Features
The Singapore to Malaysia migration reshaping Southeast Asia
An industrial migration is quietly shifting the economic landscape of Southeast Asia, particularly that surrounding Singapore and Malaysia.
Inventory drawdowns mask impact of Hormuz disruption as clock runs down towards a September supply crunch
Global oil markets are relying heavily on inventory drawdowns to offset a supply shock caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, with OECD stockpiles potentially reaching stress levels by mid-September if current trends persist, according to Oxf
South China Sea tensions drive a quiet realignment against Beijing
The Philippines is not alone as other countries bordering the South China Sea are also starting to push back. Surprisingly given shared Communist ideals is Vietnam, which has become one of the region's most active challengers of Chinese claims.
EU targets Kyrgyzstan in first use of new sanctions tool to hit third parties aiding Russia
The European Union has for the first time imposed trade restrictions on a third country for systematically facilitating the circumvention of sanctions against Russia, marking a significant escalation in Brussels' efforts to tighten the pressure.
Central Asia to turn mineral wealth into strategic influence
Central Asia is moving to convert its vast reserves of critical minerals into economic and geopolitical leverage as governments seek to position the region at the centre of global supply chains increasingly shaped by geopoliitcal competition.
Erdogan stole 2023 election win says Kilicdaroglu man
Reporter responds: If that is the case, why is ‘poll theft victim’ Kilicdaroglu playing along with political engineering that opens way to consolidation of Turkish leader’s power?
Azerbaijan positions itself as dual-track energy hub amid global supply uncertainty
Azerbaijan is accelerating both fossil fuel and renewable energy development as it seeks to entrench its role as a reliable supplier to Europe and emerging markets, Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov told the 31st Baku Energy Forum.
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The lawyer, showman and self-styled tiger seeking to remake Colombia
Abelardo de la Espriella, the flamboyant lawyer, businessman and self-styled "El Tigre" who surged to first place in Colombia's presidential first round, has built one of the most unconventional political brands in the country's modern history.
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COMMENT: Did Israel's Netanyahu lose the war he claims to have won?
The most useful comparison for the Iran war of 2026 is not the Six-Day War of 1967. It is the Suez Crisis of 1956. The point is being made openly in Tel Aviv, by columnists who have lost patience with the Netanyahu camp's victory rhetoric.
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Kremlin wants “full partnership” with Afghan Taliban, military-technical deal signed
Russia is the only country in the world to formally recognise Afghanistan’s rulers, though Central Asia is slowly but surely building relations.
Bulgaria the latest addition to the EU’s Excessive Deficit Club
Bulgaria has barely had time to celebrate joining the eurozone monetary union at the start of this year before the European Commission is set to turn around and throw it into the rapidly growing financial delinquents club.
Tbilisi counts the cost of Trump Tower
Local residents fear development will destroy "green lungs" of Tbilisi, as their government encourages Trump Tower project to mend relations with Washington.
Indonesia bets on resource nationalism to plug fiscal gaps
Mineral export bans and upcoming windfall taxes have become the country’s overarching strategy - one that is increasingly running up against regulatory bottlenecks, illegal capital leakages, and local governance deficits.
Ukraine’s budget comes under strain as defence financing pressures build - KSE
Ukraine’s fiscal position remained broadly stable on the revenue side in the first quarter of 2026, but rising defence needs and delays in external financing increased pressure on public finances as the quarter progressed.
Global oil inventories falling at record pace, critical storage threshold about to be breached - IEA
Global oil inventories are declining at a record rate as the market absorbs a major Middle East supply disruption, raising the risk of sharp price increases if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, according to the International Energy Agency.
How effective are Ukraine’s drone strikes at destroying Russian refinery production?
Wrangling over how effective Ukraine’s drone strikes of Russian refineries has broken out amidst conflicting reports of just how much damage is being done to Russia’s key oil infrastructure.
Ukraine cuts tariffs in bid to incentivise gas storage
Ukraine has cut tariffs for gas storage services and introduced new incentives for long-term capacity bookings as Kyiv seeks to accelerate stockpiling ahead of a winter.
Timur Turlov’s Freedom Holding Corp: From a niche broker to a global fintech player
The story of how a small brokerage firm transformed into a transnational financial ecosystem.
The EU's enlargement dilemma
Europe debates new shape of enlargement as Ukraine and Western Balkan candidates push EU to rethink membership.
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USMCA to keep tariffs as US opens bilateral talks with Mexico, freezing out Canada
The United States intends to maintain tariffs on imports from both Mexico and Canada even after the USMCA is revamped, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer confirmed on May 26.