Patrice Lumumba had a vision for the DRC. He believed that a lasting peace could be achieved through good will, not rifles and bayonets. The great man’s vision now lies in tatters.
Memorial to early 1990s war in Sarajevo, Bosnia.
Clay Gilliland
There are many obstacles to successful prosecution, including obtaining evidence in a war zone and using foreign intelligence in court.
Iraqi soldiers gather near the remains of wall panels and colossal statues of winged bulls that were destroyed by Islamic State militants in the Assyrian city of Nimrud, late last year.
Ari Jalal/Reuters
Islamic State has destroyed globally-significant sites in Iraq and Syria, but not as wanton acts of destruction. Instead, they are calculated political and religious attacks.
Lebanon’s political situation is already a delicate balance. Poverty, distress and increasing numbers of refugees could exacerbate existing tensions and lead to collapse.
Ali Hashisho/Reuters
Rules imposed after 9/11 and still on the books are getting in the way of delivering aid to conflict zones. In countries like Yemen and Syria, it could mean the difference between life and death.
For many centuries, Syrian society has included people of many faiths – Sunni and Shi'i Muslims, Christians and Druze. This past is important to know to understand the present.
In Russia and China, Donald Trump now faces two centres of power that are no longer willing or feel the need to comply with America’s interests and priorities.
Reuters/Carlos Barria
Their policies on Syria, Russia, terrorism and the European Union.
Syrian doctors treat a child following a suspected chemical attack in the town of Khan Sheikhoun, northern Idlib province, Syria.
Edlib Media Center, via AP, File
What vastly complicates Western policy in Syria is how to sanction Assad on one hand and deal with Islamic State on the other, without the country unravelling completely.
The future of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s reign lies with Vladimir Putin’s obstinacy and ability to withstand US pressure.
Reuters/Omar Sanadiki
To understand the complexities of the conflict in Syria and what might happen next, it helps to untangle the three layers of strife in the war-torn country.
A pro-Assad protester during the 2011 protests.
EPA/Youssef Badawi
Christian calendars usually differ when it comes to Easter celebrations – but not in 2017.
Syrian children, first aiders and civil defence volunteers showing their support of victims in the recent alleged chemical attack in Syria.
Mohammed Badra/EPL
Scientists invented chemical weapons; some are now working to destroy them. New biomolecular design techniques let researchers design proteins that can destroy nerve agents in bodies.
Associate Professor in Islamic Studies, Director of The Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation and Executive Member of Public and Contextual Theology, Charles Sturt University