Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- December 23, 2015

ISIS sets sites on Washington in new video. (photo credit:ISLAMIC SOCIAL MEDIA)

Farhad Rezaei, Jerusalem Post: The Islamic State nuclear doomsday

The emergence of jihadists known to be searching for nuclear and radiological (NR) material has lent a tone of urgency to the debate about ways to prevent nuclear terrorism. At the same time, the supply side of the equation has grown from inchoate attempts at smuggling to a more organized market in NR material. This combination of factors has arguably increased the probability of spectacular attack in the not so distant future. The reason for this assessment is based on a straightforward calculation: a nuclear or radiological device is the ultimate force multiplier and a NR attack is considered “spectacular” enough for jihadists to fulfill their divine mission.

Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- December 23, 2015

Assad Is Reaching Out to Washington Insiders -- Josh Rogin, Bloomberg

Iran deal nears a turning point: As a possible Implementation Day approaches, sniping is growing on all sides. -- Nahal Toosi, Politico

Two Lessons We Must Learn From Afghanistan -- Telegraph editorial

Three ways China is finally taking its seat at the world’s table -- Anja Manuel, Reuters

2015: The Year US-China Relations Went Public -- Graham Webster, The Diplomat

How the Sultan of Brunei Stole Christmas -- Nico Hines, Daily Beast

Inside Eritrea: conscription and poverty drive exodus from secretive African state -- David Smith, The Guardian

The decline of Europe is a global concern -- Tony Barber, Financial Times

Inside Ukraine’s violent, messy battle for power -- Oliver Cromwell, Politico

U.S. Sends Putin a Reminder to Stop Meddling in Ukraine -- D. Francis, Foreign Policy

America's Cold War Master Plan to Nuke Russia -- Michael Peck, National Interest

Three choices for new, fractured Spanish political landscape -- Kevin Lees, Suffragio

Spain’s electoral earthquake rattles euro zone -- Andrew Hammond, The Globe and Mail

How DEA Agents Took Down Mexico's Most Vicious Drug Cartel -- David Epstein, The Atlantic/Propublica

Everything You Need To Know About Kim Dotcom and Megaupload -- Stacey Higginbotham, Fortune