Hezbollah
Iraqiya List concerned about Iraqi, Iranian and Lebanese armed groups backing up Assad regime
Monthly Archives: March 2012
Iran
Skeptics doubt US can be certain about Iran’s nuclear progress
Syria
Syrian army troops took control of the northwestern city of Idlib and began attacks on the southern city of Daarah. Saudi Arabia has closed its embassy. Russia said President Assad was too slow in making reforms.
United States
A district court convicted Afghan citizen Haji Bagcho of drug and terrorism charges. From his base in Nangarhar province, he sold 20% of the world’s heroin in 2006, and provided cash, weapons, and supplies to the Taliban. Bagcho was arrested in Pakistan in 2009, turned over to Afghanistan, and extradited to the US.
US Marines disarmed for SecDef visit to Helmand
A sergeant major said the Marines were disarmed because someone was “itchy,” while a general said it was done because Afghan troops were not allowed to carry weapons.
Yemen
Yemeni Salafists formed a political party. President Hadi replaced the commanders of several key military units. Former President Saleh demanded that 10 of his political opponents go into exile along with him.
Somalia
A Shabaab suicide bomber killed four people in an attack in the presidential palace compound in Mogadishu. Shabaab claimed the attack was carried out to take revenge “for the defilement & desecration” of Korans.
Nigeria
The “mastermind” of the kidnapping and murder of two Europeans died in custody. Police said that Ali Mohammed was the leader of a Boko Haram splinter group in Sokoto.
Afghanistan
Panetta pledges security support for Helmand
Afghanistan
Kandahar Killings Have Not Strained US-Afghan Partnership: NATO
Afghanistan
Marines told to disarm before Panetta speech
Russia
Senators: US indirectly funding Syrian military
Norway
Norway to become more multicultural
Shabaab suicide bomber strikes at presidential palace in Mogadishu
Shabaab continues to be able to penetrate high-security areas in the Somali capital. At least four Somalis were killed in the attack.
Egypt
Israeli Truce With Gaza Militants Takes Hold
Belgium
Deadly Mosque Arson in Belgium Attributed to Sunni-Shiite Friction
Egypt
Aboul Fotouh Is Unlikely Moderate in Egypt Election
Afghanistan
US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta in surprise Afghan visit
Iran
Cyber-attack on BBC leads to suspicion of Iran’s involvement
Iran
Iran’s War in Gaza
Afghanistan
BBC News – Q&A: Foreign forces in Afghanistan
Afghanistan
Kyrgyzstan Wants Military Role to End at US Base
Syria
Syria authorities, opposition trade blame in civilian deaths
Israel
Israelis see Iran mini-drill in Gaza flare-up
Afghanistan
The Taliban attacked a senior government delegation visiting the scene of the mass murder of 16 Afghans by a US soldier in Panjwai, Kandahar; one Afghan soldier was killed. The Taliban threatened to behead US soldiers to avenge the killings in Panjwai.
Pakistan
US drones killed 15 Taliban fighters, including two of Mullah Nazir’s commanders, in two strikes in South Waziristan. “Gunmen” killed a government official in his office in North Waziristan. The government denied reports that it banned the Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jamaat, the successor to the Sipha-e-Sahaba.
Syria
Government forces continued their assault on Idlib, and planted mines along routes used by refugees fleeing to Turkey and Lebanon to escape the violence. Russia said it would not stop selling weapons to Syria. President Assad announced parliamentary elections in May.
Israel
After four days of air strikes and rocket attacks, Israel and Gaza militants agreed to a ceasefire. After a day, the truce appeared to be holding.
Yemen
An al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula suicide bomber killed four Yemeni soldiers in an attack at a checkpoint near Al Baydah. The attack took place in the city where US drones killed 20 AQAP fighters just days ago.
Taliban threaten to ‘cut off the heads’ of US soldiers
The Taliban continue to release inflammatory statements; meanwhile, the US continues to hope for peace.