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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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Ukrainian intelligence details new low-cost Russian cruise missile
A new missile called the Filin adds to Russia’s growing arsenal of low-cost, long-range munitions, placing strain on Ukraine’s overstretched air defenses. Ukraine is expected to scale production of faster interceptor drones, but this addresses only part of the challenge of countering Russia’s evolving missile and drone capabilities.
All Articles
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Iraq
Iraq hangs 27 on terrorism charges
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Al Qaeda
14 key terrorist suspects transferred from secret CIA custody to Guantanamo Bay
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Philippines
Peace Talks Resume as Cease-Fire Comes Under Strain in the Philippines
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Somalia
Sheik Ahmed Sherif, the head of the ICU, held talks “with US and European diplomats during a recent visit to Kenya.” The purpose was very likely an attempt to split him from Aweys. ICU organized veterans to protest against foreign intervention. During the rally, Sherif “warned Uganda not to send troops to Somalia.”
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Afghanistan
US launches attack in east Afghanistan
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Kyrgyzstan
Search for Missing Air Force Officer Continues in Kyrgyzstan
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Israel
Israel’s military blockade of Lebanon will end on September 7. The IDF killed a senior member of Islamic Jihad and six others during raids in Gaza.
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Al Qaeda
al Qaeda in Iraq No. 2 Was Arrested in June
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Defense Department Ordered to Take Custody of High-Value Detainees
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Iraq
Jumaa Farid al-Saeedi, al Qaeda ‘s commander of the anti-Shiite Omar Brigade and member of the Mujahideen Shura, was captured in June. Iraq and the US will sign a military handover pact on September 7. A large weapons cache exploded in a building in Nasiriyah.
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Egypt
Egypt: 16 Muslim Brotherhood leaders released
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Back, Again, For Good
As many of you have already figured out, I have returned to The Fourth Rail and am now posting here permanently. I realize I have done a bit of shuffling around the blogosphere of late. This is a new medium, I have been experimenting a bit, and I hope you will understand and forgive me for making it difficult at times to find me. Each time, I have returned here, and I am now here to stay. No more moving. I am now entirely on my own, and I will be counting on your support for this project to work.…
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Philippines
(Philippines) Battered Marines vow to ‘finish off’ Abu Sayyaf
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Iraq
The Road to Haditha
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Afghanistan
Two al Qaeda were arrested in Khost in possession of “weapons, night vision equipment and various electronic devices,” as a suicide bomber killed a ” teacher and a government employee” in the same province. The Afghan government is establishing a National Security Coordination System.
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Pakistan
Brief notes on the ‘truce.’ Newsday: “tribal paramilitary forces… will handle border control duties… the Taliban [is] running a parallel government.” USA Today: “offers an ‘implicit amnesty’ to foreign and local militants.” The New York Times: “The deal is widely viewed as a face-saving retreat for the Pakistani Army.”
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Pakistan
Pakistan Denies Bin Laden Gets a Pass
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Pakistan
Pakistan backtracks on bin Laden immunity
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Pakistan
Waziristan accord signed
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Afghanistan
Suspected Al Qaeda Aides Arrested in Afghanistan
