Afghanistan facing one of the worst humanitarian crisis in its history, warns UNICEF
Almost 600,000 children, mostly under the age of five, risk death through malnutrition in Afghanistan
Photo: UNICEF/Thomas Nybo
Aditi Bhaduri
As India stops purchase of Iranian oil, Iran offers to link Chabahar with Gwadar
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif proposes connecting Pakistan’s Gwadar port to its “complementary” port Chabahar in southeastern Iran, during his visit to Islamabad
Photo: Dawn/Naveed Siddiqui
At Bishkek SCO ministerial meet members agree to combat terrorism, unilateralism, affirm support for multi-polar world
The SCO members commit to jointly oppose any form of unilateralism and trade protectionism; all but India endorse China’s Belt and Road Initiative
Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kyrgyzstan
Narendra Modi-led BJP returns to power in India with massive electoral win
With BJP winning 303 seats and NDA picking up 350 of total 542 seats, it is the first back-to-back majority for a single party since 1984
Iraq’s democratic transition needs to be supported: UN envoy; UNAMI mandate extended
Iraq needs support to leave violent past behind amidst constant ISIS threat
Photo:OCHA/Themba Linden
Libya about to descend into civil war, warns UN official
UNSMIL Chief war that unless fighting around the capital Tripoli stops, Libya risks ‘descending into a civil war which could lead to the permanent division of the country’.
Photo: UN/ Loey Felipe
Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and the Dilemma of Visibility
ISIS’s reclusive leader has taken a rare risk at an unusual moment: in 2019 the “Caliphate” is gone and Baghdadi has to move around clandestinely in a hostile environment patrolled by the most powerful military in the world. It remains to be seen if the frequency of Baghdadi’s media appearances will change significantly in the future.
Photo: AP
Central Asia–Japan Dialogue: Ministerial pledges greater support for infrastructure development
The meeting comes against the backdrop of increasing Chinese influence in the region
Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of REpublic of Tajikistan
The Game of Changes: The EU, China and the Middle East Investment Vortex
Vested interest groups in Arabic countries are not keen on opening up their borders to rival Arab businessmen. I would add that state actors in many Arab countries are also keen on monopolising transactions with the outside world, and specifically with the former colonial powers.
Photo: Getty Images/ Dan Kitwook
IMF Chief visits Uzbekistan
In what is a testimony to Uzbekistan’s rising international profile, especially in trade and economics,