Features
_1774987106.jpg)
Viva capitalism, says Fidel's grandson, pouring drinks in Havana
While Cuba goes dark, Fidel's grandson is posting Instagram videos and calling for capitalism. The Castro family's most unlikely dissident is also its most stylish.
Air freight disruption drives surge in India-US cargo rates
Air cargo rates from India to the United States have risen between 200% and 350% since the outbreak of the third Gulf war on February 28, as capacity constraints rather than demand drive pricing, according to industry estimates.
BEYOND THE BOSPORUS: Turkey builds house for PKK leader Ocalan on prison island Imrali
Kurdish representatives tread carefully in referring to dwelling that is part of latest peace process.
China’s electrostate powers its grip on global metals
China’s emergence as a dominant force in industrial metals is increasingly being driven not only by its access to raw materials, but by the scale and structure of its electricity system.
Central European “dismantler” countries eroding EU rule of law from within
Four of the five European Union members identified as actively “dismantling” democratic safeguards are located in Central and Southeast Europe, says Civil Liberties Union for Europe report.
Iran’s shadow fleet and shadow banks keeps the money pouring in
Iran has doubled its oil exports since the start of Operation Epic Fury, sustaining flows of between 2.4mn and 2.8mn barrels per day (b/d), including 1.5mn to 1.8mn b/d of crude. It has also doubled the amount of money it’s earning.
Global fertiliser market starting to feel the pinch as stockpiles run low
Disruptions to the fertilisers market are starting to bite as stockpiles run low in Asia and beyond just as the spring planting season gets underway.
INTERVIEW: Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan
In the eyes of the government of Iran, the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI) is a terrorist organisation operating its own armed group as part of its push for self-determination for the Kurdish people of Iran.
Kosovo races to break political deadlock and elect president
What could have been a routine procedural issue has turned into a prolonged institutional standoff, with a 34-day countdown from March 25 to elect a new president.
Russian businesses in Middle East slow activity as conflict disrupts deals
There are 14,000 Russian companies registered in the UAE, and 150,000 Russians live there. Without the need for visas and the can-do attitude to business, Dubai has become a favourite destination for Russian entrepreneurs escaping from sanctions.
Iran war creates perfect storm for the petrodollar - Deutsche Bank
The world was already dedollarising thanks to rising East-West tensions and the US decision to weaponize the dollar in 2022 by seizing the Russian central bank’s reserves. Trump has gone a step further.
Israel, US have armed themselves for the wrong war
The Israeli Army took its heaviest tank losses in over 40 years after Hezbollah ambushes destroyed 21 Merkavas main battle tanks in a single day on March 26. Israel and the US have armed themselves for the wrong war.
India adopts multi front fertiliser strategy as West Asia crisis unfolds
The biggest short term vulnerability for Indian energy security is liquified petroleum gas using in cooking - of which India imports over half of its consumption demand via the Strait of Hormuz.
_1774550909.jpg){kind=tracking}
Mexico risks Beijing trade retaliation in bid to curry favour in Washington
Mexico is caught between two giants: courting the US with tariffs on Chinese goods while risking a trade backlash from Beijing that could undermine its own industrial base.
India striving to keep trade pace with Pakistan, reaching out to Central Asia
South Asian rivalry adding new dimension.
China becoming the first Electrostate
China is well on the way to becoming the world's first “Electrostate”. The nature of the global economy is changing. The carbon-based economy that has dominated since the industrial revolution giving away to a silicon-based economy.
Tajikistan adapting its approach on Afghanistan
Bolstering border defences while stepping up diplomatic engagement.
BEYOND THE BOSPORUS: What no crisis!? Turkey is so far riding out economic shocks of the Iran war
Troubles are brewing, though.
Qatar LNG plant damage could take five years to fix if key components destroyed
Iran targeted and hit Qatar’s Ras Laffan gas plant on March 18, the backbone of Qatar's LNG exports and source of a third of the world’s supply of liquid gas. If key components were destroyed the plant could take five years to fix.
INTERVIEW: EBRD eyes post-war investment surge in Ukraine but warns recovery path uncertain
EBRD managing director for Ukraine Arvid Tuerkner expects strong long-term investor interest in the country’s reconstruction, if it can ensure stability and sustained reforms.