Iran
Geopolitics ⋅ Cyber
The Crux: An Iranian nuclear facility may have been hit by a cyber attack. Fingers are pointing toward Israel as the likely culprit.
What you need to know: The Iranian nuclear facility experienced a blackout on Sunday. Iranian news described the incident as sabotage. The day before the blackout, Iranian president Hassan Rouhani announced plans to increase the country’s uranium enrichment efforts, overstepping the widely criticized 2015 nuclear deal. Intelligence whispers suggest Israeli involvement in the attack.
Why this matters: This is not the first time Iranian nuclear efforts have been disrupted. Stuxnet, the infamous computer worm, also sabotaged Iranian nuclear equipment over a decade ago. That incident was largely believed to be the doings of Israel and the US.
Afghanistan
Geopolitics
The Crux: US President Joe Biden plans to withdraw all American troops from Afghanistan by September 11, 2021.
What you need to know: The Biden administration reached a decision to withdraw the roughly 3,000 remaining US troops from Afghanistan by September 11, 2021, the 20-year anniversary of 9/11. The decision replaces the previous administration’s goal for full withdrawal by May 1, 2021.
Why this matters: US forces have been present in Afghanistan since October 2001. Critics of US efforts in Afghanistan argue that a withdrawal will save American money and lives. Others argue that a full withdrawal will alienate NATO allies deployed in Afghanistan and risk destabilizing the already weak Afghan government.
Myanmar
Geopolitics
The Crux: Myanmar’s military overthrew the government in February, resulting in military rule and a state of emergency. Hundreds of civilians were killed following protests against the recent military coup. Read more in our Spotlight piece here.
North Korea
Geopolitics
The Crux: North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un admitted his country is struggling.
What you need to know: North Korea has been uniquely disadvantaged by the pandemic. North Korean leaders are usually tight-lipped about the nation’s struggles, so Kim Jong-un’s rare openness reveals a gloomy outlook for the economy and public health. Experts are watching North Korea after a recent missile test stirred up international commotion.
United States
Economics
The Crux: The chairman of the US Federal Reserve shows optimism for the US economy.What you need to know: The US economy is at an “inflection point,” according to US Fed Chair Jerome Powell. The optimism is the result of recent fiscal stimulus and a positive vaccine outlook. The increased economic activity caused inflation to increase in March.