Shairbek Dzhuraev, Crossroads Central Asia Peace is on the brink in Central Asia. The border conflict between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan has reached a new bottom. The clashes of the past week left at least 40-50 people killed, mostly civilians. More than a hundred houses were burned, and remnants of good …
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US Reportedly Wants to Redeploy Forces From Afghanistan Closer to Russia’s Borders
The US and NATO began their withdrawal from Afghanistan on 1 May, with the security situation in the country little better now than it was after the 2001 invasion. US President Joe Biden, in his announcement of the withdrawal in April, called on Russia, China and India to step up …
Read More »What is Iran’s goal in the Jerusalem crisis?
At Iran’s Press TV, its propaganda network focused on Western audiences in English, has wall-to-wall coverage of the violence in Jerusalem. Iran has been fanning the flames of the confrontations in Jerusalem. Days before the latest clashes developed, Iran’s Ayatollah Khamenei and its IRGC head, Hossein Salami, prepared speeches and …
Read More »Can Israel calm the storm brewing over Jerusalem? -analysis
Israel will need to display a great deal of wisdom in the coming days to calm a perfect storm brewing over Jerusalem.Here are the elements of that mounting storm: The end of Ramadan, a month that historically brings with it an uptick in violence.The potential evictions of four Palestinian families …
Read More »Jerusalem Day: Temple Mount to be closed to Jewish visitors
The decision to close Temple Mount to Jewish visitors follows days of rising tensions between Jews and Arabs across the Old City. Temple Mount will not be open for Jewish visitors today, following an assessment led by Chief of Police Kobi Shabtai early this morning. The decision was made together …
Read More »Jerusalem Day festivities shaken by rockets, violent riots
Police stormed the Temple Mount to disperse rioters who fired fireworks and threw stones at security forces. Over 700 people were injured in the clashes, according to the Red Crescent. Rioting broke out in the Old City of Jerusalem and on the Temple Mount as rockets were fired towards Israel’s …
Read More »A U.N. Peacekeeping Mission Is Afghanistan’s Best Hope
For better or worse, the United States military is leaving Afghanistan. Proponents for withdrawal argue the U.S. has done all it can militarily in the country, has more pressing security interests elsewhere and may do more harm than good by staying. Critics say the power vacuum the U.S. is leaving …
Read More »Biden Is Missing an Opportunity on Cuba
At the eighth congress of the Communist Party of Cuba last month, Raul Castro stepped down as head of the party, passing the reins to President Miguel Diaz-Canel in a choreographed transition of power. This changing of the guard took place amid rising dissent on the island, as well as …
Read More »Bulgaria’s Fractured Politics Marks the End of the Borissov Era
As a European Union and NATO member that borders Turkey, hugs the Black Sea coast and maintains cordial relations with Russia, Bulgaria is a strategically significant country. Yet in recent years, it has rarely made international news—except for the occasional domestic clash over Russian influence and periodic mass protests over …
Read More »Egypt seeks alternatives to possible Nile water loss from Ethiopian dam
Egypt’s Irrigation Ministry revealed four projects designed to reduce water waste, combat the growing need for water and help ease the negative effects of the GERD on its irrigation system. Egypt’s Ministry of Irrigation and Water Resources revealed May 2 four projects and plans to reduce water waste in the …
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