Political Lens

On August 7, the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye signed a security agreement in Mecca. Now their defence and foreign affairs ministers are working out how to turn the pact into an operational framework. The terms clearly state that an attack against one of the three countries will be considered an attack against all of them. The Istanbul meeting focuses on coordinating defence production capabilities and deepening cooperation in the industry. But what are the hurdles to these three countries forming a functioning military and security model?

A new deal between Caracas and Washington would give US companies access to more than a fifth of Venezuela's vast oil reserves. But there's opposition in Venezuela - as well as debate about whether the plan is legal. What could the agreement mean?

The role of climate change in Wednesday's disaster in Nepal is under scrutiny by scientists - trying to find out what caused the catastrophe. Elsewhere, countries around the world have been hit by more severe weather events in recent months. So, what lessons can be learned from the Nepal disaster - and others this year?

After nearly six months of war, the US appears to be taking a different approach to Iran. President Donald Trump said Washington will carry out what he described as a 'crushing economic operation'. Attempts to reach an agreement to end the war have stalled. Now, the US is calling on other countries to join what it calls the greatest co-ordinated economic isolation in the history of the world. For its part, Iran says that any countries joining the US campaign would be treated as enemies. What does this mean for the conflict?

An Israeli attack on a Syrian air base has been widely condemned. The US Special Envoy warns it could have caused a direct confrontation with Turkish forces. So, why did Israel attack the base? And what are the implications?

Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema boasts about the economic recovery achieved under his leadership. Now, he is seeking a second term in office. The vote is drawing international attention because the southern African nation is rich in critical minerals. But most Zambians don't reap the benefits of that wealth. The World Bank says 70% of the population survives on less than $3 a day. So, how will the outcome of these elections shape Zambia's politics?

Sudan's army says it's making gains in a counter-offensive against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces - after more than three years of conflict. The government has also begun a push to unite political groups. So, how significant are these developments?

Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejects the U.S.-brokered 15-point peace plan for Gaza. What are the consequences for Palestinians? And what risks for Netanyahu in defying Donald Trump?

It's an election aimed at strengthening democracy in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. But the situation rapidly deteriorated as the vote got underway. Dozens of people were killed in confrontations between protesters and security forces. The violence followed weeks of protests by a now-banned group that is calling for electoral reforms. The government in Islamabad has conditioned any changes on a constitutional amendment. The chaos that accompanied the first phase of the vote is one of the biggest political challenges facing Pakistan since the beginning of the Kashmir conflict almost eight decades ago. How will it shape the future of the region?

What started as an online satire has now transformed into a major, nationwide movement that's challenging India's government. The so-called 'Cockroach Janta Party', burst onto the political scene in May after crucial exam papers were leaked, triggering a public outcry. But concerns have now broadened to include youth unemployment, and other issues affecting young people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is facing what's likely the biggest challenge of his third term. And he's promised to crack down on the exam leaks-- But the protest leaders insist, that's not good enough. They say they won't back down- until the Minister of Education out of office. So, will this lead to a lasting change? and can the movement maintain its momentum?