While there is no one lynch pin to the U.S. strategic position in the Middle East, Iraq is a critical part of any future security structure. Iraq has the world’s fifth-largest proven crude oil reserves at 145 billion barrels (representing 8% of global reserves) and its position between a hostile Iran and a Syria tied to Russia will have a major impact on the stability of the Gulf and the Levant.

SOURCE: "Iraq, the United States, and the 'New' Middle East" by CSIS' Anthony Cordesman.

A mere 1 percent of Chinese security engagement with African security chiefs takes the form of security training, signifying a major difference compared to the United States. Between 2003 and 2016, China only conducted 13 military exercises with African countries overall, whereas the United States stages multiple training exercises every year.

SOURCE: "Personal Ties: Measuring Chinese and U.S. Engagement with African Security Chiefs" by CSIS' Judd Devermont and Marielle Harris and Research Consultant Alison Albelda.

Street protests in Cuba may be seen by some in North Korea as a warning. The two countries have similar authoritarian regimes, are encountering significant domestic healthcare problems, and are facing serious economic complications because of the international economic slowdown—North Korea's trade with China plummeted by more than 75 percent due to the dual impact of the pandemic and sanctions.

SOURCE: "Concern in Pyongyang over Protests in Havana?" by CSIS Senior Adviser (Non-Resident) Robert R. King.

The United States and Germany have reached an agreement on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. While the deal is unlikely to satisfy Congress, Ukraine, or others in Europe, it does address real vulnerabilities in Ukraine's energy system. Germany will put $175 million into a Green Fund for Ukraine, aiming to mobilize $1 billion for renewable energy, energy efficiency, and the diversification of Ukraine’s energy system. Germany will also provide funds for bilateral projects, and set up a program to increase Ukraine’s resilience to physical and cyber disruptions.

SOURCE: "Beyond Nord Stream 2" by CSIS' Nikos Tsafos.