Europe imported more gas from Russia than from the US in the second quarter of 2024, restoring a status quo that predates the invasion of Ukraine. Russia was once Europe’s largest gas supplier. When the Kremlin stopped supplying gas amid its invasion of Ukraine, Norway took the top spot, followed …
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US Withdrawal From Iraq Isn’t As Simple As It Looks – Analysis
An important story that could have implications for Middle East security is not getting the attention it deserves: the future of the US military presence in Iraq, where about 2,500 American troops are stationed. They are part of an international operation to prevent the resurgence of Daesh. A significant portion …
Read More »The End of the Zeitenwende
This personal assessment challenges whether Germany’s Zeitenwende has achieved its goals. While it reflects the author’s views, not necessarily the view of all members of DGAP’s Action Group Zeitenwende, the debate continues. In the coming weeks, DGAP’s magazine Internationale Politik Quarterly will invite more experts to explore whether Germany’s Zeitenwende …
Read More »Putin Will Never Give Up in Ukraine
The West Can’t Change His Calculus—It Can Only Wait Him Out Two and a half years after Russia invaded Ukraine, the United States’ strategy for ending the war remains the same: impose enough costs on Russia that its president, Vladimir Putin, will decide that he has no choice but to …
Read More »Iran Update, September 3, 2024
Hamas has continued to exploit Israeli hostages in an information operation likely in order to increase pressure on Israel to accept a ceasefire-hostage agreement. Hamas likely calculates that this effort could create more favorable terms for Hamas in such an agreement while weakening the Israeli state. Hamas continued to insist …
Read More »U.S. and Iraqi Commandos Targeted ISIS in Sprawling Operation
American and Iraqi commandos raided several Islamic State hide-outs in western Iraq last week, killing at least 14 ISIS fighters in one of the most sweeping counterterrorism missions in the country in recent years. Seven U.S. soldiers were injured as more than 200 troops from both countries, including backup forces, …
Read More »Nasrallah – the protector of Iran, the destroyer of Lebanon
Three decades have passed since Hassan Nasrallah came into power as the general secretary of Hezbollah, shortly after the elimination of Abbas al-Musawi. Over the years there have been several attempts to outline his personality, all of which clearly missed the true story behind this infamous terrorist, and in some …
Read More »Azerbaijan’s Middle Corridor Initiative: Pivot For Energy Connectivity – OpEd
On August 30, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Finance Samir Sharifov participated in a panel discussion titled “Middle Corridor: Reshaping the Euro-Asia Connectivity,” as part of the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) annual meetings in Tbilisi, Georgia. This indeed highlights a significant economic development initiative poised to enhance regional connectivity and energy efficiency. …
Read More »The Regime’s Wars Are Built On Lies – OpEd
Americans are increasingly uneasy about their “national” security, and increasingly concerned that war is lapping at our shores. Instead of reducing the risk of harm to America and our interests, the federal government in Washington seems to be seeking it, investing in it, fueling it and lying about it. Congress …
Read More »Ahead of Elections, Iraqi Kurdistan’s “Shadow Media” Ramps Up
Elections aren’t until Oct. 20, but disinformation campaigns are in full swing. Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region will hold elections on Oct. 20. Although the formal campaign has not yet begun, the so-called “shadow media” is already in full swing spreading disinformation, promoting political spin, and attacking rivals. One post claims …
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