Asia
Iran / USA: possible scenarios if Trump decides to attack
As Donald Trump warns Iran that ‘time is running out’ for a nuclear deal (see ), and with US forces reportedly preparing for strikes on Iran within days, the consequences are far from…
China: speculation about reasons for dismissal of two senior generals
The recent decision to remove China’s two most senior generals, Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, and place them under investigation has prompted intense speculation. Zhang was the highest-ranking military figure in the Communist…
Israel: football pitch for Palestinian children wins a reprieve
A small Palestinian children’s football pitch in Bethlehem has been granted a temporary reprieve after Israel postponed its planned demolition. The Aida Youth Centre pitch, built in 2020 to serve more than two…
Pakistan: devastating fire in Karachi shopping centre
Grief and anger grip Karachi after a devastating fire tore through Gul Plaza, a crowded wholesale shopping centre, leaving at least 27 people dead and more than seventy missing. The blaze spread rapidly…
Syria: US moves 150 IS prisoners, thousands to follow
US forces have begun transferring IS prisoners out of Syria, moving 150 detainees to Iraq under plans that could see up to 7,000 relocated. The move follows growing instability after Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic…
Pakistan: exports of rice rise significantly
Exports of rice from Pakistan rebounded strongly in December 2025, rising 14% month on month, driven largely by a surge of more than 50% in basmati shipments. Total exports reached 489,000 tonnes, allowing…
Iran: Trump steps back from threats of military action over protests
Donald Trump has stepped back, at least temporarily, from threats of US military action against Iran, saying he has been assured that the killing of protesters has stopped and that no executions are…
Syria: government tells Kurdish forces to leave Aleppo after deadly clashes
Syria’s army has moved reinforcements to areas east of Aleppo after ordering Kurdish forces to withdraw, following deadly clashes which have killed over 100 and displaced as many as 150,000. The Islamist-led government…
Japan: search for alternative rare earth sources to avoid reliance on China
Japan has launched a bold effort to secure its future supply of critical minerals by sending a research vessel to mine rare earth elements from the deep seabed near Minamitori Island. The month-long…
Thailand: at least 31 dead after crane collapses on train
A devastating rail disaster in northeast Thailand has left at least 31 people dead after a construction crane collapsed onto a speeding passenger train, causing it to derail and burst into flames. The…
