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Iraq

Understanding Iraq Through Anbar's Lens

With Anbar Security Handed To Iraq, A Look At Iraq In Plain Terms

By Steve Schippert
On Monday, control of Anbar province and responsibility for security there was handed over to Provincial Iraqi Control. This is a profoundly remarkable event, as al-Anbar province – the onetime headquarters for al-Qaeda in Iraq – was seen by many as lost due to security and political conditions on the ground. And with Anbar now handed to Iraqis to manage security, it is appropriate to take a larger look at Iraq, and one from an Anbar-centric perspective. For Anbar was...

Commentary | September 2, 2008 12:20 PM | | Feedback (0)

World

Sanity on Cyber War

There's Nothing New Under the Sun

By Michael Tanji
Much has been made about the electronic fight that occurred alongside the physical one between Russia and Georgia. Predictably, talk of “cyber war” and the dawn of a new age of conflict abounds. Never mind that we have seen this before: China vs. Taiwan over Taiwanese independence; China vs. the US over various issues; Islamist Groups vs. the US during operations IRAQI and ENDURING FREEDOM; Serbia vs. the US and NATO during ALLIED FORCE, and numerous other conflicts. Then, as...

PrincipalAnalysis | August 20, 2008 5:50 PM | | Feedback (0)

United States of America

Intelligent Progress

Reform Takes a Step Forward

By Michael Tanji
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence recently released their new vision (PDF) for the future of the community. While no one expects perfection from such works, it is a remarkably forward leaning effort that sparks a bit of optimism for those who think serious change is too long in coming. “Creating decision advantage” via a “globally networked and integrated intelligence enterprise” is a fine start and gives an obvious if oblique nod to the broad thoughts of those...

Commentary | August 5, 2008 12:00 AM | | Feedback (0)

United States of America

My Country, 'Tis of Thee

Sweet Land of Liberty, Of Thee I Weep... And Plead

By Steve Schippert
“This, we will defend.” It is a common refrain among brothers in arms. Yet, more pressing than the visible threat from terrorists and the states which sponsor them, we are at serious risk of losing sight of what “this” is while we call on those few dedicated men and women who defend it honorably and without hesitation. We appear at grave risk of losing our way. Right now. In the Hamdan trial at Guantanamo Bay, we learn that bin Laden’s...

Commentary | July 28, 2008 12:20 AM | | Feedback (0)

September 5, 2008

1. Following US SpecOps strike into Pakistan, Pakistani parliament unanimously demands that the government and its military “repel such attacks in the future with full force.”

2. Publication of a Taliban fighter wearing French uniform with French weapon sparks fears and anger among French. Sarkozy says Afghanistan mission will not be abandoned.

3. Israel’s counterterrorism bureau has warned Israeli Jews not to travel to Egypt’s Sinai desert or southern Thailand due intelligence on Hizballah’s plans to kidnap Israelis abroad.

More details available here.

12:00 PM | | Last updated at 12:06 PM

September 5, 2008

Unpredictability and Disaster Response

It is imperative that we look at the response to every natural disaster in the context of learning what could happen in the event of a mass casualty terrorist attack. Therefore, on the top-line, the response to the Gulf Coast...

By Jay Fraser at 2:00 PM | | Feedback (0)

September 4, 2008

The Anbar Lens: News From The Iraqi Awakening

Earlier this week in Understanding Iraq Through Anbar’s Lens, I regretted not expanding more and articulating clearly the distinction between the ‘Sons of Iraq’ (as we call them) and the Iraq Awakening political movement. I also promised to revisit this...

By Steve Schippert at 12:18 PM | | Feedback (0)

September 3, 2008

Taliban Hit List: A Where's Waldo? Pakistani Style

An interesting hit list has emerged from the Taliban in Pakistan. From Syed Saleem Shahzad in the Asia Times, see if you can guess who is missing from the list. The initial skirmishes have already started in NWFP, where members...

By Steve Schippert at 10:48 AM | | Feedback (0)

August 30, 2008

In the Track of the Storm (again)

Mother Nature seems to like beating up on New Orleans. Now, just three years after the Katrina disaster when the Category 3 hurricane slammed into New Orleans and the ocean surge crumbled and over washed the levees, a new natural...

By Jay Fraser at 10:12 PM | | Feedback (0)

August 29, 2008

Technology and Unintended Consequences

By some accounts, kidnapping in Mexico rose by almost 10% last year; statistics also show that reported kidnappings rose by 40% from 2004 to 2007. These are just the reported numbers. In Mexico City, officially there were 323 kidnappings in...

By Jay Fraser at 10:49 PM | | Feedback (0)

  • AudioJanuary 7, 2008
    [Listen Here]
    Global Crisis Watch explores the potential for conflict in the dynastic world of Pakistan politics between the Bhutto and the Zardari clans, and the difficulties that await in the tribal regions for any counterinsurgency program to counter Taliban and al...

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