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The ‘de-escalation zone’ in Syria brokered by the U.S, Russia, and Jordan threatens the strategic interests of the U.S. and its allies. The deal fails to constrain Iran and al Qaeda despite the decreased violence in Southwest Syria.
A map of southern Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
Over the past year, Sons of Iraq groups and Awakening Forces have been instrumental in supporting Coalition and Iraqi Security Force attempts to deliver security to the Iraqi public.
The Quetta Shura Taliban (QST)& their senior leadership is distinct from the Haqqani Network, which operates primarily from the southeastern provinces of Khost, Paktia & Paktika, all the way to Kabul.
The Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) attacked Baquba, Diyala Province, the third major urban center it has targeted since the fall of Mosul. Diyala contains ethnic and sectarian fault-lines and borders Iran.
ISIS and the ISF continued to clash over the city of Tal Afar in western Ninewa Province and the city is currently contested. ISIS also attempted to storm the Baiji Refinery, north of Tikrit, prompting Iraqi Army Aviation to launch air strikes against ISIS forces.
The Situation Report for 15 June identifies that ISIS attacked the ethnically and religiously mixed town of Tal Afar in Ninewa. Should ISIS gain control of the city, it is likely to inflict ethno-sectarian violence.
The Situation Report for 12-14 June identifies clashes between ISIS fighters and the Iraqi Security Forces, local tribes, and Asai’b Ahl al-Haq. Locations include Speicher Airbase, where hundreds of Iraq soldiers were executed by ISIS with photos published on social media.
Frederick W. Kagan provides his analysis of the fighting in August '08 and the geopolitical changes in its wake. The updates examine Russia’s relations with CIS members and Eastern Europe.