Escalating violence risks forcing France and its allies to rethink their counterterrorism efforts in the vast African warzone, as the question of whether foreign involvement can even improve the crumbling situation looms ever larger.
In this episode, Stratfor's Fred Burton sits down with journalist Mike Giglio, who tells the story of the rise of ISIS' caliphate and the coalition that worked to disassemble it in his new book Shatter the Nations: ISIS and the War for the Caliphate.
In this episode of Stratfor's "Pen and Sword" podcast, Fred Burton speaks with Chris Carr about how his film, "The Dry Cleaner," stacks up to Burton's own experience as a counterterrorism agent with the U.S. State Department, and about the tactics spies often employ to ensure their sources aren't being tailed by someone who could jeopardize their operation.
Hamas stayed on the sidelines of the recent violence between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the result of an apparent strategic shift for both the country and Gaza's rulers.
Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared the caliphate with the aim of bringing all the world's Muslims under his fold. He bequeaths, however, a legacy of depravity and a divided jihadist movement.
Al-Baghdadi's death will not significantly weaken the wider capabilities of the Islamic State or its affiliates.
The army, faced with deteriorating morale, is pulling back to 'supercamps' and leaving civilians and aid organizations vulnerable.
The withdrawal of U.S. forces lowers the risk of an unintended clash with Ankara, but it will sow distrust of Washington among possible on-the-ground allies.
A mutual desire to end their long conflict makes an agreement a matter of when, not if. But long-lasting stability will only happen after the insurgents come to terms with the Afghan government.
Even if the United States resumes peace talks, putting an end to the 18-year conflict will ultimately depend on whether the Taliban and the Afghan government can reach a lasting cease-fire.
