Geopolitical Diary
Editor's Choice

Sao Paulo Drought Could Benefit Brazil

The drought gripping Brazil's Sao Paulo state will cause short-term water restrictions, but may also lead to investment in inadequate water infrastructure.

Geopolitical Weekly
By George Friedman

The Paradox of America's Electoral Reform

Global Affairs
By Ian Morris
Ian Morris

The Not-So-New Europe

Security Weekly
By Scott Stewart
Scott Stewart

What is Your Best Weapon?

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Analysis

Gaming a Russian Offensive

If Russia decided to invade Ukraine, it would have several options, none of which are perfect.

Mexico and Brazil Seek a New Trade Deal

Though the two countries will likely reach a compromise automotive deal, Brazil's geopolitical constraints will stand in the way of a full free trade agreement.

Maps
Graphic of the Day

Turkey Is Central to the Russia-Europe Energy Standoff

The Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline will help the European Union diversify away from Russia.

Mar 10, 2015 | 19:49 GMT
Video
Field Notes
Stratfor In The News

Stratfor's Scott Stewart on Boko Haram's Pledge to ISIS

"It’s a sign of weakness and desperation and an attempt to boost their members’ morale, image and attract local support,” says Scott Stewart of Stratfor, a global intelligence and advisory firm. “I really don’t see it as being a big deal changer—no matter what they call themselves, they’re still the same guys. They’ve clearly always been influenced by ISIS."

Quartz
Featured Analyst:
Scott Stewart
Situation/Intelligence Reports

Russia: Moscow Ends Participation In Security Treaty

Russia said March 10 that it would no longer participate in a consulting group on the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, Reuters reported.

Russia: Top Security Officials Make Unpublicized Visit To Crimea

Three Russian aircraft that are usually used to carry high-level Russian officials arrived in Crimea about the same time March 10, but few details have been released about the visit.

Pakistan: Government Reinstates Death Penalty

Pakistan will lift a seven-year moratorium on executions, BBC reported March 10. The country partially lifted the ban for terrorism-related offenses after Taliban attacked a school in December.

Germany: Anti-Islam Protest Largest In Months

The 18th demonstration by the anti-Islam protest group Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamization of the West, better known as Pegida, held on March 9 in Dresden was the group's largest since its founder resigned Jan. 21 amid controversy over Nazi-inspired pictures posted to Facebook, Der Spiegel reported March 10.

Israel: Palestinian Parties Unite For Elections

Four Palestinian parties will run together under a joint list for the March 17 Israeli parliamentary elections, Reuters reported March 10.

Brazil: Automotive Agreement Signed With Mexico

Brazil and Mexico signed a new bilateral agreement March 9 for the automotive industry, which foresees free trade between the two countries within four years, Brazil’s Minister of Development Armando Monteiro said, Valor Economico reported.

Venezuela: National Assembly Considers Granting President More Power

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has asked the Venezuelan National Assembly to approve a new law that would give him so-called special powers to keep the peace and to counter imperialist aggression, Ultimas Noticias reported March 9.

EU: Leader Calls For Greater Unity With U.S.

New European Council President Donald Tusk met with U.S. President Barack Obama on March 9 and said cooperation between the United States and Europe is more critical than ever as foreign adversaries try to divide the two.

Turkey: Former Intelligence Chief Withdraws From Election

Under pressure from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey's former intelligence chief Hakan Fidan has withdrawn his application to run for parliament and will return to the post he resigned from Feb. 7, Hurriyet Daily News reported March 9.

Egypt: Sinai Attack Kills 1, Injures 42

Militants attacked a security post with a bomb-laden vehicle in North Sinai’s El Arish, killing one civilian and injuring 42 soldiers, Ahram Online reported March 10.

China: Government May Raise Retirement Age

China needs to raise the retirement age to reduce pressure on the pension fund, Chinese Minister of Human Resources and Social Security Yin Weimin said, adding that such policies would be implemented over a period of five years, Reuters reported March 10.

Colombia: Ecopetrol Has Plan In Case Of Strike

Colombian state-run energy company Ecopetrol will be able to continue the uninterrupted flow of oil in the event that its workers move forward with a strike, Reuters reported March 9.

Syria: Islamic State Infighting Kills 9

Islamic State militants trying to flee the group got into a firefight with other group members near the town of al-Bab in northwestern Syria, killing nine, The Daily Star reported March 9.

Venezuela: U.S. Places Sanctions On Officials

U.S. President Barack Obama signed an executive order March 9 placing sanctions on seven Venezuelan officials accused of threatening the national security and foreign policy of the United States, a press release from the White House said.

France: Police Arrest 4 Linked To Supermarket Attack

French police have arrested four people believed to be tied to the Jan. 9 hostage situation at a Jewish supermarket in Paris, Deutche Welle reported March 9.

Yemen: Armed Groups Retake City

Government-backed militias retook Al-Mahfad city in Abyan province from Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, World Bulletin reported March 9, citing unnamed militia fighters.

Iraq: Baghdad Is Glad To Accept Aid From Iran, Official Says

Iraqi Defense Minister Khaled al-Obeidi said March 9 that his government is comfortable asking for and receiving help from Iran despite its strained relationship with the United States, AP reported.

Nigeria: Foreign Troops Retake Town

A military offensive by troops from Niger and Chad has retaken the town of Damask in northeastern Nigeria, News 24 reported March 9.

Forecasts

Decade Forecast: 2015-2025

The United States' role as the pre-eminent power will be the sole constant in a decade of political fragmentation, economic shifts and changes in regional power structures.