US President Barack Obama says prospects for a two-state solution in the Middle East are “dim” after the Israeli prime minister vowed to oppose a Palestinian state. Mr Netanyahu’s statements angered the White House, even though he has since tried to soften his remark. Meanwhile, senior White House officials have learned Israel was spying on the closed-door talks between US and Iran over the latter’s nuclear program. US-Israel ties have hit a new low.
Geopolitics - 39. page
International Crisis Group Assesses Cost of Political Standoff, Violence in Bangladesh
The International Crisis Group in its Asia Report N°264 , titled ‘Mapping Bangladesh’s Political Crisis,’ released on 9 February 2015, provides an in-depth analysis of the ongoing political turmoil enveloping Bangladesh and its dangerous prospects for the country.
Russian Yard Increases Production of Subs
In a significant development, Russia has reportedly increased its production of submarines, which has traditionally been considered the country’s forte. As per a recent report, Russia is building four submarines simultaneously in Sevmash shipyard in the northern city of Severodvinsk. Two hulls of the Borei class SSBNs and two Yasen class attack submarines (SSNs) constitute the present spree of production.
Politics of Reclamation in South China Sea
The recent spate of reclamation in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea has been reported and analyzed widely by SCS observers. They indicate mammoth reclamation and construction efforts by China to incrementally expand tiny shoals into islands capable of hosting airstrips.
Arrest Of Opposition Leader On Terror Charges Brews Political Storm In Maldives
MH Rajesh analyzes the worsening political situation in the geo-strategically important island state of Maldives, following the arrest of the country’s former President and current opposition leader Mohammed Nasheed and the removal of the defense over fears of him plotting a coup against the current President, Abdulla Yameen.
Why the fall of Yemen’s government is a huge problem for Saudi Arabia
The takeover of the capital Sanaa by the Shiite Houthi rebels has been viewed as the expansion of Iran’s influence in the Arabian peninsula and the diminution of Sunni influence in the region. The presence of Al-Qaeda in the war-torn country is raising alarm bells for the country to fever pitch.