Brexit’s Ghosts Still Haunt Northern Ireland

For more than a week earlier this month, Northern Ireland was rocked by riots in pro-British unionist communities, with frequent outbursts of violence in areas bordering on pro-Irish nationalist neighborhoods. Thankfully, no one was killed, but almost 90 police officers were injured in efforts to quell the unrest and keep …

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Brexit Still Hasn’t Solved the Problem of Northern Ireland

The two main political parties in Northern Ireland announced a deal last month to restore the region’s power-sharing government, which had ceased to function three years ago. Within 24 hours of the announcement of the deal on Jan. 10, which was brokered by the British and Irish governments, Northern Ireland’s …

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Brexit’s Finish Line Is Only the ‘End of the Beginning’ for Britain and the EU

Britain’s impending departure from the European Union on Jan. 31 is merely, as Winston Churchill might have said, the end of the beginning. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will herald Brexit as the moment the nation recovers its sovereignty. The truth, however, is far messier. The ultimate terms and costs …

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Japan Makes a Model Partner for a ‘Global Britain’

Ever since the 2016 referendum on Brexit, the U.K. has been busy reimagining its place in the world. Now, with the umbilical cord between the U.K. and the European Union finally cut, London will have to put into practice its long-stated ambitions for a “Global Britain.” The British government’s Integrated …

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Our Afghanistan SITREP for August 26 – Explosions Outside Kabul Airport

Until August 31, we will attempt to provide our readers with a daily SITREP on Afghanistan, based on information we believe is credible, along with a brief analysis providing some measure of context. Explosions Outside Kabul’s Airport An explosion took place a few minutes ago today, outside Kabul’s airport. Unconfirmed …

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How far might Turkey, UAE reach in fence-mending bid?

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s reception of the UAE national security adviser has raised the prospect of a reset in acrimonious bilateral ties. While President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s meeting with a senior Emirati official last week was a significant step toward thawing Turkey’s multifaceted feud with the United Arab Emirates …

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With the Taliban Back in Kabul, Regional Powers Watch and Wait

On 15 August, the Taliban capped their drive for power in Afghanistan by taking Kabul, the country’s capital, for the first time since they ruled most of the country from 1996 to 2001. With the previous government’s collapse, the group is now the de facto power throughout the country and …

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Talibans VS Daesh: la nouvelle guerre (cartes)

La cartographie des actions terroristes en Afghanistan apporte une première explication à la prise rapide de Kaboul le 15 août 2021. Celle-ci montre la très forte augmentation des actions terroristes et de guérillas à partir de 2012, la localisation des attaques et la concurrence entre les talibans et l’État islamique. …

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Taliban Takeover Is Bad News For China – Analysis

The withdrawal of the United States from Afghanistan has prompted much breathless commentary, including on the implications for China’s role in the region. But despite predictions of sweeping geopolitical gains, China will be observing the Taliban takeover with significant concern. One narrative suggests that US withdrawal from Afghanistan will enable …

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