Eurasia

The Gulf Conflict and the South Caucasus

In an interview, Sergei Melkonian discusses Armenia’s and Azerbaijan’s careful balancing act among the United States, Israel, and Iran. Armenak Tokmajyan: How have Armenia and Azerbaijan responded so far to the U.S.–Israeli war on Iran, given their need to maintain good working relations with their large neighbor while avoiding antagonizing …

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What Is Israel’s Plan in Lebanon?

At heart, to impose unconditional surrender on Hezbollah and uproot the party among its coreligionists. Israel is repeating parts of the military playbook it used against Hezbollah in 2024, but its strategy is different this time. It was evident, even before Hezbollah fired a handful of rockets toward Haifa in …

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Israel’s Forever Wars

The country’s strategy is no longer focused on deterrence and diplomacy, it’s about dominance and degradation. In launching war against Iran, Israel has made unmistakably clear that it is operating according to a strategic logic very different from the one that has long guided its statecraft. The United States may …

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Russia’s Imperial Retreat Is Europe’s Strategic Opportunity

The war in Ukraine is costing Russia its leverage overseas. Across the South Caucasus and Middle East, this presents an opportunity for Europe to pick up the pieces and claim its own sphere of influence. When Iran sought tangible support, Russia’s response fell short. While Moscow has provided indirect assistance …

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The Iran War’s Dangerous Fallout for Europe

The drone strike on the British air base in Akrotiri brings Europe’s proximity to the conflict in Iran into sharp relief. In the fog of war, old tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean risk being reignited, and regional stakeholders must avoid escalation. Two weeks into the massive U.S. and Israeli military …

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