As the war between the State of Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran enters its tenth day, experts on global affairs have warned that further escalation of the conflict has the potential of disrupting trade routes, affect oil prices and disturb world peace as more alliances are beginning to manifest with a threat of…
A cargo ship cruises toward the Strait of Hormuz off the shores of Khasab in Oman on Jan. 15, 2011. Marwan Naamani | Afp | Getty Images BEIJING — The recent flare-up in Middle East tensions isn’t denting Chinese business optimism about opportunities in the region. Chinese shipments to Dubai’s logistics hub have risen by…
Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and other senior officials from across the world have spoken about how international support was critical to putting their countries on the path to peace. They shared their experiences at an event this week at UN Headquarters to mark 20 years of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC). The intergovernmental advisory body…
Iran and Israel have exchanged a barrage of missiles after the United States bombed key Iranian nuclear sites, dramatically escalating tensions in the Middle East. Iran on Sunday launched two volleys of 27 missiles, targeting Israel’s main Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv, research facilities, and command centres, an Iranian state news agency reported. Air…
Civilian deaths in conflict surged by 40 per cent last year, according to new data released by the UN human rights office (OHCHR) with already marginalised groups facing disproportionate levels of discrimination. At least 48,384 individuals – mostly civilians – were killed in 2024, based on casualties recorded by OHCHR. “Behind every statistic is a…
Gilan, Iran – The prospect of war seemed to creep nearer to reality with each passing day, but perhaps few of the millions who have been forced to abandon their homes across Iran in the past week – including myself – could have known this new reality would impose itself so harshly or abruptly. The…
Of the 700 million people worldwide living in extreme poverty, 40 per cent live in conflict-affected or fragile settings and this is on track to worsen, UN Secretary-General António Guterres told the Security Council on Thursday. Ambassadors met to debate how poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment are fuelling conflict and instability, at a time when hostilities…
An EU diplomatic service audit report, seen by Reuters and AFP, looked at Israel’s actions in Gaza and occupied West Bank. There are indications Israel may have breached its human rights obligations under the terms of a pact governing its ties with the European Union, a review of the agreement shows. According to an EU…
Global fears rise over nuclear risk from confrontation in the Middle East. Israel says that ending Iran’s nuclear programme is a key aim of its attacks on the country. Israel is widely believed to have nuclear arms, but has never admitted that. So, what are the nuclear capabilities of both sides, and what are the…
Urgent international calls for restraint appear to be falling on deaf ears as the world braces for intensifying conflict in the Middle East. All eyes are on the White House, as U.S. President Donald Trump weighs carrying out direct military strikes on Iran. Such an act would represent a dramatic deepening of U.S. involvement in…
