Tag "ISIS"
Middle East – The resurgence of the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq
Islamic State (IS) rarely makes the mainstream media headlines these days. After losing the last of their territory during the Battle of Baghuz Fawqani in early 2019, the “caliphate was declared “defeated”. However, 2020 saw a significant growth in IS attacks in their traditional heartlands of Syria and Iraq, as well as a growing presence in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region and across large parts of the African continent continent. Despite the loss of territory, the ideology of ISIS was not defeated, and although it’s difficult to put a precise number on their manpower, there is evidence that they are re-establishing themselves in the Middle East.
Iraq: The Political Economy of Corruption
Recent protests in Iraq have demanded an end to rampant state corruption, the removal of foreign influences from Iraqi politics and the proper provision of public services.
US withdrawal from Syria: What next?
Changes in the US’ foreign policy in the Middle East took another turn when President Donald Trump announced that US troops were to withdraw from Syria.
Burkina Faso: Front-line against Jihadism in West Africa
Burkina Faso’s strategic geographical position makes it crucial in the fight against extremism in West Africa, but the country is failing to contain the threat. Despite coordinated efforts, national and regional forces have been unable to counter the expansion of jihadist groups towards the Ivory Coast, Ghana, Benin and Togo.
The challenge of female ISIS returnees in the Balkans
As hundreds of foreign fighters from the Western Balkans return home, it’s unclear whether governments are prepared to deal with the issues of prosecution and rehabilitation. Leonie Vrugtman explores the challenges posed, especially by female returnees.
Interview: Prospects for investment in Syria’s reconstruction
With ISIS seemingly on the retreat, what can we expect security risks in Syria to look like in 2018? GRI asked Syria expert Rasmus Jacobsen – co-founder and head of analysis for Atlas Assistance, a Beirut-based risk management company – to weigh in.
How a shrinking Islamic State creates new risks in Europe
As the Islamic State loses territory, Europe will almost certainly continue to face an elevated risk of crude attacks conducted by radical Islamists
Is the referendum on Kurdish independence a spark in a powder keg?
GRI Debate: Will the independence referendum in Kurdistan further destabilize Iraq and the region? Kurdish authorities announced on Wednesday that Iraqi Kurds overwhelmingly voted in favour of a split from Iraq,
Three reasons why the Barcelona attacks tip the scales towards Catalan independence
The Barcelona attack brought to light growing tensions likely to influence the upcoming referendum.
Why the Kurdish referendum is part of Barzani’s wider strategy
Kurdish authorities announced on Wednesday that Iraqi Kurds overwhelmingly voted in favour of a split from Iraq, with 92.7 percent of voters casting their vote in favour of Kurdistan’s independence.
