By: Matthew Wollen, F GS-13 USAF AFSOC OC/SPDP 14 June 2021 Introduction Throughout the decades following WWII, the U.S. was the dominant economic, political, and military influencer in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Iraq, and Iran all benefitted from one form of U.S. assistance or another. No other 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 >
Counterterrorism in Afghanistan After US Reduces Footprint
By: LTC Arto Hirvela, FIN Army, US Central Command: Strategy Plans and Policy Directorate; Combined Strategic Analysis Group 02 June 2021 Introduction: After the US reduces presence in the AOR, especially in Afghanistan, as directed by the President Biden, the US will lose Access Basing and Overflight (ABO) and agile counterterrorism capability in the region. Read More >
Competing Interest of Regional and Extra Regional Countries in Afghanistan
By: Lt Col Farhan Ali, Pakistan Army, US Central Command: Strategy Plans and Policy Directorate; Combined Strategic Analysis Group 26 May 2021 Introduction: Afghanistan has remained a battle ground for great powers for centuries. In a bid to achieve others’ national interests, the interests of Afghans faded away and the country witnessed devastation and misery. 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 >
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 >
Afghanistan Security Future and Impact on Central Asia
By: CDR Azamat Murzabekov, Kazakhstan Navy, US Central Command: Strategy Plans and Policy Directorate; Combined Strategic Analysis Group 26 May 2021 Introduction: The land that is now Afghanistan has a long history of domination by foreign conquerors and strife among internal warring factions. At the gateway between Asia and Europe, this land was conquered by Read More >
Omani Diplomatic Institute Seminar
24–26 May 2021 – In late May 2021 the Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies (NESA) held a virtual seminar with the Omani Diplomatic Institute in Muscat. Fourteen Omani diplomats participated in the seminar. NESA experts covered a variety of topics including the Biden Administration policy toward the Middle East, U.S. military engagement Read More >
Migration Workshop
From 25 to 26 May 2021, the Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies (NESA), in partnership with the George C. Marshall Center for Security Studies (GCMC) and the European Institute of the Mediterranean (IEMed), conducted a Migration Workshop. The two-day program was comprised of four separate panels with eight speakers from various parts Read More >