Latest Updates

Trump eyes Bagram return, with China in his sights

In the years it was operational, 14 nations operated at, or through Bagram. In addition to the US, these included UK forces and elements from France, Germany, South Korea and more.

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$23bn windfall for Kazakhstan as Beijing shifts up a gear on New Silk Road

Resource-rich Central Asian country emerges as a standout destination for Chinese investment.

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Estonia’s foreign minister summons Russia’s chargé d’affaires over 12-minute incursion in Estonia’s airspace

Estonia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on September 19 summoned the chargé d’affaires of the Russian Federation in Estonia to lodge a protest for an "unprecedentedly brazen" violation of Estonia’s airspace after three MiGs entered its airspace.

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EU passes nineteenth sanctions package, accelerates LNG phase out

The European Commission has published proposals for a 19th sanctions package against Russia that would tighten curbs on energy trade and payments, with new measures aimed at oil refineries, oil traders and petrochemical companies in third countries.

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COMMENT: Billionaire Ivanishvili’s shadow rule pushes Georgia toward autocracy

Georgia, once celebrated as a post-Soviet democratic success story, has quietly slipped into authoritarianism under the stewardship of its elusive puppet master, Bidzina Ivanishvili, says a Central Asia-Caucasus Institute report.

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INTERVIEW: Moldova seizes its moment

From rapid progress towards EU accession to the reconstruction of neighbouring Ukraine, factors have aligned to make Moldova an attractive FDI destination, says Invest Moldova head Natalia Bejan.

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India sees drop in CO2 emissions as renewables accelerate

India’s power sector has recorded an unusual dip in carbon dioxide output, with emissions falling by 1% in the first half of 2025 compared with a year earlier.

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Washington has “surrendered” in the Central Asia battle for influence, says ex-ambassador

Russia and China now dominate narrative across region, Daniel N. Rosenblum tells students at Yale. If US cuts itself off from the world, “we will ultimately be less secure and less prosperous,” he warns.

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Explosion kills five at Afghan-Pakistan border migrant camp

China rejects US "bullying" over Latin American partnerships

Europe’s summer heatwaves killed more than 16,000 people

Explosion kills five at Afghan-Pakistan border migrant camp

The blast struck on the evening of September 18 evening in Chaman, a Pakistani border town, at a taxi stand where Afghan migrants and local residents had assembled.

China rejects US "bullying" over Latin American partnerships

China has once again rejected American efforts to pressure Latin American nations into reducing ties with Beijing, with a foreign ministry spokesperson asserting the region's right to choose its own development partners independently.

Europe’s summer heatwaves killed more than 16,000 people

The heatwaves that swept the Continent were responsible for more than two-thirds of the 24,400 heat-related deaths estimated in Europe this summer, or 16,266 people, according to a new study conducted by scientists at Imperial College London.

News

Taiwan central bank maintains rates as growth momentum strengthens

Officials at the Central Bank of the Republic of China cited robust economic performance and subdued price pressures as reasons to hold steady.

Trump mistakes Armenia for Albania for the third time at UK press conference

US president says he brought peace to “Aberbaijan” and Albania as he touts his peacemaker credentials during UK state visit.

Iran conducts evening ballistic missile test at Semnan facility

Iran conducts evening ballistic missile test at Semnan range with Sejjil-class system, residents report dramatic launch amid heightened security around military facility.

Pakistan gives Saudi Arabia a landmark Article 5 collective security guarantee

In what is likely to be a game-changing decision, Pakistan, a nuclear power, has given Saudi Arabia an Article 5-like collective security guarantee.

Latin America's development gains under threat as one in four live in poverty, UN report finds

UNDP warns of stagnation and rising vulnerability across the region amid "overlapping crises".

Taiwan central bank maintains rates as growth momentum strengthens

1 day ago

Trump mistakes Armenia for Albania for the third time at UK press conference

2 days ago

Iran conducts evening ballistic missile test at Semnan facility

2 days ago

Pakistan gives Saudi Arabia a landmark Article 5 collective security guarantee

2 days ago

Latin America's development gains under threat as one in four live in poverty, UN report finds

2 days ago

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Tech

Internet shutdown pushes Afghanistan’s banking to the brink

Reports from northern Afghanistan indicated severe difficulties in processing financial transactions after WiFi services were suspended in a number of provinces, including Balkh. In Mazar-i-Sharif, banking operations were reportedly brought to a halt

Turkey’s e-imports soar to 12 times e-exports

Numbers highlight Turkish consumers’ growing appetite for low‑cost overseas platforms such as China's online marketplace Temu and e-commerce fast fashion giant Shein.

UAE and India partnership council support startups in both countries

UAE's RAKEZ partners with India economic council to launch startup series supporting entrepreneurship and global expansion opportunities for both countries.

Iranian deputy IT minister admits the local web is "unsafe"

Iranian communications deputy admits filtering policies have created unsafe, polluted internet network whilst domestic messaging platforms show significant growth.

Israeli movie actors targeted in alleged Iranian phishing campaign

Dozens of Israeli actors fall victim to an alleged Iranian phishing campaign disguised as a film casting call, prompting security warnings over identity document theft.

Internet shutdown pushes Afghanistan’s banking to the brink

14 hours ago

Turkey’s e-imports soar to 12 times e-exports

2 days ago

UAE and India partnership council support startups in both countries

5 days ago

Iranian deputy IT minister admits the local web is "unsafe"

5 days ago

Israeli movie actors targeted in alleged Iranian phishing campaign

8 days ago

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Opinion

Europe faces harsh realities in Ukraine as long war looms - Ash

Timothy Ash, senior sovereign strategist at BlueBay Asset Management in London, says European policymakers are belatedly waking up to the fact that the war in Ukraine is set to be prolonged — and that they alone may have to foot the bill.

COMMENT: US-brokered Armenia-Azerbaijan peace deal exposes Russia’s strategic failures

The recent peace breakthrough between Armenia and Azerbaijan is a major diplomatic win for the United States and a setback for Russia, according to a new report published by the Atlantic Council.

COMMENT: Why Beijing will never take Taiwan

Xi Jinping needs to think again before he sends so many young Chinese men and women to their deaths on Taiwan, for if the PLA does one day dare to land, they will be buried here.

COMMENT: Ukraine’s coming financial storm

“A crisis is drawing ever closer. It will break in Ukraine, but it won’t begin on the frontlines, where the country’s battle-weary brigades continue to impose a brutal cost on the Russian invader," writes Timothy Ash of BlueBay Asset Management.

BEYOND THE BOSPORUS: Performance postponed. Hotly anticipated “CHP” trial pushed into October

Every Turk up and down the country has an opinion on what Erdogan is up to.

Europe faces harsh realities in Ukraine as long war looms - Ash

2 days ago

COMMENT: US-brokered Armenia-Azerbaijan peace deal exposes Russia’s strategic failures

2 days ago

COMMENT: Why Beijing will never take Taiwan

3 days ago

COMMENT: Ukraine’s coming financial storm

4 days ago

BEYOND THE BOSPORUS: Performance postponed. Hotly anticipated “CHP” trial pushed into October

4 days ago

More Opinion

Data

Inflation falls in 70 Russian regions but remains above target

Consumer prices declined in 70 Russian regions in August compared with July, according to data released by the Central Bank of Russia on September 18, as annual inflation also eased in 77 of the country’s regions. (chart)

Belarus reports modest GDP growth 1.6% in 8M25

Belarus’ economy expanded by 1.6% in the period from January to August 2025, according to preliminary estimates from the National Statistical Committee, state news agency BelTA reported on 17 September.

Most Ukrainians reject Russian peace plan, back continued resistance, poll shows

An overwhelming majority of Ukrainians remain committed to resisting Russia’s invasion and reject Moscow’s latest peace proposals, even as many recognise that the war is unlikely to end soon, according to a new survey by the KIIS.

Young Bulgarians turn to stocks over real estate, survey shows

Real estate remains the most popular option overall but younger investors are leading a shift towards stock market investing, says survey commissioned by Revolut.

State of global democracy - Statista

The Economist Democracy Index rates countries on the state of their governing system each year. In the latest edition, corresponding to the year 2024, only 25 countries (6.6% of the world's population) have been rated as "full democracies"

Inflation falls in 70 Russian regions but remains above target

1 day ago

Belarus reports modest GDP growth 1.6% in 8M25

3 days ago

Most Ukrainians reject Russian peace plan, back continued resistance, poll shows

4 days ago

Young Bulgarians turn to stocks over real estate, survey shows

4 days ago

State of global democracy - Statista

4 days ago

More Data

Features

US cancels Chabahar port sanctions exemption in blow to India's regional strategy

US terminates Iran Chabahar port sanctions waiver from September 29, jeopardising India's strategic trade operations and regional connectivity initiatives through the key facility.

Polish border shutdown poses questions on Asia-Europe rail freight

The closure of Poland’s crossings with Belarus on September 12 has rattled transport and logistics companies, which warn that a prolonged halt could drive cargo away from the country, disrupt supply chains and inflate costs for businesses,

Indonesia’s Raja Ampat - tourism hub or den of corruption?

In recent years, Indonesia has doubled down on promoting Raja Ampat, a remote archipelago in West Papua famed for its biodiversity, as a global eco-tourism icon.

Flood corruption scandal shakes the Philippines

The Philippines is grappling with a widespread controversy surrounding its flood control programme, with allegations of billions of pesos being siphoned off from projects meant to protect vulnerable communities.

The European Commission proposes to “creatively” tap Russia’s $300bn of frozen assets with Reparation Loans

The European Commission is floating a new idea of how to “creatively” tap Russia’s $300bn of frozen assets without the need to appropriate, which is legally questionable, by replacing the money transferred to Kyiv with EU-backed bonds.

US cancels Chabahar port sanctions exemption in blow to India's regional strategy

1 day ago

Polish border shutdown poses questions on Asia-Europe rail freight

1 day ago

Indonesia’s Raja Ampat - tourism hub or den of corruption?

2 days ago

Flood corruption scandal shakes the Philippines

2 days ago

The European Commission proposes to “creatively” tap Russia’s $300bn of frozen assets with Reparation Loans

3 days ago

More Features

Blogs

ISTANBUL BLOG: British lord tells complaining Brits to visit Turkish airport to taste real cost-of-living crisis

Turks hit back with a storm of “patriotic” response.

The rise of the Southern Consensus

It’s increasingly looking like a clash of civilisations, isn’t it? In the last 24 hours there was yet another Global South summit where the collective leaders of the world’s biggest countries gathered to show unity in the face of US aggression.

KYIV BLOG: Brexit on steroids

The coalition of the willing Paris summit on September 4 ended in disaster. The European team has been working really hard for several weeks to thrash out a plan to save Ukraine and came together in Paris.

BALKAN BLOG: A Bosnian statelet in denial

Milorad Dodik has been stripped of his role as president of Bosnia's Republika Srpska but he is continuing to operate as if still in power.

BALKAN BLOG: One step forward, two steps back in Kosovo's deadlocked parliament

Kosovans are running out of patience with the political crisis that has persisted since the February general election, taking its toll on the country’s economy.

ISTANBUL BLOG: British lord tells complaining Brits to visit Turkish airport to taste real cost-of-living crisis

8 days ago

The rise of the Southern Consensus

11 days ago

KYIV BLOG: Brexit on steroids

15 days ago

BALKAN BLOG: A Bosnian statelet in denial

18 days ago

BALKAN BLOG: One step forward, two steps back in Kosovo's deadlocked parliament

19 days ago

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bneGREEN

China’s COP30 climate pledge will shape global emissions story - CREA

The COP30 summit in Belém, Brazil, kicks off on November 10 and will be very closely watched as one of the last opportunities to avert the very worst of the Climate catastrophe. And China's speech will be watched most closely of all.

L&T secures order for Kudankulam nuclear project expansion in India's Tamil Nadu

Indian engineering giant Larsen & Toubro has secured a major order valued at up to $285mn from the state-owned Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd for works at the Kudankulam nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu

Russia to build large-scale high-speed train network

When Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin announced that Vladimir Putin had approved more than 4,500km of new high-speed rail, the tone was businesslike, almost perfunctory, but the project could be a game-changer.

Renewables sector warns Croatia risks losing billions in investments

Industry associations say that without rapid intervention, Croatia risks increasing fossil fuel imports, losing market confidence and undermining climate and energy objectives.

Russia to double its nuclear power plant fleet with 38 new reactors

Russia has announced an ambitious programme to double its nuclear power plant fleet with 38 new reactors, according to the state-owned nuclear power agency Rosatom.

China’s COP30 climate pledge will shape global emissions story - CREA

1 day ago

L&T secures order for Kudankulam nuclear project expansion in India's Tamil Nadu

1 day ago

Russia to build large-scale high-speed train network

2 days ago

Renewables sector warns Croatia risks losing billions in investments

3 days ago

Russia to double its nuclear power plant fleet with 38 new reactors

3 days ago

More bneGREEN

Latest Updates

News

Officials at the Central Bank of the Republic of China cited robust economic performance and subdued price pressures as reasons to hold steady.

US president says he brought peace to “Aberbaijan” and Albania as he touts his peacemaker credentials during UK state visit.

Iran conducts evening ballistic missile test at Semnan range with Sejjil-class system, residents report dramatic launch amid heightened security around military facility.

In what is likely to be a game-changing decision, Pakistan, a nuclear power, has given Saudi Arabia an Article 5-like collective security guarantee.

UNDP warns of stagnation and rising vulnerability across the region amid "overlapping crises".

Tech

Reports from northern Afghanistan indicated severe difficulties in processing financial transactions after WiFi services were suspended in a number of provinces, including Balkh. In Mazar-i-Sharif, banking operations were reportedly brought to a halt

Numbers highlight Turkish consumers’ growing appetite for low‑cost overseas platforms such as China's online marketplace Temu and e-commerce fast fashion giant Shein.

UAE's RAKEZ partners with India economic council to launch startup series supporting entrepreneurship and global expansion opportunities for both countries.

Iranian communications deputy admits filtering policies have created unsafe, polluted internet network whilst domestic messaging platforms show significant growth.

Dozens of Israeli actors fall victim to an alleged Iranian phishing campaign disguised as a film casting call, prompting security warnings over identity document theft.

Opinion

Timothy Ash, senior sovereign strategist at BlueBay Asset Management in London, says European policymakers are belatedly waking up to the fact that the war in Ukraine is set to be prolonged — and that they alone may have to foot the bill.

The recent peace breakthrough between Armenia and Azerbaijan is a major diplomatic win for the United States and a setback for Russia, according to a new report published by the Atlantic Council.

Xi Jinping needs to think again before he sends so many young Chinese men and women to their deaths on Taiwan, for if the PLA does one day dare to land, they will be buried here.

“A crisis is drawing ever closer. It will break in Ukraine, but it won’t begin on the frontlines, where the country’s battle-weary brigades continue to impose a brutal cost on the Russian invader," writes Timothy Ash of BlueBay Asset Management.

Every Turk up and down the country has an opinion on what Erdogan is up to.

Data

Consumer prices declined in 70 Russian regions in August compared with July, according to data released by the Central Bank of Russia on September 18, as annual inflation also eased in 77 of the country’s regions. (chart)

Belarus’ economy expanded by 1.6% in the period from January to August 2025, according to preliminary estimates from the National Statistical Committee, state news agency BelTA reported on 17 September.

An overwhelming majority of Ukrainians remain committed to resisting Russia’s invasion and reject Moscow’s latest peace proposals, even as many recognise that the war is unlikely to end soon, according to a new survey by the KIIS.

Real estate remains the most popular option overall but younger investors are leading a shift towards stock market investing, says survey commissioned by Revolut.

The Economist Democracy Index rates countries on the state of their governing system each year. In the latest edition, corresponding to the year 2024, only 25 countries (6.6% of the world's population) have been rated as "full democracies"

Features

US terminates Iran Chabahar port sanctions waiver from September 29, jeopardising India's strategic trade operations and regional connectivity initiatives through the key facility.

The closure of Poland’s crossings with Belarus on September 12 has rattled transport and logistics companies, which warn that a prolonged halt could drive cargo away from the country, disrupt supply chains and inflate costs for businesses,

In recent years, Indonesia has doubled down on promoting Raja Ampat, a remote archipelago in West Papua famed for its biodiversity, as a global eco-tourism icon.

The Philippines is grappling with a widespread controversy surrounding its flood control programme, with allegations of billions of pesos being siphoned off from projects meant to protect vulnerable communities.

The European Commission is floating a new idea of how to “creatively” tap Russia’s $300bn of frozen assets without the need to appropriate, which is legally questionable, by replacing the money transferred to Kyiv with EU-backed bonds.

Blogs

Turks hit back with a storm of “patriotic” response.

It’s increasingly looking like a clash of civilisations, isn’t it? In the last 24 hours there was yet another Global South summit where the collective leaders of the world’s biggest countries gathered to show unity in the face of US aggression.

The coalition of the willing Paris summit on September 4 ended in disaster. The European team has been working really hard for several weeks to thrash out a plan to save Ukraine and came together in Paris.

Milorad Dodik has been stripped of his role as president of Bosnia's Republika Srpska but he is continuing to operate as if still in power.

Kosovans are running out of patience with the political crisis that has persisted since the February general election, taking its toll on the country’s economy.

bneGREEN

The COP30 summit in Belém, Brazil, kicks off on November 10 and will be very closely watched as one of the last opportunities to avert the very worst of the Climate catastrophe. And China's speech will be watched most closely of all.

Indian engineering giant Larsen & Toubro has secured a major order valued at up to $285mn from the state-owned Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd for works at the Kudankulam nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu

When Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin announced that Vladimir Putin had approved more than 4,500km of new high-speed rail, the tone was businesslike, almost perfunctory, but the project could be a game-changer.

Industry associations say that without rapid intervention, Croatia risks increasing fossil fuel imports, losing market confidence and undermining climate and energy objectives.

Russia has announced an ambitious programme to double its nuclear power plant fleet with 38 new reactors, according to the state-owned nuclear power agency Rosatom.

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