After 13 years of civil conflict, the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad gave Syrians a sense of hope for stability. However, recent attacks led by Assad loyalists threaten the potential to eliminate division within the country.

The steady uptick in Iranian human rights violations has caused public scrutiny and dissent, of which has existed in Iran for decades. However, one must ask, how many more executions have to happen before the public dissatisfaction grows large enough to overthrow the Islamic Republic?

Upon receiving her presidential nomination at the Democratic National Convention, Vice President Kamala Harris said she and President Joe Biden were working “around the clock” to negotiate a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel. Harris has since made dozens of statements claiming that the administration has been “dedicate[d] to ending this war and bringing the hostages home.”

These statements are misleading.

A new decree from the Taliban is set to ban women from pursuing education in midwifery and nursing, with some students having already been barred from classes. 

The endless cycle of conflict in the Middle East demands a shift from moral debates to pragmatic solutions — a practical, incentive-driven framework may be the only path forward. 

On Oct. 26, Israeli missiles struck military bases in three Iranian provinces. To further prevent Iraq and Syria from intercepting the attacks, Israel’s missiles also targeted their air defense systems. Four Iranian soldiers were killed in midst of the strikes.

US investigators are inspecting how a pair of highly classified intelligence documents leaked online. The two documents that surfaced on the messaging platform Telegram last Friday purportedly detail a US assessment of Israel's plans to strike Iran.

On Oct. 16, 2024, Yahya Sinwar, the leader of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), was killed by the Israeli military.

Israel has targeted United Nations (UN) peacekeepers in Southern Lebanon in recent attacks, injuring several and forcing entry into UN bases. 

On Tuesday, October 1, Iran launched around 180 missiles into Israel. These strikes are a direct response to escalations between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah, one of Iran’s regional proxies. Iran stated that the missile attacks were a result of a string of recent killings by Israel, particularly Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran this July. 

Conflict in the Middle East has thrust the United States into a diplomatic and strategic high-wire act that is becoming increasingly central to the 2024 presidential election.

On the one-year anniversary of the attacks on October 7, 2023, the ongoing conflict in Gaza continues to shape political dynamics and international advocacy.

On Oct. 13, Turkish authorities detained 269 individuals suspected to be members of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) across Diyarbakır province in Türkiye.

Speculation of attacks on Iranian oil supplies have caused global oil prices to spike. Fears of disrupted supply have led to sharp price fluctuations, raising concerns of a direct impact on supply and consumer prices.

As of early October 2024, the United States had approximately 40,000 US military troops stationed throughout the Middle East, with thousands more set to be deployed. This increased US military presence in the region showcases the seriousness of rising tensions from the Israel-Palestine conflict and signals US intentions to become more involve

ISaudi Arabia has led a new global initiative backed by both European and Middle Eastern countries in support of a two-state solution for the Israel-Gaza conflict. 

The EU has strengthened its stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, imposing new sanctions on Russian trade, and introducing changes to funding and a road-map of future defences against Russian attack. These plans pose a threat to the Russian economy and present an attempt to pressure Russia into peace negotiations.

In August 2025, Germany’s center-left and far-right coalition introduced a bill that would significantly increase military spending.

As Syria stands on the brink of a new era, the European Union faces pivotal decisions that could redefine its role in the Middle East.

Donald Trump's return to power marks a pivotal moment for the European Union (EU). With the European Commission focusing on critical areas like trade, climate, and migration, the EU must brace for the challenges a second Trump term will bring.

The German ruling coalition, led by Olaf Scholz, has collapsed following the firing of the finance minister, Christian Lindler, last week.

The United Kingdom’s (UK) defense spending and international security commitments are attracting much attention as the government balances global threats and budget conflicts.

As BRICS continues to assert its influence, the European Union (EU) must carefully evaluate the implications of its growth. The summit's outcomes hold particular relevance for the EU, given the bloc's strategic interests and increasing involvement in global affairs, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. How is BRICS going to impact the EU's strategic interests?

As of Oct. 22, 2024, the United Kingdom and Germany have signed a significant defense pact to reinforce military collaboration in response to the growing threat posed by Russia. Such an agreement highlights the strategic importance of their alliance as both powers seek to confront escalating security challenges in Europe.

On Friday 25 Oct French authorities revealed they’d charged seven individuals in connection with the cyberbullying of Thomas Jolly, the creative director for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

On Sunday, October 20th, Moldova held a referendum vote on joining the European Union (EU), alongside its planned presidential elections.

Italy's plan to process migrants in Albania faces legal challenges after a Rome court ruled the return of migrants to their countries unsafe and unlawful. While Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni defends the deal as a European model, critics raise concerns about human rights violations and tensions between national policies and European law.

After the deadliest Israeli attack on Hezbollah since 2006, UK ministers, headed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, urge British nationals to “leave Lebanon immediately”.

The trial of French researcher Laurent Vinatier has emerged as a significant point of contention in the decaying relationship between France and Russia. Vinatier, who specializes in post-Soviet studies, was arrested in March 2024 on espionage charges.

Three years following the Taliban’s siege of Kabul, a new European Union ruling passed on October 4th, 2024 states that countries only require the gender and nationality of female Afghan refugees to grant asylum.

On Sept. 29, Austria's far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) achieved an unprecedented victory by winning the national parliamentary election — its first major success since World War II.

India has reported a new case of Monkeypox (Mpox) in Kerala's Malappuram district. According to CNN, this case is among the new variants of Monkeypox, called clade 1b, which causes more severe disease than the original clade 2b variant that was present in 2022. 

In a joint statement on Sept. 29, 2023, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy reaffirmed their countries commitment to Israel’s security while simultaneously calling for the promotion of peace and security in the Middle East.

Mark Rutte officially took office as Secretary General of NATO on Oct. 1, 2024, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg at the organization’s headquarters in Brussels.

The ongoing tension between Hungary and the European Union (EU) regarding immigration laws has reached a critical juncture. Hungary has faced increasing scrutiny for its inhumane treatment of migrants and the unlawful detention of asylum seekers.

Bruno Retailleau, a prominent figure in French politics and longstanding member of The Republicans party, was recently appointed as France’s newest Interior Minister on Sept. 21, 2024.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit began on Wednesday Oct. 9 in Vientiane, Laos with a major focus placed on tackling a critical issue within the region: the worsening civil war in Myanmar.

Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Commonwealth of Australia, has recently urged Australian citizens in Lebanon to leave while they still can. An estimated 15,000 Australians remain in Lebanon after Israel initiated a ground operation in Hezbollah.

On Tuesday, Sep. 24, 2024, Thailand’s landmark marriage equality bill was approved by King Maha Vajiralongkorn, making the nation the first in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage.

On Sept. 18, Indonesia’s Central Bank (Bank Indonesia) announced a decrease in their interest rate from 25 basis points (0.25%) to 6%, in a move that came as a surprise to most experts.

In 2022, New Zealand was lauded for passing the world's first generational smoking ban. In a surprising turn of events, New Zealand has backtracked its course on the ban, announcing a disappointing reversal that has drawn criticism from public health officials.

A Chinese Coast Guard vessel collided with a Philippine boat on a resupply mission on Oct. 22, 2023, this past Sunday morning. Following the collision, both sides have swapped accusations of blame, heightening tensions in the already-disputed South China Sea.

In the midst of the worldwide polarization over the Israel-Palestine conflict, Southeast Asia has not been immune to its impact. Malaysia and Indonesia, two predominantly Muslim nations, have voiced strong support of the Palestinian cause. In contrast, several other countries in the region have maintained relatively vague or pro-Israel stances on the issue.

This past Monday, Indonesian President Joko Widodo inaugurated the country’s first high-speed railway in Jakarta, Indonesia, marking a new phase in the region’s transportation system.

Malcolm Turnbull, the former prime minister of Australia, is leading the charge to curb Rupert Murdoch’s monopoly of influence.

In their March report, the Indonesian super-app provider, GoTo, said that its 2022 net loss widened by 56% to 40.4 trillion rupiah ($2.6 billion) as the company continues to struggle to turn a profit.

Big Western chipmakers are increasingly turning towards Singapore as a production hub, both to meet growing demands and to diversify their supply chain risks.

On Feb. 25 last week, the Philippines marked the 37th anniversary of the People’s Power Revolution.

In early December, The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) lifted interest rates for the eighth consecutive month, taking its benchmark to 3.1%.

Amidst the ongoing political tug of war between the US and China, Biden has to establish what ASEAN centrality means.

President Joe Biden met with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders on Nov. 12, marking the 45th year of U.S.-ASEAN cooperation and raising issues of U.S. support in the region amidst increasing intervention from China.

These are but some of the common ways scammers operate. Protected by the anonymity of the internet, there has been a significant rise in individuals falling for these scams all across Asia.

Japanese megabank Sumitomo Mitsui and U.S. tech giant Microsoft are teaming up to provide financial services to digital platforms in Southeast Asia.

The Indonesian capital of Jakarta is sinking and it is sinking fast. Parts of the megacity could be entirely submerged by 2050, with 95% of North Jakarta estimated to sink. In addition to this, Jakarta has been continuously plagued by traffic congestion, air pollution and land subsidence – all of which contribute to increasingly damaging floods in the region.

Singapore is known for many things: the filming location for Crazy Rich Asians, the country where selling chewing gum is illegal, and the place with the world’s best airport. But Formula 1 (F1) fans may know it for a different reason: with humid temperatures, sharp turns, and narrow roads, the Marina Bay City Circuit has captured the hearts of F1 fans. Just two weeks ago, on Oct. 2, a rainy race caused six drivers to crash out, and fan favorite Max Verstappen to narrowly miss the championship title.

On Nov. 26, 2024, Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire between the two nations.

As the United States prepares for another Trump administration to assume power in 2024, the nation faces significant political shifts.

On Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, reached an agreement to fund developing nations’ efforts to adopt clean energy and combat climate change through 2035.

Numerous protests have erupted in Jamaica’s tourism sector over complaints of underpayment, long hours, withheld tips, and a lack of job security.

In a time of uncertainty, the Biden administration is working to reassure allies across the globe that their relationships have the potential to remain strong.

As the United States’ 2024 election cycle ends, the international community braces for its potential outcomes. The implications extend beyond domestic policy, potentially shaping the resolution of conflicts involving Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Palestine, and Taiwan and China.

As Haiti’s situation deteriorates, the Federal Aviation Administration has introduced new restrictions on US flights to the nation’s capital, Port-au-Prince. 

Just weeks before the 2024 election, the Justice Department’s National Security Division warned that the US may face a “multi-pronged” threat from Russia, Iran, and China.

European security has long depended on the United States, including its role in NATO, commitment to defense spending, and conflict involvement. In recent U.S. presidential elections, the prospect of a new administration has raised questions about potential shifts in defense strategies and budget priorities. This election features former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, each representing contrasting approaches to defense and NATO contributions.

On Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, the UN General Assembly called on the US to end its economic embargo on Cuba for the 32nd year. The 193-member General Assembly voted 187-2 in favor of ending the embargo, with only Israel and the US opposing the resolution and one nation abstaining. Former President John F. Kennedy initially implemented the embargo in February 1962 in response to actions by the Cuban government.

At a Trump rally at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Oct. 27, a speaker's racially insensitive joke about Puerto Rico made national headlines and sparked backlash. The twist? The speaker was not Trump.

In October 2024, North Korea sent troops to Russia to aid its war efforts against Ukraine, marking a significant escalation in the Russo-Ukrainian War. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, the conflict has attracted substantial international attention, with the US emerging as one of Ukraine’s primary supporters. The involvement of North Korean troops could signal a major shift in Moscow’s strategy in the war.

Vikash Yadav, a self-identified “senior field officer” in the Indian government, was indicted by the US Attorney's Office on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, implicating him in the foiled murder plot of US citizen Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, an attorney and vocal Sikh advocate, earlier this year.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken attended the biannual summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) from Oct. 6 to 11, 2024, to discuss US foreign policy.

Biden’s choice not to run for re-election has cast uncertainty over US involvement in the Russo-Ukrainian War. Due to the uncertainty, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has decided to meet with both candidates for the US presidency: Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. 

The death toll in Mexico from Hurricane John continues to rise. Initially labeled a Category Three storm, John made landfall on Mexico’s Pacific coast on Monday, Sept. 23 at approximately 9:15 pm CST.

With less than two months until the 2024 presidential election, Vice President Kamala Harris traveled to the Arizona border near Nogales on Sept. 27, 2024.

On Sept. 12, North Korea revealed a glimpse into their uranium enrichment facilities, boasting to the world the speed of their nuclear technology advancement despite the sanctions placed on them by the international community. 

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appeared on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” during his trip to New York City for the United Nations General Assembly. Following a brief discussion about what differentiates Canada from the United States, host Stephen Colbert questioned Trudeau about growing dissent over his leadership.

This month, southern California and northern Portugal grappled with some of the largest and most damaging wildfires in their respective regions. The Park fire in California, which started on June 24, 2024, is now 99 percent contained, but at its peak, it became the third-largest wildfire in the state’s history.

In the final months of his presidency and his decades of public service, President Joe Biden gathered the leaders of Japan, Australia, and India for a Quad summit in Delaware on Sept. 20, 2024.

As the war in Ukraine drags on, many look to the United States for a clear strategy to defeat Russian President Vladimir Putin. In a recent press interaction, President Joe Biden said his message to President Putin is to “stop.” This vague statement underscores the West’s uncertainty about how to curb Putin’s escalating aggression.