Omphalos
Evidence-Based Keys to a Stable Post-Caliphate Iraq
Chris Meserole Fri, Jul 28, 2017, 11:32 AM
How can Iraq prevent another relapse into terrorist and sectarian violence? This is what the research says.
Latest in Islamic State
Domestic Terrorism
Frustrated Foreign Fighters
Daniel Byman Wed, Jul 12, 2017, 5:00 PM
We should prepare for an increase in violence from individuals who might have traveled abroad to fight on behalf of the Islamic State but who ultimately remain in their home countries.
Middle East Ticker
U.S. and Russia Agree to Ceasefire in Syria, Iraq Winds Down Fighting in Mosul, Turkish Opposition Rallies against Erdogan, and Britain Will Continue Arms Sales to Saudi Arabia
J. Dana Stuster Tue, Jul 11, 2017, 10:30 AM
The Trump administration has backed Russia’s latest plan for Syria, Iraq turns to rebuilding and reconciliation, Erdogan faces new opposition a year after the coup attempt, and Saudi Arabia will continue to receive British weapons after High Court decision.
Foreign Policy Essay
Terrorists and Territory: What Jordan Can Teach Us about Managing Jihadists
Jacob Olidort Sun, Jul 9, 2017, 10:00 AM
The best strategy for defeating jihadism might involve managing a few extremists. Jordan can show us how it's done.
Middle East Ticker
Iraq Declares Victory in Mosul, U.S. Will Leave Assad to Russia, Qatar’s Deadline to Meet Saudi Demands Nears, and Saudi Arabia’s New Prince Cracks Down
J. Dana Stuster Tue, Jul 4, 2017, 10:00 AM
The Islamic State is on its last legs in Iraq, Tillerson tells the U.N. the United States won’t push for Assad’s ouster, Qatar could face more sanctions from the Gulf, and Mohammad bin Salman cements his authority.
Foreign Policy Essay
The Islamic State’s Married Ideology: Something Borrowed, Something New
Prachi Vyas Sun, Jul 2, 2017, 10:00 AM
Despite the Islamic State's bitter split with al-Qaeda, it still relies on al-Qaeda's greatest hits to bring in new recruits.
2001 AUMF
Repealing the 2001 AUMF? A Surprise Vote by the House Appropriations Committee
Robert Chesney Thu, Jun 29, 2017, 2:27 PM
A pretty remarkable development in today's House Appropriations markup on the Defense Appopriations bill. For many years, Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) has been putting forward amendments intended to repeal or sunset the 2001 AUMF. They normally do not go anywhere. This morning she moved one that would terminate the 2001 AUMF in 240 days, and lo-and-behold the majority went along with it. It passed with only Kay Granger (R-TX) opposing.
Middle East Ticker
Saudi Arabia Appoints New Crown Prince, Gulf States Issue Demands for Qatar, and Eastern Syria Is Getting Crowded
J. Dana Stuster Tue, Jun 27, 2017, 10:30 AM
Saudi Arabia’s favorite son cuts the line for the throne, the Gulf states issue their demands on Qatar, and the U.S. military says the Assad regime is welcome in eastern Syria...for now.
Guantanamo
Perhaps Guantanamo Won't Get New Detainees After All? An Update on Efforts to Capture Islamic State Leaders
Robert Chesney Mon, Jun 26, 2017, 10:54 AM
Yesterday, Eric Schmitt had a story in the New York Times providing a rare glimpse into the ongoing activities of the “Expeditionary Targeting Force” (“ETF”).
War Powers
War Powers and the Su-22 Episode: Third-Party Defense of Coalition Partners
Robert Chesney Tue, Jun 20, 2017, 9:51 AM
Early Sunday evening, a US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet shot down a Syrian Air Force Su-22 that had just completed a bombing run targeting US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the Raqqa region. The episode raises important questions under the U.N. Charter (see Adil Ahmad Haque’s analysis here). But what about U.S. domestic law?