China Goes to Bat for Syria

China Goes to Bat for Syria

One of Beijing’s top diplomats expressed “unwavering support” for Syrian strongman Bashar al-Assad and said China was prepared “to make joint efforts with the Syrian side to continue to consolidate the traditional friendship between the two countries.” Minister Wang Yi also stated that “China strongly supports Syria in safeguarding state sovereignty, territorial integrity and national dignity, and opposes any attempt …

Russian Military Exercises Near Disputed Islands Coincide With Tokyo Olympics

Russian Military Exercises Near Disputed Islands Coincide With Tokyo Olympics

In ancient times, Olympic organizers asked warring states to bury the hatchet at least temporarily, so the Games could continue. Kremlin officials evidently do not have this Olympic spirit. The war games, which began in late July 2021, will continue until late August. Observers believe Russia is taking a harder line over the disputed islands because Japan is doing the …

Instability Continues in Haiti

Instability Continues in Haiti

The assassination of President Jovenel Moïse might go to the highest level, as authorities arrested a top security coordinator as part of an ongoing effort to bring the responsible person(s) to justice. Jean Laguel Civil’s attorney says his client’s arrest is politically motivated. He was taken into custody as Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier, a Port-au-Prince gang leader, led a large group …

Russia Denies CAR Civilian Killings

Russia Denies CAR Civilian Killings

Wagner Group mercenaries “couldn’t take part and didn’t take part in any killings or lootings” in the Central African Republic, declared Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. “This is yet another lie,” he added. The issue came up in a UN Security Council meeting. France, Great Britain, and the United States accused Wagner Group mercenaries of committing atrocities in the Bangassou region …

Can Afghanistan’s Government Survive Without Contractors?

Can Afghanistan’s Government Survive Without Contractors?

Per a peace agreement, all “foreign” troops must leave the war-torn country by the end of 2021. When that happens, the government will probably lose air superiority. Currently, American contractors maintain most of the fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and drones which roam the skies over Afghanistan largely unmolested by Taliban and other anti-government forces. U.S. President Joe Biden has agreed to …