Iraqi security forces announced the killings of Islamic State leaders who had long evaded capture. Despite concerns that the sharp drawdown of international troops over the past year might negatively impact counterterrorism activities, Iraq has announced the killing of several high-level commanders and operatives since late January. Following a double …
Read More »The Israel-Russia-Syria deal: Cost, beneficiaries and future deals
As Israel and Syria conclude a deal on the return of an Israeli woman from Syria, questions arise regarding the cost and what the future of such transactions with Russian mediation should be. ast week Israel concluded a deal with Syria, via Russia, to return an Israeli woman who crossed …
Read More »Elusive figure of Syrian war dies with secrets in Turkey
Heysem Topalca, a fugitive whose name was implicated in some of the most controversial chapters of Ankara’s Syria policy due to his alleged role in the Turkish intelligence operations in Syria, has died, taking all his secrets to the grave. Heysem Topalca, a fugitive who allegedly played a key role …
Read More »ISIS and the UK: the Case of Shamima Begum
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. …
Read More »How the CIA Helped to Crush Turkey’s Post-War Left
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 …
Read More »Pakistan expert: Religiosity aiding spike in militancy
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 …
Read More »Islamic State Exploiting Security Gaps to Step Up Violence, US Partners Warn
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 …
Read More »Who Are Iran-backed Militants Struck by US in Syria?
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 …
Read More »Qatar’s foreign minister pays visit to Egypt
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 …
Read More »Elbit awarded $300m. contract to supply unmanned aircraft systems to Asian country
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. …
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