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China ties will strain Hungary’s EU and US relations

Location:

HUNGARY

The government’s plan signals not only a new era in Hungarian-Chinese relations but also China’s more intensive presence within the EU. Heated debates within Hungary and the EU…

Afghan Taliban prioritise control over recognition

Location:

AFGHANISTAN

The same penalty was meted out on November 11 to nine women and ten men in the north-eastern city of Taloqan. The use of physical punishment was ordered by Taliban leader…

Afghanistan's neighbours irritated by US rapprochement

Location:

AFGHANISTAN

After a series of conciliatory moves, the Biden administration is trying to persuade the Taliban to make concessions in return for financial assistance. Taliban leaders are…

Warmer US ties will not draw Cambodia away from China

Location:

CAMBODIA

He met top officials including Prime Minister Hun Manet; Senate President Hun Sen, Hun Manet’s father and predecessor and still the leader of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party…

Hungarian Fidesz illiberalism will defy EU criticism

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HUNGARY

The EP vote could in theory lead to sanctions under Article 7 of the EU Treaty (TEU). An 'illiberal state' has emerged in Hungary since 2010, profoundly and durably modifying the…

Afghan Taliban will weigh impact of opium ban

Location:

AFGHANISTAN

The Taliban have outlawed the production, use and trafficking of all illicit drugs. The opium ban surprised many observers who doubted that the Taliban would risk the detrimental…

Senior Afghan Taliban figures move to curb leader

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AFGHANISTAN

Taliban leaders have indulged in implicit criticism of Haibatullah before, but these statements appear to have been synchronised and designed to put pressure on him. They reflect…

China’s soft power in Western Europe is declining

Location:

EU/CHINA

The deft application of soft power has cultivated closer relations between China and Europe. However, China's power to persuade or attract is now under threat as public and elite…

Taliban politics will hinder international acceptance

Location:

AFGHANISTAN

The Taliban have focused on negotiating a government among themselves and show little sign of heeding international concerns about their policies, even if these obstruct the…

US deal works for Taliban if not Afghan government

Location:

AFGHANISTAN

The Taliban will exploit the White House's desire to withdraw from Afghanistan at almost any cost, including the imposition of defective political solutions. Taliban leader Mullah…