Curated news, analysis, and commentary on special operations, intelligence, irregular warfare, national defense, and global conflicts.

Photo: U.S. Army Green Berets assigned to the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) drive a Polaris Razor (MRZR) Lightweight Tactical Vehicle to quickly emplace communication nodes on elevated terrain Aug. 21, 2026, as part of a mounted patrol during Operation Polar Dagger in Tin City, Alaska. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua Oh)

Executive Summary

This weekly briefing summarizes the most significant events affecting special operations forces, irregular warfare, intelligence, and national security during the past week. The UAE’s activities across MENA have alienated some nations; particularly Algeria. A Civil Affairs battalion comes off jump status. The U.S. Iran conflict intensifies and oil rises above $100 a barrel. Russian information operations across MENA weaken U.S. influence in the region. The Houthis are making gains in Yemen.

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Key Developments

• Ukraine extends its drone war out to 3,000 kilometers
• Britain increases military aid to Ukraine
• Diesel is now up to $6 a gallon
• Iran captures a U.S. submersible drone
• Task Force Dagger and helping SOF families