Asserts

For nearly a month now, the semi-autonomous region of Northeastern State in Somalia has become a theater of military operations as security forces advance against Islamic State militants entrenched in its rugged mountains. It’s a tense standoff, a test of endurance and strategy. What makes these events profoundly compelling? It could be the frenetic chess game unfolding between the regional forces and a disciplined insurgent group. The crescendo of this operation seemed to reach new heights late last week. The regional…

In a significant turn of events, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has expressed optimism about the possibility of reaching a hostage agreement related to Gaza, even amidst vocal dissent from certain hardline nationalist factions within the government coalition. “I’m confident that should we finalize this hostage deal, a majority of the government will be on board,” Saar stated during a press conference in Rome alongside Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, a sentiment that reflects not only hope but also a strategic…

The United States recently clarified that it does not believe Israel is breaching American laws regarding aid to Gaza, though it has called for faster progress in the humanitarian crisis. This statement comes hot on the heels of a warning from the Biden administration last month, suggesting it might reconsider military support if conditions didn’t improve. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin conveyed their concerns to Israel in a letter, indicating they were “deeply troubled” by the dire…

The recent inauguration of Botswana's new president marks a significant shift in the nation's political landscape, following an election that concluded almost six decades of governance by the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). This transition of power, characterized by its swift nature, has inspired both hope and speculation among citizens and political analysts alike. “Change is always a double-edged sword, isn’t it?” remarked a local political commentator while reflecting on the recent developments. With the BDP's extended…

Mogadishu (AX) - The Somali government firmly declared its control over selecting which international allies will provide forces for the African Union's upcoming Stabilization Mission in Somalia, known as AUSSOM, set to succeed the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) at the dawn of January 2024. On Wednesday, a formal communique from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscored the necessity for troop decisions to mesh with Somalia’s core interests and sovereign rights. The administration took a strong…

Erik ten Hag reckons the brass at Manchester United would’ve given him a heads-up if his gig was in jeopardy. The Dutch manager, known for his candid approach and integrity, likely put faith in the club's leadership to communicate directly about any changes in his position. Confidence in the club's transparency is key to maintaining focus amidst the often tumultuous football world.

The Israeli government has announced that it recently targeted Hezbollah's intelligence headquarters in Beirut, with assessments ongoing regarding the extent of the damage. This operation comes on the heels of multiple strikes aimed at prominent figures within the group, an act that Iran's Supreme Leader has labeled as counterproductive. In light of a recent ballistic missile strike from Iran—a direct response to Israeli military actions in Lebanon—Israel is currently contemplating its next moves. The regional tension has…

ASMARA, Eritrea - Eritrea has come forward to claim that Egypt is being unfairly targeted by unwarranted rumors about purported schemes to unsettle the Horn of Africa. Eritrea insists Egypt is a beacon of tranquility and growth for the region. During a discussion in Asmara, featuring an Egyptian cohort led by Foreign Affairs Minister Badr Abdelatty, a consensus was reached with President Isaias Afwerki to bolster peace and steadiness in the uncertain Horn of Africa. Yemane Meskel, Eritrea's minister of information,…