Dynamics of Countering Human Trafficking in South Asia and the Gulf Seminar

From 20–24 May 2024, the Near East South Asia (NESA) Center for Strategic Studies hosted a “Dynamics of Countering Human Trafficking in South Asia and the Gulf Seminar” held at National Defense University in Washington, D.C.   The seminar was designed to help participants assess, analyze, and identify opportunities to effectively counter human trafficking in Read More >

May–June 2023 NESA Center Update Report

View the NESA Center May – June 2023 Update focused on the Gulf region trends. The update also highlights May through June NESA Center programs and events, faculty and staff engagements, alumni contributions, and a calendar with upcoming events. Regional Trends – The Gulf All Gulf countries are making substantial progress in gender equality and women Read More >

Is CENTCOM Prescribing the ‘Suitable Medicine’ to Deter Iran?

CSAG INFORMATION PAPER By: Lt Col Kashif Ehtisham, Pakistan Army (CSAG/CCJ5)   29 September 2023 Subject: Is CENTCOM Prescribing the ‘Suitable Medicine’ to Deter Iran? Purpose: To present CSAG analysis of the recent deployment of additional US troops and assets in the Middle East (ME) to deter Iran, within the context of the current strategic Read More >

Chinese-brokered Iran-KSA Détente, “A Game-Changer or a Mirage?”

CSAG INFORMATION PAPER By: LTC Kashif Ehtisham, PAK Army (CSAG/CCJ5) and LTC René Berendsen, NLD Army (CSAG/CCJ5) 12 September 2023 Subject: Chinese-brokered Iran-KSA Détente, “A Game-Changer or a Mirage?” Purpose: To present CSAG’s analysis of the recent rapprochement between Iran and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) brokered by China. Read the complete paper here.   Read More >

Deir ez-Zor: Critical Juncture in the Process Towards Syria’s Normalization

CSAG INFORMATION PAPER By: Lt Col Richard Pecinka, CZE AF (CSAG/CCJ5), LTC René Berendsen, NLD Army (CSAG/CCJ5), and MAJ Felix Badut, ROU Army (CSAG/CCJ5) 12 September 2023 Subject: Deir ez-Zor: Critical Juncture in the Process Towards Syria’s Normalization Purpose: To present CSAG’s analysis of the strategic significance of Deir ez-Zor in shaping the future of Read More >

Defense Security Cooperation University Military Officer NESA Center Orientation

On Thursday, 27 July 2023, the Near East South Asia (NESA) Center for Strategic Studies welcomed three U.S. military officers who attended the Defense Security Cooperation University’s seven-week training and education program, which includes the Fundamentals and Application of Security Cooperation Organization (SCO) Operations Course and the National Capital Region-based SCO Operational Engagements Course. These Read More >

Pirates of the Middle East Gulfs

CSAG INFORMATION PAPER By: LCDR Stipe Skelin, Croatian Navy (CSAG/CCJ5) and LTC René Berendsen, NLD Army (CSAG/CCJ5) 18 July 2023 Subject: Pirates of the Middle East Gulfs Purpose: This paper aims to present the CSAG’s analysis regarding how Iran is using a calculated provocative approach, to enhance their bargaining power by creating leverage during negotiations, Read More >

Cyber Security Seminar: Sharing Experiences

The NESA Center executed its first cyber security seminar from 12–15 June 2023 in Washington, D.C., titled “Cyber Security: Sharing Experiences.” Twelve countries from the MENA region were represented.   Senior U.S. officials and think-tank representatives addressed the seminar. All presentations were followed with discussions that were held off-the-record under Chatham House rules of non-attribution. Read More >

2023 Dynamics of Countering Human Trafficking in South Asia and the Gulf Seminar

From 22–25 May 2023, the NESA Center conducted a seminar titled “Dynamics of Countering Human Trafficking in South Asia and the Gulf.” The four-day workshop was held in Muscat, Oman. It was designed to help participants assess, analyze, and identify opportunities to effectively counter human trafficking in South Asia and the Gulf and improve regional Read More >

China’s Approach to the Red Sea States

CSAG INFORMATION PAPER By: MAJ Ibrahim Elveren, TUR Army (CSAG/CCJ5) and LTC Almaz Mukashev, KAZ Army (CSAG/CCJ5) 6 April 2023 Subject: China’s Approach to the Red Sea States. Purpose: This paper aims to present the results of the CSAG’s analysis of China’s Approach to the Red Sea States, including the “5-No Approach” to the African Read More >