These are perilous times for the desert kingdom, which sees itself as the very center of Sunni Islam, which for Sunnis is the only true Islam. It is facing a highly complex and dangerous confluence of circumstances that would have seemed most … [Read more...] about The Saudi Dilemma*
Contributor:
The Cool War Cometh*
No, Russian President Vladimir Putin has not ushered in the return to The Cold War with his assault on the integrity of Ukraine. But he has confirmed that the United States and his Russian regime--very likely as long as he lasts--is engaged in a … [Read more...] about The Cool War Cometh*
Putin’s “Show of Power” in Ukraine
"Ukraine Must Reject Roots of Violence. If Ukrainians seek a brighter future, they must recognize, isolate and reject the inclinations to use violence that are now (emphasis added) deeply rooted in the country's political culture..." said a recent … [Read more...] about Putin’s “Show of Power” in Ukraine
ACD Weekly Briefing
Recent ACD Publications and Highlights: Muslims in Ukraine: A Small Problem Amid a Larger One, By J. Millard Burr While ousted President Viktor Yanukovich's press conference diverted the media's attention, Russians forces, allegedly took over two … [Read more...] about ACD Weekly Briefing
Muslims in Ukraine: A Small Problem Amid a Larger One
"Crimean Tatars and Pro-Russian activists clashed outside a local parliament building in Ukraine's Crimean peninsula." (Washington Post, 26 February 2014) In a long and detailed article on recent events in the Ukraine the Washington Post provided a … [Read more...] about Muslims in Ukraine: A Small Problem Amid a Larger One
Review of John Judis’ “Genesis”*
Today, we deviate from our usual blog content to provide an important review of what has already become a notorious book. Given the current groundswell of anti-Israel sentiment in the U.S. (particularly on campuses), which is aided and abetted by … [Read more...] about Review of John Judis’ “Genesis”*
Are Mosques Recruiting Foreign Fighters for Syria?
At least 11,000 Sunni, and 10,500 Shiite foreign fighters from 74 countries (not including Iranian “advisors”) are reported to have joined the struggle over Syria. However, we know little about the recruiting mechanism that led them to Syria. Were … [Read more...] about Are Mosques Recruiting Foreign Fighters for Syria?
A World Ablaze – But Different Fuels*
A bane of modern military studies (let’s eschew the term “science”) is the concept of counter-insurgency--the idea that indigenous revolts around the world can be analyzed with “the scientific method” and that a set of general principles, if … [Read more...] about A World Ablaze – But Different Fuels*
Israel and the New World Disorder*
Switzerland has about the same population as Israel with four distinct ethnicities and is in a similarly vulnerable geographic location. It has been continuously independent since 1291 except for a brief period of French occupation during the … [Read more...] about Israel and the New World Disorder*
Islam and the Other: The al-Wala’ wal-Bara’ Doctrine
Given the U.S. capitulation to Iran, the growing American and European pressure on Israel to relinquish its national security and identity as the Jewish state in favor of the Palestinians, while Syria has become the training "melting pot" for … [Read more...] about Islam and the Other: The al-Wala’ wal-Bara’ Doctrine