Watching the Shadows
Key provisions of Patriot Act expire
Key provisions of the USA Patriot Act allowing "Bulk Data Collection" and "Roving Wiretaps" expired after a late Senate vote failed to establish an extension.
Tag: GWOT
Syria
US drops Cuba from terrorism list
The US government formally removed Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism as a step toward restoring full diplomatic relations. Cuba had been listed since 1982.
Watching the Shadows
Obama’s sixth year: a World War 4 Report scorecard
World War 4 Report offers its annual annotated assessment of Obama's moves in dismantling, continuing or escalating the apparatus of the Global War on Terrorism.
Watching the Shadows
Senate bill to halt release of Gitmo inmates
A group of US senators led by John McCain proposed legislation that would place a moratorium on the release or transfer of prisoners from Guantánamo Bay.
Europe
UK announces sweeping anti-terrorism bill
The UK Home Secretary announced a new Counter-Terrorism and Security Bill that would expand travel restrictions and Internet surveillance.
Iraq
Global terrorism survey finds surging attacks
A study by UK-based Institute for Economics and Peace finds there were nearly 10,000 terrorist attacks in 2013, 44% more than the year before.
Greater Middle East
Assad plays Kurdish card to divide opposition
The Assad regime dubiously claims to be aiding the Kurdish defenders of ISIS-besieged Kobani—a transparent attempt at an Arab-versus-Kurdish divide-and-rule stratagem.
Iraq
First US air-strikes on ISIS targets in Syria
Warplanes flying from the USS George HW Bush carried out the first US air-strikes against ISIS targets in Syria, with planes from five Arab countries also participating in the raids.
Iraq
Obama sees long war against ISIS
The Obama administration is preparing to carry out a campaign against ISIS that may take three years to complete, involving a coalition of some 40 countries.
Iraq
Syria: US intervention —against ISIS?
In a Pentagon press conference, Gen. Martin Dempsey, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that ISIS cannot be defeated unless the US or its partners take them on in Syria.
Africa
Kenya anti-terror police group charged in abuses
Kenya's US-funded Anti-Terrorism Police Unit has carried out a series of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, Human Rights Watch charges in a new report.
Iraq
Iraq: great power convergence against ISIS
The US and Iran alike are sending drones to Iraq to help the government beat back ISIS, while Russia has followed Washington in sending warplanes and military advisors.