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Moldova Independence

Moldova Independence

Background The breakaway region of Moldova, known as Transnistria, is a small region that borders Ukraine on the east and the Dniester River on the west. The river separates the region from the rest of Moldova. From 1924 to 1940, this region held autonomy before...

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Lebanon and the Janus-faced Border Deal

Lebanon and the Janus-faced Border Deal

Introduction  When a large amount of ammonium nitrate exploded in the port of Beirut in August 2020, it left a swath of destruction in the city. The incident caused, among others, 218 deaths, thousands of injured, and millions of dollars in property damage....

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When the clock strikes midnight!

When the clock strikes midnight!

At Midnight this Monday, President Aoun becomes Mr. Michel Aoun, a Lebanese citizen. This transition is the ancient Greeks’ greatest gift to humanity, a peaceful transition of power that does not involve familial inheritance. I was always struck by that almost magical...

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China Funds European Universities

China Funds European Universities

Concerns rise over Chinese funding to the western universities and research institutes Being self-declared foreign language schools and educational institutions, Confucius Institutes are administered by the Office of the National Chinese Language International...

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A shift in the political landscape

A shift in the political landscape

Former PM Saad Hariri announced the suspension of his personal and political party’s participation in Lebanese political life in an emotional address. The former PM explained that despite his many efforts to compromise, some are unwilling to let the country move...

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What Djokovic Affair Reminded Us

What Djokovic Affair Reminded Us

In light of recent developments surrounding the famous tennis player Novak Djokovic, Australia’s treatment of asylum seekers has once again drawn the attention of both national and international media. For those unfamiliar with the history of Australia’s detention...

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Why?

Why?

Since the start of the severe Lebanese crisis, more than two years ago, practically nothing has been done. No reforms to speak of, no capital control, no aid measures, nothing! The situation keeps getting worse, illustrated by an ever-falling exchange rate, while the...

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Days Before Taliban Takeover

Days Before Taliban Takeover

Pace of events happening in Afghanistan became hard to follow. One month before the U.S./NATO complete pullout,   Taliban forces stormed western and northern provinces and within one week Taliban -at the time of reporting - controls 14 out of 34 provinces, 66% of...

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Gulf’s Alliance is Jeopardised

Gulf’s Alliance is Jeopardised

Introduction On the 5th of July, a new quarrel surfaced between the supposedly brotherly countries; the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). On this day, a OPEC+ meeting that brings together 14 Organization of the Petroleum Exporting...

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Now what!

Now what!

Unfortunately, every few months it seems that we are back to a new Prime Minister nomination and government formation. With each iteration, the economic and political conditions deteriorate, and the general security situation becomes even more dangerous in Lebanon....

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It is elections day!!!

It is elections day!!!

What an exhausting couple of months, or even years, it has been. I still vividly remember four years ago, that fateful night in 2016, the up and downs, the false hopes, and then the unequivocal truth… Among the deluge of polls, opinions, and fake news, the situation...

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Will China use hard power?

Will China use hard power?

Undoubtedly, one of the most curious issues about China in the West is whether China will use military power anywhere in the world. Scholars are often presented with this question. In order to answer this, it is necessary to look at what value judgements that society...

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Has the Longest War Come to an End?

Has the Longest War Come to an End?

After two-year-long relentless work and tremendous efforts of Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad and his team, on September 12, 2020 - the day after the 19th anniversary of 9/11 terrorist attacks - historic peace talks began between...

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Libya in search for its new normal

Libya in search for its new normal

Despite UN statements over the agreed cease-fire, the intensity of the fight for Sirte and Jufra airbase increases. Following a rapid retreat from western Libya cities, LNA —highly likely backed by Russian aircraft and mercenaries —gathers forces to demonstrate a...

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NATO in Focus: Brussels Summit

NATO in Focus: Brussels Summit

In the midst of Cold War 2.0, Brussels will host NATO Heads of State and/or Government who will convene this week on 11-12 July 2018 for the 28th NATO Summit normally held biennially. Leaders from Finland, Sweden, Ukraine, Georgia and RSM partner nations will also be...

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After Parliamentary Election in Iraq

After Parliamentary Election in Iraq

Updated on 21 May 2018 Parliamentary elections were held in peace on 12 May 2018 in Iraq. The turnover was mere 44.52 percent of registered voters,15 percent lower than that of previous election in 2014. In fact, the participation was the lowest among those held after...

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A distractor or a catalyst for a chain reaction for more violence in Levant? Kurdish Referendum under Scrutiny

A distractor or a catalyst for a chain reaction for more violence in Levant? Kurdish Referendum under Scrutiny

Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) has declared to hold a non-binding referendum on September 25. As the date comes closer, more elements add to the great puzzle unfolding in the Levant. Great powers like US and UK that set the scene for the fragmentation of the...

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