Sikandar Khan

Sikandar Khan, known as Piri, is a geopolitical analyst and writer. He covers international relations, security, and foreign policy, with a focus on how global developments impact our world.

Asia

Tokyo Records Longest Rainy Streak in History After 34 Straight Days

Central Tokyo has seen rain on 34 consecutive days, surpassing the record set in 2019, as persistent weather systems continue to bring rain to the Japanese capital. Japan’s capital has fallen below its historical record for the number of consecutive days of rain as it has had 34 days of precipitation in a row, the country’s weather agency said. The… Continue reading Tokyo Records Longest Rainy Streak in History After 34 Straight Days

Europe

Five Arrested After Major Incident Near UK Air Base Used by US Air Force

Five men have been arrested in a major incident near RAF Fairford, a UK air base used by the US Air Force, which is being investigated by British counter-terrorism police. Police said they were notified at about 12:45 a.m. on September 27 that there were three vehicles that were suspicious and were allegedly proceeding towards the air base. Armed officers… Continue reading Five Arrested After Major Incident Near UK Air Base Used by US Air Force

Europe

Bulgaria Presidential Election Campaign Begins Ahead of October 25 Vote

On September 25, Bulgaria’s presidential election campaign officially started with 27 registered pairs of candidates running for the presidency ahead of elections on October 25. The campaign for Bulgaria’s presidential election began at midnight on Friday, kicking off a 30-day period of campaigning prior to the election of the country’s next president and vice president. Bulgaria’s Central Election Commission (CEC)… Continue reading Bulgaria Presidential Election Campaign Begins Ahead of October 25 Vote

Economy

South Korea Targets 50% Middle East Crude Dependence by 2035

Image credits: Businesstoday.com.my

South Korea is aiming to cut down on the proportion of crude oil imports from the Middle East to 50% by 2035, as it seeks to diversify energy sources and mitigate risks of interruptions to international shipping lanes. The target forms part of a new 10-year plan for the security of natural resources announced by South Korea’s Industry Ministry. The… Continue reading South Korea Targets 50% Middle East Crude Dependence by 2035

U.S.A

CNN, MS NOW and Politico Sue Trump Over White House Ban

Saul Loeb/AFP Pool/EPA

CNN, MS NOW and Politico are suing the Trump administration for exclusion of their journalists from the White House. The three groups claim the ruling infringes their First Amendment rights and are asking a court to lift the ban on their access. The lawsuit was announced Monday following the outlets’ notice to the government of their plans. They have petitioned… Continue reading CNN, MS NOW and Politico Sue Trump Over White House Ban

U.S.A, Middle East

Trump Signals Major Iran Decision as UN General Assembly Nears

(Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

US President Donald Trump has entered a “critical period” in his deliberations over how to proceed in the standoff with Iran, threatening “big things” if Tehran does not alter its tactics, he said Sunday. During his Fox News interview, Trump listed a number of options. He mentioned more military action, more economic pressure, and a negotiated settlement, and stated that… Continue reading Trump Signals Major Iran Decision as UN General Assembly Nears

Europe

Carsten Breuer Elected to Lead NATO Military Committee

Germany’s top military official, General Carsten Breuer, has been selected to take over as the next chair of NATO’s Military Committee, ensuring he will have a prominent place in the military leadership of the alliance. The chiefs of defence of the 32 countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) decided Saturday at the alliance’s annual Military Committee Conference in… Continue reading Carsten Breuer Elected to Lead NATO Military Committee

U.S.A

CNN, MS NOW and Politico Journalists Turned Away From White House After Trump Ban

Donald Trump, US Supreme Court, Mail Voting, Mail Ballots, Neil Gorsuch, Amy Coney Barrett, Brett Kavanaugh

U.S. President Donald Trump’s new orders to restrict access to CNN, MS NOW and Politico were put into force at the White House on Saturday, when journalists from the three news outlets were barred from the White House and their press credentials were seized. This is in response to Trump’s announcement Friday that the three outlets would be excluded from… Continue reading CNN, MS NOW and Politico Journalists Turned Away From White House After Trump Ban

Asia

North Korea Says Nuclear Status Is Irreversible After IAEA Rebuke

Photo: AP/Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service)

Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, has slammed back a recent resolution by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) condemnatory of Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons programme, accusing the UN nuclear watchdog of double standards. North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un’s powerful sister Kim Yo Jong said the IAEA stance was a one-sided attitude to Pyongyang. Her… Continue reading North Korea Says Nuclear Status Is Irreversible After IAEA Rebuke

Asia

South Korean Foreign Minister Heads to US Amid Hormuz Pressure

PHOTO: MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS/THE KOREA HERALD

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is heading to the United States for discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as Seoul is under pressure to play a role in securing the Strait of Hormuz. Cho arrived in the country on Thursday to start a three-day visit, where she will meet with Rubio on Friday. They are expected to discuss bilateral… Continue reading South Korean Foreign Minister Heads to US Amid Hormuz Pressure