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Friedman on Geopolitics

Germany: Mitteleuropa Redux
March 16, 2010 0900 GMT
The European economic crisis has led STRATFOR to update its assessment of the European Union -- and of Germany's role within that union. [more]
China's Challenge
March 9, 2010 0958 GMT
Beijing is in crisis mode as it juggles economic uncertainty and a leadership transition bringing competing economic policies into stark contrast. [more]
Thinking About the Unthinkable: A U.S.-Iranian Deal
Washington's choices on Iran now appear to consist of a nuclear Iran or extended airstrikes on Iran with all their attendant consequences. There is a third choice, however: redefining the Iranian question. [more]
The Utility of Assassination
February 22, 2010 2052 GMT
The recent assassination of a Hamas operative in the United Arab Emirates presents a good opportunity to examine the usefulness of assassinations in general. [more]
The Meaning of Marjah
February 16, 2010 2119 GMT
U.S., NATO and Afghan forces have begun a sustained operation in Helmand province armed with larger forces and a new strategy. [more]
Germany's Choice
February 8, 2010 2326 GMT
As the economic situation in Greece worsens, Germany must make a tough decision with Continent-wide implications. [more]
A Defensive Buildup in the Gulf
February 1, 2010 1757 GMT
The United States went public with its defensive build-up in the Persian Gulf, signaling tensions in February. [more]
Ukraine's Election and the Russian Resurgence
Ukraine's upcoming presidential election signals the end of the Orange Revolution, and a major opportunity for Moscow to shift its attention to other restive parts of the former Soviet sphere. [more]
Israel, Turkey and Low Seats
January 18, 2010 1854 GMT
A relatively minor diplomatic spat between Israel and Turkey highlights the importance of Turkey to Israel, and the options a rising Turkey enjoys with regard to the wider region. [more]
The Khost Attack and the Intelligence War Challenge
The deadly suicide bombing in Khost, Afghanistan, last Dec. 30 that killed four CIA officers underscores the challenges the United States faces with regard to the intelligence war in Afghanistan. [more]
The Christmas Day Airliner Attack and the Intelligence Process
The attempt to blow up a U.S. airliner on Christmas Day 2009 highlights the challenge of combating low-level terrorism. [more]
The Iranian Incursion in Context
December 21, 2009 1629 GMT
Tehran has now signaled to the United States that it might not wait for Washington to set up an effective sanctions regime or to launch military strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities. [more]
2009 in Review: The Year of Obama
December 14, 2009 1939 GMT
U.S. President Barack Obama dominated his first year in office like no incoming president since Ronald Reagan. Despite their many similarities, Obama differs from Reagan in a critical respect with regard to foreign policy. [more]
The Jihadist Strategic Dilemma
December 7, 2009 2125 GMT
As uncomfortable as the U.S. position in the jihadist struggle seems, the jihadists are in a much worse position. [more]
Obama's Plan and the Key Battleground
December 2, 2009 1155 GMT
Pakistan is key to U.S. strategy in Afghanistan. [more]
Sanctions and Strategy
November 23, 2009 2002 GMT
Sanctions satisfy the need to appear to be acting while avoiding the risks of action. [more]
Deciphering the Mohammed Trial
November 16, 2009 2035 GMT
The decision by U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to have accused 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed tried in federal court highlights the failure of international law to evolve to deal with combatants like al Qaeda members. [more]
Twenty Years After the Fall
November 9, 2009 2040 GMT
The 20th anniversary of the Berlin Wall's fall provides a moment to consider the current state of Russia and the wider region. [more]
Obama and the U.S. Strategy of Buying Time
November 2, 2009 2003 GMT
Unearthing Obama's strategy at the present moment is difficult, but this does not mean it is not there, as strategy is less a matter of choice than of geopolitical reality. [more]
Russia, Iran and the Biden Speech
October 26, 2009 1726 GMT
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden's recent tour of Central Europe represents part of the U.S.-Russian jockeying over Iran. [more]
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