Headlines

Trump’s Iran war: three goals, three failures, one debacle

Trump chose to believe Netanyahu. Announcing the US-Israeli assault, Trump told Iranians that this was their opportunity to reclaim their country. To win the war on Trump’s terms, the Iranian theocracy needed only to survive. The attack killed the Supreme Leader of Iran and top

Asia

Japan is becoming the hinge of Indo-Pacific deterrence

China’s latest move at Scarborough Shoal may appear routine. By tightening access controls with a barrier and layered vessel presence, Beijing has once again signaled that its strategy aims to normalize its presence along key maritime lanes. Yet this move signals a broader

Asia

Why US, Israel and Iran are headed for a frozen conflict

With a shaky ceasefire in place between the US, Israel and Iran – and little progress on talks to resolve the complex issues at the heart of the war – where is this conflict going? The most likely scenario is a frozen conflict. A frozen conflict is not static, but is an

Asia

Taiwan’s KMT offers US an off-ramp from war with China

Amid all the tensions in the Middle East, the situation in East Asia looks a lot calmer. That’s especially true after a visit to Beijing by Taiwan’s opposition leader Cheng Li-wun, a positive sign for peace and an encouraging step toward Washington’s longstanding interest in

Asia

F/A-XX fighter tests future of US carrier power against China

The US Navy’s F/A-XX fighter bid underscores a deeper contest with China not just over next-generation carrier aircraft, but over which side can sustain carrier aviation as a credible instrument of power, deterrence and influence in the Indo-Pacific. The Navy will select a

Asia

US, China forge rival fusion chains as Europe weighs role

China and the United States are extending their rivalry beyond artificial intelligence and space into fusion energy, widely seen as a virtually limitless, carbon-free power source. Both are racing to build domestic capabilities while securing supply chains for future reactors.

Asia