By Kester Kenn Klomegah* MOSCOW (IDN) — Despite the Russia-Ukraine crisis going on from bad to worse, with a visible geopolitical impact, the historic city of St. Petersburg is gearing up for the mid-June International Economic Forum. Titled “New Opportunities in a New World”, it will take place from June 15–18 in the ExpoForum Convention […]
The Battle Against Gun Violence Being Fought at the Grassroots
By Thalif Deen NEW YORK (IDN) — A sign outside a gun store in the United States was dead on target: “We sell guns to every Dick, Tom and Dirty Harry.” Clint Eastwood, one of Hollywood’s enduring tough guys, played the role of the maverick San Francisco cop “Dirty Harry” in the 1971 crime thriller […]
U.S. Troops Train Ukrainians in Germany as M777 Howitzers Are on the Way
By Jim Garamone & David Vergun, DOD News This report was issued by the U.S. Department of Defense. WASHINGTON, D.C. (IDN) — U.S. service members in Germany have begun training Ukrainian soldiers on key systems being used to defend Ukraine against the Russian invasion, according to Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby. “These efforts build […]
Russian Technology Companies Seek Partners in India to Tackle Impact of Western Sanctions
By Staff Reporter, The Telegraph Online KOLKATA, Indien (IDN) — A delegation of Russian companies, led by Russoft, an association of software development companies, held business meetings with companies in the technology sector operating in Bengal, a day ahead of the state’s flagship industry meet—Bengal Global Business Summit on April 20-21.
Canada and U.S. Jointly Backing Up Ukraine, NATO
By Jim Garamone, DOD News This report was issued by the U.S. Department of Defense. WASHINGTON, D.C. (IDN) — Canada and the United States are in lockstep in their support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia, defense leaders said following Pentagon meetings on April 28. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III hosted Canadian […]
Nero Is Fiddling in Milan: Sri Lanka’s Neglected Crisis of Diplomatic Representation – Part Two
This is the second in a series of two articles. Please click here for Part One. Viewpoint by ALA Azeez ROME (IDN) — In a further measure aimed to reduce the pressure on the declining foreign reserves, the foreign ministry announced over the past months, plans to close down some of Sri Lanka’s missions abroad. […]
Nero Is Fiddling in Milan: Sri Lanka’s Neglected Crisis of Diplomatic Representation – Part One
This is the first in a series of two articles. Viewpoint by ALA Azeez ROME (IDN) — In a series of political appointments made by the Sri Lankan government in the past few months even as the economic crisis was looming large, the latest one pertains to the diplomatic position of Consul General at Milan, […]
Crisis-Ridden Sri Lanka Negotiates for an IMF Bailout
Viewpoint by Nandi Jasentuliyana The writer is a former Deputy Director-General, United Nations. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (IDN) — Sri Lanka is experiencing a severe foreign exchange and debt crisis resulting in a shortage of food, fuel, power, and every other commodity to be purchased at exorbitant prices that the suffering masses cannot afford, forcing them […]
Military Support to Ukraine Not Affecting U.S. Readiness
By C. Todd Lopez , U.S: Department of Defence (DOD) News WASHINGTON (IDN) — Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, February 24, the U.S. government has provided $2.6 billion in security assistance to the Ukrainians to help them regain and defend their sovereignty. Much of what has been sent has come straight […]
Russia Concerned About Finland, Sweden and Moldova Joining NATO
By Kester Kenn Klomegah* MOSCOW | HELSINKI (IDN) — Further expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) toward Russia’s territorial backyard is nothing new. As a prestigious security alliance, it consistently seeks consolidated development in terms of tasks and membership strength. The collapse of the Soviet Union marked the end of Mikhail Gorbachev and […]