By: CDR Azamat Murzabekov, Kazakhstan Navy, US Central Command: Strategy Plans and Policy Directorate; Combined Strategic Analysis Group 26 May 2021 Introduction: The land that is now Afghanistan has a long history of domination by foreign conquerors and strife among internal warring factions. At the gateway between Asia and Europe, this land was conquered by Read More >
One-Year into the COVID-19 Pandemic in Yemen: An Opportunity to Refocus Foreign Powers’ Attention and End a War?
By: LtCol Michael von Normann, German Army, US Central Command: Strategy Plans and Policy Directorate; Combined Strategic Analysis Group 14 June 2021 Introduction: More than six years into the Saudi-led intervention, the situation in Yemen is no longer a concern to Yemenis alone. This conflict is a clear example of the permanent struggle between regional Read More >
Will Beijing Expand in the Middle East at Washington’s Expense?
By: : LTC Ali AL-Kaabi, UAE Air Force, US Central Command: Strategy Plans and Policy Directorate; Combined Strategic Analysis Group 04 June 2021 Introduction: Backed by one of the fastest growing economies in the world, China has publicly announced its desire to become a superpower and overtake the US by 2049. To achieve this goal, Read More >
Is China Turning the Table to Fuel the Conflict over Kashmir?
By: LTC Youngsuk Lee, Republic of Korea Army, US Central Command: Strategy Plans and Policy Directorate; Combined Strategic Analysis Group 04 June 2021 Introduction: The deadliest clash between Chinese and Indian armies in Galwan valley occurred on June 15th 2020. As a result, 20 Indian and 4 Chinese soldiers were killed and dozens wounded. This Read More >
Likelihood of Ethnic Cross-border Tensions in Iran
By: LTC Arjen Wassink, NLD Army, US Central Command: Strategy Plans and Policy Directorate; Combined Strategic Analysis Group 04 June 2021 Introduction: For centuries, cross-border tensions have escalated the risk of crises becoming wars. The war in Iraq showed how complicated these tensions can be and what risks they entail. The current crisis in the Read More >
Omani Diplomatic Institute Seminar
24–26 May 2021 – In late May 2021 the Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies (NESA) held a virtual seminar with the Omani Diplomatic Institute in Muscat. Fourteen Omani diplomats participated in the seminar. NESA experts covered a variety of topics including the Biden Administration policy toward the Middle East, U.S. military engagement Read More >
Migration Workshop
From 25 to 26 May 2021, the Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies (NESA), in partnership with the George C. Marshall Center for Security Studies (GCMC) and the European Institute of the Mediterranean (IEMed), conducted a Migration Workshop. The two-day program was comprised of four separate panels with eight speakers from various parts Read More >
MENA Regional Waters: A Workshop on the Red Sea/Arabian Sea Smuggling Conundrum
18–19 May 2021 – The Near East South (NESA) Center for Strategic Studies conducted a workshop focused on the maritime security environment in the Red and Arabian Seas. Specifically, the program centered on analyzing illicit networks in the maritime domain. This workshop brought together 34 participants from seven regional states. The event was conducted digitally Read More >
Strategic Estimate 2021
By Combined Strategic Analysis Group – CCJ5-G – USCENTCOM May 2021 Introduction: USCENTCOM CCJ5 Combined Strategic Analysis Group (CSAG) produces a yearly, forward looking AOR Strategic Estimate for Commander USCENTCOM and staff. This Estimate is the 48th since 2003. The previous Estimate was released on 4 May 2020. The May 2021 Estimate is current as Read More >
Will a Major US Disengagement in the Middle East Lead to Conflicts Resulting in More Refugees and Migration?
By LTC Ali AL-Kaabi, UAE Air Force, US Central Command: Strategy Plans and Policy Directorate; Combined Strategic Analysis Group 07 May 2021 Introduction: Recent indicators stress a likely US gradual disengagement from CENTCOM’s area of responsibility. This likely US disengagement would affect key areas including national/regional security, the change in migration patterns, the affected countries’ Read More >