End of a Fragile Peace in Gaza, and a Failed Coup in Sierra Leone

CWA # 1156

Conflict Weekly

End of a Fragile Peace in Gaza, and a Failed Coup in Sierra Leone

IPRI Team
30 November 2023

Photo Source: Mohammed Saber, EPA-EFE

Conflict Weekly #204, 30 November 2023, Vol.4, No.48
An initiative by NIAS-IPRI and the India Office of the KAS

Shamini Velayutham and Anu Maria Joseph

Gaza: End of a Fragile Pause
Shamini Velayutham

In the news
On 24 November, an agreement resulted in the release of the first groups of Israelis and Palestinians. Thirteen Israelis, ten Thai nationals and one Filipino national were among the hostages freed from Gaza. Israel released thirty-nine Palestinian women and children. Under the terms of the truce, aid has started to arrive, including much-needed fuel arriving from Egypt.

On 25 November, following the release of thirteen Israeli hostages from Gaza, Israel freed thirty-nine Palestinian inmates. The Hamas military wing stated that it was delaying the release as Israel failed to adhere to the truce agreement, and claimed that Israel had blocked the entry of aid into the Gaza Strip. Israel had allowed 200 trucks into the border as per the deal.

On 26 November, Hamas released seventeen hostages; 39 Palestinians including a juvenile were released by Israel.

On 27 November, Israel and Hamas freed the fourth group of hostages. According to a spokesperson for Qatar's Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Israel-Hamas truce has been agreed to be extended for an additional two days.

On 28 November, eleven Israeli hostages were released and thirty children and three Palestinian women were freed by Israel.

On 29 November, sixteen hostages were released from Gaza, comprising ten Israelis, four Thai nationals and two Israeli-Russians. They included an Israeli-US dual citizen. Thirty Palestinians were freed.

On 30 November, the truce agreement was extended to the seventh day. Both parties agreed to extend the truce for 24 hours. Meanwhile, the talks between the two parties were strained as Israel released Palestinian women and children and it provided Hamas to demand more hostages in return for Israeli men and soldiers.

Issues at large
First, the fragile peace and objectives. Both Israel and Hamas face strategic difficulties. The only leverage Hamas has over Israel is the hostages. For Israel, the only thing that has made it pause the seven weeks of combat is the promise to free the hostages. The expanding demands of Hamas pushed Israel to open its humanitarian supply in the porous borders. The Hamas military wing claims it is withholding the release until the occupation complies with the agreement about the entry of relief trucks into the northern Gaza Strip.

Second, the external pressure on Israel and the mediating role of Qatar, Egypt and the US. The US has been applying increasing pressure to Netanyahu and Israel's war cabinet in recent weeks as US President Joe Biden has been dealing with mounting public and Democratic party dissatisfaction with the civilian casualty rate in Gaza. The overwhelming weight of global condemnation, particularly from the Arab and Muslim worlds, of Israel's attack on Gaza has aided Hamas. Qatar has been playing a crucial role in the Israel and Hamas conflict and has condemned the results of Israel’s occupation and Hamas's attack on Israel on 7 October.

Third, the humanitarian crisis. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that Gaza's overcrowding, lack of food, water, sanitation and basic hygiene are accelerating the spread of disease. It further said that among the roughly 1.3 million displaced Palestinians in Gaza, an increasing number of diseases had been brought on by the absence of a working infrastructure and access to medicine. Despite the truce between Israel and Hamas, there is still not enough fuel and aid reaching Gaza.

Sierra Leone: A failed coup
Anu Maria Joseph

In the news
On 27 November, BBC Africa reported that at least 19 people, including 13 soldiers, were killed during violence on 26 November when a group of armed men attacked military barracks and prisons releasing several inmates.

On 26 November, Reuters reported on one of the perpetrators chanting: "We'll clean this society. We know what we are up to. We are not after any ordinary civilians who should go about their normal business."

On 28 November, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernoh Bah, stated: "The incident was a failed attempted coup. The intention was to illegally subvert and overthrow a democratically elected government.” He claimed that several current and former security officials who were involved in the violence were arrested. Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio, stated: "We will ensure that those responsible are held accountable. As your commander-in-chief, I want to assure everybody who is resident in Sierra Leone that we have overcome this challenge." Following the violence, a nine-hour curfew was imposed, which was revoked at a later stage.

The US, the EU, the UK and ECOWAS condemned the violence. ECOWAS described the violence as an attempt by certain individuals to "acquire arms and disturb constitutional order" and emphasised “its zero tolerance for unconstitutional change of government.” The bloc further stated: "ECOWAS further underscores its commitment to supporting the government and people of Sierra Leone to deepen democracy and good governance, consolidate peace and security as well as foster socio-economic development.”

The US embassy in Sierra Leone condemning the violence, asserted its support for “a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous Sierra Leone.”

Issues at large
First, a brief background to Sierra Leone’s political crisis. The country became independent in 1961; however, the post-independence period was challenged by a series of coups and a civil war. Ever since the 1991 civil war, there have been several military and democratic regimes. In 2003, the civil war ended with the assistance of a UN peacekeeping mission. The country continues to struggle with the effects of civil war.

Second, the recent triggers. Since the controversial elections in June 2023, Sierra Leone has been challenged by a series of political drawbacks. President Julius Maada Bio was re-elected for a second term in June after securing 56 per cent of votes, narrowly avoiding a run-off. International observers, including the EU Election Observation Mission Sierra Leone 2023 (EUEOM), had raised concerns regarding the transparency of the elections. The head of the US-based Carter Center's election observer team, Cameron Hume, confirmed inconsistencies during the ballot count. The main opposition party, All People’s Congress (APC), boycotted the presidential, legislative, and local elections, citing similar accusations. APC alleged that their electoral agents could not verify the vote counting. Instances of intimidation and violence were reported during the elections. One of the APC supporters was killed in a clash when security forces tried to disband the crowd at the APC headquarters in Freetown. Besides, there was a coup attempt in August. Several people, including senior military officials and former chief of police, were arrested following the coup plot, which the government described as an attempt to “undermine the peace and tranquillity of the state.”

Third, the political divide within and between. Socially, multiple ethnic and tribal groups co-exist peacefully in the country. However, politics is deeply divided socially and institutionally. Ethnic identities are often leveraged for political power. The northern-based APC often ties with the Temne community, which represents 35 per cent of the population, and the southern-based Sierra Leone’s People Party (SLPP) is associated with the Mende community, which is 31 per cent of the population. The divide is in such a way that the population supporting the ruling party tends to have access to more influence and opportunities. Even the military forces are politically divided within, wherein promotions, retirement, and transfer depend on whether they are affiliated with the ruling or the opposition party. Although Sierra Leone has a constitutionally de jure judiciary, there is hardly any case that was judged against the ruling government and its political interests.

Fourth, the economic discontent. Julius Maada came to power in 2018, promising to address the economic crisis and corruption. However, according to the UN Development Programme (UNDP), nearly 60 per cent of the population lives in poverty. According to Trading Economics, in September, the inflation in the country was recorded to be nearly 58 per cent, the highest recorded since 1998. An economy that depends on imports for consumer goods has a higher inflation rate often caused by external economic shocks. Economic instability is coupled with vast unemployment. At least 20 people were killed in anti-government protests in August 2022 that were against the worsening economic crisis and the failure of the government to address the rising cost of living.

In perspective
A popular narrative is that the coup attempt was influenced by the series of coups in the region. Other West African countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Gabon, recently witnessed coups, owing to multifaceted insurgency and insecurity issues and the military’s upper hand. Unlike them, the coup attempt in Sierra Leone was merely politically motivated. It implies that Sierra Leone’s state institutions are politically divided and that the elections represent a shift of influence and opportunities rather than a political shift. While half of the population is discontent with Bio’s administration, more similar attempts for a coup are likely to happen because considering the three failed coup attempts last year.

Conflict Weekly Special
The War in Gaza: Sixth Week
Rosemary Kurian, Nuha Aamina, Rishita Verma, and Gananthula Uma Maheshwari

War on the ground
On 1 December, after the seven-day temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas expired, fighting returned to Gaza. Since the temporary ceasefire ended on the morning of 1 December, more than 100 people died in Gaza, according to the Ministry of Health run by Hamas.

On 30 November, Hamas stated that two of its assailants opened fire at a bus stop in Jerusalem, killing three Israelis and injuring at least six others. Hamas explained that this was because of Israeli “crimes” throughout Gaza.

On 29 November, Israel claimed that it had killed “two senior terrorists” in a raid on the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank.

On 28 November, the BBC quoted the Israeli military that several of their soldiers were “lightly injured” in northern Gaza. Hamas confirmed that there had been fighting, however, placed the blame on Israel and maintained its commitment to the interim cease-fire.

On 27 November, Israel stated that negotiations over the hostage situation and the anticipated release of prisoners were ongoing. The temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas extended through ongoing international efforts. While Hamas claimed it was requesting an extension, Israel was offering a one-day ceasefire for every ten more hostages freed from Gaza.

On 26 November, more Israeli hostages were released. In addition, over two days, 78 Palestinian inmates were freed from Israeli prisons. In the meantime, as part of an independent agreement between Hamas and the Egyptian government, 14 Thai hostages and one Filipino were released.

On 26 November, a Saudi Arabia-based humanitarian organisation sent relief convoys into Gaza via the Rafah crossing, carrying food, medicine and shelter supplies. The aid was divided among several trucks which would be unloaded at the Rafah crossing on the Palestinian side.

On 25 November, images from the Gaza Strip showed lengthy queues for supplies and gasoline in Rafah.

On 24 November, the World Health Organization (WHO) expressed concern over the fate of Muhammad Abu Salmiya, the director of the al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, who was arrested earlier this week by Israel. According to the WHO: “Three medical personnel from the Palestine Red Crescent Society and three from the Ministry of Health were detained.”

Regional responses
On 1 December, Reuters reported that the King of Jordan, Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, urged UN aid officials and international groups to increase pressure on Israel to allow more aid into Gaza.

On 1 December, the transfer of aid from Egypt to the Gaza Strip was halted at the Rafah border, as the humanitarian truce had ended that day. Egyptian security and aid sources commented that the amount of aid which was delivered during the truce period was far less than what was required.

On 30 November, Egypt's state media, the Egyptian Radio and Television Union (ERTU), reported that the negotiators in the Gaza war, Egypt and Qatar, were trying to extend the humanitarian truce by two more days. This would involve releasing more prisoners and increasing humanitarian aid.

On 27 November, Palestinian Authority's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Riyad Al-Maliki, stated that Qatar, Egypt, the US and the EU along with Spain, were working to extend the ceasefire in Gaza.

On 27 November, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, arrived in Barcelona to discuss the war between Israel and Hamas. Prince Faisal stated: “The only sure result is more destruction, radicalization and further conflict at the expense of Palestinian lives, as well as regional security, including that of Israel.”

On 26 November, the Prime Minister of Jordan, Bisher Khasawneh, called the displacement of Palestinians a “red line” that constitutes a fundamental violation of the peace treaty between Israel and Jordan.

On 26 November, Syrian media claimed that the Damascus International Airport was attacked by Israel. Flights scheduled to arrive at the airport were diverted to airports in Latakia and Aleppo.

On 25 November, Jordan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ayman Safadi, labelled 2023 as the bloodiest year for Palestinians in a decade. He stressed the importance of working with the international community to stop the war.

On 25 November, Arab News reported that UAE, Bahrain, Yemen and the Arab League condemned a statement by Geert Wilders, a Dutch politician, which called for the displacement of Palestinians to Jordan. The embassy of the UAE in the Netherlands responded saying that it stands in solidarity with Jordan, respecting its sovereignty.

Global responses
On 1 December, Reuters quoted a senior US State Department official that the US would impose a visa ban on extremist settlers inflicting violence on Palestinians in the West Bank. The announcement came at a time of increased settler violence against Palestinians in the region.

On 1 December, BBC reported that the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, stated the strongest American remarks so far against civilian casualties in Gaza. He laid out benchmarks for Israel’s war on Gaza, and stated that it was “imperative for the United States that the massive loss of civilian life and displacement of the scale that we saw in northern Gaza not be repeated in the south."

On 30 November, the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sanchez, expressed his doubts over Israeli compliance with International Humanitarian Law in the war. He denounced the killings in Gaza, calling them “not acceptable.”

On 30 November, China issued a proposal for the UN Security Council (UNSC) to resolve the Palestine-Israel conflict. It urged the council to convene an “authoritative and effective” peace conference at the earliest.

On 29 November, the UN observed the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. At the UN headquarters in New York, an exhibit called "Palestine – a Land with a People" was displayed. To commemorate the day, marches and protests took place around the world, including Lebanon, Germany, Bangladesh and South Africa.

On 29 November, trade unions in India urged the government to support Palestine. Ten prominent trade unions issued a joint statement saying that Israel’s occupation in Palestine had “decimated” the latter’s economy, making it dependent on Israel for employment.

On 28 November, the WHO warned that more people could die of diseases than bombing in Gaza. Margaret Harris, a spokesperson for the WHO, expressed her concerns over the rise in outbreaks of infectious diseases in the Gaza Strip, referring to a UN report on living conditions in northern Gaza.

On 28 November, William Burns, the Director of the CIA, and David Barnea, the Mossad chief, met Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the Prime Minister of Qatar, to “build on” the two-day extension of the truce between Israel and Hamas.

On 27 November, the BBC reported that the US Navy captured five armed men responsible for seizing an Israeli-linked commercial tanker off the coast of Yemen on 26 November. The assailants were caught by the USS Mason, an American warship.

On 27 November, Elon Musk, an American tech entrepreneur, lent his support to Israel in its mission to destroy Hamas, during an unprecedented visit to Israel. The owner of the social media platform X, expressed the need to end all propaganda that prompted the attack on 7 October.
On 26 November, a UN official noted that the deliveries of humanitarian aid to northern Gaza had caused “immense relief”. Northern Gaza, which was cut off for weeks, finally received aid during the truce period after UN agencies secured safe passage into the region.

On 26 November, Al Jazeera reported on the White House’s request to the US Senate to scrap restrictions on its key weapons stockpile, enabling easy access to Israel. In its latest supplementary budget, the White House proposed changes to the War Reserve Stockpile Allies- Israel (WRSA-I) policies, a US weapons stockpile based in Israel for US use during regional conflicts.

On 24 November, Joe Biden, the President of the US, stated that the chances of extending the four-day truce were “real”. He expressed that the US and the Arab world want to “bring this to an end” soon, but reiterated his support for Israel by stating that the elimination of Hamas was a “legitimate” cause for Israel.

On 24 November, Pedro Sanchez, the Prime Minister of Spain, denounced the “indiscriminate killing of Palestinians” in Gaza, calling it “unacceptable during a visit to the war-torn enclave.

On 24 November David Cameron, the Foreign Secretary of the UK, stated that casualties in the war in Gaza were “too high.” Cameron reiterated Israel’s right to self-defence but stated that a “continuous dialogue” with Israel was in place to discuss international humanitarian law as well as civilian casualties.

Curated by Dhriti Mukherjee and Shamini Velayutham, Research Assistants at NIAS

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: Surge recorded in the number of respiratory illnesses
On 27 November, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that the spike in the number of respiratory illnesses in China is not as high as before the COVID-19 pandemic, reiterating that no new pathogens had been found in the recent cases. The Acting Director of the WHO’s Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention, Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, stated that the increase in the number of children contracting pathogens was because of the two years of COVID-19 restrictions that kept them away from exposure to such pathogens. Kerkhove stated: “We asked about comparisons prior to the pandemic. And the waves that they’re seeing now – the peak is not as high as what they saw from 2018 to 2019. This is not an indication of a novel pathogen. This is expected. This is what most countries dealt with a year or two ago.” China’s National Health Commission spokesperson, Mi Feng, commented that the surge in acute respiratory illnesses was linked to the simultaneous circulation of several kinds of pathogens, most prominently influenza. The development comes after China’s National Health Commission reported an unusual number of cases of pneumonia in children in the capital Beijing and the city of Liaoning in northern China.

China: Military exercise held amid lingering tension in the China-Myanmar border
On 27 November, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) began its “combat training activities” near the China-Myanmar border. It deployed howitzers and counter-battery radars for its ongoing live-fire exercise. China Central Television (CCTV), a state-owned media, reported that the PLA’s Southern Theater Command organised the three-day combat exercise. The PLA stated that this action was taken to prevent any spillover effect of the instability in Myanmar. A Chinese military expert, Zhang Junshe, told the Global Times that the exercise enhances the PLA’s fast manoeuvring capability allowing it to take positions for combat rapidly. The development comes after the ethnic militant group in Myanmar, Three Brotherhood Alliance, carried out attacks and captured several towns in the Kyin-San-Kyawt border region in the state of Shan.

China: Efforts made to push peace between Israel and Gaza at UNSC
On 28 November, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, is poised to chair a UN Security Council on 29 November, seeking to extend the fragile truce in the Israel-Gaza conflict. This meeting marks Beijing's final effort to broker peace before its monthly presidency concludes. China has consistently advocated for a "two-state" solution as the sole path to ending the conflict. Previously, on 20 November, Beijing hosted an Arab and Islamic delegation to rally the international community to help resolve the Israel-Gaza conflict.

North Korea: Embassies in Bangladesh and the Democratic Republic of Congo shut
On 30 November, North Korea closed its embassies in the Democratic Republic of Congo following the closure of its embassy in Bangladesh on 27 November. It marked the seventh shutdown in a month, following closures in Spain, Hong Kong, Uganda, Angola and Nepal. The state media, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), attributed closures to “changed international environment and national foreign policy,” hinting at new missions elsewhere. Economic strain and strict UN sanctions likely drove these closures, suggesting more might follow.

South Asia
Afghanistan: Meeting held in Moscow to discuss the future of the country
On 23 November, a meeting was held in Moscow, under the title “Afghanistan in the past and future.” It was attended by the opponents of the Taliban government, which included former officials of the Afghan government and envoys from countries including Iran and Russia. The agenda of discussion was on the formation of an inclusive government, the situation of women and the UN activities in Afghanistan. Iran highlighted the Islamic Emirate’s role in fighting the Islamic State (IS) group in the region. In response to the meeting, the Islamic Emirate’s spokesperson, Zabiullah Mujahid, stated that Kabul had not been invited, and underscored the fact that such meetings would not benefit Afghanistan. He also requested its neighbouring countries to not “create sedition among Afghans.”

Pakistan: Suicide attack leaves two dead and ten wounded in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
On 26 November, a convoy of security forces was the target of a suicide attack in the Bala Khel in the district of Bannu in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The attack resulted in the death of two civilians and wounded ten others, out of which three were Pakistani soldiers. The Inter-Services Public Relations stated that the bomber was affiliated with the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and was later identified as an Afghan national. The statement further revealed that a “sanitisation operation is being carried out to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area. Security forces of Pakistan are determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave civilians and soldiers further strengthen our resolve.”

Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa
Iran: New destroyer added to naval fleet in the Caspian Sea
On 27 November, Iran added Deilaman, a destroyer that is capable of launching cruise missiles, to its Caspian Sea fleet. The state-owned news agency, Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), highlighted that Deilaman is 1400 tons, 95 metres long, 11 metres wide and capable of launching torpedoes at 30 knots. The Chief of the Armed Forces General Staff, Major General Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, termed the Caspian a “sea of peace and friendship.” Additionally, he stated that Iran’s naval power in the region would serve “peace, security of commercial fleets, confronting terrorists and probable incidents in the future.”

Syria: Air strikes on Damascus airport
On 26 November, Israeli forces carried out air strikes targeting the Damascus airport. The airstrike placed the airport in an inoperable state. The Syrian army stated that Israel had been attacking the airports in Aleppo and Damascus. It added that its air defences expropriated Israeli missiles flying from the Golan Heights. Further, the army stated that the Israeli strikes have caused infrastructure loss. Despite the accusations put forth, the Israeli military has not made any comments.

Burkina Faso: 40 civilians killed in militant attack
On 28 November, BBC Africa reported that at least 40 civilians were killed in an Islamist militant attack in northern Burkina Faso. The Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), an Islamist militant group active in West Africa, attacked the city of Djibo. The country has been battling insurgency since 2015.

Nigeria: 100 people abducted in Zamfara
On 26 November, BBC Africa reported that at least 100 people were abducted by bandits in the state of Zamfara in northwest Nigeria. Gunmen, locally known as bandits, who came on motorcycles, stormed the village and abducted people. A witness told BBC that the residents were kidnapped after they failed to pay the tax imposed by the gunmen. One of the villagers told BBC that the leader of the armed gang, Damana, controls the majority of the region in the absence of state security forces. Currently, Nigeria faces multifaceted security issues including the jihadist insurgency in the north, farmer-herder clashes and separatist insurgency in the southeast and bandits in the Niger Delta.

Niger: Junta overturns anti-migrant smuggling law
On 27 November, the Niger junta overturned an eight-year-old law that criminalised migrant smuggling. The junta stated that the law “did not take into account the interests of Niger and its citizens.” This law was passed in 2015 after a million asylum seekers and migrants tried to reach Europe through illegal and dangerous means. The implementation of the law had resulted in a decrease in illegal people smuggling. The easing of the law is likely to cause a reemergence of trafficking gangs.

Morocco: Alliance formed with the EU to tackle extremism
On 24 November, the EU and Morocco launched an initiative against extremism through educational means. It is a two-year initiative aimed at countering and preventing violent extremism. During the 21st Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF), Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, stated that the primary goal of the forum is to “provide individuals with access to education and to help them develop the capacities necessary to challenge extremist narratives and promote peace.” The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Joseph Borell, asserted that “the program aims to help develop societies that are more tolerant and resilient against terrorism and violent extremism.”

Europe
Sweden: Tesla wins lawsuit against Swedish transport agency over licence plate delivery dispute
On 27 November, after Swedish postal workers refused to deliver Tesla license plates, a Swedish court ruled that Tesla could collect the plates for its cars from Sweden’s Transport Agency. The court added that the agency had seven days to agree to this or risk paying a fine of USD 96,000. Tesla had earlier sued the agency which said that as per contracts, it is bound to the government’s postal service, PostNord. PostNord’s employees stopped making deliveries to Tesla for the last week, in solidarity with Tesla’s mechanics who have been on strike since October following Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s refusal to recognise their union. Musk, who had described the actions of the postal workers as “insane,” has hailed the court ruling as a victory.

Czech Republic: Unions protest over austerity measures
On 27 November, labour unions in the Czech Republic organised widespread strikes, opposing the government’s austerity measures. They demanded higher funding for education and healthcare while denouncing pension system changes. The austerity measures included taxes on alcohol, medicine, and corporate profits, as part of the government’s plan to curb a growing deficit. Czech Republic’s Prime Minister, Petr Fiala, defended the measures, emphasising their necessity to control state indebtedness. Massive demonstrations in Prague attracted thousands, with unions vowing to stage more protests if negotiations were not considered. Schools and companies also participated in strikes, marking the largest protests since the country’s inception in 1993.

Finland: Border closure with Russia reinforced
On 27 November, Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo announced the decision to close the last border crossing with Russia. The last crossing point is located in the northern Murmansk region. Orpo stated: “Finland is protecting the European Union's external border and NATO's border. We will not let this phenomenon continue.” On 23 November, the EU border agency, Frontex, stated that it intended to send 50 officers and equipment to aid Finland’s border, to halt an asylum surge that it reportedly instigated by Russia. Russia criticised Finland’s abrupt closure of checkpoints, calling it provocative and stating that it lacked prior consultation. Finland’s border guard reported 415 individuals seeking asylum with insufficient documents, suspecting a foreign state’s involvement in illegal border crossings.

Latin America and the US
Cuba: Government officials join in march demanding an end to Gaza war
On 23 November, thousands of Cubans marched in Havana, led by Cuba’s President Miguel Díaz-Canel, showcasing solidarity with Palestinians and calling for an end to the war in Gaza. Cuba’s Prime Minister Manuel Marrano Cruz and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Eduardo Rodríguez Parrilla joined the two kilometres walk along with protesters holding “Free Palestine” posters and photographs of injured children. This is the second time that officials have joined marches demanding an end to the war. A Palestinian in Cuba said that the march “makes people feel that Palestine is not alone.”

Haiti: Gang violence plagues rural central parts
On 28 November, the UN released a report claiming that the once peaceful area of central rural Haiti is facing kidnappings, killings and rapes. The area of Lower Artibonite has a few powerful gangs that have taken advantage of communities with a minimal reach of the police and government institutions. This has resulted in “murders, sexual violence, theft, destruction of property and other abuses” being committed on a “daily basis.” The report stated that between January 2022 and October 2023, more than 1,690 murders and 1,118 kidnappings have occurred and 22,000 have been forced to leave their homes. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) added that more than half of those who have fled are children. Considering the “disastrous” consequences, the UN has stated that a “specialised international force” must be deployed as soon as possible to address the situation.

Canada: Trudeau calls for an end to “unacceptable” antisemitic violence
On 27 November, while condemning an attack on the Jewish Community Council in Montreal, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that antisemitic violence must end immediately. The attack, which took place on 24 November, saw a Molotov cocktail being thrown at the entrance of the centre at midnight. Nobody was inside at the time and the building has not sustained any major damage. Trudeau described the “continued acts of antisemitic violence” as “deplorable and unacceptable” asserting that people must “stand united against such vile, hateful acts.” The Executive Director of the council, Rabbi Saul Emanuel, stated that “the rise in antisemitism in our city is frightening” with cases of “repeated violence and attacks” on the Jewish community.

The US: Three Palestinian men shot in Vermont
On 25 November, three 20-year-old Palestinian men were shot near a university campus in Vermont, sparking concerns over increasing Islamophobia across the US due to the ongoing war in Gaza. The police stated that they were all speaking Arabic and two were wearing a keffiyeh (a Palestinian headdress) when they were shot. Burlington police arrested 48-year-old Jason Eaton on 26 November, who has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) warned of more potential attacks by “homegrown violent extremists.” However, the Burlington Police Chief, Jon Murad, told people to not make assumptions “based on statements from uninvolved parties who know even less” than investigators. He acknowledged the difficulty in not attributing the incident to a “hate-motivated crime.”

The US: North Korea justifies satellite images at UNSC
On 27 November, North Korea’s ambassador to the UN, Kim Song, told the UN Security Council (UNSC) that the launch of a spy satellite from North Korea captured images of the White House and Pentagon. Countries including Japan and South Korea stated that this violated UNSC resolutions. Song defended the “in detail” images North Korea’s Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un received asserting that “no other nation in the world is in the security environment as critical as the DPRK.” He commented that the possession of the images was “legitimate” especially considering the US “threatening” them with a “nuclear weapon.” In response, US ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, stated that the routine was “defensive in nature” and not an act of self-defence.

The US: Somali pirates speculated to be behind Israel-linked ship seizure
On 27 November, Pentagon spokesperson Brigadier General Patrick Ryder stated that the attackers behind the recently attempted seizure of an Israel-linked cargo ship were potentially Somali pirates rather than Houthi fighters, although the latter has not been ruled out yet. While they have determined that it was “clearly a piracy-related incident,” assessment is ongoing and “initial indications” point toward the attackers being Somali. This hijack was amid the Houthi rebels’ raids on commercial ships in the Red Sea that had links to Israel.

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. Rosemary Kurian and Nuha Aamina are undergraduate scholars from St Joseph's University, Bangalore. Rishita Verma and Gananthula Uma Maheshwari are postgraduate scholars from Pondicherry University.

(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.)

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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