Xi Covid

Xi takes on new risks with Covid-19 strategy. Rolling lockdowns trap the country and its citizens, while undermining economic growth targets and Xi's credibility as a leader.

Turkish ambassador

U.S. must declare Turkey's ambassador persona non grata. The Biden administration should not tolerate Erdogan's expulsion of the U.S. Ambassador.

Taiwan iceberg

For Biden and Xi, Taiwan is the ultimate strategic iceberg. Both leaders face immense risks and opportunities in terms of their respective Taiwan policy choices.

NATO

NATO puts clothes, not meat, on its strategic bones. The alliance continues to face a gap between member responsibility and ambition.

Biden's ransomware, Mars in a black hole, 5 looming flashpoints

 Russia deconstructs Biden's ransomware deception. The ransomware attack on Sinclair broadcasting evinces the Kremlin's authority over damaging cyber attacks on U.S. soil.

Mars is caught in a genocide black hole. The confectionary conglomerate talks a big game on climate change, not so much on China's human rights abuses.

from Tuesday...

5 looming global flashpoints. You might be unaware of places where conflict is lurking.

China hypersonic, Hungary election

 What does China's hypersonic vehicle test mean for the U.S.? The technology is a work in progress, as is its combat utility. 

Pro-American leader seeks to unseat Hungary's Viktor Orban. The incumbent is a partner to China and Russia, not the U.S.

Hezbollah, Germany NATO, Xi's democracy, China's chancellor, Biden Iran

 Hezbollah faces its Lebanon reckoning. The group is under fire, figuratively and literally. Here's why.

Germany's likely new government abandons NATO's 2% of GDP target. It's a sign of Germany's disregard for its allies.

from Wednesday, Thursday

Xi Jinping's mirage democracy. Judged by the basic tenets of a democracy, China is clearly not a democracy.

China salutes the steel chancellor. Angela Merkel deserves all Beijing's praise. She's earned it.

How long will Biden tolerate Iran's nuclear games? Tehran is biding its time, rejecting negotiation requests in order to bolster its ballistic missile program.

Havana syndrome

Why some U.S. officials see new indications of Russian responsibility for Havana syndrome. Three factors play into their beliefs.

Biden-Xi

From last Thursday...

Four benefits of a Biden-Xi summit. The two leaders need to establish a protocol for effective dialogue and deconfliction.

Putin's winter, Viktor Orban

Putin's winter is coming for Biden and Europe. The Russian leader is escalating a multi-front energy shortage showdown. If only we'd seen this coming...

Viktor Orban is a friend of China and Russia, not America. Whatever some conservatives might think, the Hungarian leader's record is quite clear.

Taiwan

The two motives behind China's air incursions against Taiwan. Xi is sending a message at home and abroad, and China wants to throw Taipei off balance.

Xi's wind, Russia Afghanistan, Turkey F-35

Xi Jinping reaps a cold wind. The Chinese leader is caught between energy shortages, trade wars, and climate change commitments.

Russia rewards Biden's appeasement with Afghanistan base insult. Moscow doesn't have much appreciation for appeasement.

Turkey bows to Russia and demands American billions. Erdogan is upset over the F-35 and being silly, again.