Iran’s threat perceptions, which centre the regime’s own survival, have been sharply triggered by Israel’s war in Gaza and the subsequent attacks on its soil. This has rendered its traditional forward defense strategy increasingly less viable amid the degradation of its long-time posture of regional deterrence. To safeguard its interests, Tehran is re-calibrating along two […]
The United Nations has described the current crisis in Sudan as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. The war that erupted on 15 April 2023 in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and a powerful paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has resulted in famine and allegations of genocide in the western Darfur region. […]
Iran’s forward defense strategy, coupled with strategic miscalculations, has led to a retrenchment of its role in Lebanon’s domestic politics; a curtailment which in turn has reduced Hezbollah’s power base. This weakening has resulted in a marked shift in the balance of power, tilting deterrence in favor of Israel, the US, and Hezbollah’s opponents within […]
Saudi Arabia continues to make news with its investments in sports with the Saudi Pro League football clubs recently privatised, LIV Golf agreeing to a merger with the PGA and DP Tours, and a host of player transfers to the country’s top football clubs. Many observers have been shocked by the pace, reach, and unexpected […]
The strengthening of ties between Australia and Turkmenistan comes as domestic politics in the Central Asian states settles into a new pattern following last year’s leadership transition.
The assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran not only underscores profound vulnerabilities within Iranian intelligence but also could potentially mark a shift in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. Likely orchestrated by Mossad, this operation exploited critical weaknesses in Iran’s Communications Intelligence (COMINT) and Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), revealing not just external penetrations but possibly […]
Is the Taliban as strong as it looks? The group continues to face several problems it is either unable or unwilling to solve. While seemingly secure in the short-term, it could threaten to undermine its hold on power in the coming years.
Recently, there has been a surge of interest in Yemen following the Houthi military campaign attacking ships traversing the Red Sea. But why and how have their campaigns increased the groups popularity both regionally and beyond?
Jordan and Palestine are bracing themselves for Israel’s fifth election in just over three years, slated for November 1. Beyond Israel itself, these two countries are arguably most affected by the outcome and subsequent shifts in domestic politics. Taking primacy are Jordanian and Palestinian concerns over the future prospect of a two-state solution given trends […]
Though seldom analysed together, Mongolian and Kazakh foreign policies are connected today by nature of their shared experience of their two larger neighbours China and Russia. Mongolia and Kazakhstan have both attempted to balance a largely economic relationship with China and a military strategic relationship with Russia, in order to develop and maintain their security […]
In July of this year, a fire tore through the COVID-19 isolation ward of Iraq’s al-Hussein Teaching Hospital in the city of Nasiriyah. At least 64 people were killed and dozens more injured, with the cause of the accident still disputed. Initial police reports suggest that the trigger was the explosion of an oxygen tank, […]
