While demonstrations are not uncommon in Iraq, the most recent wave of riots and protests – which has been ongoing since 1 October 2019 – has been unusually violent. Despite some concessions, the high reported fatality count from these demonstrations, and the clear evidence they provide of citizens’ ongoing disenchantment with the government, will continue…
This week, while protesters amassed in Guinea to oppose President Condé’s bid to extend his tenure in office, the violence of Mozambique’s 2019 campaign season continued through election day. In Ethiopia, clashes between the military and the Bodi community, and an incursion of gunmen from across the Djiboutian border left many dead, while clashes in…
In South and Southeast Asia, key trends last week include: ongoing armed conflict in Afghanistan (including the year’s second deadliest attack in the country), Pakistan, India and Myanmar; the inauguration of President Widodo for a second term in Indonesia amid protest over changes to anti-corruption laws; and disorder in the Philippines from President Duterte’s continued…
Last week in the Middle East, Operation Peace Spring in northern Syria dominated the news. Security vacuums in the area have allowed the Islamic State (IS) to launch renewed attacks in both Syria and Iraq. Widespread anti-government demonstrations also spread across Lebanon. In Saudi Arabia and Yemen, there has been a general decrease in political…