Content

MENASource

Jan 15, 2026

After Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, what comes next?

By Amit Yarom

Recognition reshapes the scope of bilateral engagement but does not eliminate the constraints tied to Somaliland’s contested status.

Africa
East Africa

Econographics

Jan 15, 2026

What to watch as China prepares its digital yuan for prime time

By Alisha Chhangani

The changes China is implementing around the e-CNY signal a more mature phase for the digital yuan—and an overall shift toward a much broader geopolitical ambition.

China
Digital Currencies

AfricaSource

Jan 15, 2026

The US is reengaging with Libya—and it’s the right call

By Rose Keravuori, Maureen Farrell

If the United States seeks stability in the Mediterranean and credible alternatives to Russian energy, now is the time to make coordinated security and economic investments in Libya.

North & West Africa
Oil and Gas

MENASource

Jan 14, 2026

Voices from Iran: As rejection of government reaches all-time high, Iranians also wary of foreign intervention

By Tara Kangarlou

If Trump is serious about peace, stability, and a lasting legacy, the path forward does not run through air strikes or transactional deals with a failing theocracy.

Civil Society
Crisis Management

UkraineAlert

Jan 13, 2026

Putin is weaponizing winter as Russia tries to freeze Ukraine into submission

By Peter Dickinson

Russia is “going all in” to destroy Ukraine’s power system, Ukrainian Deputy Energy Minister Mykola Kolisnyk said on January 13 following the latest in a series of major bombardments targeting civilian energy infrastructure in cities across the country.

Conflict
Crisis Management

UkraineAlert

Jan 13, 2026

Putin cannot accept any peace deal that secures Ukrainian statehood

By William Dixon, Maksym Beznosiuk

Putin has no obvious route to victory in 2026 but cannot accept a compromise peace as any settlement that safeguarded Ukrainian independence would be seen in Moscow as an historic Russian defeat, write William Dixon and Maksym Beznosiuk.

Conflict
Nationalism

MENASource

Jan 13, 2026

Eight questions (and expert answers) on the SDF’s withdrawal from Syria’s Aleppo

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts unpack why violence erupted, what it means for Kurdish safety and integration in Syria, and how Washington is engaging.

Civil Society
Conflict

EconoGraphics

Jan 12, 2026

Rare earth mining could solve, not worsen, Central Asia’s water troubles

By Andrew D’Anieri

States in the region can capture a net “water dividend” by reinvesting mining revenues in water-saving infrastructure and technologies.

Central Asia
Critical Minerals

EnergySource

Jan 12, 2026

How Venezuela’s future will help determine US diesel and trucking costs 

By Joseph Webster

The US intervention in Venezuela could have ripple effects on US diesel and trucking costs. The impact will fall disproportionately on rural areas.

Energy & Environment
Energy Markets & Governance

MENASource

Jan 12, 2026

The Venezuela-Iran connection and what Maduro’s capture means for Tehran, explained 

By Joze Pelayo, Kirsten Fontenrose, Ellie Sennett 

Our experts break down Iran’s ties to Venezuela and the impact Maduro’s capture could have on Tehran’s interests in and outside of its own borders. 

Iran
Oil and Gas