Latest Updates

COMMENT: Everyone wants a piece of the post-war Syria pie

Syria’s rapid political shift and bold economic reforms are drawing global investors and diplomats to Damascus. Can the new leadership turn post-conflict ambition into lasting stability?

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Trump halts Mexico tariffs after border troop deal, but tensions remain

The United States and Mexico have reached a temporary agreement suspending new tariffs, following negotiations between President Donald Trump and his Mexican counterpart, Claudia Sheinbaum.

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COMMENT: Ukraine eyes key role in Azerbaijani gas transit to Europe

Kyiv wants to become a transit hub for Azerbaijani gas after ending Russian gas transport, but plan faces political, logistical and economic hurdles.

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China responds to Trump’s tariffs with WTO challenge, cautious countermeasures

China has sharply criticised the Trump administration’s decision to impose a 10% tariff on Chinese imports, but has opted to leave the door open for dialogue with the US to prevent a further escalation of trade tensions.

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The eFishery scandal: Indonesia’s aquaculture unicorn fraud rocking SE Asia

At the centre of the scandal are discrepancies in eFishery's financials. The company reportedly claimed $309mn in assets, with a major portion tied up in receivables.

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KSE assumes the war in Ukraine will end this year, lifting growth

Ukraine's economic resilience continues to be tested but if the war ends in 2025, economic growth should rise to 6% per year.

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EBRD to support Poland’s green transition with €200mn loan for Baltica 2 wind project

Baltica 2 offshore wind farm will be a boon for Poland, which is struggling to meet its green transition targets.

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China hit its ambitious renewable energy targets six years ahead of schedule

China remains the largest emitter of GHGs, but it has also emerged as the global green energy champion after Beijing threw itself into building out its renewable energy generating capacity.

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Moscow Exchange, SPBX report record trading volumes in 2024 amid market volatility

Russia’s leading stock exchanges reported record increases in total trading volumes in 2024, which saw a Russian IPO boom that is expected to continue this year.

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Opposition leaders arrested at pro-EU protest in Tbilisi

EU sanctions envoy takes on delicate “compliance” issues on visit to Kazakhstan

El Salvador's bitcoin dream falters despite lofty crypto hub ambitions

Opposition leaders arrested at pro-EU protest in Tbilisi

A protest intended to block a key traffic artery in Tbilisi was met with heavy police repression and violent arrests.

EU sanctions envoy takes on delicate “compliance” issues on visit to Kazakhstan

Given Russian-Kazakh economic integration, Europe cannot hope to stop every illicit shipment from the Central Asian country to Moscow’s war economy, but there are some notable successes.

El Salvador's bitcoin dream falters despite lofty crypto hub ambitions

El Salvador has quietly scaled back its ambitious cryptocurrency experiment, marking a significant reversal of President Nayib Bukele's vision to transform the Central American nation into a bitcoin paradise.

News

Tehran showcases advances ahead of revolution anniversary

Tehran Municipality has erected banners showcasing the nation's advances across various sectors ahead of the 46th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution on February 10.

Sweden says Stockholm mosque used as Iranian spy centre

The Swedish government has accused the Imam Ali Islamic Centre in Stockholm of serving as a platform for Iranian intelligence operations targeting Sweden and the Iranian diaspora, Social Affairs Minister Jakob Forssmed announced on February 3

US Secretary Rubio warns Panama over Chinese influence at canal amid regional tour

US Secretary of State Rubio delivered a stark warning to Panama's president on February 2 that Washington would "take measures necessary" if the Central American nation failed to curtail what the US perceives as China's growing influence.

Bomb blast kills pro-Russian paramilitary leader in Moscow

A bomb explosion in a luxury residential complex in Moscow has killed Armen Sarkisyan, a pro-Russian paramilitary leader from eastern Ukraine, in what authorities are treating as a targeted assassination.

Arab countries reject Trump's proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan

Arab foreign ministers on February 3 unanimously rejected US President Donald Trump's proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan.

Tehran showcases advances ahead of revolution anniversary

6 hours ago

Sweden says Stockholm mosque used as Iranian spy centre

6 hours ago

US Secretary Rubio warns Panama over Chinese influence at canal amid regional tour

6 hours ago

Bomb blast kills pro-Russian paramilitary leader in Moscow

6 hours ago

Arab countries reject Trump's proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan

9 hours ago

More News

Tech

Iran eyes role as a digital hub in Persian Gulf region

Iran is aiming to carve out a role as a key data transit corridor linking Asia, Europe, and the Persian Gulf

Belarusian firm providing Russia with military-quality microchips

A Belarusian state-owned enterprise has been supplying Russia with microchips crucial for missile production, using Western-manufactured equipment, components and raw materials in violation of international sanctions.

Is India set to take on China's DeepSeek?

India to host open-source AI model as artificial intelligence sector heats up.

Uzbekistan to acquire ANKA combat drones from Turkey

News comes as US defence contractor CEO urges Elon Musk to help battle Turkish dominance on world UAV market by ending sluggish bureaucracy.

Musk urged to knock Turkish drones out of global market

US defence contractor also calls on DOGE supremo to take aim at Israeli, Chinese UAVs by boldly removing sluggish bureaucracy.

Iran eyes role as a digital hub in Persian Gulf region

7 hours ago

Belarusian firm providing Russia with military-quality microchips

1 day ago

Is India set to take on China's DeepSeek?

3 days ago

Uzbekistan to acquire ANKA combat drones from Turkey

4 days ago

Musk urged to knock Turkish drones out of global market

4 days ago

More Tech

Opinion

COMMENT: Trump should do a deal with OPEC and tighten sanctions further to collapse the Russian economy

As its parting shot, the Biden administration imposed the toughest sanctions yet on Russian oil. The incoming Trump administration is changing tack and talking about negotiations, but should tighten sanctions further and cause Russia real pain.

KSE: The cost of the damage and funding needs to rebuild Ukraine's economy

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has caused massive destruction of civilian infrastructure. This includes a wide variety of assets and sectors, which have suffered at least $500bn in damage.

KSE: the G7’s $50bn ERA loans to provide Ukraine with stable financing for next few years

The G7’s Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration Loans for Ukraine mechanism is designed to provide Ukraine with an additional $50bn in financial assistance over 2024-27, and will provide a stable source of funding over the next few years.

ING: EU considering Russian aluminium ban in new sanctions push

The European Union is reportedly considering more import restrictions on Russian aluminium as part of a new package of sanctions targeting Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine. But any impact is likely to be limited.

PANNIER: Taliban’s relations with Central Asia imperilled as Trump turns off aid taps

Afghanistan pays for electricity and food imports with US development assistance. No more?

COMMENT: Trump should do a deal with OPEC and tighten sanctions further to collapse the Russian economy

13 hours ago

KSE: The cost of the damage and funding needs to rebuild Ukraine's economy

1 day ago

KSE: the G7’s $50bn ERA loans to provide Ukraine with stable financing for next few years

1 day ago

ING: EU considering Russian aluminium ban in new sanctions push

6 days ago

PANNIER: Taliban’s relations with Central Asia imperilled as Trump turns off aid taps

7 days ago

More Opinion

Data

Russian manufacturing PMI growth up a robust 53.1 points in January from 50.8 points a month earlier

Russia’s manufacturing sector expanded at its fastest pace in six months in January, driven by a surge in domestic demand and a rise in new orders, according to the latest S&P Global Russia Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index data.

Polish manufacturers start 2025 on slightly more upbeat note

Poland's Purchasing Managers' Index increased 0.6 points to 48.8 in January, the economic intelligence company S&P Global said on February 3 (chart).

Czech PMI improves to 46.6 in January

The figure was up on 44.8 registered in December and 46 registered in November, but still below the 50-point mark separating growth and decline, where the index has remained since June 2022.

Turkey's official headline inflation slows to 42% y/y in January

"Unofficial" calculation from ENAG shows figure of 81%. Monthly inflation moves up partly on minimum wage hike.

Ukraine’s alarming demographics turn on how many refugees return home after the war

Demographic data paint an alarming picture of Ukraine’s collapsing demographics, a problem that will be made worse by the fact that as time passes, fewer and fewer of the some 8mn Ukrainian refugees outside the country are likely to come home.

Russian manufacturing PMI growth up a robust 53.1 points in January from 50.8 points a month earlier

4 hours ago

Polish manufacturers start 2025 on slightly more upbeat note

5 hours ago

Czech PMI improves to 46.6 in January

6 hours ago

Turkey's official headline inflation slows to 42% y/y in January

6 hours ago

Ukraine’s alarming demographics turn on how many refugees return home after the war

1 day ago

More Data

Features

Kazakhstan: Authorities aren’t joking about prosecuting satirical social media channel

Satirist facing seven-year prison sentence.

Gold and guns: how civil war keeps Sudan's mineral riches in the ground

Sudan is a treasure trove of untapped resources – vast reserves of gold, iron ore and other precious minerals. However, the country’s ongoing civil war and profound political instability suffocate its economic potential and keep out FDI.

Uzbekistan’s Saneg turns flared gas into fuel

By utilising associated gas produced at oilfields rather than flaring it, Saneg is bolstering Uzbekistan's energy supply while tackling emissions.

Pakistan, Bangladesh strengthen ties in post-Hasina era

For much of the 54 years since Bangladesh gained its independence from Pakistan, ties between the two countries have remained strained at best. Now things are starting to look up.

Families of Karabakh Armenian leaders condemn sham trials in Azerbaijan

Trials of Russian-Armenian billionaire Ruben Vardanyan and fellow former Karabakh leaders draw little Western attention despite Azerbaijan’s poor human rights record.

Kazakhstan: Authorities aren’t joking about prosecuting satirical social media channel

15 hours ago

Gold and guns: how civil war keeps Sudan's mineral riches in the ground

1 day ago

Uzbekistan’s Saneg turns flared gas into fuel

1 day ago

Pakistan, Bangladesh strengthen ties in post-Hasina era

1 day ago

Families of Karabakh Armenian leaders condemn sham trials in Azerbaijan

3 days ago

More Features

Blogs

CAUCASUS BLOG: Is it the end of the honeymoon between Azerbaijan and Russia?

Tensions have risen following diplomatic exchanges over critical media reports and an unresolved investigation into a deadly air crash involving an Azerbaijani passenger plane.

ISTANBUL BLOG: Making a fool of law

Turkey continues to simply ignore European court rulings not to its liking.

LATAM BLOG: US-Colombia migrant standoff tests Washington's regional sway

Colombia's President Gustavo Petro has mounted an unprecedented challenge to US President Donald Trump’s hawkish immigration policy, setting off a now-resolved diplomatic crisis that threatens to upend the historic alliance.

BALKAN BLOG: Serbia’s student protests are a call for change, not a colour revolution

Protesters are fighting for societal change and an end to government corruption, nepotism and perceived institutional incompetence, but they aren't seeking to oust the president.

BALKAN BLOG: Polluted Balkan capitals choke on winter smog

Winter has earned the grim moniker of “choking season” across the Balkans as cities in the region grapple with hazardous levels of air pollution.

CAUCASUS BLOG: Is it the end of the honeymoon between Azerbaijan and Russia?

6 days ago

ISTANBUL BLOG: Making a fool of law

6 days ago

LATAM BLOG: US-Colombia migrant standoff tests Washington's regional sway

7 days ago

BALKAN BLOG: Serbia’s student protests are a call for change, not a colour revolution

7 days ago

BALKAN BLOG: Polluted Balkan capitals choke on winter smog

12 days ago

More Blogs

bneGREEN

India eyes at least 100GW of nuclear power by 2047

During the Union Budget 2025–26 presented on February 1, the Indian government announced the launch of the Nuclear Energy Mission, aiming to develop at least 100GW of nuclear power by 2047.

The UK, Germany and China lead global offshore wind farm roll-outs, but the rest of the world is lagging far behind.

Poland is about to double its offshore wind power generation capacity but apart from Germany and the UK, offshore wind power remains underdeveloped around the world, with the notable exception of China.

India’s PM SuryaGhar scheme brings rooftop solar to 850,000 homes in first year

Under the PM SuryaGhar Yojana, which aims to facilitate the installation of 10mn solar panels, the Indian government has managed 850,000 installations in the first year

Turkey awards 1.2 GW of wind power deals in tenders

$1.2bn will be invested in building five plants. Winners awarded grid connections for 49 years.

Climate crisis threatens Latin America's fight against hunger, UN report says

Latin America and the Caribbean face mounting risks to food security as climate change intensifies, with the region now second only to Asia in its exposure to extreme weather events, according to a joint report by UN agencies.

India eyes at least 100GW of nuclear power by 2047

18 hours ago

The UK, Germany and China lead global offshore wind farm roll-outs, but the rest of the world is lagging far behind.

1 day ago

India’s PM SuryaGhar scheme brings rooftop solar to 850,000 homes in first year

3 days ago

Turkey awards 1.2 GW of wind power deals in tenders

5 days ago

Climate crisis threatens Latin America's fight against hunger, UN report says

5 days ago

More bneGREEN

Latest Updates

News

Tehran Municipality has erected banners showcasing the nation's advances across various sectors ahead of the 46th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution on February 10.

The Swedish government has accused the Imam Ali Islamic Centre in Stockholm of serving as a platform for Iranian intelligence operations targeting Sweden and the Iranian diaspora, Social Affairs Minister Jakob Forssmed announced on February 3

US Secretary of State Rubio delivered a stark warning to Panama's president on February 2 that Washington would "take measures necessary" if the Central American nation failed to curtail what the US perceives as China's growing influence.

A bomb explosion in a luxury residential complex in Moscow has killed Armen Sarkisyan, a pro-Russian paramilitary leader from eastern Ukraine, in what authorities are treating as a targeted assassination.

Arab foreign ministers on February 3 unanimously rejected US President Donald Trump's proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan.

Tech

Iran is aiming to carve out a role as a key data transit corridor linking Asia, Europe, and the Persian Gulf

A Belarusian state-owned enterprise has been supplying Russia with microchips crucial for missile production, using Western-manufactured equipment, components and raw materials in violation of international sanctions.

India to host open-source AI model as artificial intelligence sector heats up.

News comes as US defence contractor CEO urges Elon Musk to help battle Turkish dominance on world UAV market by ending sluggish bureaucracy.

US defence contractor also calls on DOGE supremo to take aim at Israeli, Chinese UAVs by boldly removing sluggish bureaucracy.

Opinion

As its parting shot, the Biden administration imposed the toughest sanctions yet on Russian oil. The incoming Trump administration is changing tack and talking about negotiations, but should tighten sanctions further and cause Russia real pain.

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has caused massive destruction of civilian infrastructure. This includes a wide variety of assets and sectors, which have suffered at least $500bn in damage.

The G7’s Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration Loans for Ukraine mechanism is designed to provide Ukraine with an additional $50bn in financial assistance over 2024-27, and will provide a stable source of funding over the next few years.

The European Union is reportedly considering more import restrictions on Russian aluminium as part of a new package of sanctions targeting Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine. But any impact is likely to be limited.

Afghanistan pays for electricity and food imports with US development assistance. No more?

Data

Russia’s manufacturing sector expanded at its fastest pace in six months in January, driven by a surge in domestic demand and a rise in new orders, according to the latest S&P Global Russia Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index data.

Poland's Purchasing Managers' Index increased 0.6 points to 48.8 in January, the economic intelligence company S&P Global said on February 3 (chart).

The figure was up on 44.8 registered in December and 46 registered in November, but still below the 50-point mark separating growth and decline, where the index has remained since June 2022.

"Unofficial" calculation from ENAG shows figure of 81%. Monthly inflation moves up partly on minimum wage hike.

Demographic data paint an alarming picture of Ukraine’s collapsing demographics, a problem that will be made worse by the fact that as time passes, fewer and fewer of the some 8mn Ukrainian refugees outside the country are likely to come home.

Features

Satirist facing seven-year prison sentence.

Sudan is a treasure trove of untapped resources – vast reserves of gold, iron ore and other precious minerals. However, the country’s ongoing civil war and profound political instability suffocate its economic potential and keep out FDI.

By utilising associated gas produced at oilfields rather than flaring it, Saneg is bolstering Uzbekistan's energy supply while tackling emissions.

For much of the 54 years since Bangladesh gained its independence from Pakistan, ties between the two countries have remained strained at best. Now things are starting to look up.

Trials of Russian-Armenian billionaire Ruben Vardanyan and fellow former Karabakh leaders draw little Western attention despite Azerbaijan’s poor human rights record.

Blogs

Tensions have risen following diplomatic exchanges over critical media reports and an unresolved investigation into a deadly air crash involving an Azerbaijani passenger plane.

Turkey continues to simply ignore European court rulings not to its liking.

Colombia's President Gustavo Petro has mounted an unprecedented challenge to US President Donald Trump’s hawkish immigration policy, setting off a now-resolved diplomatic crisis that threatens to upend the historic alliance.

Protesters are fighting for societal change and an end to government corruption, nepotism and perceived institutional incompetence, but they aren't seeking to oust the president.

Winter has earned the grim moniker of “choking season” across the Balkans as cities in the region grapple with hazardous levels of air pollution.

bneGREEN

During the Union Budget 2025–26 presented on February 1, the Indian government announced the launch of the Nuclear Energy Mission, aiming to develop at least 100GW of nuclear power by 2047.

Poland is about to double its offshore wind power generation capacity but apart from Germany and the UK, offshore wind power remains underdeveloped around the world, with the notable exception of China.

Under the PM SuryaGhar Yojana, which aims to facilitate the installation of 10mn solar panels, the Indian government has managed 850,000 installations in the first year

$1.2bn will be invested in building five plants. Winners awarded grid connections for 49 years.

Latin America and the Caribbean face mounting risks to food security as climate change intensifies, with the region now second only to Asia in its exposure to extreme weather events, according to a joint report by UN agencies.

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In this episode of the Emerging Global Podcast, Ruthie Blum, former advisor to the Office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netan....

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