Security & Defense
The PLA, the US Indo-Pacific Command, the Quad, AUKUS and the emerging security architecture of the region.
Beyond Beijing: Asia's Calm Embrace of Japan's Defense Buildup
Beijing's warnings about Japanese militarism fall flat across Asia. From India to the Pacific Islands, Japan is seen as a reliable partner.
Netanyahu's Iran Setback May Accelerate West Bank Annexation, Analysts Warn
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's failure to secure decisive victories in Iran, Lebanon, and Gaza has left him politically exposed
Bangladesh's Rahman Heads to Beijing with Defense and $9B in Requests
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's June 23 visit to China carries over $9 billion in pending financing proposals and a $2.2 billion deal for J-
Israeli Strikes in Lebanon Kill 18, Derail US-Iran Peace Talks in Switzerland
Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed at least 18 people on Friday, hours before planned US-Iran peace talks in Switzerland. Iran ci
Trump's Iran MOU: A Defeat That Reshapes Asian Energy and Security
The US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding ends a four-month war that severely undermined US military dominance. Iran will control the Strait o
F-35 Readiness Crisis Undermines US Airpower Edge Over Taiwan
The F-35's full mission capable rate has dropped to 25%, down from 38% in 2021, due to supply chain issues and contractor oversight failures
India's Unmet Expectations Behind Pentagon's Shift from Indo-Pacific Command
The Pentagon's decision to revert to US Pacific Command from Indo-Pacific Command reflects growing US doubts about India's ability to serve
US Gains Strategic Ground in Iran Despite Optics of Defeat
Critics say the US lost in Iran, but the deal dismantles key nuclear sites and degrades Iran's military. The reversion to USPACOM signals a
Israeli Drone Strikes in Lebanon Test US-Iran Peace Deal Hours After Signing
Israeli drone strikes in southern Lebanon killed one and wounded three just hours after the US and Iran signed a peace MOU. The agreement ex
Iran Gains Trump Concessions With Minimal Commitments in New MOU
The US-Iran MOU grants Tehran sanctions relief and reconstruction funds with few concrete concessions. Gulf states face pressure to fund Ira
Why US Presidents End Up Cursing Benjamin Netanyahu
US presidents from Bill Clinton to Donald Trump have privately cursed Benjamin Netanyahu. The pattern reflects Netanyahu's single-minded pur
US Air Force Bets on Robot Wingmen to Counter China's Missile Threat in Pacific
The US Air Force is pursuing over 150 semi-autonomous drones to fly alongside F-35s and F-15EXs, aiming to counter China's 2,400-strong comb