Eurasia

Iraq’s Yazidis call for autonomy as conflict flares between army, PKK affiliates

Ongoing tensions due to regional interference to settle scores among rivals threaten new acts of violence, menacing the Yazidi minority concentrated in the area. More than 40 Yazidi community leaders from Sinjar signed a petition on March 13, demanding self-rule in Sinjar, the addition of the Ezidxane Asayish (Security Forces …

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Latest al-Qassam Brigades publication touts its military advancements

The military wing of the Hamas movement, al-Qassam Brigades, recently published a statement of its “evolution of military tactics” including the “development and accumulation of strength since 2006.” The publication allows a glimpse into the growing military capabilities of the militant group that has benefited highly from Iranian military support. …

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The Syrian revolution on its 10th anniversary: No regrets, but longing for its early days

“We dared to dream, and we will not regret dignity.” This quote was widely circulated by Syrian social media users, mainly on Facebook, in commemoration of the tenth anniversary of the Syrian revolution. The phrase was originally embroidered on the dress worn by the Syrian activist and Oscar-nominated director of …

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Turkey captures top Syrian Kurdish commander: Report

Turkish intelligence agents have captured a senior figure from a US-backed Kurdish militant group operating in Syria. State news agency Anadolu reported on Monday that Ibrahim Babat, a “brigade commander” from the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), was caught during an operation inside Syria and brought back to Turkey.

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IRGC’s naval force unveils new missile site, hosting ballistic, cruise missiles

The naval force of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has unveiled a new strategic missile site at an undisclosed location, which hosts various types of advanced ballistic and cruise missiles. The site was unveiled on Monday during a ceremony attended by the IRGC’s Chief Commander Major General Hossein Salami, …

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Lukashenko Still Crushes Belarus

Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus since he came into power in 1994, has cracked down violently on the still-ongoing protests in which police have detained more than 33,000 people. Belarus “is not a member of the Council of Europe – it still has the death penalty which is an automatic …

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Russian Newspaper: Hezbollah is Asking Moscow About Fate of Assad

A recent Hezbollah visit to Moscow has provoked speculation as to the trip’s motives. Experts have suggested that the visit which took place two days ago was intended to establish more about Russia’s position on the Syrian regime’s head, Bashar al-Assad. Journalist Igor Sobotin published an article in Nezavisimaya Gazeta, …

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Will US sanctions bring China and Saudi Arabia closer?

Recent US sanctions on Saudi Arabia, coupled with prospects for Washington reentering the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, could push Saudi Arabia to strengthen its ties with China. Following the release of the declassified US intelligence report on the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, there are signs that the US …

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NGOs file Syria torture complaint against Russia’s Wagner Group

The rights organizations allege that the shadowy paramilitary group is behind the 2017 torture and killing of a Syrian military defector. Three advocacy groups have filed a criminal complaint against Russian private military contractor Wagner Group over the torture and death of a detainee in Syria’s civil war. “This litigation …

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Kurdish forces blame Turkey for Euphrates River water drop in northeast Syria

The Syrian Democratic Forces claim Turkey caused a drop in the Euphrates River water level that will harm residents and their economic activities in the areas they control in northern and eastern Syria. The water level of the Euphrates River in Syria’s northern province of Raqqa has decreased dramatically over …

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