Section: The Conversation (USA)
A ‘Royal Rumble’ in Syria means yet more chaos for civilians
Uneasy allies? Alexei Druzhinin/REUTERSAs a child, I would eagerly await the annual World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) “Royal Rumble” – 30 of the best wrestlers, all in one ring, fighting it out in a lengthy and often brutal (and yes, scripted) affair over the course of hours to be the last man standing. The most entertaining part, I found,...
What are Russia’s grand designs in Central Asia?
Vladimir Putin and friends at the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) summit in September 2015. EPA/Mikhail Klimentyev/Ria NovostiWhile international attention has focused on Russian military operations in Ukraine and Syria, Moscow has also been involved in a flurry of diplomatic and security initiatives to address the growing...
Much more to be done before MH17 findings can support a war crime trial
The reconstructed front of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17, which was shot down over Ukraine in July 2014. AAP/Lloyd JonesOn Tuesday, the Dutch Safety Board released its report into the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine in July 2014. All on board – 298 people – were killed. MH17 is said to have been downed by a Russian-made...
Pathogen-carrying invasive fish from China threatens US waterways
Small but dangerous – and coming to the New World. Rodolphe Gozlan, Author providedOne little-known legacy of communist countries during the Cold War is invasive species. The accidental introduction in 1960 of the topmouth gudgeon from China into countries bordering the Black Sea, including Ukraine, Moldova and Romania, is a striking example....
Putin’s Syria plans have forced Obama to face a terrible dilemma
“It’s not that simple, Barack.” Reuters/Kevin LamarqueRussia’s nascent Syria campaign has certainly gotten off to a rocky start: international scepticism of its aims, provocative forays into Turkish airspace, missiles apparently crashing in Iran. But with the Pentagon abandoning a key programme to train the Syrian rebels...
From Turkey to the Baltics, NATO faces up to Russia
A Russian ship passes through the Bosphorus. Reuters/Murad SezerJens Stoltenberg, secretary general of NATO, has said the organisation is “ready and able to defend all allies, including Turkey against any threats”. This followed incursions into Turkish airspace by Russian planes. On the same day, UK defence secretary, Michael Fallon announced...
How Syria is becoming a test bed for high-tech weapons of electronic warfare
Author providedThe relationship between Russia and the West is becoming increasingly dangerous with potential flashpoints developing in both eastern Europe and Syria. After repeated incursions into Turkish airspace by Russian warplanes on bombing raids over Syria, NATO’s secretary general Jens Stoltenberg warned Moscow that it stands ready...
Ratifying the TPP may be tough, but Australia needs it
Australia needs agreements like the TPP to counter protectionism. AAP/Tracey NearmyEight years in total of protracted negotiations. Twelve countries. The largest multi-continental trade agreement since APECin 1989. The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is complete. Almost. But the road to ratification will be rough. American unions, together with...
Wolves, boar and other wildlife defy contamination to make a comeback at Chernobyl
Valeriy YurkoThe accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in 1986 had a devastating impact on the local population and forced 116,000 people to permanently leave their homes. But now researchers have discovered that, while the people may not have returned, the contaminated area of Belarus is teeming with wild animals, including elk, wild...
Wolves, wild boar and other wildlife defy contamination to make a comeback in Chernobyl
Valeriy YurkoThe accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in 1986 had a devastating impact on the local population and forced 116,000 people to permanently leave their homes. But now researchers have discovered that, while the people may not have returned, the contaminated area of Belarus is teeming with wild animals, including elk, wild...
