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C hinedu Onwe is a dedicated lawyer, academic research writer, and editor with over 3 years of experience producing high-quality, analytical content in law, international relations, and global politics. His work is driven by a deep passion for the International Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC) and International Humanitarian Law (IHL), reflecting his keen interest in how legal frameworks interface and influences global peace, security, and governance.  Contact: joachimowen@gmail.com Protests and Economic Problems Threaten the Internal Stability. Source: specialeurasia.com What began as a protest over the economic decline in Tehran has turned into a national protest against the ruling political leadership in Iran. Now on its 11 th day, the protests have spread to over 200 locations across most of the 31 regions of the country. Government response has been swift, with cases of clampdown reported, leading to internet shutdowns, arrests, violent crackdowns that have resulted in over 900 ...

The U.S. operation in Venezuela, known as Operation Absolute Resolve , conducted in early January 2026, has sparked one of the most significant challenges to the international legal order since 1945. Open-source intelligence reports indicate that this operation led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who was subsequently taken into U.S. custody after coordinated air and special forces strikes (OSINT Report, 2026). Although various media and policy sources have shared details of the operation, it is important to note that many tactical and casualty reports have not been independently verified. What can be confirmed is the legal, institutional, and normative context within which this operation must be evaluated, as well as the significant consequences it holds for the United Nations system, especially the Security Council and its veto mechanism. 1.       Operational Claims and Intelligence Assessment According to open-source intelligence assessm...

GRAPHIC CONTENT WARNING: This article contains graphic descriptions of violence and terrorism that may be upsetting to some readers. Reader discretion is advised.  Bottom Line Up Front 2025 has shown us that Africa remains one of the most important theatres of operation for terrorist actors. There have been numerous developments this year and it is likely that 2026 will be more volatile than 2025 in the face of continued tensions (including with foreign partners and regional players), terrorist attacks, and attacks by armed political groups. Factors like climate change, political tensions, poverty, and foreign interference could also exacerbate the situation.  Islamic State Islamic State (IS) continues operations and attacks across numerous African theatres. The following infographic was released by the group, showing the most prominent assaults during the Islamic months of Rabi al-Awal and Rabi al-Akhar. Out of the seven attacks listed, only two are outside Africa. This highl...