This year is off to an interesting start. Yesterday, we learned that the US finally acted against General Qassem Soleimani, a man at least partly responsible for 100's of American deaths. It's my understanding that a Hizbullah leader was also killed in the Soleimani strike. As per pundits, this could lead to greater threats against the U.S. and American people. While many were unhappy with the Iranian nuclear agreement, JCPA, time will tell if the new American initiatives make the world safer. Libya, Iraq, and Afghanistan are still unstable despite or because of American involvement and lack of clear strategies. We now have to contend with both physical and digital threats. How will what's happening now in Syria, Pakistan, Turkey, Israel, Iran, Bahrain, Iraq, etc. affect us this year?
Taliban says it ‘has no intention of declaring a ceasefire’ - Bill Roggio (FDD's Long War Journal)
According to a newly-released report from Dutch intelligence and security agency AIVD, 2020 will not bring an end to terror attacks. Rather, more jihadist activity should be expected, not only in the Netherlands, but throughout Europe and the West.
Terror-linked and boycott promoting NGOs behind potential ICC investigation (NGO Monitor) In some instances, the European funding to Palestinian NGOs was explicitly earmarked for their activities vis-à-vis the ICC.
Is Building Homes a War Crime? - Zina Rakhamilova (Honest Reporting - video)
Gaza’s weekly protests suspended for 3 months - Khaled Abu Toameh (Jerusalem Post) The decision, which goes into effect January 3, is seen by some Palestinians as the beginning of the end of the protests, first launched in March 2018 by several Palestinian factions, including Hamas.
On Twitter:
This is more than a decade too late. The Bush & Obama admins knew what Soleimani and Muhandis were up to, but were too fearful to strike. These two are responsible for the deaths of at least 600 U.S. soldiers and tens of thousands of Iraqis soldiers, police, and civilians. https://twitter.com/LongWarJournal/status/1212936099561115649
