Iraq Situation Report: December 15 - 21, 2015
December 21, 2015 - Patrick Martin
ISIS launched spoiling attacks across Iraq to relieve pressure by anti-ISIS forces on multiple fronts.
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Publications
S-400 Missile Radius Map
December 21, 2015 - Institute for the Study of War
In response to Turkey’s downing of a Russian fighter jet on November 24, 2015, Russia deployed its most advanced surface-to-air missile system to Bassel al-Assad International Airport in Latakia Province, eastern Syria. The S-400 SAM system is capable of contesting most of the airspace over Syria, southern Turkey, northern Jordan, a significant portion of Israel, as well as all of Lebanon and Cyprus. This map shows the potential reach of the S-400 missiles stationed in Latakia which have an effective range of up to 250 miles (400km).
S-400 Missile Radius Map
December 21, 2015 - Institute for the Study of War
This map shows the potential reach of the S-400 missiles stationed in Latakia which have an effective range of up to 250 miles (400km). At 250 miles, the S-400 is able to track and target aircraft based at numerous United States and Allied Coalition airbases (including Incirlik Airbase) in the region.
ISIS Sanctuary: December 21, 2015
December 21, 2015 - John Lawrence
This newly-updated ISIS Sanctuary Map includes changes reflecting that Sinjar was retaken by anti-ISIS Kurdish forces and also highlights new confidence in the assessment that Liwa Shuhada al-Yarmouk - a rebel faction operating in Southern Syria - constitutes an unofficial ISIS affiliate in the region.
ISIS Sanctuary: December 21, 2015
December 21, 2015 - Institute for the Study of War
This newly-updated ISIS Sanctuary Map includes changes reflecting that Sinjar was retaken by anti-ISIS Kurdish forces and also highlights new confidence in the assessment that Liwa Shuhada al-Yarmouk - a rebel faction operating in Southern Syria - constitutes an unofficial ISIS affiliate in the region.
Russian Airstrikes in Syria: December 13 - 21, 2015
December 21, 2015 - Genevieve Casagrande
Key Takeaway: Russia continues to use its air campaign in Syria to bolster the position of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad despite an ongoing political process to end the Syrian Civil War. Russian warplanes concentrated airstrikes against rebel positions southwest of Aleppo City from December 18 to December 21, enabling pro-regime forces to seize the keytown of Khan Touman and several nearby villages on December 20.
Russian Airstrikes in Syria: December 7 - 17, 2015
December 18, 2015 - Genevieve Casagrande
Russia continues to use disinformation to present its air campaign as a constructive force in Syria ahead of the next wave of talks on the Syrian conflict. The Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) claimed to provide air support to elements of the Free Syrian Army in an effort to “unite” the various efforts of regime and “other groups” in Syria on December 15.
The myth of partnering with Assad, Russia, and Iran against ISIS
December 16, 2015 - Jennifer Cafarella
The Hill (Dec. 7, 2015): "The U.S. and its allies must resist drifting into a flawed partnership with Russia and Iran in Syria in order to defeat ISIS....The apparently easy solution offered by Russia will nonetheless fail. Russia cannot actually deliver the results the U.S. requires in Syria."
Meet ISIL’s Most Dangerous Affiliates
December 16, 2015 - Harleen Gambhir
Politico (Dec. 14, 2015): "With startling speed, the Middle Eastern terrorist organization known as ISIL has burst into the local news in Western nations, associated with attacks in Paris and now, if indirectly, with the mass shooting in San Bernardino, California....ISIL’s global strategy should come as no surprise."
Russia Security Update: December 9-15, 2015
December 15, 2015 - Hugo Spaulding
Russia’s intervention in Syria has forced the West to reengage Moscow in order to resolve the threat more immediately posed by ISIS even as President Vladimir Putin continues to bend international norms in his favor. Secretary of State John Kerry signaled the U.S.’s willingness to not only reengage with the Kremlin but also to make strategic concessions after his meeting with Putin in Moscow, where he signaled that Washington would accept succession to Assad rather than demand full replacement of the regime.