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UkraineAlert

Jan 12, 2022

Cutting off Russia from SWIFT will really sting

By Harley Balzer

While Russia has attempted to reduce its dependence on the SWIFT payment system, it remains vulnerable to a sanctions cut-off in the event of a new Kremlin offensive in Putin's eight-year undeclared war against Ukraine.

China Conflict

SouthAsiaSource

Jan 12, 2022

The Afghan Taliban aren’t likely to give up the TTP. Here’s why.

By Fahd Humayun

This week, a commander of the anti-Pakistan terrorist outfit Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was killed by sniper fire in Afghanistan’s eastern province of Nangarhar. While no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, Afghanistan’s new ruling dispensation under the Afghan Taliban is unlikely to have had a hand in the hit, despite Islamabad’s insistence that the new regime take action against the outlawed terrorist group.

Afghanistan Indo-Pacific

BelarusAlert

Jan 12, 2022

Soviet reunion in the air as USSR centenary approaches

By Brian Whitmore

2022 will see the one hundredth anniversary of the USSR. The centenary comes at a time when Russian President Vladimir Putin is increasingly reasserting Moscow's influence across the former Soviet empire.

Belarus Central Asia

New Atlanticist

Jan 11, 2022

What will Putin do? An expert guide to this week’s high-wire diplomacy with Russia

By Atlantic Council experts

As the tensions ratchet up, our experts parse through the details, signals, and developments to distill what this moment means for Europe and beyond.

Europe & Eurasia NATO

BelarusAlert

Jan 11, 2022

Belarus dictator prepares to extend reign via farcical referendum

By Hanna Liubakova

A Belarusian referendum on constitutional changes in early 2022 looks set to prolong the country's deep political crisis and strengthen Kremlin-backed dictator Alyaksandr Lukashenka’s grip on power.

Belarus Civil Society

UkraineAlert

Jan 11, 2022

Ukrainians call on US Senate to sanction Putin’s pipeline weapon

By Ukrainian civil society representatives

US senators are set to vote in the coming days on a bill for new sanctions against Russia’s Nord Stream 2 pipeline. Ukrainian civil society representatives have issued an appeal calling on senators to back sanctions.

Conflict Economic Sanctions

New Atlanticist

Jan 11, 2022

Here’s how to get US-India trade on the right track

By Mark Linscott

Both countries need to be vocal about their goals—but also realistic in their expectations.

India Macroeconomics

IranSource

Jan 11, 2022

Who’s on Iran’s current nuclear negotiating team? Some have controversial pasts.

By Mehrzad Boroujerdi

As nuclear talks in Vienna continue their halting progress, a look at the backgrounds of the key members of the Iranian negotiating team may help explain why it has been so difficult to revive the 2015 JCPOA.

Iran Middle East

New Atlanticist

Jan 11, 2022

The US risks losing its influence in the Horn of Africa. Here’s how to get it back.

By Gabriel Negatu

Evolving crises in Ethiopia and Sudan have exposed Washington’s lack of a clear and coherent policy for the region.

Democratic Transitions East Africa

UkraineAlert

Jan 10, 2022

The US and NATO must attack Vladimir Putin’s intimidation strategy

By Harlan Ullman

The current US approach to the crisis with Russia is predictable and conventional. The principle author of the "shock and awe" doctrine, Harlan Ullman, believes it is time to turn Putin's intimidation tactics against him.

Conflict Defense Policy