20:56

WEF 2026

Leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Serbia stress peace, cooperation, connectivity at WEF 2026

At the World Economic Forum’s “Defining Eurasia’s Economic Identity” panel on 20 January 2026, leaders from Azerbaijan, Armenia and Serbia discussed how the South Caucasus and wider Eurasian region can strengthen economic ties, peace and geopolitical stability amid shifting global influence.

19:46

WEF 2026

Azerbaijani President speaks to Euronews at WEF 2026 on regional peace and energy security

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev gave an exclusive interview to Euronews during the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos on 20 January, reflecting on Azerbaijan’s strategy in a changing global order and the country’s evolving role in the South Caucasus and global energy markets.

18:22

Afghanistan emergency

'Humanitarian crisis' in Afghanistan as hunger, cold and displacement plague millions

Afghanistan is confronting an escalating humanitarian emergency as freezing winter conditions, widespread food insecurity and sharp reductions in international aid leave millions struggling to survive, aid agencies have warned.

14:47

Erdoğan on Syria

Türkiye's President Erdoğan calls for ‘one state, one army’ in Syria

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reiterated his country’s support for a ceasefire deal between Damascus and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which calls for the latter’s integration into the Syrian state apparatus.

14:42

Iran's Internet Blackout

Iran appears to restore local messaging apps amid internet restrictions

Several locally-developed instant messaging applications were reportedly restored in Iran on Tuesday (20 January), partially easing communications restrictions imposed after recent unrest.

13:50

Middle East

Israeli forces begin bulldozing UNRWA offices in east Jerusalem

The United Nations says Israeli crews have begun bulldozing the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) headquarters in east Jerusalem. The move comes amid increasing crackdowns on humanitarian groups.

02:30

Northern Syria

Syria tightens grip after Kurdish pullback, says IS prisoners escape

Syrian government troops tightened their grip across a swathe of northern and eastern territory on Monday after it was abruptly abandoned by Kurdish forces in a dramatic shift that has consolidated President Ahmed al-Sharaa's rule.

00:16

Syria–U.S.

Syria: 120 Islamic State detainees escaped prison; Kurdish website said 1,500 escaped

Syria's Interior Ministry said on Tuesday that about 120 Islamic State detainees escaped from Shaddadi prison, after the Kurdish website Rudaw reported that a spokesperson for the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, Farhad Shami, said around 1,500 Islamic State members had escaped.

23:30

Middle East

Türkiye's Erdoğan calls for rapid implementation of SDF–Damascus deal

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on Monday (19 January) that an agreement reached between the Syrian government and Kurdish-led forces must be implemented swiftly, including the full integration of fighters, as Ankara pushes for lasting stability in Syria.

23:05

Black January

Azerbaijan marks 36 years since Black January

Azerbaijan is commemorating the 36th anniversary of the events of 20 January 1990, known as Black January, one of the most defining and painful chapters in the country’s modern history.

21:52

Geopolitical Stakes

Iran signals energy and security leverage to deter U.S. intervention

Iran is signalling to the United States that it retains the capacity to destabilise key regional and global interests, particularly energy markets, according to political analyst Chingiz Mammadov, Research Alumni at the National Endowment for Democracy.

19:15

GULF STATE RUN-IN

Saudi-backed Yemeni government accuses UAE of running secret prison

The Saudi-backed Yemeni government has accused the United Arab Emirates of operating a secret prison at an airbase near the southern port city of Mukalla, escalating tensions between the two Gulf powers. The allegations were made on Monday by Salem Al-Khanbashi, governor of Hadramout province.

15:58

Financial overhaul

Uzbekistan banking reform enters toughest phase, says bank

Uzbekistan is entering what regulators describe as the most complex phase of its banking reform, as the country moves to align its financial system with international standards by 2026–27, the Central Bank has said.

11:32

Board of Peace

Kazakhstan agrees to join Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza

Kazakhstan has agreed to become a founding member of the proposed “Board of Peace” for Gaza launched by U.S. President Donald Trump.

10:05

Georgia–West ties

Georgia missing from Davos 2026 amid shifting global order

As global leaders gather in Davos this week to discuss the future of international cooperation, security and economic power, Georgia is once again absent from the table.

02:37

IRAN-U.S.

Iranian President Pezeshkian: an attack on Khamenei will trigger 'an all‑out war'

Iran’s president warned on Sunday that any U.S. strike on the country would trigger a “harsh response” from Tehran, as nationwide unrest continues and tensions with Washington remain high.

20:18

Urban Development Summit

Media accreditation opens for World Urban Forum in Baku

Media accreditation has opened for the 13th session of the World Urban Forum, the United Nations’ flagship conference on sustainable urban development, which will be held in Baku from 17 to 22 May 2026.

16:25

20 January Commemoration

President Ilham Aliyev pays tribute to 20 January martyrs

President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, visited the Alley of Martyrs to honour the memory of those killed on 20 January, 1990, when Soviet army units and internal security forces entered the capital city.

12:54

Syria-Kurdish relations

Syria grants Kurdish language rights as army advances against SDF

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has signed a decree recognising Kurdish language rights, as government forces advanced against U.S.-backed Kurdish-led fighters despite U.S. calls for restraint.

17:50

Protest death toll

Iran protests: senior official says 5,000 killed

A senior Iranian official says at least 5,000 people have died in the protests rocking the country. Among those killed are said to be some 500 members of the security forces.