This 12-page Israeli essay surveys the contest underway between the major powers in Central Asia and the Caucasus, the geopolitical sphere adjacent to the Middle East that at once influences and is influenced by processes at work in the region

Regional , Foreign Policy Posted: 2010-03-03

Proxy War in the Arabian Peninsula

INSS

An Israeli commentary on the recent conflict between the Yemeni government and Shiite rebels

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2010-03-03

Abkhazia: Deepening Dependence

Crisis Group

This 26-page report gives a snapshot of the current situation, particularly the extent of Russian economic, political and cultural dominance in Abkhazia

Governance & Politics , Regional Posted: 2010-03-01

The United States and the Buildup of Military Force in the Persian Gulf

INSS

An Israeli commentary on the buildup of US military force in the Persian Gulf

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2010-03-01

Three Connected Conflicts: Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan

ORG

A 4-page UK essay arguing that there have been significant developments in both Iraq and Pakistan, with each likely to have an impact on what is now happening in Afghanistan

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2010-02-27

Halting Steps in New Delhi

CFR

A brief, US update on Indo-Pakistan relations

Foreign Policy , Regional Posted: 2010-02-27

China and the “AfPak” Issue

Hoover Institution

This 22-page US essay examines the interests and motives, specific policies actual and potential influence, and possible future orientation and behavior of the Chinese leadership in respect of the US Afpak strategy

Foreign Policy , Regional Posted: 2010-02-22

Pakistan's Nuclear Future: Reining in the Risk

SSI

A 297-page US monograph examining several frightening security threats that Pakistan faces or poses

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2010-02-18

How to Assess Political Fissures in Iran

Washington Institute

The 3-page report Report of a US forum held to discuss developments in Iran that may indicate either lost ground for reform-minded activists or cracks in the very foundation of the Islamic Republic

Governance & Politics , Regional Posted: 2010-02-18

UAE Nuclear Agreement; A Model for Southeast Asia

RSIS

This 3-page Singaporean commentary analyzes the benefits of the recent nuclear deal between the UAE and Korea Electric Power Corporation

Regional , Energy Posted: 2010-02-15

Fearing a 'Shiite Octopus': Sunni – Shi`a Relations and the Implications for Belgium and Europe

Egmont

This 45-page Belgian paper provides an evaluation of an alleged shift in the Sunni-Shi`a power balance, and points out the possible consequences for Belgium and the EU

Governance & Politics , Regional Posted: 2010-02-15

We Need Both Hatoyama's Decision and Obama's Patience

AJISS

A 4-page Japanese commentary on US-Japan relations

Foreign Policy , Regional Posted: 2010-02-09

Burnt Orange: What Ukraine’s Presidential Election Means for Democracy

CFR

A 2-page US article on the implications of Ukraine's presidential election

Governance & Politics , Regional Posted: 2010-02-08

The London Conference: It is Time for India to Reassess its Afghan Policy?

IDSA

An Indian commentary calling for a reassessment of that country\'s Afghan policy

Foreign Policy , Regional Posted: 2010-02-08

China’s Missile Defence Test: Yet Another Milestone?

IDSA

An Indian commentary on China's missile defence test

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2010-02-08

Shock Transmission Mechanism of the Economic Crisis in East Asia

IDE

This 35-page Japanese discussion paper investigates the impacts of the 2008 economic crisis on industries in East Asia

Economic Policy , Regional Posted: 2010-02-08

Beyond the Impasse: International Intervention and the Israeli–Palestinian Peace Process

Chatham House

A 12-page UK briefing paper asserting that diplomatic efforts aimed at bringing Israel and the Palestinians back to the negotiating table, however concerted, are not sufficient by themselves to change the underlining dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They need to be accompanied by swift progression to implementation, with international monitoring, training and support

Disarmament & Peacekeeping , Regional Posted: 2010-02-06

Eurasia versus Central Caucaso-Asia: On the Politics of Central Caucaso-Asia

Cicero Foundation

A 21-page address dealing with the rethinking of post-Soviet Central Eurasia

Regional Posted: 2010-02-06

Georgia, Obama, Economic Crisis: Shifting Ground in the Russia-EU Relations

IFRI

A critical 20-page French analysis of the current state of EU-Russian relations

Foreign Policy , Regional Posted: 2010-02-04

The U.S.-Japan Alliance: Relic of a Bygone Era?

AEI

This 7-page US outlook considers the future of the US-Japan alliance

Foreign Policy , Regional Posted: 2010-02-02

The al-Qaida Movement: Status and Prospects

ORG

This UK paper examines the current state and development of the al-Qaida movement and assesses recent changes in the Obama administration’s Afghanistan strategy

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2010-02-01

The Georgian-Russian Conflict: A Turning-point?

DIIS

A 32-page Danish working paper probing the subject-positions of the European Union, the United States and Russia in the context of the debate over the ramifications of the Georgian-Russian conflict

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2010-02-01

Is South America on the Brink of an Arms Race?

SIPRI

A Swedish essay examining whether an arms race is looming in South America

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2010-01-29

Turkey-Israel: A Fluctuating Alliance

SETA

A Turkish policy brief dealing with Turkish-Israel relations

Foreign Policy , Regional Posted: 2010-01-25

China’s Economic Conditions

CRS

A 36-page US background report on China's economy and economic policies

Economic Policy , Regional Posted: 2010-01-22

Iran’s Nuclear Program: Tehran’s Compliance with International Obligations

CRS

This 17-page US report provides a brief overview of Iran’s nuclear program and describes the legal basis for the actions taken by the IAEA board and the Security Council

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2010-01-22

Pakistan’s Nuclear Weapons: Proliferation and Security Issues

CRS

This 22-page US report examines issues relating to international confidence in the security of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2010-01-22

Goldstone's Gaza Report: Part One: A Failure of Intelligence

Gloria Center

This, the 19-page first part of this two-part article explores the pervasive flaws that mar the UNHRC\'s \"Gaza Fact-Finding Mission Report\"

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2010-01-20

Goldstone's Gaza Report: Part Two: A Miscarriage of Human Rights

Gloria Center

This, the 27-page second part of this two-part article, explores two further aspects of the Goldstone report

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2010-01-20

Turkey and China: Seeking a Sustainable Partnership

SETA

This 16-page Turkish policy brief analyzes Turkish-Chinese relations

Foreign Policy , Regional Posted: 2010-01-19

Terrorism and Indo-Pakistani Escalation

CFR

This US 11-page contingency planning memo examines the prospect of another major Pakistan-based terrorist attack in India, the potential consequences for U.S. interests, and strategies for crisis prevention and mitigation

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2010-01-18

Turkey’s Quiet Revolution and Its Impact on Israel

Dayan Center

A 7-page Israeli article tracing how, since 2002, Turkey has been undergoing a quiet revolution that has had far-reaching ramifications on the region in general and on Israel in particular

Foreign Policy , Regional Posted: 2010-01-18

Goal for the Egyptian Nation-State, Yellow Card for Arab Nationalism

Dayan Center

A 5-page Israeli commentary on the present state of the concept of Arab nationalism

Governance & Politics , Regional Posted: 2010-01-16

Gulf of Aden vs Malacca Strait; Piracy and Counter-piracy Efforts

IPCS

A 4-page Indian issue brief compares the origin and evolution of piracy in the Gulf of Aden, off the coast of Somalia against the Malacca strait on the South China Sea

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2010-01-13

Kurdish Opening: Onto the Second Round

GMF

A 4-page US analysis on recent developments in relations between Turkey and the Iraqi Kurds

Foreign Policy , Regional Posted: 2010-01-11

Abnormalisation:The Bumpy Road to Turkish-Armenian Rapprochement,

CEPS

This 2-page commentary analyzes the complexities of implementing the Turkish-Armenian rapprochement

Regional , Foreign Policy Posted: 2010-01-09

Reforms at a Standstill for the Taëf Government of Lebanon

Arab Reform Initiative

A 34-page report on Lebanon's political situation

Governance & Politics , Regional Posted: 2010-01-08

The Eastern Partnership: Towards a New Era of Cooperation between the EU and its Eastern Neighbours?

Clingendael

The 22-page revised Dutch overview paper of a seminar held to analyse in what ways the EaP can enhance and deepen cooperation between the EU and its Eastern neighbours

European Union , Regional Posted: 2010-01-07

High Seas and Rising Tides: U.S.-Japan Maritime Cooperation

Pacific Forum CSIS

A 46-page US report explores US and Japanese perspectives on the maritime domain

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2010-01-07

The Obama Promise, Challenges and Opportunities for Asia

RSIS

This 13-page address offers an Asian perspective on US Asian policy

Regional , Foreign Policy Posted: 2010-01-07

Obama's War in Afghanistan

IISS

A 2-page commentary on the new US strategy for Afghanistan

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2010-01-06

Improved Cross-Strait Relations Confusing to the Japanese

AJISS

A 4-page Japanese commentary on the implications of recent developments in China-Taiwan relations for Japan

Regional , Foreign Policy Posted: 2010-01-06

An African Union? The Shortcomings of Africa’s Strategy in Copenhagen

Stimson Center

A US commentary on Africa's strategy in Copenhagen

Climate Change & Environment , Regional Posted: 2010-01-05

Japan Beefs up its Naval Capability

IDSA

A 12-page Indian issue brief proposing naval cooperation between Japan and India

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2010-01-05

Obama's Visit to Asia

SWP

A 7-page German commentary on the policy implications of Barack Obama's recent visit to Asia

Regional , Foreign Policy Posted: 2010-01-04

The Saudi Double Game: The Internet “Counter-Radicalization” Campaign

ITIC

A 48-page Israeli paper explaining the function of the Saudi state and its Islamic establishment in spreading the radical Wahhabi message throughout the Muslim world and Muslim communities and minorities in the West

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2010-01-02

Somalia and the Pirates

CEPS

A 33-page working paper examining the links between piracy and Somalia, and the historical, legal, political and security dimensions of the troubling success of piracy in today’s world

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2009-12-29

Optimisation of Central Asian and Eurasian Trans-Continental Land Transport Corridors

CEPS

This 18-page working paper reviews the initiatives for strategic trans-continental transport corridors or axes stretching across the Eurasian landmass, centred on or around Central Asia

Regional , Globalisation & International Trade Posted: 2009-12-29

Economic Drivers of Conflict and Cooperation in the Horn of Africa

Chatham House

A 16-page UK briefing paper analyzing the economic drivers of conflict and cooperation in the Horn of Africa

Regional , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2009-12-29

War in Afghanistan: Strategy, Military Operations, and Issues for Congress

CRS

This 75-page US report provides analysis of current developments and future options concerning the war in Afghanistan

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2009-12-22

Evo Morales's Reelection: Last Stand for Democracy?

AEI

A 6-page US brief arguing that Evo Morales's reelection on December 6 bodes ill for Bolivians and friends of democracy in the region

Governance & Politics , Regional Posted: 2009-12-21

“The Forgotten War”: The US Withdrawal from Iraq

INSS

An Israeli commentary on the progress of the US withdrawal from Iraq

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2009-12-14

A Delicate Issue: Asia's Nuclear Future

ASPI

This report argues that Australian strategic policy should retain the flexibility to accommodate a range of possible Asian nuclear futures, striking a balance between its ordering and hedging strategies during a possible turbulent era in regional security

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2009-12-14

The Naval Arena in the Struggle against Iran

INSS

An Israeli article discussing the importance of the naval arena to Israel in the Iranian context

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2009-12-10

Succession Issues

Dayan Center

A 5-page Israeli commentary on leadership succession issues among its immediate neighbours

Governance & Politics , Regional Posted: 2009-12-10

What If the Palestinians Declare Independence?

Dayan Center

An Israeli commentary on the proposal for a unilateral declaration of independence by the Palestinians

Governance & Politics , Regional Posted: 2009-12-09

Countering Democratic Regression in Europe and Eurasia

FPRI

A US essay asserting that democracy is now on the defensive throughout much of the Europe and Eurasia. This regression should be of serious concern to both the United States and to the European Union member states. These anti-democratic trends can and should be reversed, drawing upon the lessons of the last twenty years of postcommunist transition experience

Governance & Politics , Regional Posted: 2009-12-08

The Sources of Russia’s Rapprochement with Turkey

ADA

An Azerbaijani article discussing the causes of Russia’s rapprochement with Turkey

Foreign Policy , Regional Posted: 2009-12-08

Endgame on Karabakh?

ADA

An Azerbaijani article assessing speculation that the South Caucasus is on the verge of a new outbreak of violence

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2009-12-08

No Quick Deliverance from Terrorism for Pakistan

IDSA

An Indian commentary on the need for Pakistan to end the network of jihadists in provinces like Punjab and Sindh as well as the Taliban if it really wants to get rid of the Islamist menace

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2009-12-03

Transforming Turkish Foreign Policy: The Quest for Regional Leadership and Europeanisation

CEPS

This 2-page commentary argues for a ‘rational’ debate on Turkey, in the interests of both Turkey’s democratic future and of the EU’s chances of becoming an effective global power in the 21st century

Regional , Foreign Policy Posted: 2009-12-02

New Government in Beirut, Old Problems in the South

Bitterlemons-international.org

An Israeli commentary on the political situation in Lebanon

Governance & Politics , Regional Posted: 2009-12-02

Combating Protectionism and Boosting Growth at APEC 2009 Singapore Summit

Cathay Institute of Public Affairs, China et al.

A 6-page briefing paper urging APEC leaders to commit their countries to free trade

Globalisation & International Trade , Regional Posted: 2009-12-01

A Victory for Islamism? The Second Lebanon War and Its Repercussions

Washington Institute

An 80-page US paper arguing that although Hizballah's strong position in Lebanese society keeps the bilateral conflict with Israel alive, the perception of strength and success in battle provides Hizballah with much broader reach and regional influence

Regional , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2009-11-27

Crisis in the Palestinian Authority

INSS

An Israeli commentary on how the failure of the American effort to restart the negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians over the final settlement has created a political crisis in the Palestinian Authority

Governance & Politics , Regional Posted: 2009-11-25

Not Too Fast with China

Pacific Forum CSIS

A 2-page US commentary highlighting the importance of the US and China having a clear understanding of what they expect from each othe

Foreign Policy , Regional Posted: 2009-11-24

Japan’s New Commitment to Asia: Toward the Realization of an East Asian Community

RSIS

A 7-page address by the Japanese Prime Minister on Japan's foreign policy towards Asia

Foreign Policy , Regional Posted: 2009-11-24

Obama's America: Why it is Likely to Endure in Asia

RSIS

A 3-page Singaporean commentary on the future role of the US in Asia

Foreign Policy , Regional Posted: 2009-11-24

Jordan: Background and U.S. Relations

CRS

This 30-page US report provides an overview of Jordanian politics and current issues in U.S.-Jordanian relations. It provides a brief discussion of Jordan’s government and economy and of its cooperation in promoting Arab-Israeli peace and other U.S. policy objectives in the Middle East

Governance & Politics , Regional Posted: 2009-11-23

China’s North Korea Dilemma

Hoover Institution

This 27-page article identifies the most salient elements of change and continuity in China's approach to North Korea in order to gain a more precise understanding of the range of interests, assumptions, fears, and hopes that will most likely influence the PRC leadership's future behavior

Foreign Policy , Regional Posted: 2009-11-23

Ankara-Yerevan Accords Point toward Armenia’s Withdrawal from the Occupied Territories

ADA

An Azerbaijani commentary on the implications of the Ankara-Yerevan accords for Azerbaijan

Regional , Foreign Policy Posted: 2009-11-18

Convergence and Divergence in Taiwan's U.S. Policy, 2004-2008: Analysis and Recommendations

Brookings

This 38-page US article looks at recent developments in Taiwan's US policy

Foreign Policy , Regional Posted: 2009-11-16

Bosnia’s Dual Crisis

Crisis Group

This 20-page policy briefing examines the current political turmoil in Bosnia after the authority of the Office of the High Representative (OHR) was challenged by Republika Srpska

Governance & Politics , Regional Posted: 2009-11-13

A Possible US-Russian Arrangement and Implications for the Middle East

INSS

An Israeli commentary on a new US initiative launched by the Obama administration for dialogue with Russia that affects both the bilateral and global levels

Foreign Policy , Regional Posted: 2009-11-12

A New Wave of Terror in the Arabian Peninsula?

INSS

An Israeli analysis of factors likely to result in testing the relative effectiveness demonstrated by the security forces in the Arabian Peninsula in recent years in their struggle against terror

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2009-11-12

The Ugly Political Language of PDK

IFIMES

Highlights of a Slovene analysis of the current political situation in Kosovo

Governance & Politics , Regional Posted: 2009-11-11

The United States in the New Asia

CFR

This 56-page US report examines Asia’s regional architecture and consider what it means for the United States. They identify shortcomings in the region’s existing multilateral mix and contend that the United States must increase its involvement in shaping Asian institutions in order to advance U.S. strategic interests and protect the competitiveness of American firms

Foreign Policy , Regional Posted: 2009-11-10

Yemen Announced that it Seized an Iranian Arms Ship Carrying weapons for the Shi´ite Rebels in the Country’s North

Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center

A 5-page Israeli report of a Yemeni seizure of an Iranian arms shipment destined for a rebel group

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2009-11-09

The Israeli Navy Captures a Ship Carrying a Large Shipment of Weapons (including Rockets, Mortar Shells and Anti-tank Weapons) from Iran

Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center

A 13-page Israeli report of the capture of an Iranian arms ship thought to be destined for Hezbollah in Lebanon

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2009-11-09

Not Much to Celebrate

"The Jerusalem Report"

An Israeli analysis of the continuing imbalance between ruling authorities and civil society in the Middle East

Governance & Politics , Regional Posted: 2009-11-09

The West Balkans between the EU, the USA, and Russia: Challenges and Options

SWP

This 6-page German backgrounder explores the importance of enlargement policy for the EU’s self-ordained role of conflict-resolution in the West Balkans

European Union , Regional Posted: 2009-11-05

Shades of Red: China’s Debate over North Korea

Crisis Group

This 31-page report examines current Chinese policy toward Pyongyang in the wake of North Korea’s latest round of provocations, including missile launches, the withdrawal from the Six-Party-Talks, and the 25 May nuclear test

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2009-11-05

The Invisible Tide: Towards an International Strategy to Deal with Drug Trafficking Through West Africa

IPI

This 44-page paper explains what the risks of West African drug trafficking are, and recommends steps that policymakers in national capitals and multilateral institutions might take to address them in the next three to five years

Drug Abuse , Regional Posted: 2009-10-31

Resolving Southeast Asian Territorial Disputes: A Role for the ICJ

IPCS

This 4-page Indian issue brief attempts to establish the effectiveness of the ICJ as a means of resolving territorial disputes in the Southeast Asia region

Disarmament & Peacekeeping , Regional Posted: 2009-10-30

Conflict Resolution and Peace Building: An Indo-Pak Track II Dialogue

IPCS

The 16-page executive summary of the report of a dialogue held to provide members of the strategic community on both sides with a common platform to discuss issues that plague Indo‐Pak relations and reflect on the possibilities of charting alternative course in the near future

Disarmament & Peacekeeping , Regional Posted: 2009-10-30

Taking Medvedev at his Word

SWP

This 4-page German commentary deals with the Russian President's proposal for an international energy accord

Energy , Regional Posted: 2009-10-29

Japan’s Quest for East Asian Community

IDSA

An Indian commentary on Japan\'s proposal to form an East Asian Community

Regional , Globalisation & International Trade Posted: 2009-10-29

Ukraine between Russia and the European Union

Cicero Foundation

A 5-page address analyzing Ukraine's current situation

Regional , Governance & Politics Posted: 2009-10-28

Pakistan's New Generation of Terrorists

CFR

This updated US backgrounder describes how Pakistan has emerged as a terrorist sanctuary for some of the world's most violent groups, including al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and homegrown militants, that threaten the stability of Pakistan as well as the region

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2009-10-28

Energy and Global Economic Crisis: The Chances for Progress

ISS

This 70-page paper looks at developments based on interdependency and economic integration carried out by the EU in the Mediterranean and how energy efficiency and the development of renewable energies could offer great opportunities for the region

Regional , Energy Posted: 2009-10-28

Central Asia's Growing Partnership with China

FRIDE

This 14-page Spanish paper focuses on the political and geopolitical impact of Beijing's growing influence, along with the economic implications of the Chinese presence in Central Asia

Regional , Foreign Policy Posted: 2009-10-28

Latin America: Time for Reform, Not for Complacency

Brookings

A US commentary on the effectiveness of Latin American governments' response to tthe global financial crisis

Economic Policy , Regional Posted: 2009-10-27

The Nuclear Fuel Deal with Iran: Losing Sight of the Broader Picture?

INSS

An Israeli commentary on the emerging nuclear fuel deal between the US, Russia, France, and Iran

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2009-10-27

Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses

CRS

A 62-page US report on US security concerns presented by Iran

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2009-10-20