Eurotopics.net

Tensions between the two nuclear powers India and Pakistan over the disputed Kashmir region have grown. Both sides claim that their fighter jets have been shot down by the other side. In mid-February 40 Indian members of the military died in an attack carried out by a terrorist cell from Pakistan. Why has the situation escalated again?

The House of Commons approved Theresa May's three-step plan on Wednesday. According to the plan the MPs will vote again on her deal with Brussels in mid-March. If they reject it, there will be a vote on whether to accept a hard Brexit. If they oppose a no-deal Brexit there will be a vote on whether to ask Brussels to extend article 50 by three months. Is this the right strategy for tackling the Brexit mess?

A quarter of all those entitled to vote in the Estonian general elections on Sunday have already voted online. The Reform Party, which was the strongest party for a long time after the country gained independence, is making a bid to return to power after having to make way for the Centre Party following a lost vote of confidence in 2016. Will the record number of e-votes help it achieve its goal?

According to Turkish media a group of Erdoğan's former allies want to found a new centre-right party after the local elections on 31 March. The group reportedly includes ex-prime minister Ahmet Davutoğlu and ex-president Abdullah Gül. Can the secessionists pose a genuine threat to the ruling AKP?

A BBC report in which the broadcaster maintained that there is a Slavic-Macedonian minority in Greece is causing a stir in the country. Athens' ambassador to London has complained to the broadcaster about "historical inaccuracies and distortions". The existence of such a minority is hotly disputed in Greece. While some commentators agree with the ambassador's criticism, others see it as absurd.

Decathlon is back-pedalling: only a few days ago the sports equipment chain wanted to introduce a jogging headscarf for Muslim women in France. But following fierce criticism from politicians and other critics the company announced on Tuesday that it will withdraw the product. Decathlon's about-turn is now also drawing criticism.