insert_link World Iran has so far resisted direct involvement in the Gaza war, but is that changing? By James Devine, Mount Allison University Iran has tried to keep the war in Gaza at arm’s length by providing support for Hamas through armed groups it backs in Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq. The Islamic Republic has indicated it wants neither to get directly involved in the fighting nor see the conflict escalate across the region. But as illustrated by the recent drone attack by pro-Iranian militias in Jordan […] today31 January, 2024
insert_link Africa Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger announce withdrawal from ECOWAS Military leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have withdrawn from ECOWAS, with immediate effect. According to the AFP news agency, all three countries were suspended from ECOWAS with Niger and Mali facing heavy sanctions. They have hardened their positions in recent months and joined forces in an "Alliance of Sahel States". A French military withdrawal from the Sahel -- the region along the Sahara desert across Africa -- has […] today29 January, 2024
insert_link World UN says still not enough aid getting into Gaza The United Nations says its still facing many obstacles in getting sufficient humanitarian and medical aid into Gaza. Speaking to reporters from Jerusalem on Wednesday the UN's Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory says the situation keeps deteriorating further and Israeli authorities continue to stop these conveys. Jody Jacobs reports from the United Nations in New York. today25 January, 2024
insert_link Africa Education has a huge role to play in peace and development: 5 essential reads Children’s education is frequently disrupted in conflict-fraught areas. Daniel Beloumou Olomo/AFP via Getty Images Natasha Joseph, The Conversation Nelson Mandela was a famous advocate for the value of education. In 1990, the man who would become South Africa’s first democratically president four years later told a high school in Boston: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” The United Nations agrees. In 2018 […] today24 January, 2024
insert_link Opinion Pieces Syria’s Enduring Turmoil Heads Into 2024 Escalating violence in northwest Syria left 66 people dead in attacks by the government and Russia, according to the White Helmets/Syrian Civil Defense, above, in October 2023. The war, nearing its 13th year, has created the largest displacement crisis globally. Peacemaking efforts by the United Nations go on, but Russia’s crucial cooperation is growing more remote. By Jusaima Moaid-azm Peregrina via PassBlue The Syrian conflict, now nearing its 13th year, […] today23 January, 2024
insert_link World Britain “Disappointed” by Netanyahu’s Opposition to Two State Solution The UK Prime Minister's office has said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statement opposing the future of a Palestinian State is "disappointing", and reaffirmed Britain's support for a 'two state solution' to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This follows disagreement between U.S. President Biden and Netanyahu over support for a two state solution. Simon Gaitán reports. today23 January, 2024
insert_link World US, UK strikes pound Yemen rebels, adding to fears of wider war US and British forces struck rebel-held Yemen early on Friday after weeks of disruptive attacks on Red Sea shipping by the Iran-backed Huthis who say they act in solidarity with Gaza. The pre-dawn air strikes add to escalating fears of wider conflict in the region, where violence involving Tehran-aligned groups in Yemen as well as Lebanon, Iraq and Syria has surged since the Israel-Hamas was began in early October. Iran […] today12 January, 2024
insert_link Opinion Pieces South Africa’s genocide case against Israel: expert sets out what to expect from the International Court of Justice By Magnus Killander, University of Pretoria The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will be holding public hearings on 11-12 January at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the seat of the court, in a case brought by South Africa against Israel. South Africa has accused Israel of violating the 1948 Genocide Convention in its military bombardment and siege of Gaza, which started after the deadly 7 October Hamas attack […] today9 January, 2024