Recent Posts

Pentagon Says Increasing Military Presence Near Oman

The Defense Department Monday announced an increased presence in the U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility, including an additional Navy destroyer along with fighter jets. “In response to a number of recent, alarming events in the Strait of Hormuz, the secretary of defense has ordered the deployment of the of …

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Democracy In Decline: Uzbekistan’s Recent Elections And Retreat From Reforms – Analysis

IntroductionUzbekistan is a prominent player in Central Asian politics. In the recently held general elections, the populace eagerly engaged, with approximately 87% of eligible voters voting. However, the outcome of these elections had far-reaching consequences, since it awarded President Shavkat Mirziyoyev a third term, raising concerns about the country’s democratic …

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Guns For Hire? A Season For Mercenaries – OpEd

Just after a band of mercenaries tried to oust the government in the Maldives back in 1988, I asked a Maldivian diplomat, using a familiar military catchphrase, about the strength of his country’s “standing army.” “Standing army?” the diplomat asked with mock surprise, and remarked perhaps half-jokingly, “We don’t even …

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