Covert Contact Iraq’s Consolidation and the Kurds Iraq has made surprising gains in its effort to undermine or eliminate Kurdish autonomy since mid-October when we first visited this issue. Phillip Smyth joins me again to look at recent developments and the potential implications.
Covert Contact What Has Russia Gained in Syria? Regular Blogs of War and Covert Contact contributor William J. Tucker joins me after a long break to discuss Russia’s intervention in Syria. Why are they there, what were their true motives,
Iraq ISIS Declares Caliphate - Rebrands as "The Islamic State" It was clear that ISIS was on a mad dash to consolidate power. They have worked overtime to leverage the spoils of war, new recruits and recent territorial gains. But yesterday’s announcement
Russia Syria's S-300 Air Defense System in Perspective William J. Tucker serves as a senior security representative to a major government contractor where he acts as the Counterintelligence Officer, advises on counterterrorism issues, and prepares personnel for overseas travel. His additional
Terrorism Phillip Smyth on Syria Phillip Smyth is a researcher specializing in Lebanon, Syria, and the broader Middle Eastern affairs. He travels regularly to the region and has been published by a number of publications including the American
Syria Free Syrian Army Brigade Threatens to Execute Iranian Captives Freedom fighters do not execute hostages even when they might actually deserve it: A brigade from the Free Syrian Army (FSA) known as the Bar’a released a video aired on Al-Arabiya in
