Russia-CIS

Dr. Shehab Al-Makahleh Diplomacy, in the Middle East, rarely arrives as a gesture of peace. More often, it emerges as an extension of war by other means—language replacing artillery, but not intent. The recent U.S.-brokered meeting in Washington on April 14, 2026—bringing together representatives of Lebanon and Israel …

Lawrence J. Haas Iran’s economy is already crippled, but still resilient. The US economy is less threatened, but its political system is less tolerant of short-term economic pain. With its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz now in place, Washington faces the twin challenge of maintaining it in …

The war in the Middle East is driving major disruptions in global energy markets and risks worsening food insecurity, particularly in low-income, import-dependent countries, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank Group (WBG), and the World Food Program (WFP) warned Wednesday. In a joint statement, the institutions …

After 40 days of sustained military confrontation that pushed the region to the brink of a broader Middle Eastern war—and threatened a global energy shock—the United States and Iran announced, on April 8, 2026, a ceasefire agreement mediated by Pakistan. The deal includes a two-week suspension of hostilities …

Amelie Shawn Some ships pass through the Strait of Hormuz after the ceasefire. April 8, 2026 (Shadi Al-Asaar/Anadolu) The Strait of Hormuz will remain the world’s central energy artery and the essential outlet for global oil and gas exports. It is a critical maritime chokepoint through which more …

Susan Al-Makahleh The story of American manufacturing is no longer just about competition with China. It is about something more subtle—and arguably more consequential. The real shift is happening closer to home, in Mexico, where a new industrial ecosystem is emerging, one that quietly blends Mexican labor, Chinese …

The shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz exposes global energy vulnerabilities that have triggered price shocks, food risks, and supply disruptions.   The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has abruptly severed a fifth of global oil and LNG supply. Beyond spiking energy prices, a supply chain shock …

Donald Trump’s war on Iran has done what imperial wars often do. It has stripped the familiar vocabulary to the bone. The old words are still there, of course. Security. Stability. Deterrence. Order. But they no longer conceal very much. When a president threatens to wreck power plants, …

In this interview, Pradeep S. Mehta, discusses and reviews further a number of questions that emerged during the four-day conference in Cameroon. Delegates attend the World Trade Organisation (WTO) 14th ministerial meeting in Yaounde, Cameroon, March 28, 2026. WTO/Handout via REUTERS The 14th Ministerial Conference of the World …