Israel Extends Humanitarian Pause; Hamas Releases 58 More Prisoners
Hamas has confirmed an extension of the temporary humanitarian pause for an additional two days, reaching an agreement with Qatar and Egypt. As a part of this, 17 individuals were released on Sunday, including a 4-year-old Israeli-American girl, bringing the total released by Hamas to 58 since Friday. In response, Israel released 39 teenage Palestinian prisoners on the same day, contributing to a total of 117 Palestinians freed under the truce. Source: Reuters/ alarabiya
Taliban Rule in Afghanistan: A Shift to Stability Over Intervention
- The Taliban are consolidating their power and preparing for long-term rule in Afghanistan, as major global and regional players prioritize stability over intervention. Afghan society is adapting to Taliban rule, while non-Pashtuns are hesitant to resist. Source: Rustam Khaydarov, Valdai Club
BRI Faces Challenges Amidst Economic and Political Constraints
- The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is facing increasing challenges due to domestic economic constraints, financial issues, and Western political pushback. Despite these challenges, the BRI is likely to continue in a smaller, greener, and more beautiful form. Source: Jean-Marc F Blanchard, East Asia Forum
Europe Refines ‘Strategic Autonomy’ Concept
- The European Union (EU) has been refining its ‘strategic autonomy’ concept, which originated in the defense sphere and aims to allow the EU to live by its own laws and defend its interests without foreign interference. The EU has been re-examining its relations with the world, focusing on openness and international cooperation. Source: Charles Powell, ASPI
India’s Quad Partners and China: Hedging Bets and Strategic Implications
- At the APEC summit, President Xi proposed mutual prosperity by accommodating each other’s development, contrary to China’s Communist Party’s BRICS summit narrative. India must monitor how its Quad partners hedge their bets with China, as the Biden-Xi summit raises doubts about China’s reliance on the international order and its potential impact on the US’s global strategy. Source: Kalpit A Mankikar, ORF
Hong Kong’s District Council Elections: Pro-Beijing Dominance Expected
- Hong Kong’s upcoming District Council elections are predetermined, with pro-Beijing candidates guaranteed to win seats and pro-democracy candidates unlikely to win any. However, President Trump’s return to the Oval Office could accelerate US executive action against Hong Kong authorities. Source: Stratfor
Armenia’s New Foreign Policy: Diversifying Alliances Beyond Russia
- Armenia is pursuing a new foreign policy that seeks to diversify its alliances beyond Russia and engage with the West, India, and Iran. However, none of these new partners can replace Russia as a security guarantor. Source: Mikael Zolyan, Carnegie