Iran
Almost 40 years in construction, the Bushehr nuclear power plant begins supplying electricity to the national grid. Iranian Revolutionary Guards forces launched a new offensive against Kurdish PAJK rebels in northwestern Iran.
Author Archives: CJ Radin
Al Qaeda
Britain’s Former MI5 Chief Suggests Talks with al Qaeda
Syria
(Syria) The professor of propaganda
Iraqi leaders agree to continued US troop presence beyond 2011
All of Iraq’s major parties, except the Sadrist bloc, want US forces to stay beyond the December 2011 deadline.
Analysis: US military strategy in Afghanistan shifts as forces draw down
The reduction of Coalition troops in Afghanistan drives major changes to ISAF’s military strategy.
Afghan National Army update: July 2011
Quick Reaction Forces and combat support organizations are needed to allow the ANA to deal with emergency situations.
US begins drawdown of forces from Afghanistan
Two units, comprising about 1,000 troops, will leave Afghanistan over the next two weeks.
ISAF nations follow US lead, announce early troop drawdowns
The US’s allies will remove thousands of troops from Afghanistan in the next two years.
Afghan Local Police remain key to Coalition strategy
The Coalition seeks to triple the size of the Afghan Local Police.
Afghan National Army update, May 2011
A look at the development of the Afghan National Army, a key force in the fight against the Taliban.
Killing bin Laden: the bigger prize
Will the “treasure trove” of intelligence seized at Osama’s safe house lead to a significant degradation of al Qaeda’s network?
Karzai announces July transfer of responsibility from ISAF to Afghan National Security Forces
ANSF will take the lead in four provinces and three cities.
Afghan Local Police vital to General Petraeus’ strategy
The establishment of the local village forces is the third attempt by ISAF and the Afghan government to provide security in contested areas.
Why the Egyptian military won’t oust Mubarak
Editor’s note: Steven Sotloff is a Yemen-based Adjunct Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies who is currently reporting from Cairo. As pro-democracy protests enter their third week in Egypt, demonstrators have not relented in their primary demand – the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak. With the president digging in and refusing to yield, […]
Muslim Brotherhood, Egyptian Army remain aloof from protests
Editor’s note: Steven Sotloff is a Yemen-based Adjunct Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies who is currently reporting from Cairo. Ever since protests broke out in Egypt on Jan. 25 calling for the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak, much speculation has focused on two groups: the military and the Muslim Brotherhood. Both have […]
The military strategy in Afghanistan
Afghan and Coalition forces will focus on three key areas in an attempt to drive back the Taliban and restore security, while building up Afghan security forces to hold the regions.
Afghan National Army Order of Battle September 2009 update
Each headquarters unit and battalion is now rated with a Capability Milestone (CM) level.
Afghan National Army Air Corp (ANAAC) Order of Battle update: August 2009
An update of the status of the Afghan ANAAC. The total cost of building the ANAAC is approximately $5 billion. 
The Afghan Public Protection Force pilot program is underway
Afghanistan’s Ministry of the Interior has begun to train and field the Afghan Public Protection Force, the local tribal security forces that officials hope will tame the rising insurgency.
Afghan Police Update: February 2009
The Afghan police have lagged behind the Afghan National Army; 85 percent of the Afghan National Police units are at the lowest rating level for capability and training.
Afghan National Army: February 2009 Update
The Afghan National Army has increased its capabilities over the past year. Plans to accelerate the growth of the Army will present challenges.
Afghan National Army Air Corps: February 2009 Update
The ANAAC continues to develop its capabilities. Today, the Afghan National Army Air Corps flies 90 percent of its own missions in support of the Afghan Army.
Afghanistan National Security Forces: June 2008 Update
A look at the progress in expanding the Afghan National Army, the various police divisions, and the Air Force.
Afghanistan National Security Forces Order of Battle
The Long War Journal publishes the first release of the Afghanistan National Security Forces Order of Battle. This assessment tracks the development of the Afghan military and police forces.