UK Archives

Syria appoints new president amid widespread diplomatic engagement efforts

Seth Frantzman | January 30, 2025

On January 29, Ahmed al Sharaa was declared the new president of Syria in the transitional government that came into power after the collapse of the Assad regime on December 8. This declaration led to congratulations from several Arab states in the region, and the Qatari emir arrived in Damascus on January 30, the first head of state to visit the new ruler. These developments are part of a broad diplomatic outreach by Sharaa and his new foreign minister.

Ep. 39 – Countering Extremism

Thomas Joscelyn & Bill Roggio | December 30, 2020

Robin Simcox joins hosts Tom Joscelyn and Bill Roggio to discuss the ongoing jihadist threat in Europe and efforts to combat extremism in the U.K. and elsewhere. Simcox is the director of the London-based Counter Extremism Group.

UK officials still investigating ‘wider conspiracy’ behind Manchester attack

Thomas Joscelyn | May 28, 2017

British officials say they are still investigating a possible “wider conspiracy” behind the Manchester Arena bombing on May 22. Meanwhile, British interior minister Amber Rudd told BBC News that security services are “looking at 500 different plots” with 3,000 possible terrorists on the “top list” and 20,000 “underneath that.”

Manchester Arena bombed at conclusion of Ariana Grande concert

Thomas Joscelyn | May 23, 2017

A bomb killed at least 22 people and wounded 59 others at the Manchester Arena in Britain last night. The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the bombing.

Islamic State claims to still control 4 neighborhoods in Sirte, Libya

Thomas Joscelyn | August 15, 2016

Amaq News Agency claims the Islamic State still controls four neighborhoods inside Sirte, Libya. Amaq says that special forces from four Western countries (US, UK, France and Italy) are involved in the offensive. The jihadists have lost significant ground in and around the city since May.

British Prime Minister highlights Islamic State’s threat to UK, West

Thomas Joscelyn | November 28, 2015

In a memo submitted to the UK parliament, British Prime Minister David Cameron claimed that seven terrorist plots have been broken up in the UK in the past 12 months, the number of terrorism-related arrests is up 31%, and the Islamic State has an “external operations structure in Syria” that is devoted to planning attacks in the West.

British jihadists appear in Shabaab propaganda video

Thomas Joscelyn | November 3, 2015

A new recruiting video released by Shabaab appears to feature at least two or three fighters from the UK. Shabaab, al Qaeda’s official branch in East Africa, has a history of recruiting from Britain.