Latest Articles about Middle East

Yemen’s Passive Role in the War on Terrorism

For the past five years, Yemen has been what is best described as a passive partner in the U.S.-led war on terrorism. It has taken a number of steps to limit the activities of al-Qaeda and other like-minded groups within the country, but most of... MORE

Saudi Oil Facilities: Al-Qaeda’s Next Target?

At a time of record-high oil prices, analysts are beginning to consider the implications of possible terrorist attacks on Middle Eastern oil facilities. The crown jewel of these facilities is Saudi Arabia's oil production infrastructure. It is worth noting that Saudi Arabia possesses 261.9 billion... MORE

MAGOMEDOV OUT AS MOSCOW OPTS FOR NEW LEADERSHIP IN MAKHACHKALA

On February 20 the Kremlin announced the appointment of a new leader for Dagestan. Russian President Vladimir Putin nominated 65-year-old Mukhu Aliev to lead the North Caucasus republic and asked Dagestan's legislature to confirm his choice. All but one of the 102 local lawmakers present... MORE

MOSCOW RECYCLES OFFER TO PROCESS IRANIAN NUCLEAR FUEL

In the wake of the Iranian nuclear crisis, Moscow has advanced a new, or rather seemingly new, proposal to build a center for spent fuel from Iran and other states and for the enrichment of uranium for these states as well. Under this plan Iran... MORE

Islamists Criticize Muslims who Abstain from Jihad

On February 17, the al-Tajdeed forum posted an interesting analysis that, amid the customary claims of imminent victory, points the finger of accusation at al-qa'idun 'an al-jihad ("those who abstain from jihad"). Starting from the premise that the strategic initiative is turning in favor of... MORE

FIGHTING ERUPTS BETWEEN NOGAI REBELS AND RUSSIAN AUTHORITIES

Stavropol Krai, a predominantly ethnic-Russian region in the North Caucasus, is the frontier zone that separates the volatile Caucasian republics from the rest of Russia. Now Stavropol has become the scene of a fierce battle between Russian troops and insurgents. On February 9, a police... MORE

…and Set Course of Action Against Denmark

The following day, the mujahid strategy emerged in even more detail. Under the title "What now after the Denmark events?—A Plan of Action," an individual named Abu Maria al-Qurashi set out nine specific action points: • Intensify the boycott by appealing to the idea of... MORE

Mujahideen Consider Cartoon Crisis a Moment to Re-Define Islam…

The Danish debacle continues to generate a deluge of material on the jihadi forums. While most of these (when not a matter of personal expressions of outrage and calls for revenge) relate to the growing boycott campaign of Danish goods, at least one "official" statement... MORE