Alaco

The historic deal to limit Tehran’s nuclear programme in exchange for the lifting of sanctions is fueling a backlash from Iran’s hardliners keen to ensure that their dominant position within the country is not undermined by the deal. more >

The latest bid to resolve the conflict in eastern Ukraine is under threat amid an upsurge in ceasefire violations. But even before the outbreak of violence, the slow pace of the Minsk II peace plan had raised questions over whether the government in Kiev and the separatist authorities would meet the end-of-year implementation deadline.more >

Japan has launched a big economic drive in Central Asia, just as China forges ahead with its ambitious Silk Road Economic Belt project that will see huge investment in the former Soviet republics. Could Tokyo’s move be an attempt to counter Beijing’s deepening involvement in the region?more >

Having muzzled Russian broadcasters and newspapers, President Vladimir Putin appears determined to bring social media to heel. A raft of restrictive measures has been introduced over the last couple of years. How effective they will be remains to be seen. more >

Russian President Vladimir Putin lauded his country’s growing strategic partnership with China on a visit to Beijing in September 2015. “Russian-Chinese ties have now reached a peak,” he told reporters at a ceremony to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. And in many respects, Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping have much to be pleased about. The two leaders get on very well, and military and security cooperation has reached unprecedented levels. more >

While the West remains reluctant to confront Russia directly, Ukraine is unlikely to secure the levels of investment and support that it would like, writes Adrian Stones from the Yalta summit.more >

General Muhammadu Buhari has become the first opposition leader to defeat an incumbent in a Nigerian presidential election. more >