Author: Jordan Henry

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  Can Afghanistan Improve American and Regional Prosperity?

  The Trump administration has been clear that its America First foreign policy prioritizes making America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. However, it has not articulated how those objectives apply to Afghanistan policy beyond expressing priority interests in countering terrorism and securing the release of American detainees. But is there a viable way for Afghanistan to

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  CRANK Call | June 2025

  CRANK Call is a monthly review of developments involving cooperation, and at times contention, among China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea (the CRANKs). June 2025 Highlights Russia and China condemn Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran but offer limited support When Israel launched military strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities and other targets on June 13,

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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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