By: LTC Taewon Choi, CSAG CCJ5 25 Oct 2021 Introduction: Recently, Pakistani leaders have repeatedly signaled a shift from geopolitics to geoeconomics. In 2021, Pakistan officials have repeatedly spoke of the term ‘geoeconomics’. When the Prime Minister Imran Khan visited Sri Lanka in February, he emphasized the importance and possibility of connectivity of the country Read More >
CENTCOM CSAG Papers
Iraq’s New Electoral Process, and the Likely Winners and Losers
By: LtCol Sami Alshehri, KSA, CSAG CCJ5 05 Oct 2021 Background: The Iraqi elections come amid positive signs of Middle East de-escalation and new geopolitical conditions. These positive signs include the Baghdad Summit of neighboring countries, the recent KSA–Iran discussions in Iraq, bilateral visits between Iraq and GCC countries, and the loss of Iranian influence Read More >
Defining ‘Partner of Choice’
By: LCDR Stipe Skelin, HRV Navy, CSAG CCJ5 15 Sep 2021 Introduction: USCENTCOM applies the term PoC as part of the US strategy to support those who align with the US approach to the region – stability and security, leverage greater influence over key partner nations and other Great Power Competitors. Successful partnerships result in 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 >
Optimizing Mutual Interests in Afghanistan
By: Lt Col Farhan Ali, Pakistan Army, CSAG CCJ5 05 Aug 2021 Introduction: While the present domestic political and security situation in Afghanistan is extremely volatile, there are opportunities to strengthen the partnerships beyond the military domain and address the Coalition interests. Every challenge creates new opportunities, but these opportunities can be time sensitive. Dividends Read More >
Is KSA Destined to be the Last Country to Normalize Relations with Israel?
By: LTC Dusan Borak, CZE Air Force, CSAG CCJ5 04 Aug 2021 Introduction: In August 2020, news came from the US that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had agreed with his United Arab Emirates (UAE) counterpart Mohamed bin Said Al Nahjan to begin normalizing relations between the two countries. The following month, they signed the Read More >
The Syrian Situation and its Impacts on Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons
By: LTC Marco PRANZO, ITA Army, CSAG CCJ5 23 July 2021 Introduction: In 2020 the conflict in Syria was further exacerbated by the country’s worst economic crisis since 2011, international sanctions, and the COVID-19 pandemic. In this challenging socio-economic situation, a so-called oligopoly, encompassing Syrian and non-Syrian entities has formed. For years, the entities that 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 >
Turkey past Erdogan: The Turkish Expansionist Policy in the Region
By: LTC Marco Pranzo, ITA Army, CSAG CCJ5 16 July 2021 Introduction: From the Middle East to North Africa via the eastern Mediterranean, Turkey is trying to assert its influence in a region undergoing profound reorganization, and which is still highly unstable. Driven both by the ambition to become a regional power, and by specific Read More >
Turkey and Iran Geopolitical Approaches in the Middle East
By: COL Saud Alhasawi, Kuwait Army, CSAG CCJ5 16 July 2021 Introduction: Historically, Turkish-Iranian relations were characterized as a mix of both cooperation and competition. Each of the two has its own agenda and regionally projects power with ambitions towards sovereignty and control. The worsening of the Middle East’s regional situation has provided an opportunity Read More >