The Islamic State’s Revitalisation in Libya and its Post-2016 War of Attrition
Following its territorial loss of Sirte in December 2016, the Islamic State in Libya has rebounded to wage a war of attrition that seeks to derail Libyan state formation.
When it comes to Ukraine, Trump’s alleged misdeeds go beyond quid pro quos
Understanding how important Ukraine is to U.S. security reveals how serious the president’s alleged high crimes were.
Greek VICE News Backgammon Interview with Jason Pack
Jason Pack was interviewed by Greek VICE News following his 2018 Backgammon World Championship first-place results in the Doubles Tournament and the Belair Team Tournament.
Libya’s House of Cards: Elections Without Institutions
After years of civil war in Libya, the recent plan to hold elections there seems like a rare ray of sunshine, creating hope that the country may be on the path to peace. However, caution is needed.
Al-Qaida’s Strategy in Libya: Keep it Local, Stupid
This article looks at how al-Qaida-linked groups focus on the local struggle in Libya, how they have shaped their strategies and activities in the country, and what impact this has had on the communities where they are active.
Serendipity in the Caucasus: An examination of the major Georgian Qveri wine varieties
Jason Pack interlaces philosophy and flavour as he investigates the Qveri-aged wine of Georgia…
The origins and evolution of ISIS in Libya
This article examines ISIS’s pre-history, birth, expansion, consolidation, and dispersal in Libya, as well as the broader political context of the country.
Russia tests Trump with bid for lead role in Libya
Haftar’s advance westwards has coincided with increasingly public support from Russia, Egypt, and even Trump - this is cause for concern.
A Trumpian Peace Deal in Libya?
Surprising as it may be stateside, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is wildly popular in Libya, and Tripoli needs an unorthodox approach.
The online gambling industry would have preferred Clinton over Trump
YogoNet interviews Jason Pack about the Trump effect on global gaming.
Donald Trump: Welfare queen of the casino economy
Trump would govern the US the way he ran his casino business, which has shaped many of his core beliefs about taxes, global trade, and the role of government.
Georgia and the Caucasus: Europe or Asia?
Is the Republic of Georgia, and the Caucasus region in general, a part of Europe or a part of Asia? As a means to solve this eternal question, Jason Pack and Jennifer Sagal went to Georgia to participate in the first international backgammon tournament for journalists, and to examine the debate…
The Hungary Model: Resurgent Nationalism
As if by some undiscovered Newtonian law, today's attempts at humanitarian internationalism are sowing the seeds for tomorrow's resurgent anti-globalization nationalisms.
The ‘other’ negotiations: UN progress in Libya and the west’s next move
Despite flaws, the Libyan deal represent a significant achievement. A mediated settlement was the only way to prevent further military escalation.
Miliband’s position on Libya is deeply hypocritical
While Miliband is right to point out that Libya would have fared better had the Western administered more capacity-building assistance after Qadhafi’s fall, his speech writers haven't studied the history of Western involvement in Libya enough.
How to End Libya’s War
The war in Libya is not about religion or ideology; it is about greed and vengeance. By not lending our tacit support to either side we could remove the poisonous injections of cash and weapons that drive the conflict.
Lars Trabolt vs. Slava Pryadkin World Championship Final Part 3: The Art of Seizing the Moment
Jason Pack covers and analyses Lars Trabolt and Slava Pryadkin’s 2013 World Backgammon Championship finals match.
Genius and Grace in Monte Carlo: Toshiyuki Moriuchi, Akiko, and a Crash Course in Three-Roll Endings
Jason Pack’s article in the September/October edition of Prime Time Backgammon highlights the amazing performance of Akiko in winning the 2014 World Championships…