The deputy director of the Defense Intelligence Agency predicted that the Syrian conflict could continue for years. He warned that al Qaeda in Iraq will emerge stronger as a result of the conflict, and said sooner or later the West will have to confront the growing radical Islamist elements in Syria. Gen. Dunford, head of Coalition operations in Afghanistan, criticized talk of a “zero option” in Afghanistan as “unhelpful.” The US is shifting some of its drone aircraft to reconnaissance missions beyond traditional, declared combat zones. Terrorism charges were filed yesterday against Mokhtar Belmokhtar, head of the al Qaeda-linked Those Who Sign in Blood Brigade, for the attack at the In Amenas gas facility in Algeria.
