Bottom Line: Skyrocketing food & energy prices have driven tens of thousands of protesters into the streets of Colombo. The President, Prime Minister, and multiple cabinet members have resigned or fled the capital. Sri Lanka may be a harbinger of things to come in other countries if the cost of living continues to become less and less affordable.

Bottom Line: Recent reporting reveals that when it comes to TikTok’s data on American users—including children—the Chinese government “has access to everything.” The time has come to dispense with excuses—the federal government must ban the app in the U.S.

Bottom Line: Since the 1979 revolution, Iran’s air force has grown increasingly outdated and under-equipped. Now, however, Tehran may be using the Biden administration’s peace talks & sanctions relief to acquire the resources to recapitalize its aircraft fleet.

Bottom Line: Despite the Biden administration’s earlier attempts to appease Iran and chastise Saudi Arabia, the President’s upcoming trip to the Middle East offers a unique opportunity to bolster regional security cooperation by Israel and its Arab neighbors.

Bottom Line: Recent polling shows that a strong majority of Americans want the United States government to continue supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s invasion—even if it means higher energy prices and inflation here at home.

Bottom Line: As Beijing and Moscow deepen their authoritarian partnership, the U.S. and its allies must think thoroughly about how to deploy their moral, legal, and financial resources as part of a larger campaign to help democracies resist authoritarian influence.

Bottom Line: In contrast to his predecessor—who strove to balance Chinese economic integration and the U.S.-ROK security relationship—South Korea’s new president is working to deepen his country’s economic ties with America & its allies in the Indo-Pacific.