Deadly Farming: Afghanistan’s Opium Acres

The area under cultivation is approaching the size of the smallest U.S. state.

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Afghanistan’s Opium: No End in Sight

Despite U.S. elimination efforts since the 2001 invasion, production of the drug crop is much higher.

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The Taliban’s Cash Crop

Opium is an ever-larger source of funds and legitimacy for the once anti-drug Afghan insurgency.

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Blaming Populists for Making Empty Promises?

The inclination of establishment politicians to overpromise is the core cause of the rise of populism.

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2017: Saudi Arabia’s Annus Horribilis?

Think that 2016 was a tough year for Saudi Arabia? Wait till you see 2017

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Americans’ Moby Dick: The 21st Century Edition

The “War On Terror” is entering its 16th year. But why does it have such a hold over Americans’ lives, culture and politics?

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Political Inversions: Clinton in ’08 and Obama in ’16?

A reflection on the strategic consequences of accidental American political inversions.

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The US Electoral College and Weeding Out the Chaff

How the Founding Fathers’ original intent regarding the Electoral College over time was turned on its very head.

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Ukraine, the West and a Dead End

What the West must do so that a reformed Ukraine can survive in the face of a continuing Russian threat.

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America’s Blind Infatuation with Israel

Lessons from Amos Oz on the coexistence of Jews and Arabs.

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