German Court Sentences ‘Cyber Jihadi’ to 5 Years in Prison
A court in western Germany has convicted a 39-year-old man of providing support to Islamist groups in Syria.
Orientul Mijlociu
Liwa al-Areen: A Russian-Backed Formation
When observers think of Russian-backed formations in Syria, the V Corps is the one that most readily comes to mind. There are, however, other Russian-backed formations. One example is Liwa al-Areen (‘The Den Brigade’), which was initially affiliated with the military intelligence branch that directs all the Military Security branches.
Iran’s influence extends to South America
Since the death of General Soleimani in Baghdad on January 2nd as a result of a Drone Strike at the Baghdad International Airport, there has been great consternation that the Trump Administration would take such a bold step and fear that Iran will retaliate for this move.
Migration as a Weapon – How to Stop Erdogan
Turkish President Erdogan is currently in a precarious situation. Turkey suffered in Syria severe military setbacks with dozens of killed. Yesterday’s agreement with Russia’s President Putin foresees a withdrawal of the Islamists supported by Turkey from a larger area to the south and east of Idlib. More than 30 Turkish soldiers died in Libya in the last few days. EU sanctions against two Turkish citizens because of the natural gas drilling off Cyprus are damaging to Erdogan’s reputation.
ISIS Terrorists Cannot Be Allowed to Reclaim Iraq
Iraqi security officials say the number of ISIS fighters in Iraq is now between 2,000-3,000, which includes around 500 militants who have made their way to Iraq after escaping from prisons in Syria.
Greece: ‘We are ready for military confrontation with Turkey’
Greek Defence Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos has confirmed that his country is ready for all eventualities, including military confrontation with Turkey if it continued to provoke Athens, news agencies reported on Friday.
Geopolitical and Geoeconomic Challenges to China’s Silk Road Strategy in the Middle East
Despite Beijing’s increasing engagement in the Middle East, it lacks a clear, consistent, and comprehensive strategy for the successful implementation of the new Silk Road. Although China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) framework for cooperation with the Middle Eastern states is marked by strategic flexibility and maximizing opportunities, that may prove insufficient. As China and the countries of the region become more integrated, they will also share risks and face near-term geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges.
The gendered impact of COVID-19 in the Middle East
The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the normative structures and behaviors of almost every country around the world. The fallout has put pressure on even the most developed countries and its effects across the Middle East have been significant and varied.
Russia’s Syria Intervention Has Been A Mixed Blessing For Moscow
Here’s What You Need To Remember: Long-term stability in Syria almost seems quixotic, more likely measured in decades than years. It will take time to assess the extent to which Russia has “won” in Syria. Absent a peaceful end to the conflict and an infusion of large-scale Western aid, downside risks for Russia could take some of the bloom off of its rose in Syria.
UAE passes draft law re-launching global counter-extremism centre
Abu Dhabi: The UAE passed Tuesday a draft law setting up the International Centre for Excellence in Countering Violent Extremism, Hedayah (Arabic for ‘guidance’), in Abu Dhabi.