaichis historic win | Honk Kong: Jimmy Lai Sentenced

Regional Roundups: From East Asia to the Americas

Early Bird

February 2026 | CWA # 1961

Lekshmi MK

Sanae Takaichis historic win in Japan

What does it mean for domestic politics and regional stability?

Early Bird

February 2026 | CWA # 1960

Femy Francis

Jimmy Lai sentenced for 20 years in Hong Kong: Who, What, and Why

CEAP

February 2026 | CWA # 1959

Yesasvi Koganti

UK and China

PM Keir Starmers visit and the Recalibration of Economic, Strategic, and Domestic ties

February 2026 | CWA # 1958

Akshath Kaimal

India-EU Free Trade Agreement: Five Major Takeaways

The focus on expanded cooperation in defence, technology and critical minerals

February 2026 | CWA # 1957

Preetha Renganarayanan

The India-US interim trade framework

Tariff recalibration and Energy and Supply Chain realignment

February 2026 | CWA # 1956

Lekshmi MK

End of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START)

Erosion of arms control, Return of nuclear anxieties, and the New focus on China

The World This Week

February 2026 | CWA # 1955

Global Politics Team

End of the New START I IndiaUS interim Trade Framework I India-EU Free Trade Agreement I UK PM Keir Starmers China visit

Regional Roundups: From East Asia to the Americas

February 2026 | CWA # 1954

Nishchal Nath Pandey

Nepal Elections 2026: Political Parties, Gen Z Protests and Hope for a New Beginning

Conflict Weekly

February 2026 | CWA # 1953

IPRI Team

Abu Dhabi Talks on Ukraine I Militant Attacks in Balochistan

Weekly Columns: Conflicts in Africa and the Middle East

CW Column: Conflicts in the Middle East

January 2026 | CWA # 1952

Brighty Ann Sarah

US threats against Iran, and Phase Two operations in Gaza

CW Column: Conflicts in Africa

January 2026 | CWA # 1951

Anu Maria Joseph

Africa: Renewed violence in Ethiopia and a Jihadist attack in Niger

CW Note

January 2026 | CWA # 1950

Lekshmi MK

The War in Ukraine: The Trilateral Talks, and the Deadlock over Donetsk & Security Guarantees for Kyiv

CW Note

January 2026 | CWA # 1949

Preetha Renganarayanan

The United States: ICE Crackdowns, Rising Resistance and the Political/Legal pushback

Conflict Weekly

January 2026 | CWA # 1948

ICE Crackdowns and Resistance in the US I Trilateral Talks on Ukraine

TWTW Note

January 2026 | CWA # 1947

Brighty Ann Sarah

The Pentagons National Defence Strategy: Four major takeaways

TWTW Note

January 2026 | CWA # 1946

Preetha Renganarayanan

The Davos Summit 2026

Five Major Takeaways from The World Economic Forum

The World This Week

January 2026 | CWA # 1945

Global Politics Team

The Davos Forum 2026 Takeaways I The US Pentagons National Defence Strategy

CW Note

January 2026 | CWA # 1944

Brighty Ann Sarah

Syria: The State victory over the Syrian Democratic Forces

Conflict Weekly Note

January 2026 | CWA # 1943

Anu Maria Joseph

Another major kidnapping in Nigeria and Election announcement in Guinea-Bissau

CW Note

January 2026 | CWA # 1942

Lekshmi MK

Greenland: Trumps escalation-deescalation approach and Europes defence

CW Note

January 2026 | CWA # 1941

Brighty Ann Sarah

The War in Gaza: Trumps Board of Peace and the Challenges to Phase Two

Conflict Weekly

January 2026 | CWA # 1940

IPRI Team

Trumps Board of Peace in Gaza I Escalation/De-escalation in Greenland

TWTW Note

January 2026 | CWA # 1939

Lekshmi MK

Greenland: Trumps escalation-deescalation strategy and Europes defence

The World This Week

January 2026 | CWA # 1938

Continuing Tensions over Greenland

CW Note

January 2026 | CWA # 1937

Anu Maria Joseph

Instability in Nigeria: Intensifying domestic responses, and questions over Trumps intervention

CW Note

January 2026 | CWA # 1936

Brighty Ann Sarah

Protests in Iran: Continuing Stalemate and Shifting US Position

Conflict Weekly

January 2026 | CWA # 1935

IPRI Team

Protests in Iran | Instability in Nigeria

The World This Week

January 2026 | CWA # 1934

Global Politics Team

The US, Greenland and Trump's Claims

Conflict Weekly

January 2026 | CWA # 1933

IPRI Team

Protests in Iran, the US Military Intervention in Venezuela and Conflicts in Africa

NIAS Conflict Weekly | The World This Week

January 2026 | CWA # 1932

Global Politics Team