Category: Blogs

After the Loss of Aleppo, the Military Opposition is under Pressure to Reconfigure Itself

By Hosam al-Jablawi

The victories of the Syrian opposition forces came to an end with their taking of the city of Idlib over a year and a half ago. After the Russian military intervention on behalf of the Syrian regime, these forces have turned to defending their own areas. Since that time, they have lost key regions—the most […]

How the Regime Capturing East Aleppo is Affecting Syria’s Salafi-Jihadist Scene

By Mona Alami

The regime retaking east Aleppo and decreased support from Turkey for Syria’s rebels is having a deep impact on Syria’s Salafi-jihadi scene. In the last couple of weeks, several statements, leaks, and information from other Islamist groups point to internal struggles in Ahrar al-Sham and Jabhat Fateh al-Sham. In both cases, the power struggles within […]

Brazil Braces for Another Tumultuous Year

By Ricardo Sennes

Throughout 2016, Brazilians and foreigners alike kept stating—and hoping—that 2017 would bring more stability, allowing Brazil to reform and grow its economy. But those of us who thought we were heading into calmer waters will have to think again. The new year is gearing up to be another tumultuous one for Brazil, in spite of […]

US-Romania Ties in Need of an Upgrade

By Radu Magdin

There are several reasons why Donald Trump’s administration must upgrade the relationship with Romania—an important US partner in Eastern Europe. Romania is an enduring friend and ally—from a cultural, security, and military standpoint—and offers a wealth of economic opportunities. It aspires to be more present on Washington’s strategic radar, and particularly on the agenda of […]

Why I’m Optimistic about Ukraine’s Reforms in 2017

By Oksana Bedratenko

Following decades of neglect, there is real progress in Ukraine’s healthcare sector. Thanks to the efforts of reformers in the Ministry of Health, pressure from civil society, and the support of international donors, the sector is seeing reduced corruption and clear prospects for reform. The healthcare sector had been a magnet for large-scale corruption for […]

Joseph Kabila Has Passed His Expiration Date

By Ashish Kumar Sen

The United States must work to avoid another ‘world war’ in Africa, says Atlantic Council’s J. Peter Pham The United States must ratchet up pressure on Congolese President Joseph Kabila in an attempt to convince him to leave office; a failure to do so would risk dragging the country and its neighbors into a costly […]

Joseph Kabila Has Passed His Expiration Date

By Ashish Kumar Sen

The United States must work to avoid another ‘world war’ in Africa, says the Atlantic Council’s J. Peter Pham The United States must ratchet up pressure on Congolese President Joseph Kabila in an attempt to convince him to leave office; a failure to do so would risk dragging the country and its neighbors into a […]

A Call for the Transatlantic Community to Stand Up to Russia

Deborah Lee James, secretary of the US Air Force, said the transatlantic community is facing significant challenges In light of numerous instances of Russian aggression around the world, the transatlantic security community must stand together in a coordinated show of force so as to deter Russian revanchism, Deborah Lee James, secretary of the US Air […]

How the West Can Beat Back the Kremlin

By Jakub Janda

The Kremlin and its allies have started to harvest the fruits of the seeds they have been planting for years. Moscow occupies territories of Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine; actively wages war on another part of Ukrainian soil; and is now playing a game of political subversion in several Western states. In the past few years, […]