All Security Watch stories
July 2013
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5 Jul 2013
A Revolt within the al Qaeda Movement
The leader of the Islamic State of Iraq recently defied a directive from al Qaeda’s Ayman al-Zawahiri to not merge his organization with its Syrian counterparts. According to Stratfor’s Scott Stewart, the message is clear – the concept of global jihad is truly ‘yesterday’s news’. More on «A Revolt within the al Qaeda Movement» -
4 Jul 2013
Elections in Iran and Its Foreign Policy
With Hassan Rohani's victory in Iran's recent elections, there have been suggestions that this may herald the end of the country's confrontational foreign policy. Aniseh Bassiri Tabrizi argues that any major changes in Iran's foreign policy rely on Rohani's ability to make good on his campaign rhetoric. More on «Elections in Iran and Its Foreign Policy» -
3 Jul 2013
Interview: Brazilian Political Expert Says Frustrated Middle Class Fueling Protests
For a country scheduled to host the World Cup and Olympics in quick succession, the recent unrest in Brazil could not have come at a worse time. In this RFE/RL interview, the Wilson Center's Paulo Sotero discusses the underlying social and economic factors that contributed to the protests. More on «Interview: Brazilian Political Expert Says Frustrated Middle Class Fueling Protests » -
2 Jul 2013
Under Pressure: The Curious Origins of the Pressure Cooker Improvised Explosive Device
Who or what has inspired terrorist organizations or 'lone wolves' terrorists to use pressure cooker improvised explosive devices? The answer is going to surprise you, says Jeremiah Foxwell. Their use is tied to the activities of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees! More on «Under Pressure: The Curious Origins of the Pressure Cooker Improvised Explosive Device» -
1 Jul 2013
Recalibrating American Grand Strategy: Softening US Policies Toward Iran In Order to Contain China
How might the US cope with China in an era of government austerity? Think grand strategically, says Samir Tata. Instead of fretting about how to cope with anti-access/area denial strategies in the Indian Ocean, Washington must first do something more substantial – i.e., boost its ties with India, Indonesia and Iran. More on «Recalibrating American Grand Strategy: Softening US Policies Toward Iran In Order to Contain China»
June 2013
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28 Jun 2013
New Dataset Shows Trends in UN Peacekeeping
Our partners at IPI have recently published a new database on United Nations peacekeeping missions. Today, they outline some of their initial findings and offer recommendations on how the UN can broaden the composition of its peacekeeping forces. More on «New Dataset Shows Trends in UN Peacekeeping » -
27 Jun 2013
Abenomics and Japan’s Defense Priorities
Shinzo Abe has approved the first increase in Japan's defense budget in a decade. Is this his attempt to revive Japan's reputation on the global stage or is there a simpler explanation? Tiago Mauricio thinks it's the latter. More on «Abenomics and Japan’s Defense Priorities» -
26 Jun 2013
Gas Finds Complicate Eastern Mediterranean Security
The discovery of natural gas reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean is a boon for the region's states, right? Not according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). Trying to exploit the reserves may aggravate historical rivalries and territorial disputes from the Middle East to the southern edges of the EU. More on «Gas Finds Complicate Eastern Mediterranean Security» -
25 Jun 2013
An Increasing Crisis in Kyrgyzstan – Moving Towards a Fallen State
What's pushing Kyrgyzstan towards state failure? Economic deterioration? Tensions between its regions? That's right says Josef Lang, and don't forget organized crime. It’s starting to impair the central government’s ability to exercise control over the country too. More on «An Increasing Crisis in Kyrgyzstan – Moving Towards a Fallen State» -
24 Jun 2013
Is Bangladesh Spiralling Out of Control?
Evidence is gradually emerging that Bangladesh's security forces used extreme brutality to quell a recent anti-government protest in Dhaka. To Mahin Khan, the incident is a warning to the international community – it needs to pay closer attention to the deteriorating security situation in the country. More on «Is Bangladesh Spiralling Out of Control? »
