April, 2021

• 24 April

  The Americans May Leave Afghanistan, but the Forever War Will Grind On

  

  Joe Biden may be withdrawing US troops from the ground, but given the continuing threat of terrorism that will emanate from Afghanistan it is unlikely that NATO will be able to fully disengage. As the administration of Joe Biden announces a full US withdrawal of forces from Afghanistan by 11 …

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• 24 April

  The Trouble with Northern Ireland Legacy Cases

  

  The departure of a UK government minister does little to promote a serious discussion about a painful episode. On 20 April Prime Minister Boris Johnson sacked Johnny Mercer from his position as Minister for Defence People and Veterans. Mercer had repeatedly criticised the decision not to extend protections to Northern …

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• 24 April

  Bohemian Forest Dark Tales: The Czech Republic, Russia’s Dirty War Machine and Western Solidarity

  

  Revelations that Russia’s intelligence agents were responsible for setting off deadly explosions at a Czech arms depot back in 2014 offer Prague an opportunity to hit back at Moscow’s egregious behaviour. But the Czechs would need to be supported in this endeavour. The coronavirus pandemic continues to throttle international travel. …

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• 24 April

  Israel’s Navy ready to attack Hezbollah from the sea like never before

  

  SECURITY and DEFENSE: The navy’s missile ships have changed goals, reorganized, and now prepare for war on all fronts. Operations carried out by the Israel Navy in what is dubbed the “war between wars” have been kept in the shadows, until recently. But a series of leaks to the media, …

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• 24 April

  Iran seeks US ‘withdrawal under fire’ from Iraq

  

  BEHIND THE LINES: Around 20 attacks against US personnel and facilities have been carried out since President Joe Biden’s inauguration in January. But the slow build-up of attacks started earlier. A notable uptick in attacks on US personnel and facilities in Iraq has taken place in recent weeks. In the …

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• 24 April

  Chad: What are the risks after Idriss Déby’s death?

  The death of Chad’s President Idriss Déby has plunged the country into uncertainty, causing concern among many Chadians and in neighbouring states. Crisis Group looks at recent events and examines the main risks facing the country. What has happened? According to official reports, Chad’s President Idriss Déby Itno died on …

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• 24 April

  Jordan’s Royal Drama: No coup, just a big crisis

  

  The discontent in the kingdom has reached the royals, and this is where changes can happen. April seems to be a month of ill-fortune in the annals of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. In the beginning of April 2021, Jordanian authorities reported foiling a plot against the regime of King …

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• 24 April

  2034: The next world war will be US versus China

  

  This fascinating, disturbing book is relevant for Israel, which must be exceedingly agile to avoid being trampled even by accident by these huge adversaries. When elephants rumble, the mice at their feet tumble. Though we Israelis regard our country as an elephant, and act as if it were, Israel is …

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• 24 April

  What is going on with Israel and Iran?

  

  “The Tehran of today poses a strategic threat to international security, to the entire Middle East and to the State of Israel.” Israeli intelligence sources were quoted by multiple media outlets as confirming that Israel was behind a cyberattack at the Natanz nuclear facility on April 11 that knocked out …

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• 24 April

  Infighting Between Opposition Groups in Northern Syria

  For the second consecutive day, the Turkish forces have imposed a curfew in the city of Sere Kaniye (Ras al-Ain), which is under their control, against the backdrop of bloody fighting between Turkish-backed armed opposition groups. The city of Sere Kaniye, on the Syrian-Turkish border, in northeastern Syria, witnessed intensive …

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