A fortnightly series looking at how major events and issues are reported in Russian media. This week we examine how Russian moves in Crimea are being reported, including attempts to identify Russian military vehicles in use by the unidentified gunmen at key Crimean points and the lack of a status quo option in the upcoming Crimean referendum.
Category: Intelligence desks
Southern Africa: Forecasts for insecurity and conflict in 2014
Some narratives have painted Southern Africa as a region largely absent of conflict and insecurity. In reality, instability persists beneath the surface due to corruption and inequitable settlements following independence or struggles for national liberation. This study from Open Briefing provides forecasts for 10 Southern African countries over 2014.
The View from Russia: Protests in Kiev
The first edition of a new fortnightly series looking at how major events and issues are reported in Russian media. This week we examine the coverage of the recent protests in Ukraine that led to the eventual removal of the president.
Intelligence brief: Qatari aid, finance and foreign policy in Sudan
This intelligence brief for an international network of aid agencies and civil society organisation answers four intelligence requests related to Qatari aid and other finance in Sudan, as well as Qatar's policy towards South Kordofan and Blue Nile states and the architects of such policies.
Central Africa: Forecasts for insecurity and conflict in 2014
The conflicts that have devastated Central Africa have created a profound level of instability, cycles of repeat violence and a ‘bad neighbourhood’ from which its members have no recourse, particularly landlocked states. Given the high levels of poverty and lack of opportunity, the outlook for much of the region looks bleak. This study from Open Briefing provides forecasts for four Central African countries over 2014.
West Africa: Forecasts for insecurity and conflict in 2014
Some narratives have painted West Africa as a region where conflict and insecurity occur naturally due to ethnic tensions and porous borders. In reality, the underlying sources and drivers of instability are critical to understanding events. This study from Open Briefing attempts to avoid generalisations by analysing specific factors and identifying forecasts for individual countries in the region.
A witching hour deal and the morning after: The Iran-P5+1 nuclear deal
The nuclear deal inked in Geneva between Iran and the P5+1 in the early hours of 24 November momentarily closed the curtains on a decade of painful suspense. In this article, Open Briefing contributing analyst Kevjn Lim disassembles the agreement and assesses its implications for Iran and the wider region.
Iran’s cyber posture
The covert tit-for-tat war between Iran and Israel and various Western allies has steadily expanded to include a cocktail of diplomatic pressure, economic sanctions, attacks directed at civilians overseas, and now, a virtual war with real-life consequences. This intelligence brief examines Iran's cyber warfare capabilities and their likely intentions.
