Mozambique Increases Draft Requirements

In an effort to fight an ongoing insurgency without depending on private military contractors, Mozambique’s parliament approved a measure raising compulsory military service requirements. The measure raises the standard draft requirement from two to five years for general service soldiers and six years for special forces. Proponents hope the measure will decrease dependence on foreign fighters and make the army …

The Magnificent Seven Contractor Responsibilities in Southwest Asia

Private military contractors have recovered from COVID-19 business setbacks. By 2028, the global market should exceed $3 trillion, according to the latest estimate. Such profitability, along with continued instability in so many parts of the world, means lots of job opportunities for private military contractors in the areas listed below. The Afghanistan and Iraq Wars are over. But fighting continues …

Syrian Civil War Drags On

Although government forces have asserted control over most of the war-torn country, fighting continues in Syria. Between October and December 2023, American troops repelled over 100 attacks. Most of the attacks either did not reach bases or were shot down by U.S. defenses, according to a DoD official. The small number that did, however, have resulted in 66 injuries to …

U.S. Backs U.K.’s Diego Garcia Sovereignty Claims

During a recent meeting, Secretary of State Antony Blinken affirmed that the airbase at Diego Garcia plays a vital role for the U.S. in the Indo-Pacific region and for global security. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron did not give a specific response at a joint news conference with Blinken when asked about a report that said British Defence Minister Grant …

Lawmakers Urge Biden to Strong-Arm Qatar

Two senators asked President Biden to pressure Qatar into assisting with the release of American hostages held in Gaza. Republican Sen. Joni Ernst (Iowa) and Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen (Nev.) sent a letter to President Biden which stated, in part, “We appreciate Qatar’s efforts so far to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas and their commitment to continue …