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Afghan drug ban may be close to unravelling

Location:

AFGHANISTAN

Local villagers were ignoring the ban on the production, use and trafficking of drugs, announced by Taliban supreme leader Haibatullah Akhundzada in April 2022. The Taliban…

Islamic State poses limited threat in Afghanistan

Location:

AFGHANISTAN

Some observers have suggested that this is a sign of an IS-K resurgence. The ruling Taliban have tried hard since their takeover in 2021 to suppress the group, a long-standing…

Elections could prove awkward for Maldives president

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MALDIVES

The two parties associated with him are currently in the minority in the unicameral legislature. Muizzu came to power after winning last year’s presidential race. He was a…

Russian LNG sales will be stymied by a lack of tankers

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RUSSIA

Russia’s gas export strategy is predicated on the rapid growth of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. Following the collapse of pipeline gas sales to Europe, Russia’s plans to…

Key Indian development target is highly challenging

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INDIA

The target is associated with reaching GDP of USD30tn, compared with less than USD4tn currently. Modi, in power since 2014, appears on course to win a third straight term.

Global AI regulations will diverge

Location:

INT

Despite a strong Chinese push on AI innovation, Beijing’s regulatory approach to AI sharply contrasts with the approaches of Western digital economies, notably the United States…

Pakistan will be optimistic about its IMF talks

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PAKISTAN

Islamabad now seeks a larger, longer-term bailout programme with the Fund. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has suggested that a staff-level agreement on such a package could…

EU views of China are slowly converging

Location:

EU

There has been growing convergence between EU member states over the perceived China threat, especially related to economic matters. However, at the same time, EU countries are…

Religious freedom will slowly expand in Vietnam

Location:

VIETNAM

Catholics are a sizeable minority religious group in the country, numbering roughly 7 million out of a population of nearly 100 million. Vietnam and the Vatican have not had…

Facebook seeks new users and markets as troubles mount

Location:

INTERNATIONAL

Facebook's troubles and business response.