De Slag om de Herdenking Waarom 4 mei geen podium mag zijn voor politieke slogans open.substack.com/pub/ceesroel...

As global focus on Afghanistan wanes again, the silence is deafening. Recent discussions in the media on Afghanistan have highlighted both insightful and dangerously naive perspectives, and it’s time to separate the two. Read my full editorial contribution. medium.com/@Cees2024/th...

The negative impact of Taliban restrictions will affect future generations: boys internalise the subordination of women, and girls lose hope for their future. Afghan women urgently request the international community not to recognize the Taliban open.substack.com/pub/ceesroel...

While all attention is focused on Ukraine and Gaza, there are numerous forgotten crises worldwide that pose a significant threat. These conflicts, often overlooked by the international community, can escalate into broader regional crises if left unaddressed. ceesroels.substack.com/p/world-stat...

Iran now has the default advantage over the United States because it does not actually have to achieve anything material in the near term. Chaos itself will constitute a victory. By contrast, the bar for U.S. success is high. www.foreignaffairs.com/iran/irans-o...

20 million people need humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan. We must prevent humanitarian aid from being misused to strengthen autocratic rule or promote radicalisation as we have seen in Gaza. Addressing Taliban's repressive policies is paramount. open.substack.com/pub/ceesroel...

Prediction should never take the place of preparedness! Lithuania's Foreign Minister Landsbergis warned against a possible Russian surprise attack: We cannot wait for a second, our Pearl Harbour moment. We cannot wait for every European country to be attacked by Russia www.spiegel.de/ausland/russ...

Inspired by television series depicting air raids during World War II and interview with former GDR dissident Wolf Biermann, I delve into ethical dilemmas and human costs associated with Gaza war - a domain of moral gray areas and uncomfortable truths. medium.com/@Cees2024/wa...