Blog Posts

"Political obstacles to reaching a consensus on new parameters for a war authorization law look more daunting than ever."

"Masoud Barzani is to step down as president of Iraq’s semiautonomous Kurdish region just a month after an independence referendum reversed years of political and military gains."

Continue on for more information on both calls for papers.

“Without a common enemy to unite them, U.S. allies in the Mideast return to fighting one another.”

"Syrian and Iraqi forces closing in on the last scraps of Islamic State’s caliphate have already witnessed the jihadists’ likely response."

"Once billed the richest terrorist group, ISIS’ revenue streams are drying up, which may force it to rely more heavily on criminal enterprises and donations."

"Philippine President Duterte and security analysts said the gunmen had planned to set up a Southeast Asian IS base in the southern Philippines."

"The ambush of US troops in Niger has pulled back the veil on Washington’s growing military footprint in Africa and underscored the lack of senior diplomats on the continent."

"The Pentagon’s top general said Thursday that he is 'very frustrated with the drip, drip, drip of information' seeping out in the media."

"Pakistan is seeking "transparent" relations on "equal terms" with the United States and is ready to offer its "full cooperation" in fighting terrorism."

"Though it is rare for U.S. personnel to be encounter combat in Niger, the mission nevertheless comes with its own dangers and hazards."

"Bergdahl’s case has faced politicization from both sides of the aisle. Those speaking the loudest publicly about it have overlooked the consequences that his actions had on his unit."

"The Islamic State is seeking a safe harbor after major losses in Iraq and Syria - and al-Qaeda looks to secure its future by expanding operations."

"Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Wednesday that 'too many terrorist organizations' find refuge in Pakistan and reiterated his call for the country to do more."

The conflict against extremist organizations is at an inflection point, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said Tuesday at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia.

"The administration has no plans - and anticipates no requests from the DoD - to change the mission of U.S. troops in Niger or the rules under which they operate."

Afghan President Ghani praised the role outlined for India in Washington’s new South Asia strategy.

Continue on for two news articles derived from SWJ/El Centro Mexican Cartel Tactical Note # 35.

"The administration has difficult choices — and divided opinions — about how the heavily devastated region can recover in an era when U.S. policy is to take a back-seat role."

"To save Raqqa from both terrorists and Assad, the SDF and its newly established Raqqa Civil Council must quickly establish a broad and democratic government."

The assessment contains sections on transnational criminal organizations as well as gangs. Continue on for a link to the full report.

"The Afghan government is giving financial and military support to a breakaway Taliban faction in an effort to sow rifts within the insurgency."

"The Islamic State’s influence in the Philippines is far from over, and communities on Mindanao are bracing for the next battles."

Continue on for an excerpt and link to each urban conflict article.

"Worried about eroding security, elected officials in Afghanistan sought answers this weekend from President Ashraf Ghani’s administration."