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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…
All Articles
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India
Indian Police may have discovered explosives used in the Malegaon terror attack. Digital timers are said to have been used. Members of India’s Muslim community protested the attacks and blame Pakistan’s ISI. “The blasts are aimed at creating a rift between Muslims and Hindus.”
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Sri Lanka fighting kills 20 soldiers, troops take territory
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Pakistan
Taliban – winners of the peace deal?
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Israel
Israeli forces clash with militants in south Gaza
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Kashmir
Militants kill 2 policemen in Indian Kashmir
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Pakistan
Pakistan arrests suspected Islamist militant
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Spain
Report: 3 Spanish Muslims Recruited for Jihad Every Month
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Medusa and the Kabul Cell
An Operation Medusa update and more on the suspected al Qaeda car bomb cell in Kabul Operation Medusa is in its seventh day, and Afghan and Canadian forces of the Canadian Royal Regiment, along with Coalition air forces continue to pound Taliban positions in the Panjwai district in Kandahar. An ISAF [International Security Assistance Force] report indicates at least 40 Taliban were killed in the latest round of fighting, while ABC News Online puts the number at 50. Estimated Taliban casualties in Medusa over the past week are around 350, with over 80 detained. The ISAF press release also confirms…
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Lebanon
Prodi: Syria agrees to EU force on border with Lebanon
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Waziristan Deal could be model for Afghanistan: UK
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United Kingdom
Muslim groups infiltrated by 7/7 bombers had huge government grants
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Hizbullah ignores new freeze by US Treasury
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Indonesia
Indonesia asks US for access to militant Hambali
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Egypt
Egyptian security forces boost security throughout the Sinai peninsula
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Indonesia
Five years after 9/11 attacks, Jemaah Islamiyah still a threat
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Kyrgyzstan
Air Force Major Missing in Kyrgyzstan Found Alive
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Afghanistan
NATO agrees Afghan peace force needs boost
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Somalia
A militia leader in Baidoa called on the interim government to leave peacefully or they will be ejected by force. Somalia’s Islamic leaders, including Sheik Hassan Dahir Aweys and Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed, are headed to Libya to visit Gadhafi. The ICU will only accept an Islamic constitution. The United Nations will reopen its office in Mogadishu.
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Pakistan
NWFP Governor Orakzai say “hundreds” of al Qaeda are currently in North Waziristan, and claims the U.S., France and Germany were privy to negotiations with the Taliban. The Waziristan truce could be model for Afghanistan, says British diplomats. A bombing in Baluchistan kills six people.
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Hundreds of al Qaeda-linked foreign militants in the tribal area of North Waziristan
