Political Analyst

Analysis: What keeps Putin in power?

The Russian president’s enormous influence over the country’s destiny has forced comparisons between Putin and the former Tsars.

Is Iran silently preparing for intensified conflict with Israel?

Pro-Iranian militias in Syria's Deir Ezzor province recently came under missile attacks from unknown launchpads and Tehran did not react to the escalation, indicating the hostility is likely to have wider consequences.

Israel's Netanyahu declares victory in ruling party leadership primary

Partial results reported by Israeli TV stations showed Netanyahu capturing between 70 percent and 80 percent of the vote, trouncing his challenger, lawmaker Gideon Saar.

What is China doing in Yemen?

Beijing seeks normalcy in war-affected Yemen to ensure its flagship Belt and Road Initiative has safe access to the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea.

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.