From 28 to 30 June 2021, the Near East South Asia (NESA) Center for Strategic Studies hosted an event as part of its Indian Ocean Region focused series of engagements. This event centered on exploring strategic competition and its impact throughout the larger Western Indian Ocean Region. Specific themes of the event included the regional Read More >
China
The Geopolitical Implications of Returning to the JCPOA
By: LTC Sami Alshehri, Saudi Arabian Military, CCJ5 CSAG 15 July 2021 Introduction: The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is a detailed agreement reached between Iran, and the UN Security Council’s five permanent members (US, Russia, the UK, China, France), plus Germany (together the “P5+1”). The agreement was reached on July 14, 2015, and Read More >
NESA Center-Central Command Conference
From 22 – 23 June 2021, the Near East South Asia (NESA) Center for Strategic Studies, along with United States Central Command (CENTCOM), conducted a conference titled “State-of-Play in and Around Iran” that explored Iran’s domestic issues and challenges. The seminar had several panels focusing on; economy and military spending, political factions in Iran, defense Read More >
Are We Facing a Shift in KSA-US Relations or is it Only a Temporary Weakening?
By: LTC Dusan Borak, CZE Air Force, CSAG CCJ5 13 July 2021 Introduction: Despite all the ideological differences between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA or the Kingdom), their partnership has so far been considered very strong, even though it was not based on a common foundation. The stopping support for Read More >
After Normalization, Why Does the Middle East Peace Process Still Matter?
By: Col Emad Elganzory, EGY Army, CSAG CCJ5 25 June 2021 Introduction: The Palestinian-Israeli conflict has been described as the mother of all issues in the Middle East. It is one of the most protracted and potentially dangerous conflicts in the world. After more than seven decades, resolving the conflict remains a distant dream. It Read More >
The Implications of Low Oil Prices and Economic Diversification in the Middle-East
By: LTC Meteb Almarri, QAT Air Force, US Central Command: Strategy Plans and Policy Directorate; Combined Strategic Analysis Group 21 June 2021 Introduction: The Middle East is a global producer and exporter of oil. The region enjoys high returns from oil sales to many countries around the world. The Middle East has relied heavily on Read More >
China is Striving to Change How it is Perceived in Central Asian States
By : MAJ Naoki Tajiri, Japan Ground Self-defense Force, US Central Command: Strategy Plans and Policy Directorate; Combined Strategic Analysis Group 26 May 2021 Introduction: Central Asian political stability and security are of great importance to China. Therefore, China seeks to strengthen regional border controls, lead the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and contribute to stabilizing 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 >
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 >