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International Crisis Group

The latest news and top stories on International Crisis Group. A prominent Brussels Belgium based global non-profit non-governmental organisation and think tank, the International Crisis Group is dedicated to preventing and resolving deadly conflicts and shaping policies for a more peaceful world. Its main areas of focus include conducting field research and analysis on global crises, providing early warning and engaging with policymakers to promote peaceful solutions. The institution is recognised as a leading source of information analysis and policy advice on conflict prevention and resolution.

Smoke billows behind an Orthodox church following a reported Ukrainian drone attack, in Moscow, Russia, on Thursday. Photo: EPA

Ukraine war

Ukraine war: Russia says US hasn’t delivered on Trump-Putin ‘understandings’

With Kyiv claiming to be turning the tide of the conflict, Moscow’s comments signal a growing frustration with Washington.

24 Jun 2026 - 1:54AMvideocam

Asean

Can Russia secure ‘third power’ status in Southeast Asia with energy push?

20 Jun 2026 - 3:24PM

Japan

Why Japan is trying to get in on Europe’s flagship drone programme

16 Jun 2026 - 5:20PMvideocam

Americas and the Caribbean

Armed men in Haiti’s capital seize top official in rare high-level abduction

Security expert James Boyard was cabinet director of the defence ministry and also inspector general of Haiti’s police.

14 Jun 2026 - 2:15AM

Residents flee their homes to escape clashes between armed gangs in Port-au-Prince, Haiti last month. Photo: AP

China-North Korea relations

Was Kim Jong-un the real winner from Xi Jinping’s visit to North Korea?

The Chinese president’s visit may have vindicated the North Korean leader’s strategy of playing off China and Russia, analysts say.

13 Jun 2026 - 10:00PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

‘You’re crazy!’: Trump-Netanyahu relationship under growing strain over Iran

A reported profane phone tirade exposes deep fissures between two allies facing immense domestic strain.

3 Jun 2026 - 2:04PM

Japan

Is UK a ‘reliable partner’? Fighter jet delays test Japan’s patience

Tokyo is concerned as its ageing fighters need to be replaced and the project lacks a clear development plan and schedule, analysts say.

2 Jun 2026 - 4:42PM

The Global Combat Air Programme booth seen at the DSEI Japan 2025, a biennial, large-scale defence and security exhibition held in Japan. Photo: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump now ties Iran deal to major expansion of Abraham Accords

US president suggests Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and other regional powers normalise ties with Israel to secure peace.

26 May 2026 - 8:42AM

Japan

Japan plans island drone deployment to monitor Chinese naval activity

Tokyo hopes deploying US-built SeaGuardians on Iwo Jima and Chichijima will eliminate a Pacific surveillance ‘blind spot’.

20 May 2026 - 9:41AM

Japan

Japan’s new spy agency: a shield against China or ‘militarist surveillance’?

Japan has not had a centralised intelligence service since World War II. Sanae Takaichi wants to change that.

12 May 2026 - 3:40PMvideocam

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi waves as she departs from Canberra on May 5 after a three-day official visit to Australia. Photo: AFP

2026 Xi-Trump summits

Xi-Trump summit: why the Iran war could become fresh point of friction

Both China and the US stand to gain from reopening the Strait of Hormuz, but they view the crisis through different lenses.

9 May 2026 - 5:04PMvideocam

Analysts say the closure and blockade of the Strait of Hormuz have become “a test of endurance” between China and the US. Photo: AFP

Donald Trump

Russia’s Lavrov says balance of power shifting to emerging economies

At the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey, Lavrov said the foundations of globalisation powered primarily by the US had ‘come to an end’.

18 Apr 2026 - 11:42PMvideocam

Japan

Japan ditches decades of arm export curbs as US reliability wavers

From drones for Ukraine to warships for Australia, ‘peace-loving’ Japan is fast pivoting towards arming the world.

18 Apr 2026 - 9:00AM

Africa

Sudan enters 4th year of war as ‘abandoned crisis’ grows

The war has pushed parts of Sudan into famine and the UN says about 34 million people, or almost two of every three Sudanese, need help.

16 Apr 2026 - 12:07AM

A Sudanese man pulls a donkey cart filled with water for sale in Port Sudan on Tuesday. Photo: AFP

India

Pakistan steps in as Iran mediator while India watches from the wings

India’s ‘surprising’ silence on Iranian attacks amid uneasy ties with Tehran could affect its strategic relevance in the Gulf, analysts warn.

26 Mar 2026 - 6:59PM

Iran

With hacking of street cameras before and during war, who’s watching who?

For years, cybersecurity experts have warned that street cameras could be hacked. Now, AI advances help governments sift through footage.

24 Mar 2026 - 12:16PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

What the 4,000km Diego Garcia missile launch reveals about Iran’s intentions

By targeting the UK-US base, Tehran displays a ‘show of force’ and sends a ‘strategic messaging’ to Washington and Israel, experts say.

22 Mar 2026 - 3:30PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Hormuz has become Iran’s ultimate lever against US. Will Trump ‘blink first’?

By choking the world’s energy artery, Tehran is betting it can endure longer than a far stronger enemy.

13 Mar 2026 - 11:15PMvideocam

The Thai‑flagged cargo ship Mayuree Naree on fire after being hit by Iranian missiles in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday. Photo: EPA/Royal Thai Navy

US, Israel war on Iran

Ships brandish China links to evade Iran’s attacks in Strait of Hormuz

Vessels are claiming to have an ‘all-Chinese crew’ or ‘Chinese owner’ in a bid to reduce the risk of being targeted.

10 Mar 2026 - 1:52AMvideocam

North Korea

North Korea cancels Pyongyang marathon weeks before race, with no reason given

The race had been set for April 5 and would have marked the second year since Pyongyang resumed the event after the pandemic.

9 Mar 2026 - 7:18PMvideocam

Mexico

Mexico security forces keep up fight with cartel gunmen after drug lord’s death

Mexico tries to quell clashes sparked by the killing of the country’s most-wanted drug kingpin that claimed dozens of lives.

24 Feb 2026 - 10:11AM

A soldier atop an armoured vehicle outside a military facility in Morelia, Mexico. Photo: Reuters

US-Venezuela conflict

How US actions in Venezuela and beyond could spell opportunity for China

Beijing is trying to present itself as a more responsible power, but analysts say concrete actions will be needed to win over its neighbours.

17 Jan 2026 - 10:00PMvideocam

Donald Trump

Trump pulls US out of dozens of international organisations, UN agencies

Many are groups and treaties the US president’s team has categorised as catering to diversity and ‘woke’ initiatives, such as climate talks.

8 Jan 2026 - 7:25AMvideocam

Myanmar

Why Myanmar’s junta election cannot hide a collapsing economy

Analysts warn that conflict, power shortages and resource extraction under military rule are pushing Myanmar’s economy further into reverse.

29 Dec 2025 - 5:20PM

Myanmar

‘Military has destroyed our lives’: Myanmar votes in election amid civil war

The multiphase election, which the junta insists is ‘free and fair’, comes nearly four years after it took power in a coup.

29 Dec 2025 - 8:53AMvideocam

Myanmar

‘Lost my future’: Myanmar’s ‘charade’ election dims hopes of diaspora

The junta’s phased election starting on Sunday has been slammed as a ploy for its generals to stay in power.

27 Dec 2025 - 12:50PMvideocam

A Myanmar police officer stands guard during the Union Solidarity and Development Party’s election campaign on the final day of campaigning in Naypyitaw on Friday. Photo: EPA

Americas and the Caribbean

Explainer | US-Venezuela tensions: how far will Trump go?

As tensions escalate in the Caribbean, the world waits for Washington’s next move.

11 Dec 2025 - 2:06PMvideocam

Thailand

As ceasefire with Cambodia unravels, Thailand PM ‘no longer cares’ about tariffs

Cambodia has accused the Thai military of causing the death of a civilian on its side of the disputed border.

13 Nov 2025 - 6:27PMvideocam

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International Crisis Group

Ukraine war: Russia says US hasn’t delivered on Trump-Putin ‘understandings’

With Kyiv claiming to be turning the tide of the conflict, Moscow’s comments signal a growing frustration with Washington.

Can Russia secure ‘third power’ status in Southeast Asia with energy push?

Why Japan is trying to get in on Europe’s flagship drone programme

Armed men in Haiti’s capital seize top official in rare high-level abduction

Security expert James Boyard was cabinet director of the defence ministry and also inspector general of Haiti’s police.

Was Kim Jong-un the real winner from Xi Jinping’s visit to North Korea?

The Chinese president’s visit may have vindicated the North Korean leader’s strategy of playing off China and Russia, analysts say.

‘You’re crazy!’: Trump-Netanyahu relationship under growing strain over Iran

A reported profane phone tirade exposes deep fissures between two allies facing immense domestic strain.

Is UK a ‘reliable partner’? Fighter jet delays test Japan’s patience

Tokyo is concerned as its ageing fighters need to be replaced and the project lacks a clear development plan and schedule, analysts say.

Trump now ties Iran deal to major expansion of Abraham Accords

US president suggests Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and other regional powers normalise ties with Israel to secure peace.

Japan plans island drone deployment to monitor Chinese naval activity

Tokyo hopes deploying US-built SeaGuardians on Iwo Jima and Chichijima will eliminate a Pacific surveillance ‘blind spot’.

Japan’s new spy agency: a shield against China or ‘militarist surveillance’?

Japan has not had a centralised intelligence service since World War II. Sanae Takaichi wants to change that.

Xi-Trump summit: why the Iran war could become fresh point of friction

Both China and the US stand to gain from reopening the Strait of Hormuz, but they view the crisis through different lenses.

Russia’s Lavrov says balance of power shifting to emerging economies

At the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey, Lavrov said the foundations of globalisation powered primarily by the US had ‘come to an end’.

Japan ditches decades of arm export curbs as US reliability wavers

From drones for Ukraine to warships for Australia, ‘peace-loving’ Japan is fast pivoting towards arming the world.

Sudan enters 4th year of war as ‘abandoned crisis’ grows

The war has pushed parts of Sudan into famine and the UN says about 34 million people, or almost two of every three Sudanese, need help.

Pakistan steps in as Iran mediator while India watches from the wings

India’s ‘surprising’ silence on Iranian attacks amid uneasy ties with Tehran could affect its strategic relevance in the Gulf, analysts warn.

With hacking of street cameras before and during war, who’s watching who?

For years, cybersecurity experts have warned that street cameras could be hacked. Now, AI advances help governments sift through footage.

What the 4,000km Diego Garcia missile launch reveals about Iran’s intentions

By targeting the UK-US base, Tehran displays a ‘show of force’ and sends a ‘strategic messaging’ to Washington and Israel, experts say.

Hormuz has become Iran’s ultimate lever against US. Will Trump ‘blink first’?

By choking the world’s energy artery, Tehran is betting it can endure longer than a far stronger enemy.

Ships brandish China links to evade Iran’s attacks in Strait of Hormuz

Vessels are claiming to have an ‘all-Chinese crew’ or ‘Chinese owner’ in a bid to reduce the risk of being targeted.

North Korea cancels Pyongyang marathon weeks before race, with no reason given

The race had been set for April 5 and would have marked the second year since Pyongyang resumed the event after the pandemic.

Mexico security forces keep up fight with cartel gunmen after drug lord’s death

Mexico tries to quell clashes sparked by the killing of the country’s most-wanted drug kingpin that claimed dozens of lives.

How US actions in Venezuela and beyond could spell opportunity for China

Beijing is trying to present itself as a more responsible power, but analysts say concrete actions will be needed to win over its neighbours.

Trump pulls US out of dozens of international organisations, UN agencies

Many are groups and treaties the US president’s team has categorised as catering to diversity and ‘woke’ initiatives, such as climate talks.

Why Myanmar’s junta election cannot hide a collapsing economy

Analysts warn that conflict, power shortages and resource extraction under military rule are pushing Myanmar’s economy further into reverse.

‘Military has destroyed our lives’: Myanmar votes in election amid civil war

The multiphase election, which the junta insists is ‘free and fair’, comes nearly four years after it took power in a coup.

‘Lost my future’: Myanmar’s ‘charade’ election dims hopes of diaspora

The junta’s phased election starting on Sunday has been slammed as a ploy for its generals to stay in power.

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}Explainer | US-Venezuela tensions: how far will Trump go?

As tensions escalate in the Caribbean, the world waits for Washington’s next move.

As ceasefire with Cambodia unravels, Thailand PM ‘no longer cares’ about tariffs

Cambodia has accused the Thai military of causing the death of a civilian on its side of the disputed border.

Explainer | US-Venezuela tensions: how far will Trump go?