Tag: Civil Society
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Putin fears the return of convict soldiers could destabilize Russia
Putin’s Convict Army: The Return No One Wants The reported scale of Russia’s prisoner recruitment for the war in Ukraine has raised alarms about what happens when hundreds of thousands of ex-convicts come home. Kremlin sources cited by Reuters say the plan was to pardon or parole emergees after six months on the front, but…
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Budget Watchdogs allege pork barrel in 2026 spending plan as House denies claims
Contesting the 2026 National Budget A coalition of civil society organizations has raised alarms over the National Expenditure Program for 2026, asserting that the House of Representatives’ current version includes about P230 billion in pork barrel allocations and patronage-driven projects. The People’s Budget Coalition argues that the House Budget Amendments Review Subcommittee inserted billions into…
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Georgia crackdown on dissent after Tbilisi protests, PM warns of arrests
Georgia faces a controversial crackdown on dissent Georgia’s prime minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, announced a sweeping crackdown on opposition activity following protests in Tbilisi that escalated near the presidential palace. He accused demonstrators who tried to breach the presidential residence of seeking to topple the government and implicated foreign actors, notably the European Union, in what…
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Ukraine Could Beat Russian Forces: Key Preconditions
Context: Why Preconditions Matter Analysts agree that the possibility of Ukraine turning battlefield gains into strategic victory hinges on a set of concrete preconditions: reforming the general staff for cohesion, securing sustained Western support—especially Europe’s provision of heavy weapons—and cultivating a leadership culture that blends initiative with disciplined, scalable planning. Without these elements, battlefield success…
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Sébastien Dubugnon: The Ongoing Struggle of the Global Sumud Flotilla
The Global Sumud Flotilla: A Humanitarian Mission under Threat The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) is a humanitarian coalition currently in transit to Gaza. Unfortunately, it is facing significant challenges, including sabotage, drone attacks, and communication disruptions. Presently, the flotilla is stationed off the coast of Crete, where it is diligently working to repair its damaged…
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Defeatism Cannot Be an Answer to Brutal Displays of Power
Introduction In a world increasingly dominated by power plays and military might, the notion of defeatism is one that cannot be entertained. Recent escalations in conflicts, particularly in Europe, remind us of the urgent need to respond to acts of aggression with resilience and fortitude rather than surrender. The week saw two significant conflicts intensifying,…
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Understanding the Role of the Army in Nepal’s Democracy
The Current State of Democracy in Nepal Nepal’s journey towards democracy began 17 years ago and has already witnessed the significant turnover of 12 different governments. In a nation still shaping its democratic identity, such rapid changes raise questions about stability and governance. With every administration, the role of institutions, particularly the military, comes under…
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The Role of the Army in Nepal: Rising Questions
The Context of Nepal’s Democracy Nepal celebrated 17 years of democracy, yet has witnessed the shift of 12 different governments during this period. This fluctuation raises critical questions regarding the stability and maturity of Nepalese democratic governance. As democracy ages, public expectations evolve, and recently, a significant portion of the population has begun to express…
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The Unanswered Call: A Summer of Dissent in Israel
Under the relentless sun of a blazing summer, the streets of Israel have transformed into a cauldron of discontent. For weeks, citizens have flooded the streets, their voices rising in unison, questioning the very essence of their government’s obligations. The cries echo through the sweltering air, demanding the immediate return of hostages and an end…