Blog Layout

France, Germany, U.K. ‘Strongly Urge’ Iran To Halt Breach Of Recent Nuclear Deal

The so-called E3 European powers have urged Iran to reverse its decision to violate a landmark nuclear deal by producing uranium metal and avoid “noncompliant” steps before it’s too late. Britain, France, and Germany issued the plea on February 12 following a call the previous day by Russia’s deputy foreign …

Read More »

US to Reverse Terrorist Designation of Yemen’s Houthi Rebels

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday that he would revoke designations of Yemen’s Houthi movement as a terrorist group. Blinken said in a statement the group would no longer be designated a foreign terrorist organization or a specially designated international terrorist group effective February 16.

Read More »

UK economy’s collapse in 2020 was worst since 1709

The coronavirus pandemic’s economic collapse in the UK is severe, worst in three centuries. The economy contracted by 9.9 percent in 2020, initial estimates from the Office for National Statistics showed on February 12, 2021.

Read More »

Can Navalny’s Supporters Sustain Momentum for Change in Russia?

By returning to Russia despite imminent arrest, Alexey Navalny hoped to inspire Russians to reclaim the country from decades of authoritarian rule. By design, there is no political opposition to Putin’s rule, with any challenge to Russia’s current leadership stamped out through coercive force.

Read More »

Lethal Islamic State Affiliates in Africa Exacerbate Regional Insecurity

Similar to the trajectory followed by al-Qaeda a decade ago, the Islamic State is shifting focus from its core organization to regional affiliates. Even where Islamic State affiliates have been weakened, changing conflict dynamics could reenergize franchise groups at various points this year.

Read More »

The State of Global Terrorism and Counterterrorism

Diminished by law enforcement and military operations and the COVID-19 pandemic, ISIS and Al-Qaeda now act through affiliates in local conflicts. The rise of white supremacy and anti-government violent extremism will require greater attention from counterterrorism actors.

Read More »

How was the Capitol Insurrection Viewed by Far-Right Extremists Globally?

The storming of the U.S. Capitol in early January will serve as inspiration for far-right violent extremists abroad, including in Europe and Asia. 2021 could be a banner year for growing ties between far-right violent extremists globally, especially if COVID restrictions lift and travel resumes. Important differences exist between far-right …

Read More »