While the Abu Sayyaf Group's pledge of allegiance to the Islamic State might inspire it to politicise its kidnappings, jumping on the IS bandwagon ultimately serves as a springboard for the group to reassert its status as a feared organisation in the region, writes Mandira Bagwandeen.
Although the capture of Debaltseve by pro-Russian separatists may have temporarily frozen the Ukrainian conflict, the roadmap to implementing the second Minsk agreement is fraught with uncertainty and the possibility of further violence, writes Saif Islam.
The recent terrorist attacks in Chechnya have brought back memories of previous destructive conflicts. Although war is unlikely, the region could be heading for a period of instability, writes Saif Islam.
The growing economic woes facing Russia are unlikely to significantly challenge President Vladimir Putin's grip on power, writes Saif Islam.
The recent hostage crisis in Australia has led to fears of further attacks by home-grown jihadists. However, the threat of so-called ‘lone wolf' attacks should be the greater concern, writes Mandira Bagwandeen.
Despite a truce, fears of an eventual resurgence of violence between the ruling FRELIMO party and longstanding rebel-group-turned-political-party, RENAMO, are rightly preoccupying investors; nonetheless, they should not neglect to address popular grievances in the north and west of Mozambique, which are being driven by the fast pace of development in…
Indonesia's President-elect represents a new step forward for Indonesia's burgeoning democracy, writes Peter Honey.
A new gambit by Al Qaeda sparks security concerns in Southeast Asia, but the franchise is best viewed as part of a struggle for supremacy with an ascendant Islamic State, writes Rachel McLaughlin.
Kenya faces terrorist attacks and persistent ethnic tensions in parts of the country. Yet it remains politically stable, and recent nationwide rallies – often flashpoints for ethnic violence –passed peacefully. Nevertheless, the country's security is undermined by its political leadership, which remains focused on domestic politicking, writes Sharon…
The downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 prompted an international outcry and has brought Ukraine back to the forefront of the international political agenda. Government forces have made significant advances against pro-Russian rebels in recent weeks. Yet the rising human cost of the conflict threatens to render Kyiv's gains worthless, writes Ted…
Anti-China riots in Vietnam were a symptom of widespread resentment in Southeast Asia. Further violence is likely as governments struggle to negotiate territorial disputes and unequal trade relations while answering to their people's demands, writes Alice Shone