Tag "ISIS"

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Europe Security

Can the EU create a common defence policy?

Although countries have framed the debate about arms exports to Russia and Iraq in largely economic or national terms, defence policy also plays an important part in these debates, especially

Economics Middle East/North Africa

Islamic State reshapes Syria’s war economy

In the Syrian conflict, all sides had developed a stake in maintaining a war economy. With the emergence of the Islamic State (IS), which controls a third of Syria’s territory, the

Middle East/North Africa Natural resources and energy

Mosul Dam recapture reveals poor Iraqi infrastructure

The recapture of the Mosul Dam from the Islamic State (IS) by Iraqi and Kurdish forces underscores the instability of Iraq’s infrastructure. Without continued US military support, IS is sure

Middle East/North Africa Politics

How Iran benefits from a ‘New Cold War’

With a ‘New Cold War’ between the U.S. and Russia seemingly in its early stages, Iran has much to gain from the conflict by playing both sides. Remember when Iran

Middle East/North Africa Politics

Can the Islamic State become a legitimate state?

The Islamic State (IS) has made swift gains in Iraq and Syria, has established a self-claimed Caliphate, and has asserted it is abolishing borders. But can it achieve its goals and create

Middle East/North Africa Security

Why Iraq is not a new Vietnam

It was fashionable in 2007 to label the Iraq War as the next Vietnam. It was easy to draw parallels – weak local allies, a post-invasion quagmire, insurgency, inability to

Middle East/North Africa Security

Protests in Maan raise tensions in Jordan

While Jordan has managed to avoid the upheaval and violence experienced by other Middles Eastern nations in the wake of the Arab Spring, recent events in Maan are a red

Middle East/North Africa Security

Iraq’s development suffers as ISIS takes control

In December 2013 insurgents linked to Al-Qaeda captured key strategic cities in Iraq’s largest province, Anbar. Iraqi development is certain to suffer from it. The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria