The Institute for the Study of war has a fantastic blog on the current Syria concern -> http://iswsyria.blogspot.com/ If you want to know whats going on, what war assets are stationed in the region and what TLAM means, check this site out.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Super MENA Mario
On a lighter note, something this blog is not known for, I'd like to introduce the game which calms all concerns of imminent Syrian meltdown. I refer, of course, to Super Mario or Super MENA Mario as the Middle East desk refers. Tell me this sweet melody doesn't calm the waters -> http://www.marioflash.org/
Hijacking at Tripoli International Airport?
There was speculation in the media last night that a Royal Jordanian (RJ) Airlines aircraft had been hijacked at Tripoli International Airport. Not surprising given the country's insecurity, you may say. What was surprising is that the Jordanian airline issued a statement later denying that one of their aircraft had been hijacked. So what's the fuss? Well, the Libyan authorities did close the airport runway in response to something. What that something is, is uncertain. Best guess? Some loon tried to get on to the runway or threatened an aircraft at the facility. It's happened before. Tripoli Airport security is slightly better than security at your home but not as good as what is required for an international airport sadly. We expect more such incidents.
Friday, August 30, 2013
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Syria and Iraq
The past week has seen significant discussion over the likelihood of an US strike on Syria with numerous commentators comparing the impending strike to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It should be made clear that no decision has been made or announced publicly on whether to intervene or not (Obama interviewed on PBS on 28 August stated that he had options but had not made a decision). The misunderstanding over the US and Middle East is understandable. In an attempt to inform the discussion, please find below a brief comparison of Syria and other countries where the US has recently intervened.
Bush
The Bush administration was hawkish, undermined by corruption and dual interests and committed to respond to 9/11. Afghanistan was viewed as an easy target and the regime of the time did not consider historical precedent of what precisely an intervention in Afghanistan meant – a drawn out, costly and likely indecisive war (ask the UK and Russia). Iraq presented Bush with another opportunity to complete what had been left unfinished in 1991. Its oil also offered the US with a very tempting carrot.
Obama
Since the heady days of George W, the US has come to a realization. It cannot intervene without significant cost. Indeed, since Obama has come to power, he has drawn down troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and focused on targeted drone strikes aimed at disrupting terrorist networks. This is a much more 'intelligent' use of force and is a deviation from the strong arm tactics of the Bush-era. Obama has also calculated that involvement in Syria does not suit the US interest at this time. It has had two years to intervene and has not as yet. If it wanted Syria's dwindling resources, as many people contend is their main objective, they would have intervened already. Dropping the Syrian regime does also not suit its regional ambitions. Syria may be labeled an enemy, but it's an enemy that the US and Israel can live with. Indeed, the Alawite regime contains the Sunni majority, which precedent suggests, is open to influence from al-Qaeda aligned groups. Indeed, the growing Islamist threat in Syria poses the West with a major dilemma. Support the rebels and possibly open the country up to control by Islamist extremists.
But what to do about the use of chemical weapons? Lets be clear, conventional weapons have done more harm than chemical weapons in Syria to date. HOWEVER, if the Syrians are allowed to continue to use WMD's what stops them from deploying them on a large scale basis? It is this possibility that the US wants to prevent. So a punitive strike against the Syrian regime sends a very clear message "Don't use chemical weapons or else".
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Slaughter in Iraq
The conflict in Iraq gets scant attention these days. But in a story that highlights the near daily slaughter in the country the overall picture is clear and ... bleak. Courtesy of Shafaak.com
"Gunmen believed to be from al-Qaeda organization slaughtered on Wednesday an Iraqi family of Shiite Muslims south of Baghdad. This incident comes a few days after a video was published showing a more than five-Qaeda gunmen executing three truck drivers on the international road between Ramadi and Syria. It is believed by following up the images that drivers are from Alawi sect. The security source, who asked not to mention his name, told "Shafaq News", said that" gunmen attacked a house in the morning in Latifiyah area south of Baghdad and slaughtered the 7 –member family."
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