Russia in Global Affairs

The military operations and territorial advancements signify not only an immediate strategic goal but also a broader ambition for Israel to redefine its borders and its role on both the regional and international stages—unless a well-considered proposal for a peace initiative with Israel emerges from the new state in Syria.

Despite the widely circulated post-Cold War thesis about the declining role of force in global politics, states still often resort to force, but do it in the form military interventions.

“THE REGIME HAS BEEN THROWN DOWN” You are hereby discharged from the military compulsory service. These are the final messages received by members of the Syrian army in the northern and northeastern countryside of Latakia, marking the conclusion of a regime that has ruled the Syrian people for over five decades.

Recent developments suggest that Turkey has been given significant latitude in its actions within Syria, allowing the government to effectively mobilize its assets among various armed groups aligned with its strategic interests. The upcoming geopolitical struggle in Syria appears poised to focus on dismantling Iranian influence in the region.

It is not too late to give the UN a new lease on life. But this should not be done through delusional summits and declarations but through the restoration of trust based on the Charter principle of the sovereign equality of all states. This is not happening so far.

Modern Israel attracts much attention from analysts and the public but our ability to understand it is hindered by ideology, prejudice, and myth. However, the fundamental difficulty lies in the habitual association of the state in Western Asia with the Jews. Should we view those who inhabit and govern Israel as Jews or have they become something else - namely, Israelis? 

There is an urgent need to build a culture of compliance and to emphasize the way in which applying IHL sets the foundation for a resumption of dialogue between parties. Every peace process begins with small humanitarian steps. As we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions this year, we emphasize that even in warfare, there exist boundaries that must be respected.

India's pursuit of "strategic autonomy," somewhat akin to that of France, underlines a broader global strategy to balance great power politics without becoming overly dependent on any single ally. Modi's new administration will now aim to navigate these complexities.

Anti-Semitism is making the headlines. The Israeli Prime Minister describes as anti-Semitic the accusation that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, and even American students who are calling for a ceasefire. What Israel is doing does in fact provoke anti-Semitic acts against synagogues, Jewish schools and even individual Jews. It is therefore important to understand what anti-Semitism is, what it is not, and how it can be distinguished from anti-Zionism.