Tag "ISIL"

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Middle East/North Africa Security

The battle for Mosul: What lies ahead

A few days from now, the Iraqi armed forces will start their biggest operation yet: The liberation of Mosul from ISIL forces. A guest post by former insurgent Roland Bartetzko.

Middle East/North Africa Security

ISIS under pressure in Syria and Iraq – are we any safer?

What do recent territorial setbacks for ISIS mean for security in target nations, and which how can businesses address the risk of terrorist attacks?

Middle East/North Africa Security

New terror threat from the Khorasan Group?

While international attention has focused on the atrocities of the Islamic State (IS) and the response of the US-led alliance against IS, the Pentagon recently introduced a new group called “Khorasan.” Here is a

Middle East/North Africa Security

How will Libya’s ongoing crisis affect MENA region?

Libya faces ongoing political threats including Islamist extremists, all the while it still lacks central control over its oil resources. The internal turmoil could have international implications. As international attention shifts to

Economics Middle East/North Africa

Opinion: The economic case for a unified Iraq

With ethno-sectarian tensions at a high, observers, stakeholders, and policymakers of Iraq are calling increasingly for a break-up of the country along ethnic and sectarian lines. But a break-up would be

Europe Security

Can the EU create a common defence policy?

Although countries have framed the debate about arms exports to Russia and Iraq in largely economic or national terms, defence policy also plays an important part in these debates, especially

Middle East/North Africa Natural resources and energy

Mosul Dam recapture reveals poor Iraqi infrastructure

The recapture of the Mosul Dam from the Islamic State (IS) by Iraqi and Kurdish forces underscores the instability of Iraq’s infrastructure. Without continued US military support, IS is sure

Middle East/North Africa Politics

Can the Islamic State become a legitimate state?

The Islamic State (IS) has made swift gains in Iraq and Syria, has established a self-claimed Caliphate, and has asserted it is abolishing borders. But can it achieve its goals and create

Middle East/North Africa Security

ISIL in Iraq Series: What the ISIL crisis means for India

India has strengthened its alliance with Iraq over the past year, primarily due to energy dependence. The ISIL crisis in Iraq could have repercussions for India’s energy policy as well

Middle East/North Africa Security

ISIL in Iraq Series: What is in it for Iran?

ISIL’s recent territorial gains pose a significant threat to the security and stability of Iraq and its neighbors. For Iran, however, ISIL threatens to topple its most significant regional trading