Should More Contractors be Stationed in Iraq?

Should More Contractors be Stationed in Iraq?

A suspected ISIS attack near Baghdad did more than kill 11 people. It also prompted some questions about the security situation in the war-torn nation. 10 other people were injured when militants attacked under cover of darkness. The attack focused on the pro-Iran Hashed al-Shaabi militia. Although Iraq declared victory against ISIS in 2017, sporadic attacks have continued. Most of …

Observers: More Violence in Afghanistan in 2021

Observers: More Violence in Afghanistan in 2021

An elusive permanent peace solution and a wave of political assassinations might mean that more blood will be shed in this Southwest Asian nation. Under a February 2020 peace agreement, the U.S. agreed to withdraw by May 2021 in exchange for a Taliban promise not to harbor international terrorists or attack Americans. There is very little chance that Afghanistan will …

Trump Pardons Nisour Square Contractors

Trump Pardons Nisour Square Contractors

Four contractors who were serving prison time because of their role in the Nisour Square “Massacre” in Baghdad in 2007 are now free men. Paul Slough, Evan Liberty, Dustin Heard, and Nicholas Slatten were all serving time in prison after being sentenced for their role in the massacre. The first three were convicted of manslaughter and some lesser charges. Slatten, …

Turkey and Russia Up the Ante in Libya

Turkey and Russia Up the Ante in Libya

An uneasy ceasefire in Libya is now more tenuous than ever, thanks to Russian and Turkish military upgrades in the war-torn country. After several years of protracted fighting, all sides in this conflict are ready for it to end. As a result, prospects for a long-term solution have never been better. Now, according to numerous reports, the Turks are bolstering …

Afghanistan Peace Talks to Resume in Qatar

Afghanistan Peace Talks to Resume in Qatar

The Doha peace talks which began in September 2020 and appear to be making progress will resume after a holiday break, according to a Qatari government official. Some other countries volunteered to host the talks, but these countries withdrew, citing the coronavirus pandemic. As late as early December 2020, it appeared the Doha talks might break down, mostly because of …