Middle East & Africa
Well-Reasoned Scenarios: Israel, Iran and Nuclear War
“Then fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing.”-Archilochus
At first glance, the June 2025 military operation against Iran carried no risks...
Between Rafah & Ruin: The Unresolved Future of the Trump Gaza Plan
The reopening of the Rafah crossing marks an important step in Trump’s plan for Gaza, relating specifically to the plan’s ceasefire and humanitarian access...
Iran – A US Demurral is not Necessarily a De-escalation
Fear of a wider war is influencing Washington’s latest decision to forego an immediate attack on Iran—the UAE, Qatar, and the Saudis have been...
U.S. Condemns South Africa’s Expulsion of Israeli Diplomat as Political Retaliation
The United States has sharply criticized South Africa’s decision to expel Israel’s top diplomat, escalating an already tense diplomatic standoff involving Israel, South Africa,...
Qualities of Contemporary Leader: Adaptive Thinking, Collaborative Influence and Innovative Leadership
The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) is the United States' signature step to invest in the next generation of African leaders. Since its establishment...
China Eyes Turkey’s Ethnic Outreach Warily as Ankara Courts Lebanese Turkmens
China adopts a reserved and cautious stance towards Turkish policies that rely on “ethnic ties,” or what is known as “Turkish nationalism,” to extend...
Who Really Holds Power in Iran?
The United States is contemplating military strikes against Iran due to its violent response to recent protests. Understanding Iran's political system is complex, especially...
Iran Fueling Atrocities in Myanmar Despite Internal Chaos
While Iran grapples with economic collapse, domestic unrest, and escalating confrontation with Israel and the West, it has not retreated from the international stage....
China’s Maritime Shield: Naval Power and the Defense of the Belt and Road
The proposed Ben Gurion Canal (connecting the Israeli port of Eilat to Mediterranean ports) poses a challenge to China's Belt and Road Initiative. Therefore,...
Sudanese Paramilitary Accused of Abducting Children in Darfur
Witnesses report that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a Sudanese paramilitary group, have abducted children during attacks in Darfur, including their takeover of al-Fashir...