Situation in Haiti Gangs have gained control of an estimated 90% of Port-au-Prince, and authorities are unable to stop escalating violence, say UN officials. The gangs are expanding their attacks not only into surrounding areas but also into previously peaceful areas. The Viv Ansanm gang attacked a Haitian National Police patrol in Viard, Kenscoff, during […]
A Subdued BRICS Summit in Brazil Sets Unique Goals
By Somar Wijayadasa* MOSCOW | 9 July 2025 (IDN) — The Annual Summit of the BRICS Alliance took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, amid global turmoil: Israeli and US strikes on Iran, the Gaza crisis, the war in Ukraine, and NATO’s military spending surge – to name a few. Preceding tensions included US President […]
Forward To the Future In 2255
By Jonathan Power* Note: In this column, I will primarily focus on the culture of the Western world. LUND, Sweden | 8 July 2025 (IDN) — In 1776, Adam Smith published his “Wealth of Nations”, which has guided economists and political thinkers ever since. It marks the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, which originated in […]
Kosovo’s Leadership Failure: A Dangerous Hijacking of Democracy
By Alon Ben-Meir* NEW YORK | 8 July 2025 (IDN) — It is hard to imagine how a small country experiencing significant economic hardship and in constant conflict with its neighbour is still under a caretaker government four months after the national elections. Prime Minister Kurti must end the deadlock, as it does not bode […]
I Refuse to Defend the Indefensible
By Alon Ben-Meir* NEW YORK | 25 June 2025 (IDN) — Israel’s refusal to acknowledge Palestinian rights and humanity perpetuated a zero-sum narrative where Jewish safety is predicated on Palestinian dehumanisation and death Israel’s and the US’s attack against Iran’s nuclear installations and the still-unfolding repercussions of these attacks, following the ceasefire brokered by Trump, […]
Haiti Situation Report: CPT faces scrutiny over foreign mercenaries and drone use
Situation in Haiti Armed members of the “Talibans” group, based in Canaan, Port-au-Prince, took control of La Chapelle commune on 22 June, burning the police station and blocking reinforcements. Authorities had reportedly received warnings as early as 19 June, but no proactive measures were taken. The assault, linked to the Viv Ansanm coalition, displaced 8,890 […]
The Enduring Influence of a Medieval Charter on Contemporary Democracy
By Ramesh Jaura This report was published on https://rjaura.substack.com BERLIN | 19 June 2025 (IDN) — The V-Dem Institute reports that the global outlook at the end of 2024 is less favourable compared to the past 25 years. The trend known as the “third wave of autocratization” is intensifying and expanding. This phenomenon is affecting […]
Cameroon: The World’s Most Neglected Displacement Crisis
By Norwegian Refugee Council OSLO | 10 June 2025 (IDN) — Cameroon is now the world’s most neglected displacement crisis, according to a new report from the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC). Decision makers must recognise that displacement isn’t a distant crisis; it’s a shared responsibility which cannot be ignored. The annual list of neglected displacement […]
UK High Court Rules Torture for Ransom Is Human Trafficking Exploitation
Landmark Decision Expands Legal Protections for Victims of Transnational Crime By Jaya Ramachandran UK High Court Rules Torture for Ransom Is Human Trafficking Exploitation Landmark Decision Expands Legal Protections for Victims of Transnational Crime By Jaya Ramachandran LONDON | 4 June 2025 (IDN) — In a landmark judgment that could reshape how the United Kingdom […]
Haiti Situation Report: Haiti blackout ends after security promises
Situation in Haiti Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas were plunged into a blackout for 10 days from 13 May due to sabotage at the Péligre hydroelectric plant, Haiti’s main power source. The shutdown was reportedly carried out by civil society associations from Mirebalais and Saut d’Eau protesting gang violence. Fritz Alphonse Jean met on 23 May […]