Features
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.
$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.
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.
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.
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,
Europe remains Russia's number one biggest importer of gas, top five importer of oil in August
US President Donald Trump complained that the EU is still importing too much Russian oil and that the White House will not put sanctions on Russia unless the EU cuts back on this business.
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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.
“Yuri Gagarin” cosmodrome seeking a future in space – and tourism
Golden age of spaceport is long over, with Moscow focused on facilities in Russia. Kazakhstan, however, hopes it can find profitable niche in launching satellites.
Russia’s 13 “drowning men” sink into corporate debt – The Bell
The Central Bank of Russia has quietly acknowledged growing financial distress among the country’s largest companies, identifying 13 corporations as "truly problematic" borrowers at the end of the first quarter.
Iranian arrested for Kalashnikov shooting near Caspian Sea
Iranian authorities arrest driver who opened fire with Kalashnikov rifle during road dispute on busy Chalous highway connecting Tehran to Caspian coast.
Unrest now a regular occurrence in South Asia
India is looking at a rapidly shifting political landscape along its Himalayan frontier, with the dramatic fall of K P Sharma Oli’s government in Nepal and the sudden emergence of youth-driven protests bringing increasing unrest to the country.
Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Global unveils Shura Island luxury tourism destination
Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Global opens Shura Island luxury destination with SLS, EDITION and InterContinental hotels plus first island golf course as Vision 2030 milestone.
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Will Poland’s defence splurge spark an economic boom?
Poland’s rapid defence spending rise won’t translate into a broader economic boom unless deeper structural shifts will happen that will take bolder reforms.
Bosnia on edge as Dodik weighs next move
Analysts speculate Bosnian Serb leadership could seek to escalate the ongoing crisis, potentially with a push for Republika Srpska's independence.
Jordanian man unearths mysterious ancient box whilst digging well
Jordanian discovers mysterious ancient box containing crown-wearing figure whilst digging well on family property in historically rich Irbid region.
Businesses fear Slovenia’s cannabis reform to create a workforce of stoners
Allowing limited personal use of cannabis poses serious risks for workplace safety, liability and public trust, employers tell bne IntelliNews.
Is Donald Trump driving India further into China's embrace?
Since taking office, the Trump administration has introduced sweeping trade measures that at times appear to target India in particular.
World GDP forecasts raised, but US slowdown anticipated - Fitch
Global growth is now forecast to be 2.4% in 2025, up 0.2pp since June but a sizeable slowdown from 2.9% last year and below trend.