Politics

Government, policy, institutions, and political power dynamics.

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Briefing: As 800,000 flee, half of Lebanon lives in war zones without markets, supplies or healthcare

Strategic angle: Genie Godula welcomes Hassan Al-Sayed from Solidarités International, discussing the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon.

editorial-staff Mar 13

Politics

Briefing: Poland’s PM Tusk defies president’s veto over €43.7 billion EU defence loan

Strategic angle: A power struggle erupted in Poland as Premier Donald Tusk insisted on accessing EU defence funds despite President Nawrocki’s veto.

editorial-staff Mar 13

Politics

Briefing: Republic of the Congo elections: A foregone conclusion?

Strategic angle: Voters in the Republic of the Congo (Brazaville) go to the polls this Sunday to elect their next leader, with predictions favoring President Denis Sassou Nguesso.

editorial-staff Mar 13

Politics

Briefing: Madagascar: Construction costs surge 50% after cyclone Gezani

Strategic angle: Recovery efforts in Madagascar face escalating costs following the devastation caused by Cyclone Gezani.

editorial-staff Mar 13

Politics

Briefing: Why US easing of oil sanctions comes at perfect time for Russia

Strategic angle: The US has further eased sanctions on Russian oil in an attempt to bring soaring energy prices down, providing a significant boost to the Kremlin.

editorial-staff Mar 13

Politics

Briefing: Thousands displaced by clashes in South Sudan town

Strategic angle: Clashes in Akobo have left hundreds of thousands without humanitarian aid.

editorial-staff Mar 13

Politics

Briefing: Zelensky in Paris: Macron vows to keep support for Ukraine

Strategic angle: French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirms commitment to Ukraine amidst changing international sanctions.

editorial-staff Mar 13

Politics

Briefing: France returns sacred 'talking drum' looted during colonial rule to Ivory Coast

Strategic angle: The move forms part of a broader process of returning cultural artefacts to African countries that started in 2017.

editorial-staff Mar 13

Politics

Briefing: Zelenskyy meets Macron as Iran war overshadows Ukraine

Strategic angle: The Ukrainian president is in Paris for talks with one of Kyiv's staunchest allies amidst the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran.

editorial-staff Mar 13

Politics

Briefing: Who is Pakistan supporting in Iran war?

Strategic angle: Islamabad has so far presented itself as a 'neutral' party in the conflict, condemning the US-Israeli strikes on Iran as well as castigating Tehran for its attacks on Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries.

editorial-staff Mar 13

Politics

Briefing: MaiaSpace: Europe steps up in the race for reusable rockets

Strategic angle: French start-up Maiaspace is developing Europe's first reusable mini-launcher, challenging American dominance in the space sector.

editorial-staff Mar 13

Politics

Briefing: Seagrass is a secret weapon against climate change. Can eco-moorings protect it from boat anchors?

Strategic angle: Anchors are damaging Posidonia seagrass, a key Mediterranean habitat that stores carbon, filters seawater and supports marine life.

editorial-staff Mar 13

Politics

Briefing: Giant robots battle it out in Detroit's Robowar

Strategic angle: Fighting robots is a cultural fantasy going back at least to Richard Matheson's 1956 story 'Steel.' One Detroit impresario is now bringing the idea to the stage — and real audiences.

editorial-staff Mar 13

Politics

Briefing: Iranians are not fleeing to the EU yet, says IOM

Strategic angle: Ugochi Daniels, IOM’s Deputy Director General for Operations, expresses concern over humanitarian needs in Lebanon.

editorial-staff Mar 13

Politics

Briefing: Iran's leader Khamenei 'likely wounded,' says US

Strategic angle: US Defense Secretary Hegseth has stated that Iran's leader is likely disfigured and may not make public appearances.

editorial-staff Mar 13

Politics

Briefing: Sleepless in Spain: Morrisey cancels Valencia concert over 'indescribable hell' of restless night

Strategic angle: British rock star Morrissey has called off an appearance in Valencia after complaining of experiencing 'indescribable hell' from not sleeping due to noise from Las Fallas festival.

editorial-staff Mar 13

Politics

Briefing: Democrats say Trump tariffs could cost US households more than $2,500

Strategic angle: Congressional Democrats warn new tariffs could raise household costs as the administration moves to replace revenue lost after a Supreme Court ruling.

editorial-staff Mar 13

Politics

Briefing: Taiwan parliament approves major arms deal with US

Strategic angle: The weapons approved are part of an $11 billion arms package announced by Washington in December.

editorial-staff Mar 13

Politics

Briefing: 'No-one will hire women' - India's top court rejects menstrual leave petition

Strategic angle: The subject has polarised India for long, though some states and private companies offer menstrual leaves.

editorial-staff Mar 13

Politics

Briefing: FBI Investigates Attacks in Michigan and Virginia; Senate Passes Housing Bill

Strategic angle: The FBI is looking into two attacks while the Senate moves forward with significant housing legislation.

editorial-staff Mar 13