Disinformation Narratives Related to Sweden and Finland’s NATO Applications

  • Throughout Russia’s war on Ukraine, the Kremlin’s disinformation efforts have sought to craft and disseminate false narratives that serve several political goals and influence public opinion about the conflict.
  • Since April 2022, Russian-backed information manipulation networks online have sought to seed and amplify a number of false narratives regarding Sweden and Finland’s NATO application, which was formally submitted on May 18, 2022.
  • Many of the false or misleading narratives targeting Sweden are centered around sensitive and polarizing topics in the country related to immigration, Islamophobia, and far-right conspiracy theories.
  • According to our monitoring, between September 27 – October 3, 2022, posts alleging that the U.S. was responsible for the sabotage of Nord Stream pipelines increased by 15,000% across 25 social media platforms compared to the week prior.

Drone Strike on Iranian Military Plant Sends Message to Tehran

  • A late January drone strike on a military production plant in Isfahan, Iran, purportedly conducted by Israel, was likely intended to send a message to Iranian leaders that they are vulnerable to attack.
  • The strike is unlikely to change Iran’s behavior but signals Israel’s intent to escalate if Iran continues to advance its military technology projects.
  • U.S. officials appeared to tacitly welcome the strike in light of Tehran’s escalation of its uranium enrichment program, its repression of protests, and its supplies of armed drones for Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
  • Iranian leaders insist that Iraqi Kurdish territory is being used to facilitate Israeli operations against Iran.

Regime Appoints Major General Ali Samra as Director of the Air Defense Department

Ali Tawfiq Samra was appointed director of the Air Defense Department of the regime’s militias, according to Shaam Network.

Media sources close to the Assad regime revealed the appointment of an officer with the rank of Major General named Ali Tawfiq Samra as director of the Air Defense Department of the regime’s militias. The Assad regime decided earlier to appoint Major General Samra, commander of the 26th Division in the regime’s militias. He was also serving as deputy director of the Air Defense Department before being appointed as its director recently.

Assassination of Regime Militia Leaders

Local networks reported that the assassination of Amer al-Nassar took place on Sunday, according to Enab Baladi.

Amer al-Nassar, nicknamed “The Colonel,” a militia commander in Daraa, was killed by direct fire while he was in a house in the city of al-Hara, northwest of Daraa.

More Turkish Drones Showing Up

Having useful weapons platforms can do wonders for a country. One nation that is currently reaping the benefits of having such systems available for export currently is Turkey.

Turkey has been able to produce Drones that have proven to be effective in various conflict zones. The TB2 Drone has been used successfully in the Civil War in Libya, The most recent conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the disputed Nogorno-Karakbah region and is one of the factors that has changed the initiative in the fighting in Ukraine.

Losing Faith?

When one thinks of US Partners in the Middle East which relationship is the most crucial right now? Which relationship currently causes the most controversy? The same answer to each question will often arise. Some will say Israel others will say Saudi Arabia. The same answers will arise when one asks which one is the most controversial as well with Turkey being added.

Another Foreign Policy Mistake: Current view towards Africa

Why the Reactionary US Policy in Africa is a Mistake

The December 2022 African Leaders Summit in Washington, which brought together leaders and senior officials from 49 African states, and CEOs and leaders of over 300 private American and African companies to discuss US-Africa relations and to catalyze investment into critical sectors was supposed to be a turning point for the US policy in the continent. Indeed, consequent statements from the White House indicated a shift away from the traditional security-oriented approach to the 54 African states, and a refocus on a more cooperative approach, as well as a comprehensive policy on anti-corruption measures, democracy building, strengthening of the civil society, and economic development. Indeed, the Biden administration, unveiling a new policy, promised engagement with the various African state, rather than a limited focus on a few select partnerships, and seemed interested in diplomatic, political, and investment-based focus on a range of topics from peacebuilding to health to education. Indeed, on the surface, some of the dynamic leading up to these promised changes appeared to be positive. The appointment of the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa showed apparent interest in mediating prolonged conflicts, playing a role in addressing or preventing refugee crises, and otherwise delving into the strategic issues proliferating in the region. President Biden announced an Africa tour scheduled for later in 2023.

Saudi-Egypt tension rises

Speculation is growing about a crisis between Saudi Arabia and Egypt manifested in relations between senior figures in both countries. Tension has come to the surface during the serious economic crisis in Egypt since Russia invaded Ukraine almost a year ago.