Group items tagged

There have been at least 15 reported breaches of the Syrian cease fire by Syrian and Russian government. Rebels say overall it is nice to see people safe and receiving aid, but the loophole of still being able to attack ISIS and al-Qaeda continues to concern the rebels. The 15 breaches in question are viewed as attacks against terrorists by some, and attacks against government opposition by others.

Before the deadly raid of his home by the US Special Forces team, Osama Bin Laden was reported to have been notified of the early movements of our present day ISIS. The group was separating itself from Al-Qaeda and murdering Muslims who were not waging jihad.

Conflict broke out in the Libyan capital Tripoli forcing Mitiga airport, primary airport since Tripoli International was closed due to damages, to close down worsening the bloody proxy war thus escalating the crisis. Egypt and UAE have been aiding the Islamic opposition, helping to fight against the Islamic militants backed by Turkey and Qatar. Apparently Qatar's involvement in Libya goes back to the revolution that ousted Gaddafi, contributing $2 billion in support of the Islamic movements as a part of its vision to establish an Arab regime ruling through Sharia Law. As of now, no players are willing to compromise in this "state of war." 

BBC discusses the effect of IS and the current political state of Libya.

Al-Qaeda-inspired militant organisation Ansar Beit al-Maqdis (Champions of Jerusalem) has claimed responsibility for the 24 January bomb attack on the police headquarters in the Egyptian capital, Cairo. Initially, the group was known for launching attacks on Israeli targets and interests, but after the ouster of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi, it has started directing its violence against the Egyptian army and police.

This is another article that describes the group ISIS and how it started as a small part of Al-Quaeda into one of the most notorious terrorist groups today.

By Lee Ferran and Rym Momtaz Born from an especially brutal al Qaeda faction, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has grown from relative obscurity in recent years to overshadow its extremist patrons. It now terrorizes large swaths of Syria and Iraq, has become the target of the largest U.S.

Should the United States fear ISIS as a possible threat? This interactive learning site gives an understanding of who ISIS is, their history, and what their mission is.

The Houthi rebellion brought forth a conflict with multiple players. The competing factions include the Houthis, the government, al-Qaeda, Al-Islah (a Sunni Islamist political faction), and Al-Hirak (the Southern Movement demanding secession).

Tensions are rising even higher as the Syrian government take actions to regain the crossing to Jordan. This crossing was lost to the rebels not long ago and has closed an important crossing. 

This was an article (originally published by the Independent, however, I found it on their website via my first article from the BBC) by the International Center for the Study of Radicalization and Political Violence of London. The article suggests, allowing fighters to return home safely and enroll in a De-radicalization program would be more beneficial than current policies of severe punishment (prison, stripping of citizenship, etc.). The authors contend current repercussions for fighters returning to their home countries leave them trapped and isolated and prison sentences often lead to further radicalization. Overall this article really captured my attention in its non-conventional proposal for governments to handle these situations.

As Yemen falls into disarray, a power vacuum is allowing ISIS and al-Qaeda to gain more power. This, along with the fact that much of this is being supported by Iran, is making it difficult for the US to maneuver.

Some 18,000 civilians have been trapped with limited food and water in the Yarmouk camp near Syria's capital, caught between government forces and dueling rebel groups. Their already-tenuous situation deteriorated sharply last week when ISIS launched a push to seize control of the camp from rival armed groups like the al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front, setting off street battles and mounting alarm for those trapped in the crossfire.

Working with the Iranian, Russian and Syrian regimes to address Middle Eastern problems and fight ISIS is a sure way to alienate Middle Eastern moderates.

pushes for the increased participation of women in conflict mediation and peace processes by shifting the paradigm around the role of women in society at both the grassroots and policy levels

Yemen's ousted ruler flees house the arrest that was forced upon him by the Houthi Rebels that took power in Yemen's capitol. The unrest in Yemen leaves the opportunity for terrorist groups to gain power.

While it is still unclear as to who will win the Syrian conflict, there are people who are already looking towards the future and a better Syria. Plans are being made but, of course, these plans will entirely depend on who wins the war. 

A video outlining the aftereffects of the Houthi Rebellion in 2011 and how it has torn the country apart. There have been clashes with al Qaeda, drone attacks, and sectarian tension.

Libya, given it's instability due to years of warfare and practically no government, has become a new safe haven for ISIS. If left alone, ISIS could make Libya what Afghanistan or Yemen were to Al Qaeda. This would also have major consequences for Europe, specifically Southern Italy and other Mediterranean countries given Libya's close proximity to southern Europe.