The case for designating Iran-linked crime networks as FTOs

MENASource Aug 25, 2024

After a failed attack, Hezbollah’s propaganda seeks to prevent a wider war with Israel

By David Daoud

Committed as Hezbollah is to saving its Gaza-based allies, the group does not currently want a full war with Israel.
Conflict Israel
The case for designating Iran-linked crime networks as FTOs

New Atlanticist Aug 21, 2024

How quickly can Taiwan integrate US weapon systems? Speed is essential to help deter China.

By Adam Kozloski

To better prepare Taiwan to defend itself, the United States needs more transparency into Taipei’s weapons integration challenges.
Conflict Defense Policy
The case for designating Iran-linked crime networks as FTOs

UkraineAlert Aug 21, 2024

Invasion? What invasion? Putin is downplaying Ukraine’s Kursk offensive

By Peter Dickinson

Vladimir Putin’s efforts to downplay Ukraine’s invasion of Russia have severely dented his strongman image and make a mockery of the West’s escalation fears, writes Peter Dickinson.
Conflict Defense Policy

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MENASource

Apr 18, 2025

The case for designating Iran-linked crime networks as FTOs

By Jason M. Brodsky

Trump has been creative in designating international gangs as foreign terrorist organizations. He should apply the same standard to those linked to Iran.

Iran Middle East

UkraineAlert

Apr 17, 2025

Putin is attempting to intimidate Merz with yet more Russian red lines

By Peter Dickinson

As Germany’s next chancellor Friedrich Merz prepares to boost support for Ukraine, the Kremlin is already seeking to deter him with intimidation tactics, writes Peter Dickinson. Merz's response will help define whether he is capable of leading Europe.

Conflict Defense Industry

UkraineAlert

Apr 17, 2025

The Ukrainian army is now Europe’s most credible security guarantee

By Pavlo Verkhniatskyi

As Europe confronts the new geopolitical realities of an expansionist Russia and an isolationist United States, the continent's most credible security guarantee is now the Ukrainian Armed Forces, writes Pavlo Verkhniatskyi.

Conflict Defense Industry

New Atlanticist

Apr 17, 2025

The US must sustain counterterrorism operations in Somalia—the costs of retreat are too high

By Danielle Cosgrove and Doug Livermore

To maintain a foothold in East Africa’s security architecture, the US must prioritize continuity, including keeping the US embassy in Mogadishu open.

Africa Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Apr 17, 2025

Trump can’t afford to simply revive Obama’s Iran nuclear deal

By Jonathan Panikoff

Trump is right to try to seek a deal before okaying military action against Iran. But unlike in 2015, time is almost up.

Iran Nuclear Deterrence

In the News

Apr 17, 2025

Soofer quoted in Politico article entitled, “Trump May Be Triggering the Fastest Nuclear Weapons Race Since the Cold War”

By Atlantic Council

On April 11, Forward Defense senior fellow Robert Soofer was quoted in a Politico article entitled, “Trump May Be Triggering the Fastest Nuclear Weapons Race Since the Cold War.” In discussing US extended deterrence, Soofer is quoted saying, “What makes the South Koreans nervous is the fear that we wouldn’t risk San Francisco to save Seoul.”

Arms Control China

MENASource

Apr 17, 2025

Trump must clarify his Iraq policy. Washington’s Middle East investment hangs in the balance.

By Sarkawt Shamsulddin

Contradictory signals from the US president on Iraq's Iran-connected Popular Mobilization Forces risks derailing hard-won progress.

Iraq Middle East

New Atlanticist

Apr 16, 2025

China is militarizing its coast guard against Taiwan. Here’s how Taipei and its allies can respond.

By Kitsch Liao

As new evidence emerges about China's long-suspected practice of using its coast guard for military purposes, Taiwan and the US have the tools to push back.

Maritime Security National Security

UkraineAlert

Apr 15, 2025

US funding cuts create openings for Russian disinformation in Ukraine

By Muhammad Tahir

Drastic recent cuts to US funding for Ukraine's independent media will create unprecedented opportunities for Russian disinformation, writes Muhammad Tahir.

Civil Society Conflict

UkraineAlert

Apr 15, 2025

Russian missile strikes on Ukrainian civilians cast shadow over peace talks

By Mercedes Sapuppo

Russia's Palm Sunday ballistic missile strike on Sumy was the latest in a series of attacks on Ukrainian cities that have killed dozens of civilians and cast a long shadow over Donald Trump's efforts to initiate peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv, writes Mercedes Sapuppo.

Conflict Missile Defense
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Project Assistant

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Industry Europe & Eurasia

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Brett McGurk

Distinguished fellow, Middle East Programs

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

English Middle East

Fellow

Marvin J. Park

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Indo-Pacific Security Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

China Defense Policy

Fellow

Owen J. Daniels

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Industry Defense Policy

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Robert Fardi

Nonresident Senior Fellow, N7 Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Economy & Business Israel

Fellow

Hannah Hunt

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Industry Defense Technologies
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Strengthening US shipbuilding: Congress’s role in maritime revitalization
Defense Industry Defense Policy Defense Technologies Maritime Security