[link removed]


** Wednesday Reads
------------------------------------------------------------


** February 25, 2026
------------------------------------------------------------


** Want to book an interview with our authors or experts? Click here ([link removed]) .
------------------------------------------------------------
[link removed]
How China Is Hardening the Iran Target Before the American Attack
By James D. Durso
Managing Director, Corsair LLC
Retired Navy officer

China needs to protect its strategic cooperation agreement with Iran, so the superpower is selling military hardware and providing military intelligence. How else will it help? Read the full article here ([link removed]) .
[link removed]
Burhan Rejects President Trump’s Plan to End the War in Sudan
By Hussain Abdul-Hussain
Research Fellow, The Foundation for the Defense of Democracies

The plan calls for an immediate truce between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces, permanent ceasefire, civilian-led political transition in Sudan, and sustained humanitarian access. Read the full article here ([link removed]) .
[link removed]
Is Vladimir Putin Looking for an Exit in Ukraine?
By Andrew C. Kuchins and Chris Monday

As Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine enters its fifth year, how seriously is the Kremlin taking the high-stakes trilateral negotiations in Geneva? Read the full article here ([link removed]) .
[link removed]
The Stars Are Aligning for Hezbollah’s Disarmament
By Rany Ballout
Political risk and due diligence analyst

Despite public displays of defiance, Hezbollah is weaker than ever before—and the rest of Lebanon is united in opposition to its continued militancy. Read the full article here ([link removed]) .
[link removed]
It’s Time to Confront Afghanistan and Iran About Al-Qaeda
By Joe Zacks
Co-founder and Managing Partner, Aardwolf Global Solutions
Adjunct Fellow, The Foundation for Defense of Democracies
Former Deputy Assistant Director for Counterterrorism, CIA

The al-Qaeda terror network operates with impunity out of Iran and Afghanistan. America must lean on both countries’ regimes to bring it to heel. Read the full article here ([link removed]) .
Click here to read more thoughtful news and analysis in The National Interest. ([link removed])

Want more TNI? Follow us on social media!

============================================================
** Facebook ([link removed])
** Twitter ([link removed])
** YouTube ([link removed])
** Spotify ([link removed])
** Website ([link removed])
** Email (mailto:[email protected])
Copyright © 2026 Center for the National Interest, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in for our daily newsletter or registered at an event.

Our mailing address is:
Center for the National Interest
1025 Connecticut Avenue NW
Suite 709
Washington, DC 20036
USA
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences ([link removed])
or ** unsubscribe from this list ([link removed])

Want to subscribe to our mailing list? ** Click here ([link removed])
.