Greater Middle East

Syria: US closing ranks with Assad regime

Under the new US-Russia coordination in Syria, the Pentagon will direct greater firepower against ISIS and Nusra Front in what analysts call a "boon for the Assad regime."

Greater Middle East

Erdogan dictatorship in wake of coup attempt?

With a post-coup purge of his enemies now underway, Erdogan is positioned to push through his proposed constitutional change that would establish an autocracy in Turkey.

Greater Middle East

Turkish coup attempt: kismet for Erdogan?

Erdogan paradoxically summoned his supporters to take the streets to defeat a coup attempt—after crushing the Gezi Park protests and unleashing terror against the Kurds.

Southeast Asia

Hague tribunal rules in flashpoint South China Sea

China refuses to recognize a Hague tribunal ruling in favor of Philippine maritime claims—just one of several conflicts at play as tensions rise in the South China Sea.

Greater Middle East

US, Russia broach Syria carve-up

Obama's proposed agreement with Russia for military cooperation in Syria in exchange for protected zones for US-backed rebels actually means a division of the country.

Greater Middle East

ISIS attacks Islamic holy city… WTF?

The ISIS attack on Medina, Islam's second holiest city, betrays the group's eschatological imperative and desire to bring about a final conflict that will purge the world of heresy.

South Asia

ISIS franchise in Bangladesh bakery siege

After a deadly ISIS siege of a Dhaka cafe, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made the absurd statement that the attackers "don't have any religion."

Greater Middle East

Kurds and Assad in race for Raqqa

Russian and US warplanes are each backing rival sides as the Assad regime and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces race to take the ISIS "capital" of Raqqa.

Europe

Break-up of United Kingdom impending?

The Brexit may signal the beginning of the dissolution of the UK, renewing calls for Scottish independence, a united Ireland, and even for London to secede as a free city-state.