Security
Yemen conflict reveals shortcomings of Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy
With its vast oil riches and status as custodian of Islam’s holiest sites, Saudi Arabia has long practiced conservative and discreet foreign relations. But since his ascent to the throne, King Salman has
Attack on police in northeast Kenya highlights ineffective government strategy
Recent attacks in Kenya highlight the inability of the government to effectively combat the threat of militants. Garissa, the site of a recent attack on police, is home to Western
Iran tests Saudi, American resolve in the Gulf of Aden
Last week, an Iranian humanitarian vessel departed from the port of Bandar Abbas in Iran, heading for the Houthi-held port of Hudaydah in Yemen. The manifest claimed a cargo of humanitarian
Is the North Korean threat growing?
The North Korean navy, under the supervision of Kim Jong-un, has managed to successfully test-fire a ballistic missile from a submarine. Though North Korea’s technology is not fully developed, it
Will Jabhat al-Nusra eclipse Islamic State in Syria?
Jihadist groups have made some recent military gains against the regime forces in Syria. Both the Assad regime and Islamic State are under extreme political and economic pressure. Could Jabhat
Arms deal with Nicaragua boosts Russia’s presence in Latin America
Frequent visits to the region by high-ranking Russian officials have stirred rumors of military weaponry sales to Nicaragua. This has caused the US and its allies to be on alert
Is the Sino-Pakistani alliance a threat to India?
President Xi Jinping’s recent trip to Pakistan has cemented the strategic and economic imperative of Sino-Pakistani relations. With $46 billion of Chinese financing slated to be invested in Pakistan, both
Shaken truce in Colombia casts doubt over peace negotiations
Both ends of the negotiating table in Colombia will have to persuade their own ranks to prevent further clashes and keep negotiations afloat. Peace negotiations will likely delay any prospective treaty to
Myanmar’s Kokang rebels threaten trade with China
A growing ethnic insurgency along Myanmar’s border with China is presenting a host of problems for the country. Ethnic Chinese Kokang rebels have resumed their conflict in the country’s northeast,
Nordic Defense Cooperation to counter Russian threat
The five Nordic defense ministers announced last week the beginning of extensive military cooperation between their countries, arguing that Russia is currently the biggest threat to European security. In a declaration published