The Syrian Kurds and their model of governance

A new model of social organization is taking shape in the Kurdish areas of northern Syria. Rojava, as it is known, comprises three cantons in the western section of the historical homeland of the Kurdish people, which is now divided up among Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey. In terms of social equality, ethnic pluralism, and […]

ISIS uses WhatsApp to sell sex slaves

“Virgin. Beautiful. 12-years-old … Her price has reached $12,500, and she will be sold soon,” read a sex slave advertisement on the Telegram app, the Daily Caller reported. This is why we must defeat ISIL militarily. There will be a strange black market vacuum in their wake as the region continues its downward tick. But […]

Where can the Kurds turn to next in an ocean of enemies?

The Kurds are on the cusp of betrayal again by U.S. policy makers. It’s not intentional against them, but international powers force the situation, leaving out the Kurds. Their primary enemy is Turkey. But, there’s almost nowhere they can turn. By the end of this they might look towards Communist China and Russia for support. […]

Obama weighing new military options in Syria today

U.S. President Barack Obama and his top foreign policy advisers are expected to meet on Friday to consider their military and other options in Syria as Syrian and Russian aircraft continue to pummel Aleppo and other targets, U.S. officials said. Some top officials argue the United States must act more forcefully in Syria or risk […]

Give war a chance in Syria

And yet, today, the United States provides military knowhow, equipment, and support to Shi’a militias attacking the Sunnis of the Islamic State. The United States is helping the Shi’a attack the Islamic State, and at the same time, the Shi’a are attacking the Sunnis in Aleppo.  The United States is supporting Sunnis in Aleppo indirectly […]

Confronting ISIS

I just watched this documentary last night which gives a pretty good overview of the war against ISIS.  It provides a pretty good recap of the conflict and all of the major players involved.  Take a look on the Frontline website.

ISIS deploys “suicide” drones

WASHINGTON — Kurdish forces fighting the Islamic State in northern Iraq last week shot down a small drone the size of a model airplane. They believed it was like the dozens of drones the terrorist organization had been flying for reconnaissance in the area, and they transported it back to their outpost to examine it. But […]

Why the Kurds are weary of foreign volunteers

Much of this will fall on deaf ears and many will continue to live in denial but the Kurdish people have grown incredibly weary of foreign volunteers over the course of their war with ISIS. This is due to several key factors that have cullminated into a distaste for outside help that doesn’t come in […]

ISIS Media Output Drops as Military Pressure Rises, Report Says

The vaunted propaganda operations of the Islamic State, which helped lure more than 30,000 foreign fighters to Syria and Iraq, have dropped off drastically as the extremist group has come under military pressure, according to a study by terrorism researchers at West Point. In addition, the researchers found, there has been a striking shift away from […]

3 Syrians Aid German Police in Alleged Bomb Plot Suspect

A Syrian man wanted for allegedly preparing a bombing attack was apprehended by three of his countrymen, who overpowered him, tied him up in their apartment, and then alerted police, authorities said Monday. The overnight arrest of Jaber Albakr ended a nearly two-day nationwide search for the 22-year-old that German authorities launched after finding several […]

Interview with a YPG/Peshmerga foreign fighter

PJ and I were in the same Peshmerga units before he left to fight in Syria alongside the YPG. He is an exceptional warrior that embodies the spirit of the Marine Corps with a sense of humor that cannot be matched, Semper Fidelis brother.   Kurt: What’s your military background? PJ: 0351 infantry assaultman UCMC […]

WATCH: New ISIS Video Shows Mass Executions Carried Out in Kirkuk

In a new video purportedly released by the Islamic State titled “Men who have been true to their covenant with Allah,” ISIS militants in “Wilayat Karkuk,” Iraq carry out multiple mass executions before burying militant Bilal al-Iraqi. Cities vulnerable to ISIS in the region include “Kirkuk, Hawija, Altun Kupri, Chamchamal, Taza Khurmatu, Mullah Abdullah, Tal Alwad, […]