Global Outlook

  In recent months, reports have emerged that  Algeria is considering providing military aid to Sudan in the form of surplus MiG-29 fighter jets . This potential transfer is significant not only for the ongoing conflict in Sudan but also for the broader geopolitical landscape of Africa. With Sudan embroiled in a civil war and Algeria asserting itself as a leading military power on the continent, this partnership could have wide-reaching consequences for both nations. In this article, we delve into Algeria’s military motivations, the implications for Sudan’s conflict, and how this alliance may shift the balance of power in the region. Algeria’s Defense Strategy and the MiG-29 The MiG-29 fighter jets have been a key component of Algeria’s air force since their acquisition in 1999. Originally purchased under a three-way contract with Russia and Belarus, these jets were meant to play a pivotal role in Algeria’s defense strategy. However, over the years, Algeria has shifted its focus to acq

  The United States has put forward a ceasefire proposal in the midst of the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, a move aimed at reducing hostilities in the volatile Middle East region. This ceasefire proposal came during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), taking advantage of world leaders being present in New York. Alongside the US, the European Union and 10 other countries called for an immediate ceasefire. The White House, seeing this as an opportunity to bring key stakeholders together, began pushing the proposal aggressively. The proposal is framed as a 21-day truce designed to provide breathing space for further mediated talks. This plan, though not yet accepted by the key warring factions, is significant in that it aligns with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which was originally adopted in 2006 to end the Israel-Lebanon war. However, the resolution was never fully implemented, leaving regional objectives unresolved for nearly two decades.

  The ongoing conflict between Israel and Lebanon has once again escalated, drawing the attention of the international community. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati recently addressed the UN Security Council (UNSC) to plead for urgent intervention amid Israel's bombardment of Lebanon, which has resulted in over 620 fatalities in just three days. This situation underscores a complex web of geopolitical tensions, humanitarian crises, and the urgent need for diplomatic engagement. Mikati's heartfelt appeal to the UNSC reflects the dire circumstances facing Lebanon, where citizens grapple with fear and uncertainty as a result of the violence. Mikati's statements highlighted the direct violation of Lebanon's sovereignty by Israeli forces. He pointed out the aerial bombardments, drone attacks, and the looming threat of a ground invasion that have led to a climate of terror among Lebanese civilians. In his address, he implored the UNSC members to recognize the severity of th

 In a critical moment of heightened tensions in the Middle East, United States President Joe Biden called for de-escalation amid Israel's large-scale bombing campaign in Lebanon. The conflict, primarily driven by Israeli military operations against Hezbollah forces, has claimed hundreds of lives in just a few days. Addressing the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Biden emphasized that a "full-scale war" in Lebanon is not in anyone's interest and urged a diplomatic resolution. The bombardment has already resulted in the deaths of at least 569 people in Lebanon, with many more wounded. Among the casualties, 50 children have been reported dead, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. The attack has also spurred more violence in the Gaza Strip, where Israeli forces have killed 37 Palestinians. Despite the severity of the conflict, Biden has maintained support for Israel, urging for a ceasefire that would ensure the release of Israeli captives from Gaza. However,

  The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East took center stage as world leaders began addressing the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday. These pressing global issues are drawing international attention as leaders outline their positions and potential resolutions. Ukraine Conflict and Global Support U.S. President Joe Biden was among the first to address the assembly, highlighting the U.S. administration's continued support for Ukraine in its battle against the Russian invasion. With the war ongoing, the U.S. remains a key player, balancing its efforts to aid Ukraine while also navigating diplomatic efforts to stabilize the Middle East. The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has reverberated throughout Europe, with significant economic and security implications. Biden’s speech reiterated the West’s commitment to Ukraine, emphasizing solidarity with Ukrainian forces. Polish President Andrzej Duda also took to the stage, underlining Poland's critical role as a d

 In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Hezbollah has launched its most intense series of rocket attacks on Israel in recent years. Over the last 48 hours, the Iran-backed militant group has fired projectiles deeper into Israeli territory than ever before, further igniting fears of a broader regional conflict. These attacks mark a significant turn in the nearly year-long war in Gaza, where the conflict between Israel and various militant groups, including Hezbollah, has been intensifying. Timeline of Escalation The escalation began on Tuesday and Wednesday when Lebanon was rocked by a series of explosions targeting pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah members. These attacks, which occurred in Beirut and Hezbollah strongholds in the Beqaa valley, resulted in the deaths of 39 people. Lebanese health minister Firass Abiad confirmed 12 deaths on Tuesday and 27 on Wednesday. The devices used in these explosions were highly coordinated, occurring almost exactly 24 hours apart. Followin

 In an unprecedented security breach, thousands of pagers and walkie-talkie radios used by Hezbollah members detonated across Lebanon in simultaneous explosions. This coordinated attack, spanning Tuesday and Wednesday, claimed the lives of at least 26 people and wounded thousands. The explosions shocked Hezbollah and the broader region, raising questions about how such a sophisticated attack was carried out and who was responsible. How Did the Pagers and Walkie-Talkies Explode? The explosions are believed to have been caused by small amounts of explosives that were secretly embedded inside 5,000 pagers ordered by Hezbollah. According to a senior Lebanese security source, Israel’s Mossad was behind the plot, planting explosives within the pagers that would detonate when a coded message was sent. The devices appeared tampered with before reaching Lebanon. The source told Reuters that Mossad inserted a board with explosive material that could receive and execute remote commands. “It’s ver

 Hezbollah, once seen as a symbol of defiance and strength in the face of Israeli military power, finds itself grappling with an unexpected and significant blow. In his latest speech, Hassan Nasrallah, the group's leader, painted a picture of an organization in retreat, forced into an unfamiliar position of vulnerability after a week of devastating Israeli attacks. Nasrallah’s speech, delivered from an undisclosed location, came after a series of unprecedented attacks that decimated Hezbollah’s wireless communication devices. These attacks targeted pagers and walkie-talkies, leading to explosions that killed dozens and injured thousands, including children. The scale and precision of the attack were unlike anything Hezbollah had faced before, catching the group off guard and throwing its leadership into crisis mode. For an organization that prides itself on its ability to operate undetected by Israel's sophisticated surveillance, the attacks have exposed a major flaw in its str

  On a tragic Tuesday in Lebanon, an unforeseen explosion shook the country, with a significant death toll and widespread injuries. Lebanon’s Health Minister, Firas Abiad, confirmed that 12 people lost their lives, including two children and four healthcare workers, when pagers used by Hezbollah members exploded in a series of coordinated blasts. This devastating event has left Lebanon grappling with the aftermath, with more than 2,800 wounded, many of whom now require extensive medical intervention. The explosions, which occurred almost simultaneously in homes, shops, and vehicles, left hospitals across Lebanon overwhelmed. Many of the wounded are suffering from life-altering injuries, with almost two-thirds of the victims needing surgery on their faces, eyes, or hands. Some have had to endure amputations, with medical professionals racing against time to provide critical care to the affected population. Dr. Elias Warrak, an ophthalmologist at Mount Lebanon University Hospital, descri

  Iran's strategic positioning in the Middle East, particularly against Israel, has become increasingly precarious. Recent events, such as the assassination of Hamas politburo head Ismail Haniyeh, have tested Iran’s capacity to maintain deterrence while avoiding direct conflict. The aftermath of this assassination prompted Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, to make a cryptic statement: “Non-tactical retreat leads to the wrath of God.” This statement left analysts divided—was it a promise of retaliation or an admission of strategic restraint? The Complex Dilemma of Retaliation The key question Iran now faces is whether to retaliate against Israel for the assassination and if so, when and how. The Iranian regime is highly cautious about moving forward with direct military action. Khamenei's words could be interpreted as a justification for the lack of an immediate response. The assassination exposed serious flaws in Iran's intelligence and security operations, making cl

  Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Naim Qassem, has issued a grave warning to Israel, cautioning that an expanded full-scale conflict in Lebanon would result in “large losses on both sides” and cause further displacement, particularly of Israelis in the country’s northern regions. These comments came amidst growing tensions between the two nations, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly on the verge of launching a “broad and strong operation” on the northern border. Since the beginning of the Gaza war in October, Hezbollah and Israel have been engaged in near-daily exchanges of fire along the Israel-Lebanon border. This mounting hostility has already resulted in significant human and infrastructural losses. Dozens of people in Israel and hundreds in Lebanon have lost their lives, while tens of thousands have been displaced on both sides. According to Qassem, while Hezbollah is not inclined to engage in a war, it will not shy away from retaliating if Israel escalates its op

  On a fateful day in May, a helicopter crash in northwestern Iran claimed the lives of Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi and seven others, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian. Now, a detailed investigation into the tragedy has shed light on the cause behind the devastating accident. A report by the Supreme Board of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, released on Sunday, found that challenging climatic and atmospheric conditions were the main reasons behind the crash. Iranian state TV broadcasted these findings, bringing an end to speculation surrounding the cause of the incident. The crash site, located in a remote and mountainous area of Iran, was subject to springtime weather patterns that created highly unpredictable and dangerous flying conditions. According to the report, the helicopter faced a sudden and severe drop in visibility when a dense fog mass rapidly ascended, enveloping the aircraft. The thick fog, coupled with the rugged terrain, resulted in the hel

 The United States has officially approved a $1.3 billion military assistance package for Egypt, despite growing concerns over the country's human rights record. This decision by President Joe Biden’s administration has sparked criticism, particularly in light of Egypt's history of political repression under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Overriding Human Rights Conditions Typically, US military aid to Egypt comes with conditions related to improving the country’s human rights situation. However, on Wednesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced to Congress that the 2024 aid would not be subject to the usual conditions. A State Department spokesperson clarified that these requirements were waived in the name of US national security interests, particularly concerning Egypt’s role in brokering peace in Gaza amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. According to the spokesperson, Egypt’s efforts to finalise a ceasefire agreement, return hostages, and facilitate humanitarian

  The long-standing dispute between Ethiopia and Egypt over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has reached new heights. Ethiopia recently called for Egypt to "abandon its aggressive approach," as tensions between the two countries continue to escalate over the project, a massive hydroelectric dam that Ethiopia has been building on the Blue Nile since 2011. A Controversial Project with Regional Impact The GERD is a point of pride for Ethiopia, promising to be the largest hydroelectric plant in Africa, aimed at developing the nation’s infrastructure and providing electricity to millions of households. The dam, located on the Blue Nile—a tributary responsible for 85% of the Nile’s water—has stirred deep anxieties in Egypt, which relies on the river for nearly all its freshwater needs. For Egypt, the filling and operation of the dam without a binding agreement from downstream countries represents a critical threat. With the dam nearing completion and the reservoir filling

  On a Friday in the occupied West Bank, the world lost a dedicated and compassionate activist, Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, who was fatally shot during a protest against illegal Israeli settlements. This tragedy took place on Mount Sbeih in Beita, south of Nablus, an area known for its long-standing conflict and demonstrations. Eygi, only 26 years old, had been protesting the ongoing Israeli settler violence when Israeli forces opened fire, using live ammunition, stun grenades, and tear gas to disperse the demonstrators. Eygi sustained a serious head injury during the violent crackdown and was rushed to Rafidia Hospital in Nablus. Despite efforts to save her, she died soon after arrival. Fouad Nafaa, the head of Rafidia Hospital, confirmed, “We tried to perform a resuscitation operation on her, but unfortunately, she died.” Eygi’s death shocked many, and those present at the protest described the horrific moment. Jonathan Pollak, a witness, recalled finding her “lying on the ground beneath an o

  The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, stood firm in defending his request for arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant during a BBC interview. Khan’s decision has ignited a global conversation about justice, accountability, and the ICC’s role in addressing alleged war crimes on all sides of a conflict. Justice Must Be Seen to Be Done Karim Khan emphasized the importance of ensuring that justice is not only delivered but also seen to be done. He stressed that the ICC’s goal is to apply the same legal standards to all nations, regardless of political power or influence. “There’s a difference of tone and I think of substance in relation to international law by the new government. And I think that’s welcome,” Khan told the BBC. The ICC’s actions, he argued, must demonstrate that no nation or group is above the law when it comes to war crimes. Khan pointed to the UK government’s decision to dr

  The United States has taken significant legal action against the leadership of Hamas, charging key figures in the Palestinian militant group in connection with the brutal attack on Israel on October 7 last year. This move marks a pivotal moment in the US's efforts to hold accountable those responsible for the unprecedented assault that resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people, including numerous American citizens. Charges and Indictments On Tuesday, US Attorney General Merrick Garland announced that the Justice Department is indicting six members of Hamas on seven charges, including the murder of US citizens, conspiracy to finance terrorism, and the use of weapons of mass destruction. The indictment encompasses decades of alleged terrorist activities by Hamas, culminating in the tragic events of October 7, which saw the deadliest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. Among those charged are Yahya Sinwar, a prominent leader of Hamas, and several other high-ranking figures, incl

  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finds himself in an increasingly precarious position as he faces mounting criticism both domestically and internationally. This backlash comes in the wake of the tragic deaths of six hostages found in Gaza, for which Netanyahu recently sought "forgiveness" from the Israeli public. The deaths have only intensified the public's fury, leading to a surge in street protests that have entered their second consecutive night. Netanyahu's apology, while aimed at pacifying a grieving nation, seems to have done little to quell the anger. Thousands of Israelis took to the streets on Monday, with many more joining in protests called by hostages' families. The frustration is palpable as the families demand answers and action after almost 11 months of waiting for their loved ones' return. The protests, marked by aggression from the police, underscore the deepening rift between the public and the government. Reports indicate that po

  After 27 years, Iraq is set to embark on a significant national endeavor: its first population census since 1997. The government has announced a two-day nationwide curfew on November 20 and 21, marking a historic moment for a country that has faced decades of conflict and instability. The decision, confirmed by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, aims to ensure a smooth and comprehensive data collection process across all Iraqi provinces. This census is crucial, not just as a statistical exercise, but as a foundation for future policy-making and national planning. The Importance of the Census A population census is more than just a headcount. It is an essential tool for understanding the demographic composition of a nation, providing the data necessary for effective governance. For Iraq, this census is particularly significant. The last census, conducted in 1997, excluded the three northern provinces that make up the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region. Since then, Iraq has undergon