Kazakhstan's politics closely aligned with Russia, despite attempts to improve international image. Targeting critics, including opposition figure Aydos Sadykov, raises concerns about democratic practices and potential sanctions.
Israel's border with Lebanon poses a heavy risk due to the presence of the Palestinian population and the terrorist organization Hezbollah, leading to a possible escalation of war between Israel and Lebanon.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in North Korea for a summit with Kim Jong-un, marking his first visit to the country since 2000. The meeting aims to deepen their relationship, which has strengthened since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The upcoming Iranian presidential election is expected to maintain the regime's priorities of continuity and stability, with the likely winner being Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, a conservative candidate favored by the military and the supreme leader's office.
China's new trespass law in the South China Sea allows detention of foreigners for up to 60 days without trial, escalating tensions with neighboring countries like the Philippines, which has stepped up patrols in response.
India's general election results show a surprising dip in support for Narendra Modi's BJP, with some attributing the decline to a rift between the BJP and its parent organization, the RSS.