Watching the Shadows

Benghazigate and Internet freedom

The provocateur video that supposedly incited the Benghazi attack is at the center of a persistent news story—but we can't see it, because the Ninth Circuit ordered it suppressed.

Greater Middle East

Transfer of Homs: the beginning of the end?

Contrary to regime propaganda, the fall of Homs to government forces comes amid rebel gains elsewhere in Syria. With the jihadists in disarray, the FSA prepares to open a new front.

Iraq

Syria: test ground for anti-Shia jihad?

An “Anti-Shia Alliance” convention in Jakarta brought togehter interntional Sunni militants to declare “jihad” on “heretics”—as sectarian attacks mount in Syria and Iraq.

Greater Middle East

Saudi Arabia: death sentences in 2003 attacks

A special anti-terrorism court in Saudi Arabia sentenced three people to death for their roles in attacks on expatriate resident compounds in Riyadh in May 2003.

Greater Middle East

Syria: jihadis target Armenians

Some 2,000 Armenians from the town of Kessab in northern Syria have taken refuge in the port city of Latakia following the occupation of their town by jihadist forces.

Greater Middle East

Lebanon, Golan Heights at stake in Syria conflict

A suicide blast hit Lebanon's Bekaa Valley after Hezbollah fighters took a Syrian border town. Meanwhile, a Syrian opposition figure broaches selling the Golan for Israeli military aid.

Greater Middle East

UK: ex-Gitmo detainee in Syria terror bust

British counter-terrorism forces arrested Moazzam Begg in his hometown of Birmingham, along with three other individuals on terrorism offenses related to the war in Syria.