Archive for October, 2020
Sunni agreement to expel Popular Mobilization Units from liberated Iraqi cities
Saturday, October 31, 2020 Comments Off on Sunni agreement to expel Popular Mobilization Units from liberated Iraqi citiesSunni political parties are using murders in Salahuddin province to demand an end to the presence of armed militias blamed for killings. The Oct. 17 murder of 12 people from the Sunni community in Salahuddin province north of Baghdad has raised the ire of Sunnis against Shiite factions present in their areas, as they have […]
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict tests Turkey’s hard power without diplomacy
Saturday, October 31, 2020 Comments Off on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict tests Turkey’s hard power without diplomacyCan Ankara’s “coercive diplomacy” in the south Caucasus yield tangible diplomatic benefits in the long run? Turkey once again assumed the role of “game changer” — this time in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. As with previous cases in Syria, Libya and the eastern Mediterranean, the big question is whether Ankara can gain diplomatic dividends for its […]
Saudi Arabia condemns ‘offensive cartoons’ as calls grow for French boycott
Saturday, October 31, 2020 Comments Off on Saudi Arabia condemns ‘offensive cartoons’ as calls grow for French boycottThe kingdom “rejects any attempt to link Islam with terrorism,” a Foreign Ministry source said. Saudi Arabia is the latest Muslim country to denounce French President Emmanuel Macron’s controversial comments on Islam and depictions of the Prophet Muhammad.
Israel showcases alignment with Greece, Cyprus
Saturday, October 31, 2020 Comments Off on Israel showcases alignment with Greece, CyprusIsraeli, Greek and Cypriot foreign ministers met today in Athens, showcasing again the strong strategic alignment between the three countries. Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi met this afternoon in Greece with his Greek and Cypriot counterparts, Nikos Denidas and Nikos Christodoulides. The trilateral meeting was dedicated to issues of energy, security and diplomatic developments, showcasing the […]
No good news for Turkey from jihadi ranks in Syria
Saturday, October 31, 2020 Comments Off on No good news for Turkey from jihadi ranks in SyriaAhrar al-Sham, a prominent armed group that has often collaborated with Turkey in Syria, is hit by infighting that plays into the hands of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and dampens Turkish plans to remold rebel factions in Idlib. Turkey has gained ample experience in organizing, training, equipping and using armed militants in Syria since it forayed […]
Erdogan sues Charlie Hebdo over caricature
Saturday, October 31, 2020 Comments Off on Erdogan sues Charlie Hebdo over caricatureAn ongoing Turkey-France spat deepened after French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo published a caricature of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, prompting legal action from Ankara. Turkish prosecutors launched a legal probe into the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo Wednesday after it published a cover containing an insulting cartoon depiction of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Erdogan warns Turkey has ‘right to mobilize’ again against Kurdish forces
Saturday, October 31, 2020 Comments Off on Erdogan warns Turkey has ‘right to mobilize’ again against Kurdish forcesThe Turkish president’s comments come a year after Turkey launched an offensive against Kurdish fighters in northeast Syria. A year after launching an incursion into northeast Syria, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan raised the possibility of another offensive against US-backed Kurdish forces in the war-torn country.
Outgoing IDF intel analysis chief: Changing world means revolution in intelligence
Saturday, October 31, 2020 Comments Off on Outgoing IDF intel analysis chief: Changing world means revolution in intelligenceOutgoing IDF Intelligence Analysis chief Brig.-Gen. Dror Shalom has published an article about how he and others have been working up a revolution in intelligence to confront a constantly radically changing world.
Iran vows to liberate Golan Heights from Israel
Saturday, October 31, 2020 Comments Off on Iran vows to liberate Golan Heights from IsraelIran’s judiciary chief, Ebrahim Raisi, told Syria’s ambassador to Iran that it supports the “resistance” to retake the Golan Heights from Israel.
Ex-US cyber command chief: Enemies using AI is ‘existential threat’
Saturday, October 31, 2020 Comments Off on Ex-US cyber command chief: Enemies using AI is ‘existential threat’“Artificial intelligence is the real thing. It is already in use by attackers. When they learn how to do deepfakes, I would argue this is potentially an existential threat.”
PA steps up crackdown on supporters of Abbas’s chief rival
Saturday, October 31, 2020 Comments Off on PA steps up crackdown on supporters of Abbas’s chief rivalThe PA suspects that Dahlan, who has been living in the United Arab Emirates since 2011, is working to establish centers of power in the West Bank as part of a scheme to undermine Abbas.
Russia’s post-Soviet weakness is really an opportunity
Saturday, October 31, 2020 Comments Off on Russia’s post-Soviet weakness is really an opportunityСразу три союзные России страны – Армения, Белоруссия и Киргизия – одновременно столкнулись с острыми кризисами, что заставляет еще раз задуматься о том, насколько эффективной была союзническая и интеграционная политика Москвы на постсоветском пространстве. Угрозы, которые происходящее может представлять для России, очевидны, но в то же время кризисы можно использовать для того, чтобы усовершенствовать эту […]
Iran air defenses bolstered near NW border amid Karabakh war: Army chief
Saturday, October 31, 2020 Comments Off on Iran air defenses bolstered near NW border amid Karabakh war: Army chiefThe chief commander of Iran’s Army has said the Islamic Republic has bolstered its air defenses near the northwestern frontier amid ongoing clashes over the disputed Nangorno-Karabakh region. Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, who also commands Iran’s Air Defense Headquarters, made the remark on Tuesday as fighting continued between Azeri and Armenian forces in the Nagorno-Karabakh […]
China’s 2nd aircraft carrier Shandong completes testing, training mission, to be combat-ready by year-end
Saturday, October 31, 2020 Comments Off on China’s 2nd aircraft carrier Shandong completes testing, training mission, to be combat-ready by year-endChina’s first domestically made aircraft carrier, the Shandong, has completed regular testing and training missions at sea that focused on actual combat after serving in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy for 10 months, China Central Television (CCTV) reported Tuesday.
India enacts new laws allowing non-locals to buy land in disputed Kashmir
Saturday, October 31, 2020 Comments Off on India enacts new laws allowing non-locals to buy land in disputed KashmirIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu-nationalist government has been introducing major changes to the laws governing the ownership of land in the Indian-administered Kashmir since its decision to abolish the disputed Himalayan region’s autonomous status last year.
Experts Question China’s Claim of ‘Victory’ in Anti-Poverty Drive in Tibet
Saturday, October 31, 2020 Comments Off on Experts Question China’s Claim of ‘Victory’ in Anti-Poverty Drive in TibetIndia on Tuesday joined the U.S. in calling for the South China Sea Code of Conduct being negotiated by China and the Southeast Asian bloc to adhere to international law.
Professional Development for Countering Transnational Organized Crime
Saturday, October 31, 2020 Comments Off on Professional Development for Countering Transnational Organized CrimeTransnational organized crime (TOC) is a growing threat in Africa as technology and growth in trade link the continent ever more closely to licit and illicit opportunities in the global marketplace. Livelihood challenges, political instability, and weak state legitimacy in some countries also amplify vulnerabilities to TOC in its various forms. Understanding these threats using […]
A Light in Libya’s Fog of Disinformation
Saturday, October 31, 2020 Comments Off on A Light in Libya’s Fog of DisinformationDivisions within Libya’s civil war have been amplified by foreign-sponsored disinformation campaigns. Reconciliation and peacebuilding will require local actors to reclaim Libya’s digital spaces. Nested within Libya’s ongoing civil war are a fog of falsehoods, distortions, and polarizing narratives that have engulfed Libyan social media networks and online news outlets. Content created and fueled by […]
Does the U.S. Nuclear Umbrella Still Protect America’s Allies?
Saturday, October 31, 2020 Comments Off on Does the U.S. Nuclear Umbrella Still Protect America’s Allies?The next president should move swiftly to reassure allies that the U.S. nuclear guarantee remains credible—or risk rapid nuclear proliferation. One important consequence of the fraying of U.S. alliances over the last few years is the reemergence of concern in allied capitals about the credibility of the U.S. nuclear guarantee. In Europe, allies wonder whether […]
Russian strike on Syria’s Idlib fighters a ‘message’ to Turkey
Saturday, October 31, 2020 Comments Off on Russian strike on Syria’s Idlib fighters a ‘message’ to TurkeyLatest escalation comes amid increased Turkish military involvement in a region stretching from Syria to the Caucasus and the Mediterranean. Russia and Turkey are two sides of the same coin. They are both heavily involved in some of the world’s most significant ongoing conflicts including in Libya, the Caucasus and Syria.
Al Qaeda Feels Losses in Syria and Afghanistan but Stays Resilient
Saturday, October 31, 2020 Comments Off on Al Qaeda Feels Losses in Syria and Afghanistan but Stays ResilientAmerican drones and U.S. allies killed several Qaeda leaders and operatives in the past week. But the organization has “ingrained itself in local communities and conflicts,” according to the U.N.
Mali opens trial over 2015 Bamako attacks on foreigners
Saturday, October 31, 2020 Comments Off on Mali opens trial over 2015 Bamako attacks on foreignersMali has begun the trial of alleged Islamist gunmen accused of killing two dozen people in separate attacks – both targeting foreigners – on a luxury hotel and a restaurant in the capital Bamako, in 2015.
Libya to Release Russians Charged With Vote Meddling
Saturday, October 31, 2020 Comments Off on Libya to Release Russians Charged With Vote MeddlingLibya’s internationally recognized government has agreed to release two Russian political operatives who’ve been jailed for more than a year, officials said, signaling a detente with Moscow, which had backed a rival in a devastating civil war.
Turkey, Greece cancel naval drills set for Oct. 29, 28
Saturday, October 31, 2020 Comments Off on Turkey, Greece cancel naval drills set for Oct. 29, 28In one-time gesture of goodwill, Turkey cancels planned military shooting drills in Mediterranean, say security sources. ANKARA Turkey and Greece have mutually cancelled military drills set earlier this month by Ankara for this Wednesday, Oct. 28 and by Athens for Thursday, Oct. 29, according to Turkish security sources.
Putin, Erdogan discussed Nagorno-Karabakh, Syria during phone call: Kremlin
Saturday, October 31, 2020 Comments Off on Putin, Erdogan discussed Nagorno-Karabakh, Syria during phone call: KremlinRussian President Vladimir Putin, in a phone call with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday expressed his concerns over increased involvement of fighters from the Middle East in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the Kremlin said in a statement. Putin and Erdogan also discussed Syria and Libya during the phone call, the Kremlin added.
Turkey-backed Syria fighters retaliate for deadly airstrike
Saturday, October 31, 2020 Comments Off on Turkey-backed Syria fighters retaliate for deadly airstrikeSyrian opposition groups allied with Turkey lobbed hundreds of missiles and artillery rockets at government posts in northwestern Syria on Tuesday, in retaliation for a deadly attack that killed dozens of their fighters a day earlier.
Charlie Hebdo sparks Turkish fury with cartoon of Erdogan
Saturday, October 31, 2020 Comments Off on Charlie Hebdo sparks Turkish fury with cartoon of ErdoganTurkey on Tuesday accused French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo of “cultural racism” over a front-page cartoon for its latest edition that mocks President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Turkey’s Erdogan sues Dutch anti-Islam lawmaker for insults
Saturday, October 31, 2020 Comments Off on Turkey’s Erdogan sues Dutch anti-Islam lawmaker for insultsTurkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is suing Dutch lawmaker Geert Wilders after the anti-Islam politician posted a series of tweets against the Turkish leader, including one that described him as a “terrorist.”
Qataris sign security deal with GNA, challenging UN efforts in Libya
Saturday, October 31, 2020 Comments Off on Qataris sign security deal with GNA, challenging UN efforts in LibyaTurkish-Qatari coordination seen preparing for Doha to replace Ankara in exerting influence in Libya. Turkey and Qatar are moving in Libya in a way that suggests they share a plan to obstruct the settlement path led by the US State Department, in a step that reflects an anticipation of and a challenge to the US […]
Iraqi Kurdistan vaunts security competence to boost reputation
Saturday, October 31, 2020 Comments Off on Iraqi Kurdistan vaunts security competence to boost reputationThe region hopes that its security role will yield financial benefits and attract foreign aid amid an unprecedented economic crisis. Kurdish authorities in northern Iraq said on Monday they had foiled a planned attack on foreign diplomats in their autonomous regional capital of Erbil, more than a year after the killing of a Turkish consular […]
Egypt worried about Hamas-Turkey close ties
Saturday, October 31, 2020 Comments Off on Egypt worried about Hamas-Turkey close tiesEgypt has demanded that Turkey stay away from issues the Egyptians are dealing with, including efforts to end the dispute between Hamas and the Palestinian ruling Fatah faction.
France warns citizens to be cautious as anger seethes in Muslim world
Saturday, October 31, 2020 Comments Off on France warns citizens to be cautious as anger seethes in Muslim worldFrance warned its citizens living or traveling in several Muslim-majority countries to take extra security precautions on Tuesday as anger surged over cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad.
Mossad brought Chinese coronavirus vaccine to Israel
Saturday, October 31, 2020 Comments Off on Mossad brought Chinese coronavirus vaccine to IsraelThe Mossad brought China’s coronavirus vaccine to Israel in recent weeks in order to study and learn from it, Channel 12 reported on Monday.Multiple government sources indirectly confirmed the report.
Iraqi Sunni politicians organize a new political front
Saturday, October 31, 2020 Comments Off on Iraqi Sunni politicians organize a new political frontA recent massacre of Sunni youths in central Iraq and concerns that sectarian violence may pull the country back into dark times seem to have fostered plans for a new sect-based political bloc and rekindled talk of an autonomous Sunni region.
Sisi appoints Salafist party members to Egyptian Senate
Saturday, October 31, 2020 Comments Off on Sisi appoints Salafist party members to Egyptian SenateAlthough the Salafist Nour party failed to secure any seats in the Senate, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi decided to appoint two party representatives to the Senate.