(VOVworld) - Iraq has become a new hot spot in the Middle East. In just a few days, one third of the country's territory was captured by militants from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. This poses a great threat not only to the government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki but also to neighboring countries and security in the region as a whole.
| Shiites in Iraq. Photo: Reuters |
It should be noted that a huge territory in western Iraq was taken under control by Sunni forces, which mainly include militants from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant group. This territory contains major cities in Iraq, including Mosul, the second largest city, and Tikrit, where former President Saddam Hussein was born and raised. Noteworthy is the fact that these cities are located close to Baghdad, just a few hours away by car. The capture of a number of major cities is a source of powerful inspiration for militants seeking to create the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, which includes territories not only in Iraq but also in Syria.
The country is on the brink civil war, which poses a great threat to security in the region
The world community is deeply concerned by the fact that the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant group includes formations that maintain close ties with the international terrorist organization Al-Qaeda, as well as Sunni formations that in the past were opponents of the Islamic State of Iraq group and Levant."
Moreover, not only Sunnis but also Kurds, who recently took control of the city of Kirkuk, which has great oil potential, are opposed to the government.
In such a situation, about a million Iraqis left their homeland. The USA, Australia and some other countries are calling on their citizens to leave Iraq immediately.
According to observers, the main reason for the destabilization of the situation in Iraq is the lack of ability of Iraqi government troops to stop the advance of militants from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant group, although government troops were armed with American modern weapons. The United States believes that if the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant group takes control of other cities and provinces of Iraq, this will be fraught with dangerous consequences. The creation of a Sunni state covering both Iraqi and Syrian territory will undoubtedly have a great impact negative impact on the Kurdish community in Turkey, Syria and Iran, seeking to create their own independent state.
Make a military intervention or resolve the conflict peacefully
It should also be noted that the changes taking place in Iraq are the focus of attention, first of all, by the American administration. Following President Barack Obama's statement, US Secretary of State John Kerry said on June 16 that Washington was considering the possibility of assisting the Iraqi government in curbing militant activities. In a letter to US congressmen on June 16, President Barack Obama said he would send 275 US troops to Baghdad to provide security for US embassy staff in Iraq. Along with this, the American warship Mesa Verd entered the Persian Gulf with 550 Marines on board. Earlier, the world's largest American aircraft carrier, named after George W. Bush, was sent to this area. However, as international observers note, military intervention in Iraq is not a realistic option for the United States. Sunnis in Iraq will believe that Washington is taking a biased position in resolving the sectarian conflict in Iraq.
Meanwhile, Great Britain stated that it only advocates providing humanitarian assistance to Iraq. And if necessary, it will send counter-terrorism specialists to Baghdad. And Saudi Arabia opposes outside interference in the internal affairs of Iraq. On June 15, participants in an emergency meeting of the League of Arab States unanimously noted the importance of achieving national reconciliation between political factions in Iraq.
Cause of destabilization in Iraq predicted
Earlier, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair warned that the conflict in Iraq is inextricably linked to differences between political parties within the country's current interim government. US Secretary of State John Kerry also admitted that Washington's military intervention in Iraq will produce results only if the contradictions between Iraqi leaders are resolved. The American newspaper Nation Interest in one of its latest issues does not hide the fact that Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki did not make efforts that meet the interests of the Sunnis. Shiites occupy a majority in the country's army.
The war in Iraq is sectarian in nature. Stopping hostilities and violence is a difficult task facing the conflicting parties in this country.
It seems that today wars are a thing of the past: even the latest research shows that in the third millennium significantly fewer people dies during armed clashes. However, the unstable situation remains in many regions, and hot spots continue to appear on the map every now and then.
We have selected the ten most significant armed conflicts and military crises that threaten the world right now.
Zones of military tension are indicated in red on the maps
Iraq
Participants
Government troops, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS), scattered Sunni groups, autonomy of Iraqi Kurdistan.
The essence of the conflict
The terrorist organization ISIS wants to build a caliphate - an Islamic theocratic state - on part of the territories of Iraq and Syria, and so far the authorities have not been able to successfully resist the militants. The Iraqi Kurds took advantage of the ISIS offensive - they freely captured several large oil-producing regions and are planning to secede from Iraq.
Current situation
The ISIS caliphate already extends from the Syrian city of Aleppo to the areas bordering Baghdad. So far, government troops have only managed to recapture a few large cities - Tikrit and Uja. The autonomy of Iraqi Kurdistan has freely taken control of several large oil-producing areas and is planning to hold a referendum on independence in the near future.
Gaza Strip
Participants
Israel Defense Forces, Hamas, Fatah, Gaza Strip civilians.
The essence of the conflict
Israel launched Operation Unbreakable Wall to destroy the infrastructure of the Hamas terrorist movement and other terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip region. The immediate cause was the increased frequency of rocket attacks on Israeli territories and the kidnapping of three Jewish teenagers.
Current situation
On July 17, the ground phase of the operation began after Hamas militants violated a five-hour truce to organize humanitarian corridors. According to the UN, by the time the temporary truce was concluded, there were already more than 200 civilian deaths. The Palestinian President's Fatah party has already stated that their people will “repel Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip.”
Syria
Participants
Syrian Armed Forces, National Coalition of Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, Syrian Kurdistan, Al-Qaeda, Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, Islamic Front, Ahrar al-Sham, Al-Nusra Front and others.
The essence of the conflict
The war in Syria began after a brutal crackdown on anti-government demonstrations that began in the region in the wake of the Arab Spring. The armed confrontation between the army of Bashar al-Assad and the moderate opposition escalated into a civil war that affected the entire country - now in Syria about 1,500 different rebel groups with a total number of 75 to 115 thousand people have joined the conflict. The most powerful armed groups are radical Islamists.
Current situation
Today, most of the country is controlled by the Syrian army, but the northern regions of Syria are captured by ISIS. Assad's forces are attacking moderate opposition forces in Aleppo, near Damascus the confrontation between ISIS terrorists and militants of the Islamic Front has intensified, and in the north of the country the Kurds are also resisting ISIS.
Ukraine
Participants
Armed Forces of Ukraine, National Guard Ukraine, Security Service of Ukraine, militias of the Donetsk People's Republic, militias of the Lugansk People's Republic, “Russian Orthodox Army”, Russian volunteers and others.
The essence of the conflict
After the annexation of Crimea to Russia and the change of power in Kyiv in the South-East of Ukraine in April of this year, with the support of Moscow, the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics were proclaimed by pro-Russian armed forces. The Ukrainian government and newly elected President Poroshenko launched a military operation against the separatists.
Current situation
On July 17, a Malaysian airliner crashed over separatist-controlled territories. Kyiv blamed the deaths of 223 people on the fighters of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic - the Ukrainian authorities are convinced that the separatists have air defense systems that were transferred to them by the Russian side. The DPR denies any involvement in the plane crash. OSCE representatives are currently working at the crash site. However, the separatists have already shot down planes before, although not at such a height and with the help of man-portable anti-aircraft missile systems. To date, the armed forces of Ukraine have managed to recapture part of the territories from the separatists, in particular the city of Slavyansk.
Nigeria
Participants
Government troops, Boko Haram.
The essence of the conflict
Since 2002, the radical Islamist sect Boko Haram has been operating in Nigeria, which advocates the introduction of Sharia law throughout the country, while only part of the state is inhabited by Muslims. Over the past five years, Boko Haram members have armed themselves and now regularly carry out terrorist attacks, kidnappings and mass executions. The victims of terrorists are Christians and secular Muslims. The country's leadership has failed negotiations with Boko Haram and is not yet able to suppress the group, which already controls entire regions.
Current situation
Some Nigerian states have been under a state of emergency for a year now. On July 17, the President of Nigeria asked financial assistance at international community: The country's army has too outdated and few weapons to fight terrorists. Since April this year, Boko Haram has been holding hostage over 250 schoolgirls who were kidnapped for ransom or sale into slavery.
South Sudan
Participants
Dinka Tribal Union, Nuer Tribal Union, UN Peacekeeping Forces, Uganda.
The essence of the conflict
At the height of the political crisis in December 2013, the president of South Sudan announced that his former ally and vice president had attempted to stage a military coup in the country. Mass arrests and riots began, which subsequently escalated into violent armed clashes between two tribal unions: the country’s president belongs to the Nuer, which dominates politics and the population, and the disgraced vice-president and his supporters belong to the Dinka, the second largest ethnic group in the state.
Current situation
The rebels control key oil-producing areas, the backbone of South Sudan's economy. The UN sent a peacekeeping contingent to the epicenter of the conflict to protect civilians: more than 10 thousand people were killed in the country, and 700 thousand became forced refugees. In May, the warring parties began negotiations for a truce, but the former vice president and rebel leader admitted that he could not completely control the rebels. Resolving the conflict is complicated by the presence of troops from neighboring Uganda in the country, who are on the side of the government forces of South Sudan.
Mexico
Participants
More than 10 drug cartels, government troops, police, self-defense units.
The essence of the conflict
For several decades, there was hostility between drug cartels in Mexico, but the corrupt government tried not to interfere in the struggle between groups for drug traffic. That changed when newly elected President Felipe Calderon sent regular army troops into one of the states in 2006 to restore order there.
The confrontation escalated into a war between the combined police and army forces against dozens of drug cartels across the country.
Current situation
Over the years of conflict, drug cartels in Mexico have turned into real corporations - now they control and divide among themselves the market for sex services, counterfeit goods, weapons, software. In government and media, large cartels have their own lobbyists and agents who work on public opinion. The cartel war over drug traffic has become secondary; now they are fighting among themselves for control of communications: major highways, ports, border cities. Government forces are losing this war primarily due to widespread corruption and mass defections armed forces on the side of the drug cartels. In some especially crime-prone regions, the population has formed a people's militia because they do not trust the local police.
Central Asia
Participants
Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Pakistan.
The essence of the conflict
The tense situation in the region is maintained by Afghanistan, which has been unstable for decades, on the one hand, and Uzbekistan, which is entering into territorial disputes, on the other. The main drug traffic in the Eastern Hemisphere also passes through these countries - a powerful source of regular armed clashes between criminal groups.
Current situation
After the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan and the presidential elections, another crisis erupted in the country. The Taliban launched a large-scale attack on Kabul, while participants in the election race refused to recognize the results of the presidential election.
In January of this year, on the border of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, armed conflict between border services - each side is confident that the other is violating the border. There is still no agreement between the countries on clear demarcation of borders. Uzbekistan also presented its territorial claims to neighboring Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan - the country's authorities are not satisfied with the borders that were formed as a result of the collapse of the USSR. A few weeks ago, the next stage of negotiations began to resolve the conflict, which since 2012 could at any time turn into an armed one.
China and countries of the region
Participants
China, Vietnam, Japan, Philippines.
The essence of the conflict
After the annexation of Crimea to Russia, the situation in the region deteriorated again - China again started talking about territorial claims to Vietnam. The disputes concern the small but strategically important Paracel Islands and the Spratly Archipelago. The conflict is exacerbated by the militarization of Japan. Tokyo decided to revise its peace constitution, begin militarization and increase its military presence in the Senkaku Archipelago, which is also claimed by the PRC.
Current situation
China has completed development of oil fields near disputed islands that have sparked protests from Vietnam. The Philippines sent its military in support of Vietnam and carried out an action that angered Beijing - the troops of the two countries played an exhibition game of football in the Spratly archipelago. There are still Chinese warships a short distance from the Paracel Islands. Among other things, Hanoi claims that the Chinese have already deliberately sunk one Vietnamese fishing boat and damaged 24 others. However, at the same time, China and the Philippines oppose Japan's policy of militarization.
Sahel region
Participants
France, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Sudan, Eritrea and other neighboring countries.
The essence of the conflict
In 2012, the Sahel region experienced its largest humanitarian crisis: the negative impact of the crisis in Mali coincided with severe food shortages. During the civil war, most Tuaregs from Libya emigrated to northern Mali. There they proclaimed the independent state of Azawad. In 2013, the Malian military accused the president of failing to deal with the separatists and staged a military coup. At the same time, France sent its troops into Mali to fight the Tuaregs and radical Islamists who joined them from neighboring countries. The Sahel is home to the largest markets for arms, slaves, drugs on the African continent, and the main hideouts for dozens of terrorist organizations.
Current situation
The UN estimates that more than 11 million people in the Sahel region are currently hungry. And in the near future this number may increase to 18 million. In Mali, clashes between government troops and the French army against Tuareg guerrilla groups and radical Islamists continue, despite the fall of the self-proclaimed state of Azawad. And this only increases the instability and humanitarian crisis in the region - in 2014, the presence of terrorist groups increased in almost all countries of the Sahel.
The well-known American magazine Foreign Policy has published a list of countries where conflicts are expected in 2017. In addition to Syria, Ukraine, and Iraq already known to us from this side, the list also included, for example, Türkiye, Yemen and Mexico.
1. Syria
The war in Syria, which has been going on for almost six years, has claimed about 500 thousand lives, and another 12 million people have been forced to flee their homes. President Bashar al-Assad has not yet managed to end the armed conflict and regain control over the entire territory of the country. However, the capture of eastern Aleppo by government forces in December marked a turning point in the Syrian crisis. After Russia, Türkiye and Iran concluded a ceasefire agreement, it was possible to evacuate civilians. While Moscow, Ankara and Tehran face many challenges, this new diplomatic path offers the best opportunity to reduce violence in Syria. However, no one is even saying that the war in Syria will end in 2017.
My photo selection" Daily life in Aleppo" - .
2. Iraq
In Iraq, the fight against IS terrorists has undermined the authorities' ability to govern the country, caused enormous destruction and divided Kurdish and Shiite communities. political parties into rival factions and armed rebels who fight each other for resources. The US-backed operation to liberate Mosul could end in failure if the move is made incorrectly, writes FP. In addition to the fight against terrorists, there are endless terrorist attacks against civilians in Iraq, undermining security within the country. In 2017, the situation can only get worse.
The photo shows the consequences of a terrorist attack in eastern Baghdad, killing 10 civilians: 
War through the lens: Iraq - .
3. Türkiye
This year, Türkiye has become notorious for the many unpleasant events taking place on its territory. The conflict between Ankara and the Kurdistan Workers' Party has been flaring up since the end of the truce in July 2015. In addition, Turkey is regularly targeted by IS militants. The latest terrorist attack occurred in Istanbul on New Year's Eve - the tragedy claimed the lives of 39 people. 
4. Yemen
Yemen was and remains the poorest country in the Arab Peninsula. The war has led to a humanitarian catastrophe: millions of people were on the brink of starvation, and about four thousand civilians were killed, mostly as a result of airstrikes by the Saudi-led coalition. Political scientists and the authors of the article are convinced that if the conflict is not resolved, Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State may come to Yemen and wreak real chaos in the country.
The photo shows the consequences of the bombing of Yemen by Saudi Arabia. 
5. Sahel zone and Lake Chad basin
One of the few hot spots that not many people have heard of. Except for those who are in the know. The Sahel zone and the Lake Chad basin remain one of the most dangerous hotspots in the world due to terrorist groups established there. Thus, in 2016, jihadists carried out several attacks in the west of Niger, in Burkina Faso and Cote d'Ivoire. Al-Qaeda remains active in the region, in addition, the security forces of Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad continue to fight Boko Haram militants. The fight against terrorism, which has not yet yielded the desired results, threatens to lead to a humanitarian catastrophe, which, in turn, could result in a bloody uprising, writes Foreign Policy. As a result of the activities of terrorists, almost four and a half million people were forced to flee their homes.
In light of such events, Chad is sometimes called the "dead heart of Africa": 
6. Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo is suffering from a political crisis - President Joseph Kabila has not yet signed an agreement under which he must resign after the elections, that is, before the end of 2017. Clashes between DRC security forces and opponents of the current head of state have claimed the lives of dozens of people over the past few months. If the elections are postponed again, the violence will continue, the author of the material emphasizes. A new postponement of elections can also be expected at the end of 2017, because the last time, during protests against President Kabila, police and security organizations shot and killed 59 civilians. 
7. South Sudan
Can you show this young state on the map? Hint: First, find Sudan on the world map, then pinch off one third, and you get Southern Sudan. It's no wonder that for many people this difficult task- even some political maps hanging on the walls (from schools to ministerial offices) do not know about such a state. South Sudan seceded as a result of the conflict, and they continue to this day. After three years of civil war, the number of internally displaced people has reached 1.8 million. About 1.2 million fled the country. The turning point came in December 2015, when a peace agreement was signed, but it was torn apart in July. The diplomatic efforts of the UN Security Council are aimed at deploying a corps of peacekeepers in the country, but this is unlikely to avoid further escalation. The Japanese armed forces stationed there are unable to prevent the development of the conflict. 
8. Afghanistan
As sad as it may be, Afghanistan simply could not avoid being included in this list. Armed conflict and political instability in this country pose a serious threat to global security. The Taliban are strengthening their position, and IS militants continue to attack Shiites. The weakening of Afghan troops could lead to militants seizing areas left without control. 
9. Myanmar
Despite the well-known beautiful sunsets and sunrises from Myanmar's Bagan, an armed conflict has been going on in this country for many years. Myanmar's new government, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, has vowed peace and national reconciliation will be its top priorities. However, recent outbreaks of violence have threatened efforts to end an armed conflict that has lasted nearly 70 years. 
10. Ukraine
The original source says the following about the conflict in Ukraine: After almost three years of war and roughly 10,000 deaths, Russia’s military intervention defines all aspects of political life in Ukraine. Divided by the conflict and crippled by corruption, Ukraine is headed for even greater uncertainty. Trump’s professed admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin scares Kiev, as do rumors that the United States may decide to scrap sanctions against Russia. Implementation of the February 2015 Minsk peace agreement is stalled, effectively bringing Russia closer to two of its goals in the Ukraine conflict: the establishment of permanent pro-Russian political entities in eastern Ukraine, as well as normalization of its annexation of Crimea that started the war in 2014.
I won’t translate it so that people don’t come running here) 
11. Mexico City
Tensions between Mexico and the United States appear inevitable following US President-elect Donald Trump's promises to build a wall on the southern border, deport millions of undocumented migrants and end the North American Free Trade Agreement. I wonder how long it will take for Mexicans to learn to jump four meters high? 
Terrorism in the world is becoming deadlier: over the past year, the number of victims of terrorist attacks was 30% higher than the average for the previous five years.
According to research company Maplecroft, 18,668 thousand people died as a result of terrorist attacks last year, and average over the last five years is 14.433 thousand.
At the same time, the number of terrorist attacks itself decreased to 9,471 thousand compared to the average of 10,468 thousand.
"It is significant that terrorist methods have become more deadly over last year", the study notes.
And all this affects the lives of citizens different countries, the state of the infrastructure, and also causes very serious economic damage.
Maplecroft names 12 countries with extremely high risk as a result of high level instability and weak governance.
Terrorism hot spots
Topping the list is Iraq, which has seen three times as many terrorist attacks as Pakistan, which has the second-highest number of terrorist attacks.The government in Baghdad is unable to fight the militant group and has already lost control of many key cities and areas in the north and center of the country.
Afghanistan, Pakistan and Somalia follow, but Nigeria, which ranks fifth according to Maplecroft, has the worst terrorist attacks.
Africa's fastest-growing economy faced a huge number of terrorist attacks in 2013. Their number reached 146, and the number of deaths was 3,477 thousand.
Economic consequences
"Libya, Kenya and Egypt are among the few countries to see significant increases in risk," said Jordan Perry, chief risk analyst at Maplecroft. "Key industries, including tourism and oil and gas, have been significantly impacted."Libya's oil production has been declining following several attacks in the past year. This in turn increases terrorist risks in Egypt, whose tourism sector is already suffering from recent turmoil.
This sector accounts for 11% of the country's GDP, and the decline in the first quarter of this year in annual terms amounted to 43%.
It's a similar story in Kenya, which ranks 12th on Maplecroft's list. After the terrorist attack in shopping center The tourism sector is facing a significant decline, accounting for 12% of the country's economy.
However, Kenya successfully floated $2 billion in Eurobonds, highlighting investor interest.
The report also highlights the rapid rise in terrorist attacks in China. In 2014, their number reached 76, compared to 16 in the first six months of 2013. However, their economic impact is still very small.
It seems that today wars are a thing of the past: even the latest studies show that in the third millennium significantly fewer people die during armed conflicts. However, the unstable situation remains in many regions, and hot spots continue to appear on the map every now and then. Apparat has selected the ten most significant armed conflicts and military crises that threaten the world right now.
Zones of military tension are indicated in red on the maps
Iraq
Participants
Government troops, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS), scattered Sunni groups, autonomy of Iraqi Kurdistan.
The essence of the conflict
The terrorist organization ISIS wants to build a caliphate - an Islamic theocratic state - on part of the territories of Iraq and Syria, and so far the authorities have not been able to successfully resist the militants. The Iraqi Kurds took advantage of the ISIS offensive - they unhinderedly captured several large oil-producing regions and are planning to secede from Iraq.
Current situation
The ISIS caliphate already extends from the Syrian city of Aleppo to the areas bordering Baghdad. So far, government troops have managed to recapture only a few large cities - Tikrit and Uja. The autonomy of Iraqi Kurdistan has freely taken control of several large oil-producing areas and is planning to hold a referendum on independence in the near future.
Gaza Strip
Participants
Israel Defense Forces, Hamas, Fatah, Gaza Strip civilians.
The essence of the conflict
Israel launched Operation Unbreakable Wall to destroy the infrastructure of the Hamas terrorist movement and other terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip region. The immediate cause was the increased frequency of rocket attacks on Israeli territories and the kidnapping of three Jewish teenagers.
Current situation
On July 17, the ground phase of the operation began after Hamas militants violated a five-hour truce to organize humanitarian corridors. According to the UN, by the time the temporary truce was concluded, there were already more than 200 civilian deaths. The Palestinian President's Fatah party has already stated that their people will “repel Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip.”
Syria
Participants
Syrian Armed Forces, National Coalition of Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, Syrian Kurdistan, Al-Qaeda, Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, Islamic Front, Ahrar al-Sham, Al-Nusra Front and others.
The essence of the conflict
The war in Syria began after a brutal crackdown on anti-government demonstrations that began in the region in the wake of the Arab Spring. The armed confrontation between the army of Bashar al-Assad and the moderate opposition escalated into a civil war that affected the entire country - now in Syria about 1,500 different rebel groups with a total number of 75 to 115 thousand people have joined the conflict. The most powerful armed groups are radical Islamists.
Current situation
Today, most of the country is controlled by the Syrian army, but the northern regions of Syria are captured by ISIS. Assad's forces are attacking moderate opposition forces in Aleppo, near Damascus the confrontation between ISIS terrorists and militants of the Islamic Front has intensified, and in the north of the country the Kurds are also resisting ISIS.
Ukraine
Participants
Armed Forces of Ukraine, National Guard of Ukraine, Security Service of Ukraine, militias of the Donetsk People's Republic, militias of the Lugansk People's Republic, Russian Orthodox Army, Russian volunteers and others.
The essence of the conflict
After the annexation of Crimea to Russia and the change of power in Kyiv in the South-East of Ukraine in April of this year, the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics were proclaimed by pro-Russian armed groups. The Ukrainian government and newly elected President Poroshenko launched a military operation against the separatists.
Current situation
On July 17, a Malaysian airliner crashed over separatist-controlled territories. Kyiv blamed the deaths of 298 people on fighters of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic - the Ukrainian authorities are convinced that the separatists have air defense systems that were transferred to them by the Russian side. The DPR denies any involvement in the plane crash. OSCE representatives are currently working at the crash site. However, the separatists have already shot down planes before, although not at such a height and with the help of man-portable anti-aircraft missile systems. To date, the armed forces of Ukraine have managed to recapture part of the territories from the separatists, in particular the city of Slavyansk.
Nigeria
Participants
Government troops, Boko Haram.
The essence of the conflict
Since 2002, the radical Islamist sect Boko Haram has been operating in Nigeria, which advocates the introduction of Sharia law throughout the country, while only part of the state is inhabited by Muslims. Over the past five years, Boko Haram members have armed themselves and now regularly carry out terrorist attacks, kidnappings and mass executions. The victims of terrorists are Christians and secular Muslims. The country's leadership has failed negotiations with Boko Haram and is not yet able to suppress the group, which already controls entire regions.
Current situation
Some Nigerian states have been under a state of emergency for a year now. On July 17, the President of Nigeria asked for financial assistance from the international community: the country's army had too outdated and few weapons to fight terrorists. Since April this year, Boko Haram has been holding hostage over 250 schoolgirls who were kidnapped for ransom or sale into slavery.
South Sudan
Participants
Dinka Tribal Union, Nuer Tribal Union, UN Peacekeeping Forces, Uganda.
The essence of the conflict
At the height of the political crisis in December 2013, the president of South Sudan announced that his former ally and vice president had attempted to stage a military coup in the country. Mass arrests and riots began, which subsequently escalated into violent armed clashes between two tribal unions: the country’s president belongs to the Nuer, which dominates politics and the population, and the disgraced vice-president and his supporters belong to the Dinka, the second largest ethnic group in the state.
Current situation
The rebels control the main oil-producing areas - the basis of South Sudan's economy. The UN sent a peacekeeping contingent to the epicenter of the conflict to protect civilians: more than 10 thousand people were killed in the country, and 700 thousand became forced refugees. In May, the warring parties began negotiations for a truce, but the former vice president and rebel leader admitted that he could not completely control the rebels. Resolving the conflict is complicated by the presence of troops from neighboring Uganda in the country, who are on the side of the government forces of South Sudan.
Mexico
Participants
More than 10 drug cartels, government troops, police, self-defense units.
The essence of the conflict
For several decades, there was hostility between drug cartels in Mexico, but the corrupt government tried not to interfere in the struggle between groups for drug traffic. That changed when newly elected President Felipe Calderon sent regular army troops into one of the states in 2006 to restore order there.
The confrontation escalated into a war between the combined police and army forces against dozens of drug cartels across the country.
Current situation
Over the years of conflict, drug cartels in Mexico have turned into real corporations - now they control and divide among themselves the market for sex services, counterfeit goods, weapons, and software. In government and media, large cartels have their own lobbyists and agents who work on public opinion. The cartel war over drug traffic has become secondary; now they are fighting among themselves for control of communications: major highways, ports, border cities. Government forces are losing in this war primarily due to widespread corruption and the massive defection of the armed forces to the side of the drug cartels. In some especially crime-prone regions, the population has formed a people's militia because they do not trust the local police.
Central Asia
Participants
Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Pakistan.
The essence of the conflict
The tense situation in the region is maintained by Afghanistan, which has been unstable for decades, on the one hand, and Uzbekistan, which is entering into territorial disputes, on the other. The main drug traffic in the Eastern Hemisphere also passes through these countries - a powerful source of regular armed clashes between criminal groups.
Current situation
After the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan and the presidential elections, another crisis erupted in the country. The Taliban launched a large-scale attack on Kabul, while participants in the election race refused to recognize the results of the presidential election.
In January of this year, an armed conflict began between border services on the border of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan - each side is confident of violating the other’s border. There is still no agreement between the countries on clear demarcation of borders. Uzbekistan also presented its territorial claims to neighboring Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan - the country's authorities are not satisfied with the borders that were formed as a result of the collapse of the USSR. A few weeks ago, the next stage of negotiations began to resolve the conflict, which since 2012 could at any time turn into an armed one.
China and countries of the region
Participants
China, Vietnam, Japan, Philippines.
The essence of the conflict
After the annexation of Crimea to Russia, the situation in the region deteriorated again - China again started talking about territorial claims to Vietnam. The disputes concern the small but strategically important Paracel Islands and the Spratly Archipelago. The conflict is exacerbated by the militarization of Japan. Tokyo decided to revise its peace constitution, begin militarization and increase its military presence in the Senkaku Archipelago, which is also claimed by the PRC.
Current situation
China has completed development of oil fields near disputed islands that have sparked protests from Vietnam. The Philippines sent its military to support Vietnam and carried out an action that angered Beijing - the troops of the two countries played a demonstrative football game in the Spratly archipelago. There are still Chinese warships a short distance from the Paracel Islands. Among other things, Hanoi claims that the Chinese have already deliberately sunk one Vietnamese fishing boat and damaged 24 others. However, at the same time, China and the Philippines oppose Japan's policy of militarization.
Sahel region
Participants
France, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Sudan, Eritrea and other neighboring countries.
The essence of the conflict
In 2012, the Sahel region experienced its largest humanitarian crisis: the negative impact of the crisis in Mali coincided with severe food shortages. During the civil war, most Tuaregs from Libya emigrated to northern Mali. There they proclaimed the independent state of Azawad. In 2013, the Malian military accused the president of failing to deal with the separatists and staged a military coup. At the same time, France sent its troops into Mali to fight the Tuaregs and radical Islamists who joined them from neighboring countries. The Sahel is home to the largest markets for arms, slaves, drugs on the African continent, and the main hideouts for dozens of terrorist organizations.
Current situation
The UN estimates that more than 11 million people in the Sahel region are currently hungry. And in the near future this number may increase to 18 million. In Mali, clashes between government troops and the French army against Tuareg guerrilla groups and radical Islamists continue, despite the fall of the self-proclaimed state of Azawad. And this only increases the unstable situation and humanitarian crisis in the region - in 2014, the presence of terrorist groups increased in almost all Sahel countries.