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Spain’s Battle Against Evolving Terrorism Threats: Security Implications of the MIYA Operation
The arrest of a jihadist network in Spain underscores the persistent threat posed by Islamic State affiliates within the country. Through effective inter-agency collaboration, the Spanish police successfully dismantled a significant terrorist network and confiscated cryptocurrency channels employed for financing extremist activities.
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Escalating Tensions between Turkey and the Syrian Democratic Forces Might Further Destabilise the Region
Tensions between Turkey and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have escalated following the killing of two Turkish soldiers and 17 mercenaries by SDF operations. The SDF has conducted a series of targeted military operations against Turkish military forces and mercenaries, resulting in casualties on both sides.
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Terrorist Chessboard: Geopolitics of Hizb ut-Tahrir’s Presence in India
The international Islamist movement, Hizb ut-Tahrir, has intensified its propaganda targeting India. Recent arrests of several militants affiliated with the group in Central and Southern Indian states, including Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu, confirm the covert presence of this organisation within the country.
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Kazakh President’s Visit to Italy and Strategic Implications
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s official visit to Italy marks a pivotal moment in bilateral relations, emphasising shared interests in energy diversification, technology, and infrastructure. The visit resulted in significant progress, with seven intergovernmental agreements, and 16 commercial memoranda signed. Key projects, including a joint venture between Eni and KazMunayGas for a hybrid power plant, underscore the expanding…
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Pakistan-Iran Border Tension: Geopolitical Analysis
The escalating tensions between Pakistan and Iran, triggered by cross-border military actions and subsequent diplomatic fallout, have broader regional implications. Pakistan’s forceful response, coupled with its nuclear capabilities and geopolitical alliances, introduces complexities, impacting not only bilateral relations but also involving influential stakeholders such as China.
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Increasing Geopolitical Risk in the Middle East
The United States is escalating its military involvement in the Middle East to counter the resurgence of the Islamic State. This includes a substantial deployment in Syria and Iraq. Concurrently, the Red Sea crisis involving Houthis’ attacks poses a multifaceted challenge, impacting regional stability and exacerbating geopolitical tensions. The situation is further complicated by the ongoing…
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Beyond Trade Routes: Geopolitical Chess in the Red Sea
The Red Sea, historically a vital trade route, is now a focal point for complex geopolitical dynamics driven by major global powers and regional actors. China’s Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) has spurred significant infrastructure investments and military presence, amplifying competition with the United States and other stakeholders
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Uzbekistan Economic Performance in 2023, Country’s Future Development and the Karakalpakstan’s Issue
In 2023, the World Bank reported positive economic growth in Uzbekistan. However, the broader macro region, which encompasses Central Asia and Europe, presents intriguing dynamics. Despite the economic upturn, the Central Asian republic continues to grapple with pressing domestic challenges.
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Achieving the impossible? Exploring a New Energy Pathway via a Turkmenistan-Iran-Iraq Potential Trilateral Cooperation
The trilateral cooperation in the energy field between Turkmenistan, Iran, and Iraq might significantly impact the Eurasian geopolitical chessboard and transform these countries as natural gas exporters and alternative key actors in the Middle East and Central Asia.
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Geopolitical Risk in the Red Sea
The US and British militaries conducted a significant retaliatory strike against Houthi forces in Yemen, targeting over 60 sites. President Biden emphasised that these strikes were in response to Houthi attacks on international maritime vessels, posing threats to personnel, civilian mariners, and trade and increasing the regional geopolitical risk.
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Tajikistan’s 2023 in Review Between Government’s Optimism and the Country’s Challenges
Although Tajik President Emomali Rahmon announced to the nation a prosperous future, Tajikistan still faces essential problems related to domestic stability, the threat coming from neighbouring Afghanistan, the government’s management of Gorno-Badakhshan, and the economic performance.
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Central Asia: What to Watch in 2024
Our primary aim is to facilitate informed decision-making and proactively anticipate potential challenges in Central Asia. We achieve this by thoroughly assessing and closely monitoring the region’s significant geopolitical dynamics. Through this report, we present a nuanced perspective on the factors that demand continuous scrutiny, fostering a proactive approach to navigate the complex geopolitical currents…
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The Terrorist Threat in Germany and Its Link with the post-Soviet Space
Terrorists affiliated with the Islamic State might exploit the Ukrainian refugee crisis to infiltrate Germany and the European Union, posing a significant threat to national security. German security officials have reported an increase in individuals from Central Asia, particularly Tajikistan, masquerading as Ukrainian refugees, utilising false documents and fictitious narratives to evade stringent checks.
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Diyanet’s Role to Promote Turkey in Central Asia and Russia
Despite its recognition, Diyanet has been embroiled in scandals in Europe, particularly related to illegal intelligence activities and financial transactions. Its active involvement in the post-Soviet space, notably in Central Asia and Russia, reflects its role as a tool of Turkish “soft power” and an avenue for cultural and humanitarian dialogue.
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Geopolitics of EU Strategy in Central Asia
The evolution of EU policy towards Central Asian countries, transitioning from aid-driven reforms to a strategic focus on energy security and cross-country cooperation, has entered a new phase in 2022.Geopolitical considerations increasingly influenced the European Union’s engagement, particularly in countering Russian and Chinese influence.