On 20–24 September 2021, the NESA Center hosted a delegation from Iraq’s National Defense College (INDC). The first day started with opening remarks from NESA Center Dean Dr. Roger Kangas and a seminar introduction from NESA Center Professor Daniel Curfiss, who also moderated the seminar series. Over the course of the five-day seminar, members of Read More >
Iraq
Iraq Capstone Visit
On 13–17 September 2021, the Near East South Asia (NESA) Center for Strategic Studies hosted the Iraq Capstone Visit to National Defense University (NDU) in Washington DC for an in-person seminar that consisted of ten sessions throughout five days. The seminar started off with opening remarks from NESA Center Director LTG Terry Wolff, U.S. Army Read More >
Ramifications from Coordinating Committee of the Iraqi Resistance Factions’ July 28th, 2021 Statements
By: LtCol Ali AlBedwawi, UAE MOD, CSAG CCJ5 16 Aug 2021 Background: The delegations of the Republic of Iraq, led by Dr. Fuad Hussein, Iraq’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the United States of America, led by Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, co-chaired the final session of the June 11, 2021 Strategic Dialogue. The Read More >
Strategic Survey Seminar: The Middle East and U.S. National Security
From 27 to 29 July, the Near East South Asia (NESA) Center for Strategic Studies hosted a three-day webinar series to explore key political, military, and socio-economic dynamics impacting the wider Middle East and U.S. security policy. The webinar was joined by various internationally recognized scholar-practitioners, primarily intended for both U.S. and foreign military officers, Read More >
US Withdrawal from Iraq and Conditions that Enabled ISIS’ Spread: 2011 and 2021 Comparison
By: LTC Octavian Dorobantu, ROU Army, CSAG CCJ5 23 July 2021 Introduction: In early 2019, the ISIS caliphate was declared “defeated” after losing the Battle of Baghuz Fawqani. However, in 2020, a significant growth in IS attacks has been witnessed in their traditional heartlands of Syria and Iraq, as well as an increasing presence in Read More >
Commercial UASs as a New Component of Modern Warfare
By: CDR Azamat Murzabekov, Kazakhstan Armed Forces, US Central Command: Strategy Plans and Policy Directorate; Combined Strategic Analysis Group 26 May 2021 Introduction: Since the end of the Cold War, unconventional asymmetric warfare has become the primary means of military conflict by the enemies of the US. Armed civilian and paramilitary forces have become more 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 >
Iraq National Defence College Discussion
31 March 2021 – The NESA Center conducted a virtual private event for the National Defence College of Iraq to address the challenges and obstacles ahead of U.S.-Iraq relations under the new Biden Administration. The discussion was led by Mr. Daniel Curfiss, with a welcome by NESA’s Academic Dean, Dr. Roger Kangas, and Director LTG Read More >
The Implications of a US Withdrawal from Iraq for USCENTCOM Priorities and Great Power Competition
By: LTC Octavian Dorobantu, ROU Army, CSAG CCJ5 24 Feb 2021 Introduction: Due to economic changes and the loss of American popular support for long wars, the Trump Administration designed a plan to withdraw troops from Iraq. If the Biden Administration were to act along the same lines, a withdrawal could cause significant harm to Read More >