Russia’s nuclear plants are ageing. Who will pay to dismantle them?
Moscow faces a huge decommissioning bill at home even as it expands its nuclear industry abroad.
Category Archives: Opinions
Washington’s diplomacy in Sudan has backfired
Pressure meant to isolate Sudan’s army has instead left Washington isolated and a ceasefire further out of reach.
How can Jordan respond to Israel’s escalation across the West Bank?
Settlement expansion, displacement and growing Israeli control would have direct consequences for Jordan.
Why Israel is interfering in Palestinian education
The occupation authorities are trying to censor Palestinian school curricula because they teach national consciousness.
Hormuz and Yemen: Iran offers de-escalation at a price others will pay
Iran is using Hormuz to seek US concessions, relief for the Houthis and greater control over Gulf shipping.
Can Tajikistan’s economic boom survive its debt gamble?
Rapid growth masks Tajikistan’s reliance on remittances and risky state debt.
Trump made the right decision to reject Iran’s offer
The US president has denied Tehran the opportunity to use the US midterm elections as a pressure point.
The longevity boom is getting ahead of the science
Billions are pouring into anti-ageing biotech, but manipulating ageing has risks we are only beginning to understand.
For Libya, the Hormuz crisis can be a trap or an opportunity
Libyan hydrocarbons are increasingly sought after. To take full advantage, the country needs a new economic strategy.
Strait of Hormuz tensions linger as Iran and US move further from a deal
There are fears of renewed fighting between the US and Iran, after President Trump rejected a deal.
The intelligence war is turning against the Houthis
Russian-Iranian intelligence helped the Houthis' offensive on the Red Sea coast. Now that system is under attack.
Europe’s centrists are finally paying the price of their extremism
The centre’s blind adherence to austerity has devastated European societies.
Where is the US opening new military bases in Greenland?
At least two new US bases will be established as part of a deal with Denmark and Greenland.
Trump’s Greenland deal: A triumph of optics?
It seems the new agreement may not be that 'new'.
Police hiring standards matter. But they alone cannot stop abuse
Law enforcement in the US needs high hiring standards. But it also needs reform and trust-building in communities.
Africa’s Green Revolution threatens traditional foods
The promotion of monocultures is hurting the production of much more nutritious and climate-resistant traditional crops.
Russia’s elections are more than political theatre
For the Kremlin, parliamentary elections remain a mechanism for political participation, feedback and legitimacy.
Pernicious states: Towards a new grammar of international relations
We have names for weak and failing states. We need one for superpowers that cause global harm.
Why has the response to Nepal’s floods been so muted?
Because wealthy nations do not want to take responsibility for their role in the current climate crisis.
Why some countries fail while others prosper in the Middle East and Africa
The answer lies less in geography or resources than in the institutions that shape power, legitimacy and opportunity.