In The News

Informant on Baghdadi: Washington Post

Joby Warrick, Ellen Nakashima and Dan Lamothe October 31, 2019
An informant who “lost faith” in the Islamic State helped the United States identify and kill ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. “The mole’s detailed knowledge of Baghdadi’s whereabouts as well as the room-by-room layout of his sanctuary proved to be critical in the Oct. 26 raid that ended with the death of the world’s most-wanted terrorist, the officials said,” reports the Washington Post. The...

Trump Lifts Sanctions on Turkey: New York Times

Michael Crowley and Lara Jakes October 24, 2019
The price may be heavy for the US abandoning Kurdish allies and its role in stabilizing territory in northeast Syria – delegating security to Russia and Turkey. Turkey’s president advised the US president about its plans to invade northern Syria on Oct 6, and Trump ordered US troop withdrawal. Not waiting for the US troops to exit, Turkey made its move October 9, touting plans to create a buffer...

Protests Engulf Lebanon: CNN

Tamara Qiblawi October 22, 2019
Thousands have turned out throughout Lebanon to protest an economy in decline. About 30 percent of the population lives below the poverty line, and 30 percent of the people are also refugees. Public debt is high and young adults are abandoning the stagnant economy. The government has passed austerity measures, and fury erupted after a tax was proposed on voice over internet protocol calls on...

US, Turkey Reach “Ceasefire” on Syria: Vox

Jen Kirby October 18, 2019
After the US withdrew troops from Kurdish-held areas in northern Syria, Turkey moved in to take control. Supporters and opponents of the US president lashed out with criticism for abandoning Kurdish allies who fought the Islamic State. A week later the US hastily organized a ceasefire that gives Turkey control over northern Syria. The Kurdish people have five days to leave their homes. The ethnic...

Trump Sends Troops to Saudi Arabia: Foreign Policy

Bilal Y. Saab October 17, 2019
Donald Trump is sending 1,800 more troops to Saudi Arabia. During a meeting with congressional leaders, Trump suggested that Saudi Arabia will cover the costs. Abrupt US withdrawal from Syria left Kurds, key allies in the fight against the Islamic State, to fend for themselves against a Turkish invasion. A hasty ceasefire has since been announced by the US and Turkey, both NATO members. Nations...

NATO Tested on Turkey’s Syria Operation: Al Jazeera

Samuel Stolton October 14, 2019
Kurdish fighters, in alliance with US forces, were key to reducing the Islamic State throughout Syria. US troop withdrawal from the area prompted Turkey’s military operation against these same Kurdish fighters in northern Syria. The operation divides NATO and risks destabilizing the region, reports Samuel Stolton for Al Jazeera. “After meetings on Friday with Turkish officials in Istanbul,...

Tens of Thousands Flee Homes in Syria: BBC

October 11, 2019
The United States began withdrawing troops from the region. Turkey wasted no time, launching an invasion of the border area with Syria – home to Kurdish people, many of whom stepped up at US urging to battle Islamic State terrorists. The invasion causes thousands of people to flee. “Turkish troops have encircled the border towns of Ras al-Ain and Tal Abyad and aid agencies fear the exodus could...