Conflict & Security
Failed hijacking of a new Middle East
The survival of Flight FZ1073 showed how much the Middle East has changed, and why further steps may require an even bigger miracle.
China’s rapid military expansion in Southeast Asia
The new airfield north of Vientiane is Beijing’s second jointly run military facility in mainland Southeast Asia in 18 months. Beijing calls it a training centre; some analysts say it is the PLA’s first full base in the region.
Europe’s unchosen wars on two fronts
Like it or not, Europe is already committed in two theatres and its air defence system is not sure of taking the strain.
China-US military dialogue resumes with a small upgrade
The 13th Xiangshan Forum opened on 15 September with a higher-ranking US delegation, and Chinese state media is casting the partial thaw as evidence that Washington can no longer use military pressure to win concessions from Beijing.
AI erases gap between state spies and lone attackers
An AI company’s account of thwarted misuse places Russia, China and Iran alongside freelancers and criminals drawing on the same tools.
Houthi strikes on Saudi test Mecca defence pact
The gap between what the Mecca pact promises and what it obliges are now in focus as news reports suggest Pakistan is weighing assistance.
US strikes on Iranian tankers put law in focus
The blockade behind Saturday’s strikes is not one operation but five, with different legal footings. Specialists who have examined them find the core of it lawful and the edges much harder to defend.
Ukraine’s state is under growing strain
Wednesday’s gunfight between rival intelligence agencies follows a corruption inquiry that unseated the president’s chief of staff, a month of street protest and a deepening manpower crisis.
Russia intensifies air attacks on Kyiv as its ground advance slows
Record missile volumes, a domestic fuel crisis and a stalling front line suggest intensity has become a substitute for progress in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Greece to sign Israeli air defence deal as Ankara plans for war
Six months of war between Iran and a US-Israeli coalition have left Athens closer to Israel and Ankara openly planning for conflict.