Global Geopolitical Series: Key updates from across the world

Here are some key events to keep a tab on,

• Russia-U.S. - Syria: U.S. President once again hinted that he is considering to move the U.S. troops out of Syria. All Syrian participants have taken part in the latest round of Astana talks which is ongoing today.    
   
• Russia-UK-Skripal: UK and Russia remain at loggerheads over Skripal poisoning with their own narratives.
   
• Korean Peninsula: North Korea announced that it would dismantle its nuclear test site on May 23-24. Journalists have been invited to witness the event. President Trump praised the North Korean move ahead of the much-anticipated summit between North Korea and the United States on June 12th.
   
• Palestine - Israel: Violence continues in Gaza strip as Palestinians march against what they call is Israel’s occupation of their land. Scores of people have been killed and wounded in the latest spark of violence, where Palestinians stage a rally to return to what they call is their homeland, forcefully occupied by Israel. According to the latest report, 16 more Palestinians have been killed in the crash near Gaza strip border. U.S. embassy in Jerusalem set to open by this week.    
   
• Israel-Iran: Tensions remain high as the harsh war of words continues between Israel and Iran. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that his country stands ready to repeal any attack, Iranian commander replied saying that Israel shouldn’t rely on its air force as the aerodromes are in the range of Iranian missiles. In recent days, Israel has carried out several attacks on Iranian camps in Syria. U.S. Defense Secretary said that according to his view, a direct conflict between Israel and Iran looks very likely. Israel has threatened to kill the Syrian president Bashar al Assad if Iran operates and attacks from Syrian territory. Israel has also launched several airstrikes (approximately 60) targeting Iranian camps in Syria.

• Malaysia: After an unexpected landslide victory in this month’s election, the new Prime Minister Mahathir Bin Mohamad barred the former Prime Minister Najib Razak from leaving the country as he is accused of corruption which was exposed in the 1IMDB scandal. Mahathir said that it is not about political vendetta but rule of law as there is enough evidence against the former Prime Minister and he is saving the extradition cost by barring his travel.