Iran: Tehran Conducts New Ballistic Missile Tests

March 8, 2016 | 11:01 GMT

Iran said March 8 that it conducted multiple ballistic missile tests in defiance of recently imposed U.S. sanctions, IRINN and AFP reported, citing IRNA. The tests took place during exercises conducted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp. The United States imposed new sanctions over Iran's missile program in January almost immediately after it lifted separate sanctions related to the country’s nuclear program. Iran has continued to develop certain military technologies, including ballistic missiles, that could someday be used to support nuclear capabilities

Tunisia: Libyan Border Closed Following Attacks

March 7, 2016 | 17:33 GMT

Tunisia closed its borders with Libya after militants attacked the Tunisian army and police in the border town of Ben Guerdan, Reuters reported March 7. Authorities sealed off the nearby beach resort town of Djerba, frequented by foreign and local tourists, and closed two border crossings with Libya following the attack. The government and residents said that the raid killed at least 50 people, including 35 gunmen and 18 security personnel and civilians, according to the Tunisian Ministry of National Defense. Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi told local radio that the attack was unprecedented and well organized but that the Tunisian army and police are primed for counterattacks. Though Tunisia finished constructing a barrier of sand banks and water trenches along its Libyan border and Western countries have offered to help combat the Islamic state, terrorism is still pervasive in the region. 

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Russia: Defense Budget To Be Cut By 5 Percent, Deputy Minister Says

March 6, 2016 | 19:08 GMT

Russia's defense budget will be cut by 5 percent in 2016, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Tatiana Shevtsova said, Reuters reported March 6. Defense spending has been growing as part of a drive to restore Russia's military might. However, the decision to cutshows that even the armed forces are not immune to a slowing Russian economy, which has been hit by falling oil prices and Western sanctions. The 5 percent cut, if approved, would be the biggest reduction in defense spending since 2000, even as military interventions in Ukraine and Syria have made strengthening the military a greater priority for the Kremlin.

Russia Re-Evaluates Security Ties in Central Asia

March 3, 2016 | 09:15 GMT

As Russia juggles military and budgetary priorities, joint military exercises like this one between Collective Security Treaty Organization forces in 2014 could be on the decline. (VYACHESLAV OSELEDKO/AFP/Getty Images)

Ever since its unexpected loss of influence in Ukraine and subsequent standoff with the West over the country, Russia has been re-evaluating its military and security positions across the former Soviet periphery. With the war in eastern Ukraine developing into a long-term frozen conflict, Russia has worked to shore up its presence and assets wherever possible in the Eurasian borderlands. Central Asia, crucial for its long history with Russia and border with Afghanistan, is among the areas impacted by these developments. Click here to continue reading…

Germany's Tactical About-Face on Greece

March 3, 2016 | 15:52 GMT

Migrants hold a banner reading "Germany Help?" during a peaceful protest calling for the opening of the border in the makeshift migrant camp at the Greek-Macedonia border on March 1. (LOUISA GOULIAMAKI/AFP/Getty Images)

Germany and Greece were on opposing sides during last year's negotiations over Athens' third bailout program, but the current European refugee crisis is forcing them to form a tactical alliance. The German government tried for months to treat the bailout program and the migration crisis as separate issues, but Berlin has now come to terms with the idea that Greece needs help on both. The Greek government, in turn, understands that cooperation with Germany is essential to prevent Greece's isolation in the European Union and to receive the next tranche of bailout funds. Click here to continue reading…

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Israel, GCC: United Only by a Mistrust in the U.S.

March 4, 2016 | 09:00 GMT

The Kuwaiti air force, which could become competitive with Israel in terms of aircraft because of arms deals with the United States, shows its skills in Kuwait City. (YASSER AL-ZAYYAT/AFP/Getty Images)

The U.S. balance-of-power strategy in the Middle East is nearing a potential pitfall. A number of crucial arms contracts for the sale of U.S. weaponry to several Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states are at risk of falling through because of Israeli opposition. The United States' final decision on whether to sign will anger one of two sides, Israel or the GCC, and both already harbor misgivings about continued U.S. support. The GCC states could even turn to alternative partners for the lucrative defense deals. Washington will have to carefully manage these relationships if it is to maintain stability in the Middle East. Click here to continue reading…