Qatar’s European Allies Reinforce Qatari Defense

10/19/2020
While the new agreements among Israel, Bahrain and the UAE reshape Middle Eastern dynamics, Qatar is enhancing its position working with European allies. A recent article on the UK's Ministry of Defence website highlighted a deepening relationship with Qatar. During a joint visit to RAF Coningsby on October 14, 2020,…

An Update on the French Nuclear Deterrent: The 2021 Budget

10/14/2020
By Pierre Tran Paris - France recently published its 2021 draft defense budget, which set aside €5 billion ($5.9 billion) for the nuclear deterrent, taking a chunk out of a total budget of €39.2 billion. Hitting that nice round number showed the significance of nuclear weapons, on which France relies…

MARFOREUR/AF Commander Visits HMS Queen Elizabeth

10/04/2020
Prior to the engagement with the USMC at sea, Maj. General Stephen M. Neary visited HMS Queen Elizabeth at its homeport of Portsmouth. His visit presaged the historic USMC engagement onboard the HMS Queen Elizabeth. According to a story by Staff Sgt. Brytani Musick  published on August 27, 2020: The…

Australian Sub-Orbital Space Launch: The Latest Plan Jericho Event

10/02/2020
By Samara Kitchener The Royal Australian Air Force launched its first ever sub-orbital rocket from Australia to the edge of space on the weekend. As part of its High Altitude Program, Air Force is exploring the delivery and employment of game-changing capabilities in the upper atmosphere. The launch was the…

The Abraham Accords: What They Mean and Shaping a Way Ahead

09/26/2020
By Robbin Laird Recently, I discussed the Abraham accords and their impact with Professor Amatzia Baram. We last met in person at a conference in Bahrain which discussed a number of Middle East issues, and now with Bahrain as one of the signatories to the agreements, we had a chance…

Strengthening Indo-Pacific Security: Japan and India Reach a Bilateral Agreement on Military Logistical Support

09/16/2020
New Delhi India and Japan signed an Agreement between the two countries concerning Reciprocal Provision of Supplies and Services between the Armed Forces of India and The Self-Defense Forces of Japan. The agreement was signed on September 9th by Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar and Ambassador of Japan Mr Suzuki…

Presidents Macron and Erdogan: Navigating or Generating a European Crisis?

09/14/2020
By Pierre Tran Paris - France may be a middle rank military power but the head of state pursues an active foreign policy, seeking to be a bridge over troubled waters around the world. President Emmanuel Macron has strengthened political ties with Greece, opening the way to the prospective sale…