Haqqani Network
How the Haqqani Network is Expanding From Waziristan
Author Archives: CJ Radin
Yemen
Analysis: Yemen sinks deeper in conflict as Saleh clings on
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula
How America finally caught up with Anwar al-Awlaki
Syria
Syrian dissidents meeting in Turkey announced the creation of a united council aimed at toppling President Bashar al Assad. After five days of fighting, pro-Assad forces say they have restored order to the rebellious town of Rastan. The fighting pitted the Syrian military against army defectors who sided with anti-regime protesters.
Syrian uprising: the ‘Free Syrian Army’ enters the picture
The uprising in Syria may be entering a new phase. Several recently published articles put it into perspective.
Jordan
Jordanians demonstrated across the country, calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit’s government, the dissolution of the lower house of Parliament, and the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador. The Israeli embassy staff left Amman in fear the demonstration would turn violent.
Iran
The IAEA reported that Iran has enhanced its enrichment of uranium and has installed more sophisticated centrifuges. “We believe if Iran broke out now they could have a bomb in six months,” said a former weapons inspector. President Ahmadinejad visited Sudan to expand trade and political ties, and the Industries minister emphasized mutual cooperation with […]
The Arab Spring: Iran vs. Saudi Arabia
A recent CNN article looks at how the two countries perceive their roles in the region, as well as their views on each other and the current “Arab Spring” unrest.
Turkey
Turkey imposed an arms embargo on Syria and seized a Syrian ship. The United States has agreed in principle to deploy US Predator drones on Turkish soil to aid in the fight against Kurdish separatist rebels.
Bahrain
Bahrain held parliamentary by-elections for seats vacated by Shiites after protests. Police blocked protests ahead of election. King Hamad said Bahrain recognizes the “need for reforms.” The US envoy to Bahrain urged dialogue.
Syria
The EU banned investment in Syria’s oil sector. Syria banned imports except raw materials in a move to preserve foreign currency reserves. Turkey and the US have been exploring how to deal with a possible civil war among Syria’s Alawite, Druze, Christian, and Sunni sects. Syrian children have joined the protests.
Iran
President Ahmadinejad said Iran would stop producing enriched uranium if it is guaranteed fuel for a medical research reactor. At the same time, Tehran is holding talks with Russia about building another nuclear power plant. Iran’s nuclear efforts are hit by sabotage. The Revolutionary Guards have stolen dozens of Russian-made surface-to-air missiles from Libya and […]
Iran
Iran freed two US hikers jailed for spying. Venezuela and Cuba defended Iran’s right to run a nuclear program. The EU gave a blanket offer to resume Iran nuclear talks. US-based Iranian opposition groups said Iranians will take to the streets on Friday.
Syria
Iraq is calling for regime change in Syria. the European Union plans to impose new sanctions on Syria, including a ban on oil investments. Turkey is considering imposing sanctions and coordinating its efforts with the US.
Iran
US officials are considering establishing a direct military hotline with Iran. Iranian forces would finish off the Kurdish rebel group, PJAK, “in the coming days”, said Iran’s ground forces commander. Iranian authorities have arrested a group of filmmakers and accused them of working for the BBC Persian service, which is banned in the country.
Turkey
Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan has signaled that Turkey could launch a joint operation with Iran against Kurdish militants’ main base in northern Iraq. Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said Turkey does not need the US to mediate its dispute with Israel.
Iran
Iran has provided sniper units to kill Syrian protesters targeted by the regime of President Bashar Assad. Belarus is the latest country that Western powers suspect of helping Iran to skirt UN sanctions aimed at preventing Tehran from expanding its ballistic missile and nuclear programs.
Syria
At least 200 Syrian opposition members have met outside the capital in a significant gathering of dissidents on Syrian soil. A group of Russian lawmakers arrived in Damascus Saturday in a bid to broker an end to violence. Russia is one of President Bashar al Assad’s few remaining supporters.
Islam and the Pakistani Army
Foreign Policy provides some historical context about Islam’s role in the Pakistani Army.
Funding the Afghan National Security Forces
Is the US just “trimming the frills,” or is it being penny-wise and pound-foolish?
The flaw in the US ‘National Strategy for Counterterrorism’
The US and Pakistan have different outlooks on the US role in Afghanistan and in the region.
Iran
The head of Iran’s Civil Defense Organization said Iran needs to work out a new paradigm and model for defense against cyber attacks. A court set a $500,000 bail for two US hikers in custody for spying.
Syria
Dozens of tanks and hundreds of soldiers stormed 10 villages near Syria’s northwest border with Turkey. Security personnel launched raids in the provinces of Homs, Idlib, Damascus, and Hama. The Arab League called for “immediate change” in Syria and an end to the violence. Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan said the “Syrian people and I don’t […]
Syria
Syrian forces stepped up raids across the country after one of the bloodiest weeks in the six-month uprising, seizing dozens of people in the province of Deir al-Zor and in villages near Hama. The UN said the death toll in Syria has reached 2,600. Russia rejected a call for wider sanctions. Six foreign ministers of […]
Iran
Google has advised users of its online services in Iran to change their passwords following the theft of Internet security certificates from a Dutch company. In its offensive against Kurdish PJAK rebels, Iranian forces killed the PJAK second in command and the PJAK killed an Iranian Republican Guard general.
Syria
In a first direct call for foreign intervention, Syrian activists appeal for international help. Syrian Revolution General Commission, an umbrella bloc of activists, said a rise in the number of protesters killed had won over many reluctant Syrians to the need for outside help. Hamas co-founder Mahmoud al Zahar announced Friday Hamas is looking to […]
Iran
The Iranian president made an appeal to Syria to end violence and open dialogue with opposition. “A military solution is never the right solution,” Ahmadinejad said. US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said revolution in Iran appears to be a matter of time, and the Iranian reform movement was learning from revolts in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, […]
Syria
Syrian government forces killed at least 17 people in a tank-backed raid on the city of Homs. The operation came after 2,000 people had taken to the streets a day earlier. Nabil Elaraby, secretary general of the Arab League, delayed a mission to Damascus after Syrian officials told him he would not be welcome.
Iran
The head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization said it will open its nuclear program to five years of ‘full supervision’ by the UN atomic energy agency if the world body lifts its sanctions. However, that ‘full supervision’ would have limits. Up to 300,000 Iranians may have had their Google email monitored using security certificates stolen […]
Syria
Syrian security forces launched widespread attacks against the central cities of Hama and Homs, the eastern border town of Tal Kalakh, and along the Syrian-Turkish border. At least five people were killed.