insert_link Business / Economics Russia Raises Interest Rates to 21% Amid Ongoing Economic Pressures from Ukraine Conflict Russia's central bank hiked interest rates to 21 percent, taking borrowing costs to their highest level in more than two decades as Moscow's Ukraine offensive triggered rapid price rises at home. The increase takes rates to their highest level since 2003. Despite the high inflation and Western hopes sanctions would cripple the Russian economy, the Kremlin is set to ramp up military spending yet again next year. Analysts say Moscow […] todayOctober 28, 2024 6
insert_link World Shadow war no more: Hostilities between Israel and Iran have strayed into direct warfare – is there any going back? Israel’s air defense system intercepted nearly all missiles fired from Iran on April 13, 2024. AP Photo/Tomer Neuberg By Javed Ali, University of Michigan For decades, Iran and Israel have been engaged in a “shadow war.” Falling short of direct military confrontation, this conflict has been characterized by war through other means – through proxies, cyber attacks, economic sanctions and fiery rhetoric. Events over the last few […] todayApril 15, 2024 14
insert_link Africa US imposes new sanctions on Zimbabwe The US has imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa for corruption and human rights abuses. The order, according to the BBC, also affects other senior leaders in the country - blocking their assets in the US and barring them from unofficial travel there. The new sanctions replace a broader programme that was introduced two decades ago. The White House said, “We continue to witness gross abuses of political, economic, […] todayMarch 5, 2024 46