OPINION: War with Iran Unlikely
The recently passed economic sanctions on Iran will do nothing to force the hand of the Iranian regime with respect to its nuclear program and will not provoke a military response precipitating conflict in the region. It is quite unlikely that we are on the brink of a catastrophic showdown between the West and Iran.
Backgrounder: China Economy Year in Review
China’s state authorities are projecting confidence as they hope for a rebound, but the structural contradictions that thwarted economic growth in 2023 still loom large over the year to come.
Egypt: A Coup by any Other Name Still Brings Chaos
Although Egypt’s first democratically elected leader displayed an authoritarian streak, Morsi’s undemocratic ouster sets a dangerous precedent in Egypt’s early experiment with constitutional democracy. Rather than rejoicing over the ouster, Egyptians should be cautious of the ideological divide that is polarizing the country and creating policy deadlock.
BRICS Expansion: Gauging Kazakhstan’s Potential
This year’s BRICS summit is set to discuss the potential expansion of the bloc. Would Kazakhstan make the cut?
OPINION: The Ones Who Progress Left Behind
Globalization’s chickens are coming home to roost on Wall Street.
Spanish Influenza’s Final Lesson
Governments must act early, and act decisively lest history be given a chance to repeat itself.
One Last Nuclear Dance for the US and Iran
The Geopoliticalmonitor's Zachary Fillingham examines the latest diplomatic overtures between Iran and the United States.
Saudi Arabia Lashes Out, Grants Women Vote
This week was an eventful week for women in Saudi Arabia. Women in Saudi Arabia were given the right to vote and to run in elections by King Abdullah, marking a huge step forward for women’s political participation in this country. Yet, a Saudi woman named Shaima Jastaina also received the first legal punishment for violating the kingdom’s prohibition on female driving and was condemned to ten lashes.
Abbas Makes His Case at the UN
After yet another decade of a peace process that is obviously stalled if not terminally ineffective, PA President Mahmoud Abbas has decided to take Palestinian aspirations of statehood to the United Nations.
Iran foils U.S.-backed coup
Iran announced a secret court’s guilty verdict against four Iranian nationals convicted of organizing a “soft regime change” in Tehran at the behest of the Bush administration. The Iranian announcement follows reports of a U.S. covert-ops program targeting Iranian nuclear facilities.