A former Isis fighter once complained to me that western volunteers who travelled to the so-called Islamic State in northeastern Syria were a burden because they did not speak Arabic, had no military experience, knew little about Islam and had often come because they were bored or unhappy at home. …

After the Second World War (1939-45), the U.S. became the dominant global power and fought its rival, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) for international supremacy. Many countries became proxy battlegrounds between U.S. and Soviet influence. In addition to beating the Reds, U.S. war planners used secret militias, many …

Militant attacks are on the rise in Pakistan amid a growing religiosity that has brought greater intolerance, prompting one expert to voice concern the country could be overwhelmed by religious extremism. Pakistani authorities are embracing strengthening religious belief among the population to bring the country closer together. But it’s doing …

The Islamic State terror group appears to be exploiting security gaps across Syria and Iraq to reposition its forces and help fuel an increase in violence that is reenergizing fighters and supporters. Officials with U.S.-backed forces in northeastern Syria tell VOA the recent surge in violence across the region, including …

The U.S. military Thursday struck facilities used by Iran-backed militia groups in eastern Syria, a decision the Pentagon said President Joe Biden authorized in response to recent attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq. “Specifically, the strikes destroyed multiple facilities located at a border control point used by a number of …

Mohammed bin Abdurrahman Al-Thani has traveled to Cairo for Arab League meeting, according to local media Qatar’s Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdurrahman Al-Thani has traveled to Egypt’s capital to attend an Arab League meeting, Egyptian media reported Tuesday. Qatar’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi arrived …

The pro-democracy movement, known as the Hirak, has once again marched against the political system, a day after President Abdelmadjid Tebboube promised further reforms. Thousands of Algerians joined the student-led protests against the government on Tuesday, challenging coronavirus restrictions. The demonstrations came a day after Algeria’s President Abdelmadjid Tebboune promised …

Lebanon’s harrowing economic crisis worsened when the pound fell against the dollar again on the black market. The Lebanese pound has again fallen to an all-time low on the black market as the economic crisis continues. The exchange rate reached 10,000 Lebanese pounds to the US dollar on the black …

The company said that under the contract, it will provide its Hermes 900 UAS and associated sub-systems, as well as maintenance and support services. Elbit Systems announced on Tuesday that it was awarded an approximately $300 million contract by a country in Asia to provide Hermes 900 Unmanned Aircraft Systems. …

Steinitz, a close ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urged US President Joe Biden to put “enormous pressure” on Iran to change its behavior and dismantle its nuclear program. Any new nuclear deal between the West and Iran should be “dramatically improved” from the previous agreement, Israeli Energy Minister Yuval …