President Yusuf tells the defense minister to abandon all hope of recovering Kismayo and orders his militias to push to Baidoa. “A convoy of more than 156 [Ethiopian] war vehicles” is said to have arrived in Baidoa. Yusuf’s government still believes it can negotiate with the Islamic Courts Union. An interview with wanted terrorist and […]
A status update on Pakistan, plus the Brits call for a truce in Helmand province The results of the Waziristan Accord, Pakistan’s ‘truce’ with the Taliban and al Qaeda in the tribal agency of North Waziristan, reverberate throughout the Afghan-Pakistani border region and beyond. The Taliban continue to violate the truce. A Pakistani military base […]
In Thailand, a New Model for Militants?
Israel warns Hezbollah after pulling out of Lebanon
Baghdad Curfew Is Lifted
Iraqi Shi’ite MPs demand cabinet reshuffle
Yemeni security forces killed al Qaeda operatives Fawaz al-Rabe’ie and Mohamed Daylami, who were involved in the 2003 attack on the French oil Tanker Limburg. They were among the 23 inmates who escaped from prison last year. Of the 23, “11 of the fugitives have since surrendered to authorities or were captured by police, four […]
Yet again I had the honor and privilege of co-hosting this week’s edition of Global Crisis Watch’s Podcast. We called to Washington, Baghdad and Buffalo to tackle the latest al Qaeda video featuring Ayman al-Zawahiri, the curfew and security situation in Iraq, and Islamist advances in Somalia with Dr Walid Phares, author of “Future Jihad,” […]
al Qaeda in Iraq’s leader Abu Ayyub al-Masri car bomb instructional video found, Anbar tribes strike again at al Qaeda Abu Ayyub al-Masri. The Iraqi government has aired segments of a recently uncovered video of Abu Ayyub al-Masri, the leader of al Qaeda in Iraq. Al-Masri is seen providing a lesson on building car bombs. […]
US Senate votes to extend Iran sanctions
Musharraf threatens the West: “You’ll be brought down to your knees if Pakistan doesn’t co-operate with you” in the war. Musharraf and Karzai agree to hold loya jirgas (tribal meetings) in the border regions. The Pakistani government has forced the Taliban to close their office in Miranshah. Afghan security forces and a “Pakistani militia” clashed […]
A videotape of 9-11 commander Mohammed Atta and pilot Ziad Jarrah has emerged. The tape was recorded in Afghanistan in January of 2000, and Atta is seen recording his will. Osama bin Laden addresses a group of al Qaeda and 9-11 plotter Ramzi Binalshibh is in the crowd. Video available here.
Israel begins last phase of Lebanon withdrawal
US Says Hezbollah Still Strong After War With Israel
Air raid kills Islamic Jihad member
Satirical Saudi show makes mockery of militants, draws fundamentalist ire
Reaching a Consensus on the Taliban
We could bring the West to its knees: Musharraf
Ramadi has ‘Tipped™ to Iraqi Government, Coalition
India says Pakistan’s ISI (intelligence service), Lashkar-e-Toiba and SIMI are behind the Mumbai train bombings that killed over 200. Pakistani calls the charges “baseless” and asks for evidence. Fifteen suspects are currently in Indian custody.
Al Qaeda Increasingly Reliant on Media
Darfur ex-rebels accuse Sudan army of attacking HQ
Turkey’s Kurdish rebels declare ceasefire
Armed confrontations between Anbar tribes, al Qaeda
Indian Police Blame Pakistan’s ISI in Mumbai Bombings
“Baghdad under curfew” – an update
Basra governor says Iraq police tried to kill him
Reports Army unit abandoned convoy in Iraq incorrect
The Islamic Courts continues its conquest of Somalia. The Lower Shabelle region and the towns of Kalaber and Jawil are now under the control of the ICU. Kenyan troops have been placed on high alert all along the Somali border.
A suicide bomber kills 12 and wounds over 40 in a crowded Kabul market. Two weeks ago, the Kabul police broke up an al Qaeda bombing cell.