Kim Jun Cartman!

Al-Qaeda in Iraq and the al-Nusra Front merger - fact or fiction

There has been a lot in the press lately about the connection between two Sunni Muslim extremist groups in the Middle East, namely the Iraq-based Islamic State of Iraq (ISI) and the Syrian-based, al-Nusra Front. The argument went that the shadowy al-Nusra were supported by ISI and other likeminded groups and was made up of local and foreign fighters. In recent days a statements from ISI leader, reportedly made on Jihadi forums, was release claiming that al-Nusra had merged with ISI to form al-Qaeda in Iraq and Syria (AQIS). The claim by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has not been independently verified and this new group is yet to claim any attack. The announcement is not spectacular and reveals what is probably the worst kept secret in the region, that the two groups are closely linked. The statement could also be hot air and one always wonders if there is a greater or a background actor at play here. To discover who this may be we should consider the ramifications of the announcement. Syrian rebels in Syria are coming under increasing pressure to distance themselves from al-Nusra. The US has the group listed as a terrorist organization and much funding the rebels require to battle Bashar al-Assad is being held back due to the al-Nusra involvement in rebel battles. Basically, the West fears a Sunni extremist takeover in Syria once Assad falls. So who could benefit from this apparent undermining of the rebels? Number one would be Assad himself and his allies, Iran and China. Could this be some sort of announcement initiated by the Syrian regime? Do they or Iran have connections to ISI? Unlikely, but let's wait for further statements from the ISI before accepting that the two groups have indeed merged into a super militant body.

North Korean lunacy

Ok, so here we have a mad dictator who is keen on challenging the world. Of course I speak of North Korea's Kim Jung Un. This lunatic appears hell bent on destroying not only the US and South Korea but also his own people. Lets be clear, if he decides to take on the US he will end up like al-Gaddafi or Saddam. Done. So what is he really on about? Does he really want war? I think the answer is no. The North Koreans are attempting to project power or at least the appearance of it to 1) bolster domestic support and 2) secure concessions from the West and South Korea (or at least get the UN sanctions lifted). That said, North Korea is a highly unstable country and the slightest spark or incident could ignite a regional war. It is this outcome that makes Un's rhetoric even more concerning. That they are willing to play with fire points to a regime that is worth removing from the planet. . .Got to deal with those nukes first though.