March 6, 2021 Eurasia, Middle Orient
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 …
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March 6, 2021 Eurasia, Middle Orient
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 …
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March 6, 2021 Eurasia, Middle Orient, 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 …
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March 6, 2021 Eurasia
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. …
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March 6, 2021 Eurasia, Middle Orient, Turkey
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 …
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March 6, 2021 Eurasia, Pakistan, South East Asia
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 …
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March 6, 2021 Eurasia, Middle Orient
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 …
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March 6, 2021 Eurasia, Iran, Middle Orient
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 …
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March 6, 2021 Africa, Eurasia
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 …
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March 6, 2021 Africa
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 …
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