The looming crisis of the Islamic State (IS) has propelled numerous countries into panic. Others, meanwhile, calmly stand their ground, even if their interests appear somewhat threatened by the advent of this transnational Islamist organisation. China is one such nation. 10 % of its oil is drawn from Iraq, where IS is most prominent. China […]
Since the global debate on how to combat the threat of terrorism began, the common phrase ‘One man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter’ has dominated the dialogue, as unfortunately, it is relevant. Moreover, since the fall of 2000, multilateral organizations have continued efforts to develop a comprehensive convention on international terrorism with little or […]
Since September 11th 2012, the realm of international politics has revolved around the combat and suppression of international terrorism. It is difficult to understand why the threat of global terrorism has become such a struggle, as states are exposed to much greater security threats than that of an international terrorist attack. However, the alarmist nature […]
ALTHOUGH they revile democracy, thousands of European Muslims have, in Lenin’s line, ‘voted with their feet’ and left free societies to join the most reactionary terror group in the world: the Islamic State (Isis). Over 3000 have left their families, relative material comfort and wealth, and in many cases university places, to go to the […]
While the disagreement over Ukraine remains a long-term irritant in Russian relations with Europe, it is still too early to speak about the beginning of the new Cold War. In other regions of the world, both sides face challenges that may demand joint cooperation. Currently, there are three main issues that require collaboration in the […]
Tripoli, the capital of the Lebanese Sunnis and Lebanon’s second largest city after Beirut, became a battleground for sectarian strife between different groups (Alewites and Sunnis); a conflict exacerbated by the spillover of the Syrian civil war in Lebanon. The “Capital of the North” (Tripoli) has not fully recovered from the on-going battle between its […]
CONVENTIONAL wisdom dictates that America will always support Israel, militarily, financially, politically, in a way no other country does. From vetoing UN resolutions to unparalleled military assistance, it is almost an axiom that the relationship is ‘unbreakable’ and ‘special.’ But relations between the two have fractured in recent months over Israel’s settlement policy, a possible […]
It comes as a surprise that on 14th October progress was made in the British parliament. In a historic, yet noticeably underreported moment, British MP’s voted 274 votes to 12 in favour of a motion to recognise a Palestinian state. Whilst this decision is non-binding, it is none the less a huge symbolic step towards the […]
The ‘jihadist turn’ of the Syrian Civil War has brought into focus a familiar set of Western neuroses. Terror, security, militant Islam, the unparalleled (or so we are told) horrors of ISIS; all are invoked as justifications for a renewed campaign of military intervention in the Middle East. These claims are of course closely related […]
The votes have been counted; Britain is off to join another war in Iraq. Declared in 2001, the fact the ‘War on Terror’ is still raging is a telling sign that the tactics are not working. When two innocent British hostages are beheaded, and videos of their execution are distributed over the internet, it is […]
Kurdish protestors rallied across the world, from Britain to Iran, demanding more support for the militias fighting against the Islamic State (ISIS). Particularly in the besieged city of Kobane, on the Turkey-Syria border, where ISIS has attacked for over three weeks. At least 500 people have died in the conflict, which has brought Jihadism right […]
The United States should take this opportunity to reset relations with the Middle East’s main political player. Politics is a fickle game, especially when the United States is involved. Twelve years on from President Bush’s famous Axis of Evil speech, which condemned Iran as a supporter of terrorism, and the chief architect of their crippling […]
Terrorism in itself is an invasive and feared act in the modern world. Throughout the evolution of terrorism, tactical innovations have been made by terrorist organizations to complete their goals more effectively. In recent years, terrorist organizations have shown interest in using weapons of mass destruction to incite fear in their adversaries, but the viability […]
Since 1979, relations between Iran and the US have been practically non-existent. Following the 1979 Revolution, all types of partnerships collapsed leading to Iran being one of the most ostracised countries in the international arena. However a combination of factors could now create the opportunity to end the four decade long feud. Preceding the Revolution, Iran and the […]
The morning of 14th September 2014 brought the anticipated yet chilling news that ISIS had executed their third Western prisoner since sweeping so abruptly from the splintered rebel-held territories of Syria into Northern Iraq and onto the global political stage. The death of David Haines – following that of James Foley and Steven Sotloff – […]
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