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Russia will exploit tension but will not encourage war

Location:

RUSSIA

Russia maintains a delicate balance in the Middle East, preserving a close relationship with Shia-majority Iran and a security presence in neighbouring Syria while seeking…

Isolation from West will bring Russia and Iran closer

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RUSSIA/IRAN

The two countries have turned to each other amid increasing isolation from international banking systems, export markets, and foreign resources and technologies. Deepening their…

Israel’s Gaza war will spill over but not ignite Syria

Location:

SYRIA

Meanwhile, in the same atmosphere of regional escalation, the United States has also targeted sites in Syrian territory as it retaliates against Iran-backed Iraqi armed groups…

Afghanistan’s marginalised groups face increasing woes

Location:

AFGHANISTAN

The Taliban have increasingly fraught relations not only with Shia, most of whom are ethnic Hazaras, but also with other marginalised communities, including Salafis -- a small…

Russia uses Middle Eastern ties to mitigate isolation

Location:

RUSSIA

Syria has been Russia's central 'project' in the Middle East for more than a decade, but Moscow uses diplomatic and trade connections with many other regional states to sidestep…

Kurdish security forces in Iraq will not unify

Location:

IRAQ

The agreement covers the period to 2026, in which Washington will support Kurdish peshmerga forces with equipment and vehicles for Operation Inherent Resolve against the Islamic…

Russia wins most from Caspian deal despite concessions

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CIS

Unpicking the Caspian Sea convention.

3D printing poses complex crime risks globally

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INTERNATIONAL

3D printing crime.

Iran could disrupt Strait of Hormuz navigation

Location:

IRAN

This followed several days of wargames in the area by the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC). US plans to reinstate sanctions on Iran -- the first tranche came into effect…

Oman will strengthen security amid Gulf tensions

Location:

OMAN

With an ageing head of state, Oman must prepare for a post-Sultan Qaboos era, with some of its key policies at odds with those of other Gulf governments.