CULF 3331: "Middle Eastern Revolutions"

How ISIS is taking war to social media-and social media is fighting back When the militants of the self-proclaimed Islamic State (also known as ISIS, ISIL, or Daesh) descended on the Iraqi city of Mosul in June 2014, they didn't just march into town-they simultaneously launched a Twitter hashtag campaign, #AllEyesonISIS.

Isis has proved fluent in YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, internet memes and other social media. Its posting activity has ramped up during a recent offensive, reaching an all-time high of almost 40,000 tweets in one day as they marched into the northern Iraqi city of Mosul.

Islamic State's information office in Iraq released a slick pictorial report on Saturday showcasing an advanced new tool acquired by the so-called caliphate: Fingerprinting. The Muslim extremist group announced it had acquired microscopes and magnifying glasses and was in the process of recruiting forensics-minded foreign fighters, according to the MEMRI Jihadism and Terror Threat Monitor website. ISIS wants to show that they are a sophisticated unit, and not just a war minded group.

This article reveals some chilling facts about ISIS and what is going on behind the lines thanks to the western journalist that was able to enter. They were also believed to have been led by Jihadi John.

Islamic State has released a video suggesting it may carry out further attacks in the West, mentioning London, Berlin, and Rome as possible targets. The video features a member of the group stating in English that the recent attacks in Paris and Brussels should be seen as a "cautionary message" to nations fighting Islamic State. This video has video game portrayal of the buildings being destroyed which has Europe on high alert.

Egyptian authorities have invited foreign software companies to help the government track online speech amid a sweeping crackdown on dissent. A twin bombing Monday killed two police officers. Egypt is tightening its control over social media by acquiring new software that would facilitate extensive monitoring of dissidents' communications, putting even stay-at-home opposition supporters at risk.

Six months after it began, a deadly wave of violence between Palestinians and Israelis that has been referred to as the "knife intifada" shows no sign of ending, despite a drop in incidents from a high point last autumn.

"Poisonous substances" are believed to have been used by ISIS during an attack on a village in Taza. This village, located in northern Iraq, had more than 40 people suffer partial choking and skin irritation.

Trump's vow to be "neutral" in a potential Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiation set off a firestorm among the presidential candidates, each outshining the other in expressions of fidelity to Israel. Lost in the brouhaha, however, was the far more important issue: what would they to do to stop the UN's role in impeding peace?

Strategic Retreat The self-proclaimed Islamic State has lost at least three Syrian cities and towns in the past six weeks, including one over the weekend, each time by walking away from the fight. And yet the Pentagon is not sure whether to celebrate ISIS's losses or brace for even bigger fights against the group than it already anticipated for key ISIS cities like Mosul and Raqqa. Isis has learned over the course of their history in Syria that they must choose their battles, and defend key properties that they must have to survive.

Gives insight on the confrontation between the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamist parties. Describes the Brotherhood as using their influences in the "electoral arena" because they can win elections. Also poses compromise as a question for the future and implies compromise wont happen due to all parties being very confrontational.

As a US-led coalition hammers ISIS' oil infrastructure and other financial institutions in the Middle East, the terror group has cut salaries and infighting has broken out within the rank and file and senior leadership. Some units pay has been cut in half, and others are not even being paid. This is causing more in house fighting between the higher ups, which is crippling the ISIL units in general

Russia decided to partially withdrawal its troop from Syria due to Moscow's disappointment over failures by pro-regime Iranian and Hezbollah forces to achieve victories against opposition forces fighting to topple the Assad government.

"Iran and its Lebanese terror proxy Hezbollah have been implicated in the Panama Papers scandal, one of the largest document leaks in history."

"Regime forces undertaking two fronts, led violent battles with Syrian Opposition forces in Al-Eis town, located in south Aleppo. Regime forces entered Al-Eis yesterday and announced the death of twelve Lebanon-based Hezbollah militants and two militants from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps IRGC."

"the decision to fork over $100 billion in sanctions relief to Iran as part of last summer's nuclear deal could be the worst thing that's happened to the Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah in years"

Discusses the stability of Egypt and the dynamic aspect of the confrontation between the government and Brotherhood. Can be tied into a number of controversies of globalization chapters regarding motives for many decisions.

This article gives an overview of international law in regards to wars. It also explores the U.S.'s and Saudi Arabia's roles in the war.

A UN rep states that the airstrikes launched by Saudi Arabia violated international law because of the number of civilians affected indiscriminately. Although civilians had been warned, enough time was not given to allow for total evacuation of the cities of of Sadaa,Maran, Albiqaa.

Amnesty International examines the war in Yemen and declares human rights violations on all sides. Despite the possible violations of international law, countries like the USA, France, and the UK continue to supply Saudi Arabia with arms.