Americas - International Studies of Strategic and Geopolitics

Colombia backtracks on ceasefire announcement with ELN rebels

4Jan

By ISSGNo Comments

Americas

Colombia backtracks on ceasefire announcement with ELN rebels

Government’s about-face comes after left-wing rebels said they had not discussed a truce with Bogota. The Colombian government has backtracked on an announcement that it had reached a ceasefire with one of the country’s largest remaining armed groups, a day after National Liberation Army (ELN) rebels said they were not part of any such deal. President Gustavo Petro had declared on New Year’s Eve that a temporary truce had been agreed with the country’s five largest armed groups, including the ELN, from January 1 to June 30. But the ELN, which last month concluded a first round of peace talks with Petro’s left-wing government, said in a statement on Tuesday that it had “not discussed any proposal for a bilateral ceasefire” with Bogota and, “therefore, no such agreement exists.” Instead,...

Understanding the U.S.-Africa strategy under President Biden

3Jan

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Africa, Americas

Understanding the U.S.-Africa strategy under President Biden

The last time a U.S. president met with African leaders at the White House was in 2014 By JOEL MATHIS The U.S. wants better relations with Africa. As a step toward that goal, President Biden is hosting a summit with nearly 50 African leaders this week, a meeting designed to show America's "renewed commitment" to the continent, the Los Angeles Times reports. The United States wants to counter China's influence over Africa, while African leaders want to see more business and trade with the United States. What is Biden's strategy for Africa? Here's everything you need to know: Why is Biden hosting an Africa summit now? America's rivalry with China requires it. The meeting comes at a moment when "Africa's ties with China, and increasingly Russia, have attracted scrutiny," NPR re...

“No armed forces”, The real cause behind Ottawa’s inactivity in geopolitics is here!

31Dec

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Americas

“No armed forces”, The real cause behind Ottawa’s inactivity in geopolitics is here!

It is a well-known fact that the strength of the Canadian army is dwindling. The army of the Great White North is no longer comparable to what it was 30 years ago; instead, it is a decrepit force. According to a media report by surrey’s new leader, the chief of the Canadian Army has claimed that despite having fewer soldiers under his command, his army is still being put to greater demands both at home and in Europe. According to Lt.-Gen. Joe Paul, the Canadian army is being compelled by the squeeze to examine some ingrained beliefs and practices more closely in order to identify areas where it can improve efficiency. Reportedly, the resource crunch that has left thousands of positions vacant has been brought to the attention of commanders across the board of the Canadian Armed Forces. ...

Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy makes its policy choices clear

31Dec

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Americas

Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy makes its policy choices clear

The implementation of Canada’s Indo-Pacific can position it as a mature and key player in the region. . The strategy emphasises the growing salience and importance of the region from a combination of diverse perspectives, and underscores its significance for Canada’s economic prosperity, security, and society and for “every issue that matters to Canadians.” It commits Canada to a deeper and substantive engagement with the region, promising a holistic focus by both the government and its people. Key aspects The strategy is aligned with the broader outlook of Canada’s allies and partners towards the Indo-Pacific region, including the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), the European Union (EU), Australia, Japan and the Republic of Korea. It outlines five strategic objectives: Pr...

Canadian Army eyeing new weapons in response to lessons learned from Ukraine war

31Dec

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Americas

Canadian Army eyeing new weapons in response to lessons learned from Ukraine war

OTTAWA - The war in Ukraine has identified critical gaps in the Canadian Army's ability to fight and survive on the battlefield, leading to an unanticipated rush to buy new military equipment. In an interview with The Canadian Press, Canadian Army commander Lt.-Gen. Joe Paul said that includes anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles as well as systems to protect against drones. The Army is also hoping to purchase the types of long-range, precision missile systems that have given Ukrainian forces a distinct advantage over their Russian foes, and state-of-the-art command-and-control technology. "These are the capabilities that are making a difference right now in Ukraine," Paul said. "We have paid a lot of attention to that right now." The new weapon systems the Army is hurrying to pu...