In Other News – Taliban at the helm & More – 8/20/2021
August 20, 2021 Taliban at the helm, regional actors engage new Afghan leadership for geostrategic gains. While the international community grapples with how, if, and to what extent it should engage with the Taliban, regional powers Russia, China, Iran, and Pakistan – who all laid the groundwork for relations with the Taliban and continue to […]
"A Look At Events Unfolding In Afghanistan," Jack Devine on Bloomberg Radio, August 16, 2021
Jack Devine, former Chief of the CIA’s worldwide operations and Founding Partner, President of The Arkin Group, discusses the events unfolding in Afghanistan. Hosted by Paul Sweeney and Matt Miller. A Look At Events Unfolding In Afghanistan
In Other News – Taliban offensive complicates Pakistan’s position, Multiple nations explore weather-modification technology, & More – 8/13/2021
August 13, 2021 As the Taliban offensive continues, Pakistan’s position grows increasingly complicated. Of the many nations who met this week in Qatar to discuss Afghanistan’s future, including the United States who will remain a major player even after the troop withdrawal, Pakistan is best positioned to impact what happens next. Pakistan officially denies supporting […]
In Other News – Philippines & U.S. recommit to defense agreement, Belarusians have had recent extraterritorial attacks, & More – 8/6/21
August 6, 2021 Philippines recommits to defense agreement with the United States after China comes up short. Last week Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte retracted his threat to end the longstanding Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the U.S., a critical component of the larger Mutual Defense Treaty between the two nations that’s been in place for […]
In Other News – European Union and a new anti-money laundering authority, Russia and it's ambiguous game in Syria, & More – 7/30/2021
July 30, 2021 European Union proposes new anti-money laundering authority with strong focus on reducing anonymity. Last week the European Commission proposed a new legislative package to curb the threat of money laundering and terrorist finance throughout the European Union (EU). The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimates that between 2 and 5% […]
In Other News – Russia’s strategy in Southeast Asia, Pedro Castillo is declared President of Peru, & the meaning of the United Nations Global Compact – July 22, 2021
July 22, 2021 Russia’s multi-pronged support of Myanmar is a microcosm of its strategy in Southeast Asia. In the months since Myanmar’s February military coup, Russia and China have been the junta’s most powerful allies, but Russia has exploited regional instability to position itself as a third path between China and the West. While China […]
In Other News – Simmering unrest in Cuba, Ransomware Attacks, & More – July 16, 2021
July 16, 2021 Simmering unrest in Cuba erupts in collective protest, Venezuela watching closely. Last weekend thousands of anti-regime protestors took to the streets across the island nation in some of the largest protests since the Cuban Revolution. In 2020, Cuba’s national GDP dropped by 11% – the worst regression since 1993, and medicine and […]
In Other News – Climate change and diversification key factors, Lebanon’s deepening humanitarian crisis, & More – July 9, 2021
July 9, 2021 Climate change and diversification key factors in UAE-Saudi rivalry. After the UAE and Saudi Arabia failed to reach an agreement last week on boosting oil output, OPEC+ ministers canceled this week’s meetings, and the uncertainty has resulted in volatile trading in oil markets and speculation that the UAE might exit the alliance. […]
In Other News: Iran's Newly Elected Leader Raisi, New FATF Rulings & More – July 2, 2021
July 2, 2021 Iran’s newly elected Ebrahim Raisi has yet to stray from the hardline path that has led him straight to the top, but his ruthlessness could be his downfall. It was no surprise when Raisi won the rigged Iranian presidential election on June 18 and he is expected to continue his ascent straight […]
In Other News: U.S. Withdrawal from Afghanistan, Saudi-Pakistan Oil Deal & More – June 25, 2021
June 25, 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan presents a challenging opportunity for Turkey. Today, President Biden is scheduled to meet with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani at the White House to discuss the ongoing U.S. troop withdrawal and offer continued humanitarian, diplomatic and economic assistance to Afghanistan. But regardless of the offer it will be difficult […]