CSAG STRATEGY PAPER By: LTC René Berendsen, NLD Army (CSAG/CCJ5) 02 February 2024 Overview: Shaped by the 1979 Iranian Revolution, the Iranian political landscape uniquely blends democratic and theocratic elements. The 12th parliamentary elections, the 6th Assembly of Experts elections on March 1, 2024, and the presidential elections in 2025 are playing pivotal roles Read More >
CENTCOM CSAG Papers
The Hamas – Israel Conflict: Forming A Potential “New Normal”
CSAG STRATEGY PAPER By: LTC Kashif Ehtisham, Pakistan Army (CSAG/CCJ5);CDR Hubert Mroz, Poland Navy (CSAG/CCJ5); and MAJ Ibrahim Elveren, Turkish Army (CSAG/CCJ5) 29 January 2024 Overview: The Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October has affected not only the political and security dynamics in the ME region but also the world at large. This Read More >
Lebanon: A Potential Game Changer in the CENTCOM AOR
CSAG STRATEGY PAPER By: LTC GIAMPIERO CURRADO, ITA Army (CSAG/CCJ5) 16 January 2024 Overview: Years of political instability in combination with an ongoing economic crisis — exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the explosion in the Port of Beirut in August 2020 — have brought the country close to collapse. Moreover, the current institutional vacuum Read More >
Sanctions on Russia and Economic Impact for Central Asia
CSAG STRATEGY PAPER By: Identity withheld in accordance with partner nation agreement. (CSAG/CCJ5) 8 December 2023 Overview: The Russian invasion of Ukraine has created a geopolitical challenge to the world order. The Russian attack violated not only Ukraine’s security and sovereignty, but also the rules-based international order and created a global economic, political and Read More >
Analyzing The Kashmir Conflict – Chinese Connection and Implications for the US
CSAG STRATEGY PAPER By: LTC Kashif Ehtisham, Pakistan Army (CSAG/CCJ5) 17 November 2023 Overview: The dispute between India and Pakistan over Kashmir has resulted in decades of hostility, including three wars. The Kashmir dispute is the oldest pending dispute on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), which merits earnest world attention Read More >
ISIS Strategic Communication is Derailed
CSAG INFORMATION PAPER By: LTC Junghyok Kim, KOR Army (CSAG/CCJ5) and MAJ Felix Badut, ROU Army (CSAG/CCJ5) 29 September 2023 Subject: ISIS Strategic Communication is Derailed. Purpose: An analysis of whether ISIS has changed its strategic communication (SC) messaging by purposefully decreasing its presence in mass media and social media, as a strategy, or 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 >
The Russian War’s Impact on Global Order
CSAG STRATEGY PAPER By: CDR Hubert Mróz, POL Navy (CSAG/CCJ5) 15 August 2023 Overview: The Russian invasion of Ukraine has challenged established international norms and principles. The annexation of Crimea and subsequent full invasion of Ukraine violated Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, which are fundamental principles of international law. The conflict has tested the Read More >