Political Analyst

India 'hand picks' far-right EU parliamentarians to assess troubled Kashmir

The visit drew ire from rights activists and leaders of the opposition as the ruling BJP has barred foreign journalists and independent groups from visiting Kashmir, where a clampdown on dissent has continued since August 5.

Tunisia’s election: A sanction vote against the system

Tunisians cast votes in a highly competitive presidential election to punish the political elite amid widespread discontent at economic hardship eight years into the 2011 revolution.

Is Daesh posing an existential threat to the Taliban?

As the Taliban nears a peace deal with the US, the increasing presence of Daesh in the country makes the Afghan militant group jittery.

Tanker wars: Who is behind the attacks in the Gulf of Oman?

Experts say Iran and its adversaries could benefit from the ongoing naval escalation and also question the timing of Thursday's attacks on oil tankers as Japan's PM Shinzo Abe was having a meeting with Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.

Ukraine’s comedian-turned president strikes an aggressive tone

In an attempt to cement power, Volodymyr Zelensky has called for snap elections, sparking a severe backlash from the opposition.

Anti-YPG protests by Arabs grow in Syria's Deir Ezzor - locals

Arab residents complain about a lack of basic services and discrimination by local administrations run by the YPG, the Syrian offshoot of the PKK terror group.

Czech 'Donald Trump' meets real Donald Trump

Why does Czech Republic's Prime Minister Andrej Babis, also known as Czech Donald Trump, lean towards the US, while the country's President Milos Zeman pursues strong ties with China?

Ukraine’s next president? A comic, a ‘chocolate king’ or a ‘gas princess’

From a medical doctor to a self-declared sexist and a career spy, many aspire for the country's presidential post, but three candidates stand out.

Ramaphosa appoints Nene as finance minister in cabinet reshuffle

Nhlanhla Nene returns to the post two years after his sacking from the same role began the ruling party revolt in South Africa that eventually ousted former leader Jacob Zuma.

Pakistan mourns Benazir Bhutto 10 years after her assassination

Thousands of people flocked to the shrine of Benazir Bhutto, the popular former Pakistani Prime Minister, who was killed in 2007.

US says Venezuela regional vote neither free nor fair

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro claimed “emphatic victory” in Sunday’s regional elections after winning 17 out of 23 states. But the opposition has rejected the results.

Zimbabwe's Mugabe vows to stay in power as he turns 93

Mugabe rules out any prospect of retiring soon, saying that his party officials believe there is no "acceptable" alternative.