
Will Syrian-Kurds Get Semi-Autonomous Rule in Syria?
While major powers are squabbling in the Syrian peace talks, the Syrian-Kurds are lobbying to also participate in the Geneva talks. Their goal is to establish semi-autonomous rule in Northern Syria. The Syrian-Kurds have taken advantage of the five-year war to extend their territories; and with their major role in fighting the Islamic …

The Paris Climate Talks: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
New Year’s resolutions are typically about self-delusion and politicians have taken up climate change as their goal. Like a lot of us, they say “this time is for real” and “this time is different”. As we are approaching the Paris Climate Conference, everyone is anticipating a deal that will put …

Unemployment down in the United States. Never so low since April 2008
In the United States unemployment fell to 5%, a rate never so low since April 2008: there are 271.000 new jobs, while the analysts expected an increase of only 183.000 units. In October, the American companies have created many more jobs than expected and with high-speed, much more than in …

The South China Sea – What’s at stake?
Tensions in the South China Sea flare up as the US sent a guided-missile destroyer within 12 nautical miles of the man-made islands China had built in the disputed zone. Washington’s bold move is in response to Beijing’s growing assertiveness in claiming the Spratly Islands. As other smaller Asian countries …

Why it’s now or never for Russia to save Assad
Russia’s decision to send in military airstrikes to assist Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad has drawn international condemnation. Since the outpour of Syrian migrants making their way to Western Europe, world leaders have become more desperate to end the civil war once and for all. The conflict has ravaged the country …

Iran – P5+1 Nuclear Talks: What’s Next?
The world watches anxiously as the US-led P5+1 group negotiate with Iran to curb its uranium enrichment programme, in exchange for relieving economic sanctions that has crippled the country. The talks seem promising; the White House recently said it will lift the sanctions the instant Iran cuts down its production. …