Content

New Atlanticist

Dec 3, 2020

From warriors to peacekeepers: What the future holds for the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces

By Tamim Asey

The eventual outcome of talks will determine whether the ANDSF is focused on protecting the state against its internal and external enemies, or is charged with resisting a renewed Taliban regime.

Afghanistan Conflict

Fast Thinking

Dec 2, 2020

FAST THINKING: Iran sends a message

By Atlantic Council

Now we know how Iran will respond to the assassination of its top nuclear scientist: with an ultimatum to the Biden administration. Tehran enacted a law today to immediately ramp up uranium enrichment—and to expel international nuclear inspectors if US sanctions aren’t lifted by early February, right after Joe Biden takes office. What does the move mean?

Elections Iran

Seizing the advantage

Dec 2, 2020

America’s fleeting second-mover advantage is here

By Matthew R. Crouch

Though Chinese initiative has upset the status quo, their first move clarifies their vulnerabilities and exposes potential effective counterweights. By acting promptly to exploit these opportunities, the United States can take the second-mover advantage.

China Coronavirus

Fast Thinking

Dec 2, 2020

FAST THINKING: NATO’s 138-point plan for survival

By Atlantic Council

This week’s summit of NATO foreign ministers featured the release of an internal report on what it can do to stay relevant over the next decade. The study comes as the Alliance aims to recover from the drift of the Trump era and grapple with new challenges from Russia and China.

Elections International Organizations

MENASource

Dec 1, 2020

2021 budget reveals the depth of Syria’s economic woes

By William Christou and Karam Shaar

Unless a political settlement is reached and the sanctions are lifted to enable reconstruction, the economy of regime-held Syria will continue to struggle.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Dec 1, 2020

ECB President outlines her plans for overcoming the second wave of economic damage from COVID

By David A. Wemer

Although lockdowns are beginning to ease across Europe after a brutal second wave of coronavirus infections in October and November, governments need to prepare for a second economic hit, Christine Lagarde said on December 1.

Coronavirus Digital Policy

UkraineAlert

Dec 1, 2020

It’s time to start treating Ukraine’s corrupt judiciary as a criminal syndicate

By Mykhailo Zhernakov

Ukraine's justice system currently operates as a criminal syndicate and requires a complete overhaul if the country is to have any hope of achieving fundamental reform, argues Mykhailo Zhernakov.

Corruption Political Reform

Event Recap

Dec 1, 2020

Event recap: “Lessons for Afghanistan from Lebanon’s peace process”

By Atlantic Council

On November 25, 2020, the Atlantic Council’s South Asia Center and the Embassy of Afghanistan in Washington D.C. jointly hosted H.E. Ambassador Roya Rahmani, Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi, Dr. Patricia Karam, and Dr. Daniel Corstange for a conversation about lessons that can be learned from the 1989 Lebanese peace process for the ongoing Afghan peace talks.

Afghanistan Lebanon

EconoGraphics

Dec 1, 2020

Global QE Tracker

By GeoEconomics Center

This Global QE Tracker allows users to compare the major central banks’ different quantitative easing policies, offers in-depth breakdowns of each institution’s specific QE measures, and explains in clear terms how QE and interest rates work together to produce successful monetary policy.

Economy & Business European Union

UkraineAlert

Dec 1, 2020

Naftogaz reforms in danger

By Diane Francis

Along with the country’s other anti-corruption success stories, Ukraine's Naftogaz is coming under pressure from malevolent forces intent on recapturing state enterprises and turning back the clock.

Energy Markets & Governance Geopolitics & Energy Security