
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.

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.

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.

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…

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.

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.

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…

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.

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.

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…
US accused of covert operations in Somalia

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Afghan governor’s success ‘made him a target’

Deal could see Fatah-Hamas rule

Has Al Qaeda advanced its goals since 9/11?

9/11: The Philippine Connection

U.S. troops move into Sadr City as well as the Baghdad’s southern neighborhoods of Bay’aa and Risala. MNF-Baghdad soldiers detained 49 suspected insurgents last week. U.S. units are actively searching for militias posing as police in Baghdad. Iraq’s Vice President calls for Sunnis to accept the national reconciliation.

The Taliban take retribution against pro-American “spies” and “collaborators” The federally Administered Tribal Areas and North West Frontier Province. Click to enlrage. The purge of anti-Taliban tribal elements has begun in the Islamic Emirate of Waziristan, formerly as the Pakistani tribal agency of North Waziristan. The “Waziristan accord” specifically prohibits the extra judicial killings of tribesman. “There will be no target[ed] killing and no parallel administration in the agency. The writ of the state will prevail in the area”, according to a copy of the truce obtained be Dawn. The Taliban and al Qaeda have violated the agreement less than…

The full version of the as-Sahab 9/11 anniversary video, “The Manhattan Raid,” was released this afternoon. Global Crisis Watch has copies of the video (in two parts) and an analysis. “As-Sahab Media has now begun to promote… a new video of al Qaeda operations chief Ayman al-Zawahiri, according to Global Crisis Watch.

Extending Canada™s mission in Afghanistan ‘right thing to do™

Al Qaeda Finds Its Center of Gravity

Rice stands by claims of al Qaeda-Saddam links

Afghan governor assassinated

US: Man Who Knew Bin Laden Now Just Wants Normal Life
