Content

BelarusAlert

Aug 4, 2021

Belarus dissident death in Ukraine fuels fears over Lukashenka death squads

By Brian Whitmore

The suspicious death of exiled Belarus dissident Vital Shyshou in Kyiv this week is fueling speculation over dictator Alyaksandr Lukashenka's use of death squads to eliminate political opponents across Europe.

Belarus Non-Traditional Threats

MENASource

Aug 4, 2021

It’s been a year since the Beirut blast. Now the unemployed are turning to tech.

By Sarah Page

The tech sector may be one of the only fields of employment that has been relatively unaffected by Lebanon's political and socio-economic crisis.

Lebanon Middle East

Issue Brief

Aug 4, 2021

Beyond Pakistan’s 2021-22 budget: The economy and growth

By Uzair Younus

Recently appointed to his position, Shaukat Tarin has positioned the budget as being growth oriented in focus, with significant increases to subsidies, public-sector development, and salaries of government employees.

Economy & Business Fiscal and Structural Reform

New Atlanticist

Aug 4, 2021

National Cyber Director Chris Inglis: We need to become a ‘harder target’ for our adversaries

By Katherine Golden

How do you strengthen an entire nation’s cyber defenses? That’s the task facing Inglis, who spoke about his priorities in his new White House role at the Atlantic Council.

Cybersecurity National Security

Fast Thinking

Aug 3, 2021

FAST THINKING: Dead activists, fleeing Olympians, and jailed journalists: Is this the new normal for Belarus?

By Melinda Haring, Doug Klain

Experts Melinda Haring and Doug Klain from the Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center explain what's behind the regime's latest illegal actions abroad and discuss what's ahead for Lukashenka in Belarus as we approach the anniversary of the dictator's illegitimate reelection.

Belarus Corruption

SouthAsiaSource

Aug 3, 2021

On the frontline: Protecting Afghanistan’s human rights defenders

By Atlantic Council

Despite being on the receiving end of threats, harassment, intimidation, violence, and assassinations, Afghanistan's human rights defenders continue to fight for the rights of Afghans. Join the Atlantic Council's South Asia Center for a discussion with some of Afghanistan’s leading human rights defenders and experts to explore what lies ahead for the activists who put their lives on the line to fight violence, impunity, and militancy.

Afghanistan Civil Society

UkraineAlert

Aug 3, 2021

The next hot food destination is Ukraine

By Melinda Haring

It's only a matter of time before foodies the world over discover these gems in Ukraine.

Civil Society Ukraine

Event Recap

Aug 3, 2021

Event Recap: A conversation with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ali Allawi

By Hezha Barzani

On July 28, the Iraq Initiative hosted an event with H.E. Ali Allawi, Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, to discuss the Iraqi delegation visit to the United States, the White Paper for Economic Reforms, and Iraqi economic and political developments.

Iraq Middle East

Feature

Aug 2, 2021

South Asia midyear pause: Taking stock of 2021

By South Asia Center

South Asia will face crucial issues like human security, regional stability, economic prosperity, and the pandemic in the remainder of 2021. How should we understand the region's prospects as we embark on the second half of the year? Our South Asia experts weigh in.

Afghanistan Bangladesh

IranSource

Aug 2, 2021

The ‘Balkanization’ of Iran is a fantasy. Here’s why.

By Raz Zimmt

Despite the profound differences between the various ethnic groups, Iran has existed as a separate political and cultural entity with a unique national identity for centuries, unlike most Arab nation-states, whose borders were shaped by Western powers after World War I.

Iran Middle East