Recent Posts

Putin Victory Day Call For Mobilization Unlikely

“That’s nonsense,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on May 4 when asked whether President Vladimir Putin planned to announce a military mobilization during Russia’s May 9 Victory Day celebrations. When asked whether Putin would formally declare war on Ukraine, Peskov’s answer was the same: “That’s nonsense.” Speculation has been rife …

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Kurdish Independence Remains Erdogan’s Nightmare

On April 18, 2022 Turkey launched a new ground and air offensive against Kurdish militants in northern Iraq. Supported by helicopters and drones, Turkish jets and artillery struck suspected targets of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, and then commando troops crossed into the region by land or were airlifted …

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Small satellites: The implications for national security

The small satellites revolution, or the commercial-led launch of smaller and lower-cost satellites, is impacting space security. This Forward Defense report, authored by nonresident senior fellow Nicholas Eftimiades and produced in partnership with Thales, explores how the US government can leverage small-satellite developments to ensure safe and secure access to …

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Gazprom set the Russian invasion of Ukraine in motion

In the run-up to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Gazprom was already busy setting the stage. Its role was to soften up the European Union (EU) by keeping natural supplies low and prices high in advance of the conflict. Moscow wanted to keep the Europeans vulnerable and therefore less likely to …

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Dialogue Between Iran and Saudi Arabia Advances

Saudi Arabia’s dialogue with Iran reflects the Kingdom’s uncertainty about the U.S. role in ensuring the security of the Persian Gulf. Talks between the two traditional adversaries have made progress on relatively manageable issues, including the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage. U.S. officials are hoping that the talks could advance a political …

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Border Clashes Mar the Taliban’s Regional Relationships

Clashes on Afghanistan’s border with both Pakistan and Iran signify an end to the relative wary regional calm that has prevailed since the Taliban returned to power in Kabul. Pakistan perceives that the Taliban de facto authorities of Afghanistan are sympathetic to Pakistani militants that threaten Pakistan’s stability. Any tensions …

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