May, 2021

• 11 May

  US Reportedly Wants to Redeploy Forces From Afghanistan Closer to Russia’s Borders

  The US and NATO began their withdrawal from Afghanistan on 1 May, with the security situation in the country little better now than it was after the 2001 invasion. US President Joe Biden, in his announcement of the withdrawal in April, called on Russia, China and India to step up …

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• 11 May

  What is Iran’s goal in the Jerusalem crisis?

  

  At Iran’s Press TV, its propaganda network focused on Western audiences in English, has wall-to-wall coverage of the violence in Jerusalem. Iran has been fanning the flames of the confrontations in Jerusalem. Days before the latest clashes developed, Iran’s Ayatollah Khamenei and its IRGC head, Hossein Salami, prepared speeches and …

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• 11 May

  Can Israel calm the storm brewing over Jerusalem? -analysis

  

  Israel will need to display a great deal of wisdom in the coming days to calm a perfect storm brewing over Jerusalem.Here are the elements of that mounting storm: The end of Ramadan, a month that historically brings with it an uptick in violence.The potential evictions of four Palestinian families …

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• 11 May

  Jerusalem Day: Temple Mount to be closed to Jewish visitors

  

  The decision to close Temple Mount to Jewish visitors follows days of rising tensions between Jews and Arabs across the Old City. Temple Mount will not be open for Jewish visitors today, following an assessment led by Chief of Police Kobi Shabtai early this morning. The decision was made together …

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• 11 May

  Jerusalem Day festivities shaken by rockets, violent riots

  

  Police stormed the Temple Mount to disperse rioters who fired fireworks and threw stones at security forces. Over 700 people were injured in the clashes, according to the Red Crescent. Rioting broke out in the Old City of Jerusalem and on the Temple Mount as rockets were fired towards Israel’s …

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• 11 May

  A U.N. Peacekeeping Mission Is Afghanistan’s Best Hope

  

  For better or worse, the United States military is leaving Afghanistan. Proponents for withdrawal argue the U.S. has done all it can militarily in the country, has more pressing security interests elsewhere and may do more harm than good by staying. Critics say the power vacuum the U.S. is leaving …

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• 11 May

  Biden Is Missing an Opportunity on Cuba

  

  At the eighth congress of the Communist Party of Cuba last month, Raul Castro stepped down as head of the party, passing the reins to President Miguel Diaz-Canel in a choreographed transition of power. This changing of the guard took place amid rising dissent on the island, as well as …

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• 11 May

  Bulgaria’s Fractured Politics Marks the End of the Borissov Era

  

  As a European Union and NATO member that borders Turkey, hugs the Black Sea coast and maintains cordial relations with Russia, Bulgaria is a strategically significant country. Yet in recent years, it has rarely made international news—except for the occasional domestic clash over Russian influence and periodic mass protests over …

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• 11 May

  Egypt seeks alternatives to possible Nile water loss from Ethiopian dam

  

  Egypt’s Irrigation Ministry revealed four projects designed to reduce water waste, combat the growing need for water and help ease the negative effects of the GERD on its irrigation system. Egypt’s Ministry of Irrigation and Water Resources revealed May 2 four projects and plans to reduce water waste in the …

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• 11 May

  Can Chinese investment provide boost to Iran’s Chabahar port?

  

  As US-Iran ties deteriorated, India slowed down work at Iran’s Chabahar port; yet Chinese investment could bring it back to life. Even though it had been exempted from US economic sanctions, Iran’s Chabahar port project could not take off as various indirect financial drawbacks persisted. Having direct access to the …

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