The Central African Republic: A Story of Blood Diamonds and Poor Policy

For years, the Central African Republic has been afflicted by war between armed groups and the government. Although peace agreements from this summer hint at change, the nation continues to struggle with rebel groups selling blood diamonds to finance their activities. In retaliation against such groups, the CAR was forbidden from exporting diamonds in a decision that ultimately caused more problems than it solved.

AfricaChristina NiesOctober 26, 2025Central African Republic, blood diamonds, conflict diamonds, rebel groups, insurgency, Kimberly Process, war, humanitarian crisis, smuggling, diamond industry, peace deal, Séléka, Anti-Balaka, asymmetrical warfare, embargo, diamond trade

Captagon: The Stimulant of Syria

A well-known drug in the Middle East, captagon, has transformed Syria into a narcostate. The extensive production of this drug has affected militia, rebel groups, and surrounding countries. Now, as Syria is approaching readmission into the Arab League, President al-Assad is using his opportunity to crackdown on the illicit as a political bargaining chip.

Middle EastBy Hannah MartinOctober 11, 2023drug trafficking, civil war, rebel groups, Arab League, interregional relations, economy, Gulf region