influence

(FILE) Al-Shabab fighters display weapons as they conduct military exercises in northern Mogadishu, Somalia, on Oct. 21, 2010. Ambassador Kelley, a voice of reason amidst the tumultuous landscape of international politics, once remarked, "We encourage dialogue between the Yemen and Al-Shabaab sanctions Panels ... to shed light on and ultimately sever the ties between the Houthis and Al-Shabaab." This statement, filled with optimism and determination, calls upon the global community to unite against an emerging threat that…

As the world grows more interconnected, the desire to expand one's horizons becomes a compelling narrative for many. Nigerians are at the forefront of this quest for global engagement. According to Henley & Partners, Nigerians ranked among the top five nationalities curious about investment migration options in 2024. With a 16% year-over-year increase, they outpaced any other African country in expressing this interest. What exactly stirs this profound demand for overseas investment opportunities?…

Engagement in geopolitics often unveils stories of spirited debates and shared visions, particularly when discussing strategically vital regions. A recent encounter at the crossroads of diplomacy highlights this truth. Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty, representing Egypt, alongside Eritrea's President Isaias Afwerki, has vocally reiterated their steadfast opposition to the participation of non-littoral nations in the governance and security affairs of the Red Sea. Their joint dismissal of external involvement…

In an obscure corner of the world, far from the eye of most international media, the Al-Karrar office has metamorphosed into something more sinister—a financial command center crafted intricately for the Islamic State’s sprawling empire, extending its dark reach from Afghanistan to Mozambique. Picture a warren of clandestine activities where ancient hawala networks blur seamlessly with cutting-edge cryptocurrency transactions, a place surviving on the gritty art of extortion. Entire economies within these insurgent zones…

Ever wondered why Coca-Cola is everywhere, why Nike is a global fashion statement, or why so many people dream of strolling through Paris or catching a Hollywood premiere? That’s the power of influence, soft power, to be exact. Soft power is a country’s ability to influence global perceptions, behaviours, and alliances, not through force, but through attraction and persuasion. According to the Brand Finance's Global Soft Power Index, it’s measured through a nation’s impact on business,…

BALIDHIDIN, Somalia — A lone figure lay on the sun-drenched ridge, a fallen Islamic State combatant, as Somali soldiers, heavily armed and determined, wound their way to a distant cavern. Their progress brought them to a new frontier against the global menace of the Islamic State. In the semi-autonomous region of Northeastern State, the threat has been growing. Foreign militants arrive in torrents, and these hostile infiltrators have turned Somalia into a pivotal launching pad for radical operations. By their side, money…

Strategic Maneuvering in the Horn of Africa: Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia Stand United Cairo - In an atmosphere that could only be described as palpable with intrigue akin to a well-played game of cards, Egypt is now more intertwined with Eritrea and Somalia than ever. Facing what it perceives as unwanted advances from Ethiopia—they've decided to shake things up a bit and build sturdy bridges that can withstand more than just the test of time. If you were to peek into Asmara in October 2024, you’d find the…

This is the scoop, folks. Somalia's got a bit of a step up in the realm of global travel documents. According to the 2025 Henley Passport Index, the Somali passport is now sitting at 102nd place, granting free passage to 35 destinations all over the map. Let's take a quick jaunt back a few years — in 2015, Somalia's passport was limping at 108th spot. While a move to 102nd might seem like a crawl in progress, it feels like an anticlimax when you see how the United Arab Emirates leapfrogged 32 spots to touch the tenth with…

Egypt Plans Military Deployment in Somalia to Challenge Ethiopia's Influence in the Horn CAIRO, Egypt — As whispers circulate throughout the region, Egypt's gearing up to dispatch its military might to the rugged terrains of Somalia. This bold move is seen as a counterpunch to Ethiopia's growing hold over the Horn of Africa's geopolitical landscape, with Cairo eyeing a pivotal foothold to command the bustling waters of the Red Sea. Under the shadow of these regional chess games, Cairo will host powwows with Somalia from…

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has openly criticized the recent online discussions regarding child sexual exploitation, labeling them as riddled with falsehoods. He accused certain politicians of opportunistically capitalizing on sensationalized narratives, essentially "jumping on the bandwagon." In response to a rash of provocative posts from Tesla titan Elon Musk, Mr. Starmer remarked that "a line has been crossed" when individuals, including safeguarding minister Jess Phillips, face serious threats due to the…