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Tag results for: Explainer

Mauritania’s Election: A Litmus Test for Democracy and Reform

Mauritania is poised for a pivotal presidential election on June 29, a crucial step in its journey toward democratization. If administered correctly, this election could mark a significant milestone for the nation, which has seen limited peaceful transitions of power since gaining independence from France in 1960. The incumbent, President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, is seeking a second term amidst...

The History and Operations of MS-13

Mara Salvatrucha, more commonly known as MS-13, is a Salvadoran street gang spreading a wave of savagery across the Americas. The gang, known for its beheadings, dismemberment, and systematic rape, primarily has a presence in Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and the United States, while US officials estimate there are 70,000 gang members in the Northern Triangle countries alone. The...

The New Cold War: What Africa’s Political Shifts Mean for US Influence

Exploring the decline of US influence on the continent and the rise of new partnerships. Analysis on China provided by Joaquin Camarena, our Indo-Pacific Desk Chief. In 2023, on average, Russia and China ranked higher in terms of approval in Africa than the United States, according to a poll conducted by Gallup Consulting that year. Many variables have contributed to the...

An Examination of South Africa’s Genocide Case Against Israel

On December 29, 2023, the Republic of South Africa filed a case in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against the State of Israel. The case accuses Israel of violating the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, or the Genocide Convention, due to the actions undertaken by Israel within Gaza. The case has been condemned...

SpaceX’s Fourth Starship Launch: A New Era in Space Exploration

Early this morning, SpaceX marked a significant milestone with the fourth successful launch of its Starship spacecraft. This event represents a pivotal moment in space exploration, highlighting advancements in reusable rocket technology and paving the way for future interplanetary missions.  The Launch Event The fourth successful launch of the Starship occurred at SpaceX's Boca Chica launch site in Texas. Designated as...

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Serbian Police Officer Guarding Israeli Embassy Shot in Neck with Crossbow

A Serbian police officer guarding the Israeli Embassy in Belgrade was seriously wounded after being shot in the neck with a crossbow by a terror suspect. The Attack The attack occurred around 1100 local time when...

No Good Option: Why the US Ignores Houthi Attacks on Its Warships

The United States has for months publicly ignored Houthi attacks against its warships out of fear that it can’t deter the militant group. The Houthis, like all militant groups, use violence as a form...

Iranian Headed to Presidential Runoff

Unofficial results from the Iranian election are sending the country into a presidential run-off next week, as neither hardline candidate Saeed Jalili nor moderate candidate Masoud Pezeshkian were able to secure a simple majority...