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Syria’s counterterrorism dilemma: Who can Washington trust?
A deadly attack on a Christian funeral in Jordan and subsequent Jordanian airstrikes in Syria have sparked a diplomatic dispute between Amman and Damascus. Bill Roggio is joined by FDD Senior Research Analyst Ahmad Sharawi to discuss the Islamic State’s possible involvement, the deteriorating security situation in southern Syria, and the implications for US counterterrorism policy in the region.
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Syria hosts Iraqi PM for visit amid security challenges in north and south
Syrian President Ahmad al Sharaa hosted Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al Zaidi in Damascus on October 28 for talks aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, expanding trade, and reviving energy cooperation. The historic visit came as Syria faces continuing security challenges, including a deadly Jordanian airstrike in the south, clashes with foreign jihadists in Idlib, and tensions surrounding the return of displaced Kurds in northern Syria.
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Florida teenager arrested in an Islamic State-linked bomb plot
A 15-year-old student in Gainesville, Florida, allegedly sought guidance from Islamic State members and supporters on building drones and explosives to attack people at an unidentified indoor location.
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One war, many fronts: Iran and its proxies
The war with Iran is far from over, and the fight extends well beyond the Strait of Hormuz. Bill Roggio is joined by FDD Senior Fellow and former British Ambassador to Yemen Edmund Fitton-Brown to assess the status of the US-Iran conflict, Tehran’s efforts to break the American naval blockade, and the growing role of…
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Afghanistan-Pakistan border clashes continue amid reported Pakistani outreach to anti-Taliban groups
Taliban and Pakistani forces have clashed at least three times since October 19, amid reports that Pakistani military and intelligence officials have met with members of Afghanistan’s anti-Taliban resistance to discuss possible support.
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Poland selected to host Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missile maintenance facility
Poland will host Europe’s first dedicated maintenance facility for the Patriot air defense system’s PAC-3 missiles, reducing repair and servicing times while strengthening regional air defense readiness. The initiative comes amid growing shortages of critical munitions and Poland’s broader efforts to expand its role in US weapons production and maintenance.
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Jordanian Air Force strikes targets in Syria in retaliation for deadly church attack
On October 26, the Jordanian Air Force conducted multiple strikes against suspected Islamic State positions in southern Syria, targeting militants Jordan linked to an October 23 attack on a church in Karak that killed nine people and wounded dozens. Jordan said the strikes killed more than 20 militants, while Syrian authorities reported seven civilian deaths.
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Iraq juggles border security and ties with Iran, Syria, and Jordan
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al Zaidi is seeking to strengthen border security and regional cooperation amid tensions with Iran over the closure of a key crossing in Iraq’s Maysan province, while also pursuing closer ties with Jordan and Syria. The developments come as Baghdad continues to face threats from Iranian-backed militias, concerns over instability along…
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Pakistani outreach presents a dilemma for Afghanistan’s anti-Taliban resistance
Pakistan’s reported outreach to anti-Taliban resistance groups reflects deteriorating ties with its longtime ally. But accepting Pakistani support could deepen divisions in the resistance and undermine its standing among Afghans who blame Islamabad for decades of bloodshed.
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Iraqi parliament approves most remaining cabinet appointments, including Iran-backed militia figures
After five months of negotiations, almost all remaining spots in Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al Zaidi’s cabinet were approved by the parliament on October 15. Among the three deputy prime ministers is Laith al Khazali, whom the US State Department designated a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in 2020.
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The Houthis’ Red Sea power play
The Houthis are on the offensive in Yemen, threatening one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints and bringing the war back to Saudi Arabia’s doorstep. Bill Roggio is joined by FDD research analyst and Long War Journal contributor Bridget Toomey to discuss the Iranian-backed group’s renewed campaign to conquer Yemen, its advances along the…
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Drawing the Battlelines in Anbar
A large majority of the Anbar tribes vow to fight al Qaeda in Iraq and the insurgency, plus, Losing Anbar? Iraq. Click map to view. While the news from western Iraq has focused on the partial leaking of a Marine intelligence report purportedly focusing on the inaccurate reports of the ‘loss of Anbar province’,’ a significant political development has occurred between the Anbar tribes and the Coalition and Iraqi government. The New York Times reported over the weekend that 25 of the province’s 31 tribes have organized to oppose the insurgency and al Qaeda. The tribes are said to be…
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Thailand
Thailand President Thaksin Shinawatra declares state of emergency admid reports General Sondhi has attempted a coup. Tanks are said to be headed to Bangkok. There is no indication this is related to the southern insurgency. Thai news organization are said to have been taken over by the coup members, visit Bangkok Pundit for updates.
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Iraq
Iraqi officials release a letter from Attiyat al-Jaziri to Zarqawi, which highlights al Qaeda’s Command’s differences with Zarwaqi. Jihadi websites are buzzing with rumors that Ansar al-Sunnah will merge with al Qaeda in Iraq. The Iraqi government will assume full control over Dhi Qar province this week.
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United States
Anthrax Investigation A ‘Cold Case?’
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Kashmir
Money trap of terror industry in Jammu and Kashmir
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Caucasus
Russian parliament to vote on bill to pardon Chechen militants
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Caucasus
Assailants fire on Chechen parliamentary speaker’s house, wounding son and nephew
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Kuwait
(Kuwait) Tribal MP indirectly supports bin Laden
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Al Qaeda
Major Iraqi al Qaeda Merger Rumored in the Works
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Iran
Iran could have nuke bombs in 3 years -Israeli army
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India
(India) Suspected Laskar-e-Toiba militants arrested
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In Gaza, the Rule by the Gun Draws Many Competitors
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Algeria
(Algeria) “Army and security services behind reconciliation”
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“Unfortunately, al Qaeda supports the Taliban, which gets help from Pakistan,” says a Dutch Colonel
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Somalia
The Islamic Courts will provide “military training needed to wage jihad” to students from 8th grade and up. Hassan Turki, wanted by the U.S. government, is openly operating in Somalia. The Somali interim government killed 6 and captured 2 suspects in the presidential bombing attack.
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Somalia
Mogadishu’s cleric rulers slowly reveal their agenda
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Somalia
Somalia: Aweys criticizes clan-based Islamic Courts
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Pakistan
Azzam the American al Qaeda was spotted in South Waziristan last month. The Taliban violated the truce yet again and attacked a Pakistani Army outpost in South Waziristan. Two soldiers were “seriously wounded.” The Taliban also executed a tribesman.. A car bomb explodes near a police station in Peshawar. A roadside bomb injures 4, including 2 female government workers, in Bajaur.
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France
Chirac urges lifting UN sanctions threat on Iran
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Iran
Chavez greets Iranian ally Ahmadinejad
