Author: Jordan Henry

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  Central Asian Fighters and Global Jihad

  Central Asian fighters have been active on both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war, as well as in various military conflicts across the Greater Middle East and beyond. How are these individuals recruited, financed, and organized? One critical node is the Afghan border with the Central Asian states of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Has their role

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  Rising Lion, Falling Order? The Israel-Iran Conflict and What’s Next

  Following Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion”—a series of coordinated strikes targeting Iranian military installations, nuclear facilities, and leadership—the Middle East has once again been plunged into turmoil. How likely is direct U.S. involvement, including a potential bombing campaign? What are the implications for global oil markets? Could this conflict open the door to renewed diplomacy over

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  CRANK Call | May 2025

  CRANK Call is a monthly review of developments involving cooperation, and at times contention, among China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea (the CRANKs). May 2025 Highlights President Xi visits Russia for Victory Day President Xi Jinping of China made a state visit to Moscow from May 7–9 to commemorate Victory Day, marking the end of

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  Implications of Ukraine’s Drone Strikes

  On June 1, Ukraine conducted coordinated drone attacks on four Russian airbases—its most extensive strike against Russian military infrastructure to date. These attacks appear to reflect both Kyiv’s growing reliance on long-range unmanned systems and its efforts to impose greater costs on Russia’s war effort inside Russian territory. The strikes raise important questions about how

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  Trump’s Middle East Pivot? (w/ Greg Priddy)

  Trump’s Middle East Pivot? (w/ Greg Priddy) President Donald Trump’s Gulf trip in May 2025 offered more than just photo ops and billion-dollar deals; it signaled a shift in America’s posture toward the region. From flashy personal business signings to a notable departure from the Bush-era “freedom agenda,” Trump’s visit drew regional praise for its

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