Trump wants China’s help in making peace in Ukraine. He’s unlikely to get it
Dec 16, 2024 05:00 am UTC| Insights & Views
US president-elect Donald Trump has invited Chinas president Xi Jinping to his inauguration on January 20 in a surprise move which appears to be part of a plan to involve Beijing in ceasefire negotiations in...
US role in Syria is unclear in wake of Assad’s fall from power
Dec 13, 2024 05:37 am UTC| Insights & Views
As a new government is set to form in Syria following a sudden coup earlier this week, the United States response to the political upheaval appears uncertain. Rebel groups unexpectedly overthrew Syrias longtime leader,...
Russia and Ukraine face off at European security conference as all sides wait for Trump presidency
Dec 12, 2024 02:46 am UTC| Insights & Views
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) marks the 50th anniversary of its foundation next year. Last week, after months of wrangling, its 57 members meeting in Malta managed to agree on a new...
India is the new China – NZ needs to see the bigger picture in trade negotiations
Dec 10, 2024 05:04 am UTC| Insights & Views Economy
Anyone who has followed New Zealands protracted trade negotiations with India will know any new announcement of progress needs to be taken with a grain of salt. Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters hint last week...
Europe readies for war as Russian rhetoric escalates
Dec 09, 2024 01:46 am UTC| Insights & Views
Sweden is clearly taking Vladimir Putins repeated threats to escalate its current war in Ukraine with deadly seriousness. Households received a booklet recently detailing steps they could take to stay safe in the face of...
Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire deal promises a precarious peace in a region racked by conflict
Dec 02, 2024 05:11 am UTC| Insights & Views
After two months of ground war between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, a negotiated ceasefire has been reached which for now should help to relieve civilian suffering. However, much will depend on both local and global...
Will the fragile peace between Hezbollah and Israel hold?
Nov 30, 2024 17:13 pm UTC| Insights & Views
A ceasefire deal came into effect between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Hezbollah in the early hours of November 26, bringing two months of hostilities in Lebanon to an end. The countrys main roads have since then...