Content

MENASource

Jan 31, 2025

The foreign aid freeze poses risks to US interests in Syria

By Diana Rayes 

Postwar Syria faces a precarious economic and security situation and the United States’ assistance—or lack thereof—will play an outsize role in its outcome.

Democratic Transitions Economic Sanctions

Testimony

Jan 31, 2025

Melanie Hart testifies to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on China’s malign influence

By Melanie Hart

On January 30, Global China Hub Senior Director Melanie Hart testified to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee at a hearing titled, “The malign influence of the People’s Republic of China at home and abroad: Recommendations for policy makers.” Below are her prepared remarks. Senator Risch, Ranking Member Shaheen, distinguished members of the committee, thank you […]

China Economy & Business

MENASource

Jan 31, 2025

Libya’s de facto partition demands a solution designed for it—not for outside contenders

By Hani Shennib

Libya needs new ideas and a national and international will to reset a realistic path toward a modern state.

Democratic Transitions Elections

New Atlanticist

Jan 31, 2025

Abolishing FEMA would hurt all Americans—particularly Trump voters

By Thomas S. Warrick

Instead of abolishing the agency, US President Donald Trump should support fixing its problems, making it more efficient, and changing its focus to include strategic resilience.

Politics & Diplomacy Resilience

In the News

Jan 31, 2025

Punaro on Fox Business on the DC plane crash and Tulsi Gabbard

By Atlantic Council

On January 31st, Arnold Punaro, non-resident senior fellow at Forward Defense, was featured on Fox Business to discuss the Black Hawk helicopter involved in the DC plane crash and Tulsi Gabbard’s Senate confirmation hearing.

Intelligence Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Jan 30, 2025

The roots of recent Algeria-France tensions are deeper than it may seem

By Karim Mezran and Nicola Pedde

Algeria’s fear of growing international isolation, coupled with growing internal tensions in French domestic politics, risk aggravating misunderstandings between the two countries.

Freedom and Prosperity Human Rights

New Atlanticist

Jan 30, 2025

Trump’s out-of-the-box approach is perfect to help demilitarize Kaliningrad

By Agnia Grigas

Trump’s efforts to end the war in Ukraine should also consider European security in the war’s aftermath—and this should include removing the threat that Russia’s control over Kaliningrad poses to the continent.

Europe & Eurasia Missile Defense

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Jan 30, 2025

Peru’s economy needs to unlock its green potential

By Liliana Rojas-Suarez

Peru’s green transition offers a path to prosperity through renewable energy, critical minerals, and job creation. Prioritizing infrastructure, labor market reforms, and human capital development can drive growth. Political consensus around this vision is key to overcoming institutional weaknesses and positioning Peru as a global leader in the green economy.

Economy & Business Energy Transitions

Inflection Points Today

Jan 30, 2025

DeepSeek poses a Manhattan Project–sized challenge for Trump

By Frederick Kempe

Reports of an artificial intelligence breakthrough by a Chinese company should be a wake-up call for the United States.

Artificial Intelligence China

MENASource

Jan 29, 2025

Lebanon’s prime minister-designate is unlikely to confront Hezbollah

By David Daoud

Given Lebanon’s dire postwar economic state, Nawaf Salam is highly unlikely to risk escalating internal conflict during his premiership.

Conflict Democratic Transitions

Experts

Events