Features on global security, political repression and terrorism, with a focus on the impact on civil society and vulnerable groups.

Hun Sen’s Coronavirus Crackdown (Foreign Policy)

The Cambodian prime minister is using the pandemic as cover to silence his remaining critics.

In Afghanistan, the Coronavirus Could Be Deadlier Than War (Foreign Policy)

The pandemic has hit the war-ravaged country at the worst possible time—just as peace appeared possible and as foreign military aid disappears.

As Palestine’s Friends Fall Away, Iran is the Last Man Standing (Inside Over)

How the deepening alliance between Saudi Arabia, the US and Israel risks pushing Palestinians into Iran’s orbit.

The Coronavirus Could Finally Kill the Wild Animal Trade (Foreign Policy)

Why the threat of another zoonotic disease pandemic could be a gift to conservations striving to reduce demand for trafficked species.

Big Cats, Big Business: Inside Southeast Asia’s Illegal Wildlife Trade (Inside Over)

An in-depth report on the scale and drivers of the wildlife trafficking trade in Southeast Asia – and why prohibition efforts have largely failed.

How the UK’s Defence Industry Continues to Defy Popular Criticism (Inside Over)

The battle between Britain’s profitable international arms trade and the campaigns to bring it to heel.

Militant Monks – Carved Up Along Religious Lines, Southeast Asia Bleeds (Southeast Asia Globe)

Exploring the toxic mix of nationalism and Buddhist extremism that led to a wave of political violence across Southeast Asia

Chinese Hackers Back Beijing’s Authoritarian Pals (Foreign Policy)

How Cambodian dissidents, politicians and NGO leaders were plagued by Chinese cyberattacks in the run-up to the country’s sham election.

China created a new terrorist threat by repressing secessionist fervor in its western frontier (Quartz)

How India’s Most Notorious Crime Lord Became Pakistan’s Honoured Guest (Inside Over)

Profile of Dawood Ibrahim, head of the powerful organised crime syndicate D Company and collaborator in the 1993 Mumbai bombings.

More Goals than Fans: Syria’s Uphill Battle to Rally Nation Behind Football Team (The Guardian)

Syria’s national team becomes a microcosm of the country’s political clashes and uneasy alliances.