Commentary

In the opening months of 2026, smouldering tensions between nations have suddenly flared into open conflict, threatening to spread further. As successive “red lines” are crossed and strategic calculations overshadow trust, the world faces many crises, making diplomatic solutions more urgent than ever.

The European Commission (EC) has decided to provisionally implement the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), despite legal challenges it may face. This move demonstrates the EU’s efforts to implement its strategy of diversifying partnerships, strengthening autonomy, and reinforcing supply chains.

Iran and the US moved swiftly to launch their third round of indirect nuclear negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, under Omani mediation, against a backdrop of heightened regional security tensions. Reports on the outcome have been mixed: while Iran and Oman described significant progress, Israeli media claimed the US delegation left the room frustrated.

More than merely a summary of achievements in steering the country over the past year, the 2026 State of the Union address delivered by US President Donald Trump is regarded as a political strategy aimed at reinforcing confidence among leaders and the public in the administration’s policy decisions, while reaffirming priorities for the period ahead.

The conflict in Ukraine has entered its fifth year and there is still no glimmer of hope for an end. The UN General Assembly has just passed a resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, but this protracted conflict is revealing cracks in the heart of Europe.

The world is witnessing an unprecedented surge in conflicts and violence since the end of the second World War, with severe repercussions for the lives of millions and the eruption of numerous humanitarian crises.

Transport Ministers from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) recently met in Turkey to seek measures to promote rail and road corridors linking the Gulf with Europe and Africa. The conference reflected the OIC’s efforts to enhance regional connectivity, strengthen supply chains, and humanitarian logistics.

At the recent 39th African Union (AU) Summit, Burundi officially assumed the rotating AU Chairmanship for 2026. Taking over the “hot seat” amid Africa’s persistent challenges — conflicts, poverty, climate change, and more — Burundi shoulders the heavy responsibility of guiding the continent through difficulties towards a brighter future.

Nearly two years after the outbreak of conflict in the Gaza Strip, the Peace Plan initiative proposed by US President Donald Trump has introduced a new international mechanism aimed at promoting a ceasefire, reconstruction, and moving towards a long-term solution to the Israel-Palestine issue.

Leaders of the 27 member states of the European Union have agreed on a plan to restructure the bloc’s economy under a stringent roadmap aimed at strengthening its global competitiveness.

The Munich Security Conference 2026, scheduled for February 13–15, is expected to be overshadowed by dark clouds of tension stemming from deep divisions and fractures in the transatlantic alliance between the US and Europe. Once again, the issue of strategic autonomy has emerged as an urgent concern for Europe in an unpredictable world, marked by continual policy shifts from Washington.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently made a short visit to Malaysia. Although it was only a two-day visit, the South Asian leader's trip was considered more successful than expected, breathing new life into India-Malaysia relations and adding new colours to New Delhi's diverse and colourful picture of cooperation.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has just concluded his first official tour of the Gulf region, with stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) — Berlin’s leading partners in the region.

At first glance, the newly concluded trade agreement between India and the US appears to be a “win-win” deal, giving fresh impetus to bilateral trade ties. Yet beneath the surface lie unresolved questions, particularly over the extent to which New Delhi will cut its imports of Russian oil.

The Commander of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Michael Anderson, has warned of the growing threat posed by two terrorist groups — the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) and al-Qaeda — particularly in the Sahel and West Africa.

The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) — the last remaining bilateral nuclear arms control agreement in force between Russia and the US — officially expired on February 5, 2026.

The Middle East “powder keg” is once again heating up following a series of threats and moves to ramp up military pressure by both the US and Iran.

The euro area (Eurozone) economy has shown signs of a strong recovery, with growth exceeding forecasts. At 1.5% in 2025, this marked the Eurozone’s second consecutive year of growth, despite a highly volatile year marked by challenges from trade disputes and global geopolitical tensions.

Political parties in Japan have officially entered the campaign period for the House of Representatives election scheduled to take place on February 8. This will be the first election since the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) ended its 26-year alliance with Komeito and formed a new ruling coalition with the Japan Innovation Party (JIP).

The coalition forces have completed their withdrawal from bases on the territory of the Iraqi federation, marking the end of the first phase of the US-led military mission against the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) in Iraq.