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** Saturday Reads
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** February 21, 2026
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Why Donald Trump Is Right to Intervene in the UK’s Chagos Islands Deal
By Azeem Ibrahim
Senior Director of Special Initiatives, New Lines Institute

Ceding the islands to a smaller nation and leasing back Diego Garcia, home to a key US and UK military base, comes with long-term risks. Read the full article here ([link removed]) .
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What Does the Supreme Court’s Tariff Ruling Mean for South Korea?
By J. James Kim
Director of the Korea Program, Stimson Center

The legal basis for a landmark trade deal between South Korea and the Trump administration—lowering tariffs in exchange for investment—now appears in doubt. Read the full article here ([link removed]) .
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The Risks and Opportunities of Sanae Takaichi’s Big Triumph in Japan
By Lyle J. Goldstein
Director of Asia Engagement, Defense Priorities

Takaichi’s broad support and growing military could make Japan a stronger US ally, but also threaten its other relationships in the Asia-Pacific region. Read the full article here ([link removed]) .
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Fueling the Future: South Korea’s Capital and America’s Nuclear Reboot
By Stella Kim
CEO, Pandia Bridge

South Korean investment in America’s fuel supply chain could reduce reliance on Russia while securing enriched uranium access for both allies. Read the full article here ([link removed]) .
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The Day After Khamenei: Iran’s ‘Liberation’ Will Begin as an IRGC Power Struggle
By Charbel Antoun
Journalist

The IRGC controls the regime’s security forces, intelligence services, and economic networks, making it the most likely actor to dominate Iran’s immediate post-Khamenei transition. Read the full article here ([link removed]) .

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