Author: M Barbu

The ‘Inside Track’ Of Putin-Xi Jinping Talks – OpEd

In international diplomacy, summit meetings stand apart from regular high-level meetings when they are held at key moments or important junctures to reinforce partnerships and/or launch major initiatives.

The summit meeting at Beijing last Thursday between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin last falls into such a category, taking place at a momentous juncture when a great shift in the global power dynamic is happening and the breathtaking spectacle of history in the making playing out in real time.

Why Politicians Cannot Be Trusted With Just War Theory – OpEd

Most modern aspects of just war theory found in the West can be traced to Saint Augustine of Hippo, and later specified by Saint Thomas Aquinas. The basic purpose of this theory was to teach Christians, and other just rulers, that waging war in general was not sinful if war was waged under certain circumstances for certain moral purposes. This theory is broken down into two parts. First is the right to go to war, and second is how states are to act during war. The principles of just war theory have been the underlying justifications for many modern conflicts, even if not acknowledged explicitly.

Gaza war: What does victory look like for the US and Israel?

After more than seven months of war, analysts say Israel’s aims may be to destroy Gaza and displace its population.

Washington, DC – Each day, the images emerging from Gaza remain largely the same: Israeli bombs killing civilians. Palestinians fleeing their homes and makeshift shelters. Hamas targetting Israeli forces and posting the footage online.

Ebrahim Raisi’s Death And The Future Of US-Iran Relations – OpEd

The sudden demise of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash has ignited speculation and raised critical questions about the future trajectory of US-Iran relations. This event occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions between Iran, the US, and its regional ally, Israel, further complicating an already delicate diplomatic landscape. Raisi’s presidency was marked by a steadfast commitment to Iran’s hardline policies, particularly in the face of economic adversity exacerbated by stringent US sanctions. His close ties to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei positioned him as a key figure in Iran’s power structure, wielding considerable influence over the country’s domestic and foreign affairs.

Pakistan-Afghanistan: Durand Line Bone Of Contention – Analysis

On May 14, 2024, at least 12 terrorists and one Army soldier were killed while five other Security Forces (SF) personnel sustained injuries when terrorists from Afghanistan in their attempt to infiltrate inside Pakistan attacked Pakistani checkpoints in the Teri Mangal area, along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, in the Kurram District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The attack, launched with heavy weapons, targeted security installations within a 10 kilometres radius.

The Greater Middle East Is A Ticking Time Bomb (Part II) – Analysis

This is part two of a two-part series that explores developments autocratic Arab rulers and US policymakers ignore at their peril. This two-part series explores developments autocratic Arab rulers and US policymakers ignore at their peril. This two-part series explores developments autocratic Arab rulers and US policymakers ignore at their peril. The series is based on an essay published in Horizons. Part 1 looked at the region as a whole as well as Hamas’ standing in Gaza eight months into the war. Part 2 focuses on the war’s potential fallout in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.

Five Uncomfortable Questions For Iran After Sunday’s Helicopter Crash

This tragedy brought to light some serious questions that should be addressed by the Iranian authorities throughout the course of the investigation or at least by their media surrogates during upcoming press appearances.

Sunday’s helicopter crash that claimed the lives of the Iranian President, Foreign Minister, two other VIPs, and the crew has been the subject of conspiracy theories since it happened, with some even implying that Azerbaijan was complicit in this incident, though that line of thought was discredited here. Regardless of whatever the newly launched investigation determines was the cause, there are still five uncomfortable questions to be asked of Iran, which are as follows:

What Has The World Forgotten About Ukraine’s History? – Analysis

Ukrainian lands are located at the gates of Europe and since ancient times foes have been threatening its inhabitants, not all but most of the times from the East. However, the very first statehood was brought to Kyiv from the North, by means of rivers and Vikings, and over the 10th and 11th centuries it was the largest and the most powerful state in Europe.