James Durso

March 27, 2025
Taliban Reject Trump’s Call To Surrender Captured u.s. Arms
On 1 March 2025, after his first Cabinet meeting, U.S. President Donald Trump said the Taliban should return the equipment the U.S. abandoned in Afghanistan as it withdrew in August...
March 21, 2025
America Should Talk to Hamas About Hostages
Axios recently reported that Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer “lashed out” at U.S. hostage envoy Adam Boehler in a “tense” phone call for...
March 10, 2025
Iraq’s Plan To Transform Its Economy Is a Risky Bet
Iraq’s Development Road aims to reduce dependence on oil by turning the country into a key trade corridor between Asia and Europe.
February 14, 2025
Russia and China Could Benefit From Trump's Gaza Plan
The plan risks alienating Arab American voters, strengthening anti-U.S. sentiment in the Middle East, and reducing Washington’s credibility.
February 7, 2025
Iran and Trump May Head Toward a New Deal or Conflict
The economic and geopolitical pressure on Iran is set to increase in 2025, with renewed U.S. sanctions, nuclear tensions, and the risk of conflict with Israel and the U.S.
January 29, 2025
Central Asia’s Response to Global Power Shifts
In 2024 Central Asia weathered the geopolitical competition between the Russia, China, and the United States, as the major powers vied for influence and access to the region's...
January 17, 2025
Iraq Is in for a Rough 2025
Iraq is a developing democracy, but its location — between Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Syria — means that it always faces pressure from outside its...
January 10, 2025
Afghanistan Faces a Complex Set of Challenges in 2025
The year just ended was a tumultuous one for Afghanistan, marked by many significant events that will continue to challenge the country in 2025.

James Durso

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