Features
Four million pilgrims from 140 nations converge on Iraq for Arba'een
At least 4.1mn people have attended the 2025 Araba'een pilgrimage in Iraq, according to local officials.
Does Donald Trump deserve a Nobel Peace Prize?
After the White House dubbed Donald Trump the "president for peace", bne IntelliNews contributors assess how much substance there is behind the international diplomatic triumphs claimed by his administration.
Jimmy Lai becomes a symbol of hope and despair in fallen Hong Kong
Hong Kong is gone. Taiwan and the South China Sea must not, at any cost, follow suit.
Indian used car market in the fast lane
India’s used-car market is expected to see sales volumes surpass 6mn units in the current fiscal year, according to a recent CRISIL Ratings report.
PANNIER: Testing time for exiled Tajik opposition as "reformers" announce breakaway party
Reformers Movement to take on Islamic Renaissance Party in battle to win right to lead fight against strongman Rahmon.
Iranian official's visit to Beirut highlights tensions over Hezbollah
Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, arrived in Beirut on August 13 for the second leg of his regional tour, aimed at engaging with Lebanese political leaders.
ASEAN is going nuclear – it's just a matter of time
Across the ASEAN bloc, energy security, surging data-centre demand and net-zero pledges are nudging governments to revisit their nuclear options.
Japan becomes the pillar of security in northeast Asia
Japan's rapid technological leap in embracing stealth aircraft, maritime-launch F-35Bs, advanced missile defence, AI-enabled drones and space-based surveillance, brings a strategic balance to the region.
Russian fossil fuel revenues slip as CREA calls for tighter price cap enforcement
Russia’s fossil fuel export revenues fell 3% month-on-month in July to €585mn a day, as weaker crude oil and LNG sales offset a sharp rise in pipeline gas income, according to the July monthly update on Russia’s oil trade from CREA.
Europe overtakes US as main supplier of military aid to Ukraine
Europe, including the United Kingdom, has outstripped the United States in total military aid to Ukraine for the first time since mid-2022, with a growing share of support sourced directly from defence industry production rather stockpiles.
Iranian president faces criticism over nuclear talks remarks
Iranian President Pezeshkian faces domestic backlash over nuclear talks proposal as hardliners denounce diplomacy with Washington following attacks on atomic facilities.
INTERVIEW: Azerbaijan looks to substantial peace dividends from Armenia deal
Azerbaijan’s ambassador to the UK Elin Suleymanov outlines the benefits to Azerbaijan, Armenia and the broader region from the August 8 Washington summit.
Indonesia and Malaysia seek peaceful path in Ambalat Sea standoff
The Ambalat region, located in the Sulawesi Sea, has long been contested due to overlapping claims and its strategic importance for oil and gas exploration.
INTERVIEW: Former US official on America's lost authority as Global South acts on Gaza
As Gaza's death toll passes 61,000, nations meeting in Bogotá pledge concrete measures to halt arms flows to Israel. Ex-US official Annelle Sheline, who resigned over Washington's Gaza policy, calls it a turning point for the Global South.
South Korea’s tax reform triggers investor concerns
What was once a buoyant rally under President Lee Jae Myung’s pledge to lift the Kospi to 5,000 points is now shadowed by concerns over the economic implications of sweeping tax changes.
A year on from Sheikh Hasina’s flight into exile, Bangladesh waits for stability
A year and a day after Sheikh Hasina’s dramatic departure, Bangladesh remains – still - in the throes of a fraught transition. The interim government, though promising, is yet to deliver meaningful reform.
UN accused of enabling Hamas through Gaza aid mismanagement
There are also persistent claims that Hamas is systematically looting the aid that does make it into Gaza. Military officials estimate 80% of all assistance is intercepted either by Hamas members, its affiliates or civilians acting under its control.
The silent crisis: Abortion and reproductive rights in Turkmenistan
Turkmen women today are worse off than their grandmothers.
China wakes to the importance of moving closer to Israel
China is increasingly engaging with Israel, especially in areas such as science, high technology, and innovation. Bilateral trade between the two nations reached $16.27bn in 2024, with Israeli exports exceeding Chinese imports for the first time.
China’s military build‑up against Taiwan
Beijing’s growing arsenal of missile‑based strike systems, amphibious deployment platforms, high‑end air power and laser/cyber capabilities reflects a sustained campaign to squeeze Taiwan’s defensive window.