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Russia's Africa Corps Shifts Role in Sahel, Raising Concerns Over Sovereignty and Stability

Russia's Africa Corps Shifts Role in Sahel, Raising Concerns Over Sovereignty and Stability

Russia's Africa Corps, a state-controlled entity under the Russian Ministry of Defence, is increasingly acting as a Praetorian Guard for juntas and despots in the Sahel region, particularly in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. This shift was highlighted by the Africa Corps' intervention to protect General Abdourahamane Tiani's junta during a failed mutiny in Niger in August. The mutiny, led by young soldiers angered by heavy battle losses and poor welfare, saw an attempt to seize control of state broadcaster and the Presidential Palace, followed by Air Base 101. The junta, which came to power in July 2023, was saved by the Africa Corps, forcing it to rely on a foreign army against its own soldiers. This development suggests that Russia's role has expanded beyond counterterrorism assistance to include regime protection, raising questions about the true sovereignty of these client states. The Africa Corps is the rebranded successor to the Wagner Group, which also played a role in suppressing protests and repell...

BRICS leaders voice concern over Middle East, condemn unilateral sanctions at India summit

BRICS leaders voice concern over Middle East, condemn unilateral sanctions at India summit

The BRICS group of emerging economies expresses concern over rising tensions in the Middle East and condemns sanctions not authorized by the U.N. The leaders met in New Delhi to strengthen their global position

As Trump squeezes the International Criminal Court, more countries are leaving

As Trump squeezes the International Criminal Court, more countries are leaving

The United States is increasing pressure on the International Criminal Court, leading to more countries leaving the institution

Former Israeli Diplomats Criticize Government's Handling of Western Sanctions and Diplomatic Relations

Former Israeli Diplomats Criticize Government's Handling of Western Sanctions and Diplomatic Relations

Former senior Israeli diplomats are expressing strong criticism regarding Britain's sanctions against Israel and similar measures taken by other Western countries in response to Israeli policies in the West Bank. While some disagree on the appropriate Israeli response, there is a consensus among many that the deterioration in relations with Western nations is a result of ongoing diplomatic failures. These diplomats point to several factors, including violence by Jewish extremists in the West Bank, the announcement of the E1 construction plan, the absence of a diplomatic horizon, and Israel’s conduct toward friendly countries. Jeremy Issacharoff, former Israeli ambassador to Germany, stated that Israel must immediately act to prevent further deterioration in the West Bank and violent activity by Jewish extremists against Palestinians. He also noted that the declared intention to build in the E1 area, which could effectively prevent a Palestinian state, along with the proliferation of new settlements, invite...

Poland Anticipates Russian Targeting of Border Crossings Amid Escalating Attacks on Ukraine

Poland Anticipates Russian Targeting of Border Crossings Amid Escalating Attacks on Ukraine

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has warned that Poland expects Russia to target its border crossings with Ukraine, similar to recent attacks on Ukrainian border crossings with Moldova and Romania. This warning follows a significant escalation in Russian aerial attacks across Ukraine, increasingly striking civilian transport, energy, industrial, and logistics infrastructure. These attacks, which utilize newer and more capable weapons, including jet-powered drones and missiles, are harder to intercept and are reaching targets farther from the front line. Russia has already struck at least five Ukrainian border crossings with Moldova and NATO member Romania since late August, with one incident involving a Russian drone entering Moldovan airspace and flying towards Romania, prompting NATO aircraft to scramble.

Poland warns Russia likely to intensify provocations on Ukraine's borders with European countries

Poland warns Russia likely to intensify provocations on Ukraine's borders with European countries

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has warned of potential intensified Russian provocations at Ukraine's border crossings with Europe

Why a Russian screening of an 81-year-old Soviet-era film to a tiny audience has alarmed Taiwan

Why a Russian screening of an 81-year-old Soviet-era film to a tiny audience has alarmed Taiwan

TAIPEI, Sept 11 (Reuters) - In a small meeting room in a downtown Taipei office building, Russian officials hosted an unusual screening of an old Soviet documentary called "Smashing Militarist Japan" for some 20 Taiwanese guests.

Former Diplomats Warn Israel of Deteriorating Western Relations Amid Sanctions

Former Diplomats Warn Israel of Deteriorating Western Relations Amid Sanctions

Former senior Israeli diplomats are expressing strong criticism regarding the deterioration of Israel's relations with Western countries, particularly in light of recent sanctions imposed by Britain and other nations. They attribute this decline to an ongoing diplomatic failure, citing factors such as violence by Jewish extremists in the West Bank, the announcement of the E1 construction plan, the absence of a diplomatic horizon, and Israel's conduct towards friendly countries. Diplomats like Jeremy Issacharoff, former ambassador to Germany, and Daniel Carmon, former ambassador to India, emphasize that the lack of an enlightened Israeli policy in the Palestinian context has neutralized Israel's diplomatic ability to prevent hostile international moves. They argue that the international community, which previously refrained from practical steps against Israel regarding settlements, is now acting due to the perceived extinguishing of a peace process and insufficient action against Jewish terrorism.

Russian President Putin Warns Europe Against Troop Deployment in Ukraine, Claims No Threat to Continent

Russian President Putin Warns Europe Against Troop Deployment in Ukraine, Claims No Threat to Continent

Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a warning to European nations, stating that any deployment of their troops to Ukraine would lead to a direct conflict with Russia. This statement comes amidst ongoing discussions among European governments regarding potential security guarantees for Ukraine. Despite this threat, President Putin simultaneously asserted that Russia poses no danger to Europe, accusing European leaders of instilling fear in their populations with what he termed an 'imaginary' threat from Moscow. He emphasized that Russia has no intention of threatening European countries. This warning follows a pattern of similar threats from the Kremlin aimed at deterring Western military support for Kyiv, even as Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, launched in February 2022, continues. No such European troop deployment has yet occurred.

BRICS adopts joint declaration, urges 'maximum restraint' in Mideast

BRICS adopts joint declaration, urges 'maximum restraint' in Mideast

By Sarita Chaganti Singh NEW DELHI, Sept 12 (Reuters) - The BRICS group of nations unanimously adopted a joint declaration on Saturday, expressing "deep concern" over the war in the Middle East and urged maximum restraint, advocating for a "multilateral approach" that respects national viewpoints.

BRICS leaders gather in New Delhi as wars and rivalries strain the expanded bloc

BRICS leaders gather in New Delhi as wars and rivalries strain the expanded bloc

BRICS leaders are meeting in New Delhi this weekend as wars in Ukraine and the Middle East and U.S.-China tensions test the group's unity

United States Votes Against UN Resolution Promoting Accurate World Map Projections

United States Votes Against UN Resolution Promoting Accurate World Map Projections

The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution advocating for the use of map projections that more accurately represent the size and proportions of the world's continents, specifically addressing the distortion of Africa's true size. The resolution, titled 'Correct the Map: Rebalancing Global Cartographic Representation and Promoting Equitable Representation of the World’s Regions, Particularly Africa,' was sponsored by Togo on behalf of the African Group. It passed with an overwhelming 164 votes in favor, one against, and six abstentions. The United States was the sole country to vote against the resolution. Yaryna Ferencevych, deputy U.S. representative to the UN Economic and Social Council, characterized the initiative as an 'ideological project' rather than a significant priority for the United Nations. The resolution aims to encourage member states and international organizations to adopt more accurate cartographic representations and promote a critical approach to how maps are taught in...