Tag "Islamic State"
Symbioses of power in Iraq and the Popular Mobilisation Units
In my first article I discussed the risk of perpetual violence in Iraq and Syria fuelled by both numerous non-state actors there and the increasingly cronyistic authoritarian system in which they operate. This was followed by a more detailed look into the illicit economic activities of militias across Iraq and Syria. Leading on from this, today’s commentary will shift from an economic to a more political focus, exploring the symbioses of power in Iraq and the role of the Popular Mobilisation Units (PMU).
The Maldives – An Unlikely ISIS Haven
The Maldives, a small republic of 1,200 islands in the Indian Ocean, is traditionally a peaceful place, with most locals taking their security and stability for granted. However, today the Maldives has the highest per capita number globally of foreign fighters who have travelled to take up arms and fight in Syria. The government must reinforce its efforts to tackle the root causes of radicalisation, as well as the exacerbating factors in play on the islands.
US troops withdrawal from Syria and the threat of Islamic State
President Trump’s decision to withdraw troops from Syria has infuriated allies and strengthened adversaries on the ground. This has allowed Turkey to potentially eliminate a key Kurdish fighting force. This article assesses who stands to win and lose from this decision and the long-term impact for relations in the Middle East.
The threat to Russia from Islamic State returnees
The threat posed by Russian speaking fighters who travelled to fight under the Islamic State in Syria presents a complicated problem for both Russia and its allies to address. Just like its Western counterparts, Russia is worried that these returnees will mount deadly attacks on the country’s soil.
Haider al-Abadi: From success to despair
Since 2014, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi of Iraq has had to deal with an unending series of problems including corruption, the war against the Islamic State (IS), and sectarianism. Following a poor performance in the May elections and the mass protests in Basra, will Abadi survive?
50 years after the Battle of Karameh, Jordan faces new uncertainty
Fifty years ago, an armed confrontation between Israel, Jordan, and Palestinian guerrillas created a new phase of Middle East diplomacy and conflicts. What does the battle’s legacy tell us about Jordan and its place in the troubled region today?
Jihadism’s staying power in North Africa
The North Africa-based al-Qaeda affiliate AQIM has recently undertaken a variety of organizational reforms apparently aimed at centralizing the group’s decision-making and control. These reforms will likely help make it
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.
The Islamist terrorism threat in Ireland
Following a series of incidents, Irish readiness to respond to radical Islamist terrorism is in question.
Emerging technologies: terrorism and UAVs
Deployment of UAVs in warzones by non-state actors presages their use in terrorist attacks – and as regulation struggles to catch up with technological advances, the risk is rising.
