Features
Argentina’s meltdown, Asia’s dilemma
Argentina has been here before - the country having endured multiple financial meltdowns over the last half-century - each one leaving scars on its once vibrant society and economy.
Funding the war: Ukraine and Russia's budgets side-by-side
Ukraine is teetering on the edge of a funding crisis that could cause its war effort to collapse. The pain for Russia's economy is also growing fast as it slides into stagnation or even stagflation.
COMMENT: The duplicity of Taiwan’s nationality regulations
As Taiwan stands, its nationality law reflects a divisive contradiction and one wrapped in the stigma of discrimination.
Iranian President could talk with Trump at UN
Iranian political figures urge bold diplomacy with President Pezeshkian's upcoming New York trip to the United Nations.
Trump eyes Bagram return, with China in his sights
In the years it was operational, 14 nations operated at, or through Bagram. In addition to the US, these included UK forces and elements from France, Germany, South Korea and more.
$23bn windfall for Kazakhstan as Beijing shifts up a gear on New Silk Road
Resource-rich Central Asian country emerges as a standout destination for Chinese investment.
US cancels Chabahar port sanctions exemption in blow to India's regional strategy
US terminates Iran Chabahar port sanctions waiver from September 29, jeopardising India's strategic trade operations and regional connectivity initiatives through the key facility.
INTERVIEW: Moldova seizes its moment
From rapid progress towards EU accession to the reconstruction of neighbouring Ukraine, factors have aligned to make Moldova an attractive FDI destination, says Invest Moldova head Natalia Bejan.
Polish border shutdown poses questions on Asia-Europe rail freight
The closure of Poland’s crossings with Belarus on September 12 has rattled transport and logistics companies, which warn that a prolonged halt could drive cargo away from the country, disrupt supply chains and inflate costs for businesses,
Europe remains Russia's number one biggest importer of gas, top five importer of oil in August
US President Donald Trump complained that the EU is still importing too much Russian oil and that the White House will not put sanctions on Russia unless the EU cuts back on this business.
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Indonesia’s Raja Ampat - tourism hub or den of corruption?
In recent years, Indonesia has doubled down on promoting Raja Ampat, a remote archipelago in West Papua famed for its biodiversity, as a global eco-tourism icon.
Flood corruption scandal shakes the Philippines
The Philippines is grappling with a widespread controversy surrounding its flood control programme, with allegations of billions of pesos being siphoned off from projects meant to protect vulnerable communities.
The European Commission proposes to “creatively” tap Russia’s $300bn of frozen assets with Reparation Loans
The European Commission is floating a new idea of how to “creatively” tap Russia’s $300bn of frozen assets without the need to appropriate, which is legally questionable, by replacing the money transferred to Kyiv with EU-backed bonds.
“Yuri Gagarin” cosmodrome seeking a future in space – and tourism
Golden age of spaceport is long over, with Moscow focused on facilities in Russia. Kazakhstan, however, hopes it can find profitable niche in launching satellites.
Russia’s 13 “drowning men” sink into corporate debt – The Bell
The Central Bank of Russia has quietly acknowledged growing financial distress among the country’s largest companies, identifying 13 corporations as "truly problematic" borrowers at the end of the first quarter.
Iranian arrested for Kalashnikov shooting near Caspian Sea
Iranian authorities arrest driver who opened fire with Kalashnikov rifle during road dispute on busy Chalous highway connecting Tehran to Caspian coast.
Unrest now a regular occurrence in South Asia
India is looking at a rapidly shifting political landscape along its Himalayan frontier, with the dramatic fall of K P Sharma Oli’s government in Nepal and the sudden emergence of youth-driven protests bringing increasing unrest to the country.
Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Global unveils Shura Island luxury tourism destination
Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Global opens Shura Island luxury destination with SLS, EDITION and InterContinental hotels plus first island golf course as Vision 2030 milestone.
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Will Poland’s defence splurge spark an economic boom?
Poland’s rapid defence spending rise won’t translate into a broader economic boom unless deeper structural shifts will happen that will take bolder reforms.
Bosnia on edge as Dodik weighs next move
Analysts speculate Bosnian Serb leadership could seek to escalate the ongoing crisis, potentially with a push for Republika Srpska's independence.