Pakistan: Judas of the American Alliance

The U.S. has long seen Pakistan as an ally in South and Central Asia despite a long history of the Pakistani government supporting terrorist groups who have sought to attack America, a policy that continues today.

The Dirty Business of Humanitarian Aid in Afghanistan

Afghanistan currently faces the largest humanitarian catastrophe in the world which has led to billions of dollars worth of humanitarian aid but corruption, theft and hidden agendas have led to a distribution system that, in its current form, could be actively making the problem worse.

If You Stand With Ukraine, You Must Also Stand With Afghanistan (Part 2)

The United States and its allies have abandoned Afghanistan after their two-decade-long occupation, leading to the country's descent into a humanitarian crisis and a terrorist-led government. Meanwhile, these nations have shifted their focus to supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, with rhetoric about defending values of democracy and political freedom, but to the Afghan people, this rings hollow. The US's current policy towards Afghanistan is focused on containment rather than support for any specific actors, and their cooperation with the Taliban is reminiscent of Reagan's failed policy of "constructive engagement" with Apartheid South Africa.

China Brokers Saudi Arabia-Iran Diplomatic Agreement – Implications for Yemen’s Civil War

The China-brokered agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran marks a significant shift in relations between the two regional rivals and may pave the way for humanitarian recovery in Yemen, a country devastated by the proxy war between the two nations. The deal involves reopening embassies, respecting state sovereignty, and avoiding interference in foreign affairs.

Russia Beyond its Borders: Foreign Agent Bill in Georgia

Graffiti expressing anti-Russian sentiment adorns Georgian buildings, reflecting the country's unease as the government leans closer to Russian influence. Thousands of Georgians recently protested the controversial "foreign agents" bill, which would require businesses receiving at least 20% of their funding from foreign countries to declare themselves as "foreign agents," potentially stifling foreign-funded organizations and moving Georgia further from European integration.

Overcoming Conflict: Japan and Korea Restore Diplomatic Relations

On March 16, 2023, Japan and the Republic of Korea convened their first summit in 12 years, with the objective of reestablishing trade relations, intelligence sharing, and diplomatic ties in the context of a fraught historical relationship. The summit sought to address unresolved issues and promote collaboration amid increasing regional concerns, signifying a new chapter in the bilateral relationship between these two nations.

Candidates Begin Lining Up for Mexico’s 2024 Presidential Race

As Mexico prepares for the 2024 national elections, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) faces controversy for introducing a bill that weakens the National Electoral Institute. Meanwhile, various potential candidates from different parties, including PAN, PRI, and Morena, have publicly declared their intent to run, with Mexico City Mayor Dr. Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo emerging as a prominent figure for the Morena party.

Political Censorship in Rwanda Limits Chances for Representation

The 2004 film Hotel Rwanda raised global awareness about the Rwandan genocide and the heroism of hotel manager Paul Rusesabagina. However, Rusesabagina's story also highlights the issue of political censorship in Rwanda, where the government's suppression of political and human rights advocacy persists, including the silencing of opposition voices and imprisonment of political leaders.

Poland’s Rise is Threatening the Current Model of the European Union

The European Commission's decision to bring Poland's case to the Court of Justice of the European Union has been complicated by Poland's growing role in NATO leadership and increasing international influence. The ruling right-wing party, Law and Justice (PiS), has gained credibility, while Poland's relationship with Hungary remains a key factor in determining the outcome of the conflict. With upcoming parliamentary elections and Donald Tusk's return to Polish politics, the EU's actions could be its last chance to weaken PiS's public image before the elections.

Sports Competitions Reevaluate Participation of Russian and Belarusian Athletes a Year After the Invasion

A year after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, international sports organizations are reevaluating their bans on Russian and Belarusian athletes. The International Fencing Federation and Wimbledon have recently lifted their bans, allowing athletes to compete under a neutral flag. However, the International Olympic Committee's plan to allow these athletes to participate in the Paris 2024 Games has been met with widespread criticism and calls for reconsideration.

Neoliberal Narratives: Pedro Castillo and the Peruvian Constitution’s Impeachment Trap

The impeachment of former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo was seen as a democratic triumph by mainstream media, but widespread protests and repudiation from other Latin American governments tell a different story. Deep-rooted inequities, a constitutional clause, and political instability have led to Peru's uncertain future, with impeachment being weaponized by the Peruvian Congress to maintain the neoliberal status quo.

Of Factions and Friends

India and Australia have significantly strengthened their relationship in recent years, with both nations being key members of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue. As they seek to expand trade and deepen military cooperation, their mutual interests in containing Chinese aggression and maintaining a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region drive the partnership, despite India's complex relations with Russia and China.

Japan’s Sanction on China Semiconductor Industry

The U.S. and Japan, once rivals in the semiconductor industry, are now cooperating to counter China's rise in the sector. The two nations are working together on export controls, with the U.S. banning chip exports to several Chinese companies and Japan recently agreeing to similar measures, though potential limitations and countermeasures from China may affect the effectiveness of these efforts.

FESPACO: The Power of African Voices

The 28th Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO) took place from February 25 to March 4, 2023, celebrating African cinema and providing a platform for African filmmakers. With this year's theme being "Culture of Peace," the festival showcased films that highlighted social issues and amplified African voices, such as Apolline Traore's "Sira" and Moussa Sene Absa's "Xale, les blessures de l'enfance."

Qatar Fifa 2022 World Cup: A Game of Sports Diplomacy Mixed with International Scrutiny

The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar drew over 1.5 billion viewers and faced controversy over bribery allegations, migrant worker exploitation, and criminalization of homosexuality. Despite using the event to foster international relations, Qatar's imposition of cultural values contradicted its efforts to build ties and exposed the need for better governance by FIFA.

Honor and Shame: On the Word “a’aib” in Arabic

This article discusses the concept of honor and shame in Arab societies, with the term "a'aib" representing shame and its impact on women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and taboo subjects. This socially constructed idea perpetuates negative psychological effects and reinforces honor-based social conduct.

Preventing the Domino Effect: Moldova Fights to Protect Its Sovereignty from Russian Interference Amid Continued Violence in Ukraine

With war still raging in Ukraine, the neighboring country of Moldova is facing increased threats from Russia continuing its attempt to spread control. Recent destabilization plots, continued chaos with the Transnistria region, and the global energy crisis have required the Moldovan government to double down on state security.

Venezuela’s Economic Recovery: Why Are the Poor Becoming Poorer?

Venezuela's economy shows signs of recovery, driven by increased oil production. Still, the poor are left behind as the wealth gap grows, and access to foreign currencies remains limited for the majority of the population. The country's infrastructure for the rich expands while impoverished households suffer from food insecurity, water shortages, and lack of basic services.

Humanity in Civil Conflicts: Understanding the Casamance Conflict

The Casamance conflict has resulted in devastating realities for communities, however, different policies such as the Kampala Convention offer hope for a united future to resolve deep divisions at the Senegal border and refocus on supporting displaced people.

If You Stand With Ukraine, You Must Also Stand With Afghanistan

The United States and its allies have abandoned Afghanistan after their two-decade-long occupation, leading to the country's descent into a humanitarian crisis and a terrorist-led government. Meanwhile, these nations have shifted their focus to supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, with rhetoric about defending values of democracy and political freedom, but to the Afghan people, this rings hollow. The US's current policy towards Afghanistan is focused on containment rather than support for any specific actors, and their cooperation with the Taliban is reminiscent of Reagan's failed policy of "constructive engagement" with Apartheid South Africa.