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MENASource

Oct 21, 2026

The withdrawal of the US-led coalition is a loss for Iraq’s sovereignty

By Yerevan Saeed

The government secured the withdrawal of foreign partners before securing obedience from armed factions. That leaves Baghdad with less leverage against Iran’s allies in Iraq.

Iraq Security & Defense

UkraineAlert

Oct 21, 2026

Moldova’s fight against Kremlin interference faces Gagauzia election test

By Laurențiu Pleșca, Will Kingston-Cox

Moldova’s democratic resilience faces a revealing litmus test on November 15, when autonomous Gagauzia elects a new governor and People’s Assembly amid concerns over Kremlin interference, write Laurențiu Pleșca and Will Kingston-Cox.

Conflict Democratic Transitions

UkraineAlert

Oct 21, 2026

Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians may have a domestic dimension

By Syrus Solo Jin, Anton Ponomarenko

Russia's escalating bombing campaign against civilian targets across Ukraine aims to make much of the country unlivable while also serving a propaganda purpose for the Kremlin on the home front, write Syrus Solo Jin and Anton Ponomarenko.

Conflict Disinformation

Econographics

Oct 20, 2026

The rewiring of globalization is under way

By Hung Tran

Global supply chains are being reconfigured in response to geopolitical and economic upheaval. This is a more nuanced picture than the term "deglobalization" suggests.

China Economy & Business

UkraineAlert

Oct 16, 2026

Ukrainian drone strikes highlight the vulnerability of Russia’s data centers

By Leonid Baratz

The idea of Ukrainian drones silencing Kremlin bots clearly caught the world’s imagination, but the real story behind Ukraine’s recent drone strikes on Russia’s mega data centers is one of strategic vulnerability, writes Leonid Baratz.

Conflict Defense Policy

MENASource

Oct 16, 2026

Iraq’s militias are adjusting for a new era, not going away

By Hamdi Malik

While signaling restraint, the militias are carving room to consolidate their position and shape the terms of Iraq’s next security order.

Conflict Crisis Management

UkraineAlert

Oct 15, 2026

Russia’s Starlink substitute poses a security threat far beyond Ukraine

By Joshua Stein

The Kremlin is currently in the process of deploying a satellite communications network known as Rassvet, creating concerns for the Russian invasion of Ukraine and for the wider international security environment, writes Joshua Stein.

China Conflict

UkraineAlert

Oct 15, 2026

Ukraine reports more battlefield gains as Putin’s invasion loses momentum

By David Kirichenko

Kyiv has reported further battlefield gains this week as the country’s Operation Vivaldi counteroffensive in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region continues to advance, writes David Kirichenko.

Conflict Defense Policy

GeoTech Cues

Oct 14, 2026

When AI agents become economic actors, what happens to money and the financial system?

By Ivan Ferrari

If AI agents come to rely on US transaction infrastructure and dollar-denominated assets, the dollar will become embedded in the operating system of machine commerce.

Artificial Intelligence Digital Policy

UkraineAlert

Oct 13, 2026

Putin snubs Trump’s ceasefire as Russia aims to make Ukraine unlivable

By Maksym Beznosiuk, William Dixon

Hours after US President Donald Trump’s surprise Sunday announcement of an energy ceasefire between Kyiv and Moscow, Russia responded by bombing a series of Ukrainian power plants, write Maksym Beznosiuk and William Dixon.

Conflict Drones