Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent: Almost Forgotten

Introduction
The rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and al Sham (ISIS) to the forefront of the global jihadist movement challenges al Qaeda’s prominence and influence. The ISIS counter-state that does away with the Iraq-Syria border, as well as its growing presence in such places as Libya, the Sinai, and Afghanistan, are proof of the group’s power and the effectiveness of its strategy. The leader of ISIS, Abu Bakr al Baghdadi, described al Qaeda’s leadership as individuals who have become misguided and who have misled the global jihadist movement.[1] Baghdadi demands allegiance from all Muslims and claims the title, emir al mumineen, commander of the faithful, which was held for decades by Taliban leader Mullah Omar. ISIS’s growth has taken its toll on the al Qaeda network. Groups that had once been associated with al Qaeda have splintered, declaring their loyalty to Baghdadi. Al Qaeda’s name no longer carries the same recruitment power it once did.

How Syria could become a battleground for Turkey and Israel

Since the collapse of Bashar Al-Assad’s government just over a year ago, Syria has become an arena for an increasingly stark contest between Turkey and Israel.

Ankara and Tel Aviv’s strategic visions for Syria are fundamentally irreconcilable. Turkey seeks a unified state anchored by an Ankara-friendly central authority and preserved territorial integrity.

Israel, by contrast, favours a weakened and fragmented Syria incapable of projecting power or resisting external aggression.

A new settlement project led by a reserve soldier named after a farm in the heart of the West Bank

It is not the story of a farm or the story of a settler who loves agriculture in “Judea and Samaria”, but a focus that is cultivated in the heart of the West Bank to transform a weapon, a road and a dominance, under the cover of “holiness.” Thus began a leaflet of a settler named Yeddia Plutkin calling for a donation to what he called a “holy farm”, in soft language that concealed a more ruthless project.

Syria’s Al Shara recognises Kurdish citizenship, language and Nowruz festival in presidential decree

Syria’s President Ahmad Al Shara on Friday issued a decree affirming the rights of Kurdish ⁠Syrians, formally recognising their language ​and restoring citizenship to the country’s largest minority community.

“I have the honour to issue a decree especially for our Kurdish people, which guarantees their rights and some of their privileges in accordance with the law,” he said in a speech, in which he also referred to the Kurds as “the grandchildren of Salahuddin”.

Tehran Chief Prosecutor Ali Salehi Responds To President Trump’s Claim That Regime Has Canceled…

Tehran Chief Prosecutor Ali Salehi responded to a January 16, 2026 statement by U.S. President Donald Trump on Truth Social, in which Trump acknowledged Iran’s leadership for canceling 800 executions of anti-regime protesters. Salehi told IRINN TV (Iran) on January 17, 2026 that Trump “always talks nonsense.” He added that Iran’s treatment of the rioters has been “decisive, deterrent, and direct,” with many cases culminating in indictments and being referred to the courts.