Blog Posts

“The UN says violence suffered by civilians in Iraq remains staggering, with at least 18,800 killed between 1 January 2014 and 31 October 2015.”

“The generals and admirals, who have been at war for 15 years, know that success can’t be bought cheaply.”

“Discovery of more civilians than expected, after what was a deliberate effort by fighters to use them as shields, suggests future battles against IS could be more complicated.”

A months-long struggle for control of the northern Aleppo countryside between Syrian insurgent factions and Islamic State militants is at a stalemate.

“A look at some issues that will shape the secretary’s legacy.”

Military Strategy of Ukraine by Yurii Butusov in his article for Dzerkalo Tyzhnia. Translation source is Censor.net.

“The Gray Zone is intense political, economic, informational, and military competition more fervent than normal steady-state diplomacy, yet short of conventional war. It is hardly new.”

“It would go down as the largest battle of Operation Desert Storm, yet it wasn't much of a fight.”

“Six weeks of relentless bombing. A ground war lasting all of 100 hours. Victory declared.”

“There was something almost biblical that transcended the spectacle of prime-time pyrotechnics and space-age war machines.”

"On 17 January 1991, exactly 25 years ago, Kuwaitis woke up to the news that the war to liberate their country, after five months of Iraqi occupation, had begun."

Continue on for a link to the latest Georgetown Security Studies Review and the table of contents.

“The United Nations' nuclear watchdog on Saturday confirmed that Iran has curtailed its nuclear program as agreed with world powers.”

New York Times twofer: The manhunt for El Chapo and why Mexico's mayors are cartel targets.

"Lasting defeat" has become a mantra for top U.S. officials when talking about the strategy to defeat Islamic State terrorists.

A refueling rendezvous that went astray and an engine issue are pieces of the puzzle behind the incident involving the 10 U.S. Navy sailors who were held earlier this week by Iran.

"The modest number of U.S. and coalition troops in Afghanistan operate with one hand tied behind their backs — at a time when Afghan forces are struggling."

Indonesian officials estimate there are between 200 and 300 IS sympathizers in country.

Secretary of State John Kerry at approximately 1100 this morning (from prepared remarks).

“Does the future find need for fewer troops, on more ships, in more units, and more focused on small wars?”

The United States confirmed that Iran released 10 U.S. Navy sailors Wednesday, a day after they were detained when they drifted into Iranian territorial waters.

"He gave only glancing mention to America’s longest war, one whose conclusion Obama once touted among his chief foreign policy accomplishments."

"Islamic State extremists are advising their supporters and recruits in the West to shave their beards and pretend to be Christians."

“These are some of Islamic State’s tips to help jihadists blend in as they plan attacks in western countries.”

"The crew of two small U.S. Navy vessels are being held by Iran."