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Open Source Intelligence

A ThreatsWatch Symposium

By ThreatsWatch
Open source intelligence (OSINT) is, for lack of a universally-accepted formal definition, information of value that you don’t have to steal with spies or technical means. It can be free or you might have to pay for it but the thrust is that it is not classified or otherwise restricted by a government entity. To an extent we all use OSINT every day for any decision of substance; you identify a question that needs to be answered, you gather information...

PrincipalAnalysis | September 16, 2008 1:05 PM | | Feedback (0)

Pakistan

Al-Qaeda's Progression On Pakistan's Demise

Schizophrenic Pakistan And The Coming Vacuum That Invites al-Qaeda

By Steve Schippert
The slow-motion insurgency in Pakistan is picking up pace in short order, and the elected Pakistani government shows no signs of stopping its rapid descent into disorder, fracture and weakness. What was once the Pakistani tinderbox has become a blaze, and Al-Qaeda is feeding the flames. And while all is not lost, there is little to instill confidence that the blaze will recede and avoid an inferno. Identity Crisis And Live Rounds In June, the United States bombed a Pakistan...

PrincipalAnalysis | September 8, 2008 2:15 AM | | Feedback (4)

Iraq

Understanding Iraq Through Anbar's Lens

With Anbar Security Handed To Iraq, A Look At Iraq In Plain Terms

By Steve Schippert
On Monday, control of Anbar province and responsibility for security there was handed over to Provincial Iraqi Control. This is a profoundly remarkable event, as al-Anbar province – the onetime headquarters for al-Qaeda in Iraq – was seen by many as lost due to security and political conditions on the ground. And with Anbar now handed to Iraqis to manage security, it is appropriate to take a larger look at Iraq, and one from an Anbar-centric perspective. For Anbar was...

Commentary | September 2, 2008 12:20 PM | | Feedback (1)

World

Sanity on Cyber War

There's Nothing New Under the Sun

By Michael Tanji
Much has been made about the electronic fight that occurred alongside the physical one between Russia and Georgia. Predictably, talk of “cyber war” and the dawn of a new age of conflict abounds. Never mind that we have seen this before: China vs. Taiwan over Taiwanese independence; China vs. the US over various issues; Islamist Groups vs. the US during operations IRAQI and ENDURING FREEDOM; Serbia vs. the US and NATO during ALLIED FORCE, and numerous other conflicts. Then, as...

PrincipalAnalysis | August 20, 2008 5:50 PM | | Feedback (0)

October 6, 2008

1. British general rotating out creates firestorm saying Afghanistan war “can’t be won,” adding to existing calls within Britain and Canada to open talks with Taliban and/or withdraw forces.

2. Suspected US missile strike in Pakistan likely killed senior leader based on Taliban reaction in the area.

3. A secret 2005 Spanish defense ministry report states that Pakistani military intelligence (ISI) and al-Qaeda aided the Taliban in Afghan assassination plots.

4. French FM says Israel is preparing a military solution to prevent a nuclear Iran. Is urging Israel to use sanctions approach.

More details available here.

12:40 AM | | Last updated at 9:17 AM

October 6, 2008

New AIC Think Tank Offices In Iran Replace Spurned US 'Diplomatic Presence' in Iran

Previously, we examined the words of the head of an organization cleared by the United States Government to open think-tank offices in Tehran. A bit of background puts the move into perspective, albeit no more comfortable perspective. First, recall again...

By Steve Schippert at 11:22 AM | | Feedback (0)

October 5, 2008

Security, Surveillance and Satellites

Last week as part of the Continuing Resolution that funds the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security through March 2009, Congress provided partial funding for the first phase of a controversial satellite surveillance program run by the...

By Jay Fraser at 10:38 PM | | Feedback (0)

October 3, 2008

Think Tank 0.2: Ties That Bind

We continue to make our own tasks measurably more difficult. In essence, it is no different than Congress and a past president mandating the mortgage industry to make risky loans to under-qualified buyers in their oversight and then convincing the...

By Steve Schippert at 4:24 PM | | Feedback (0)

Al-Qaeda's Pakistan Plan: Public Faces, Private Ownership

In Al-Qaeda’s Progression On Pakistan’s Demise, I described the logical progression of events and leaders best suited and most likely to find al-Qaeda arrive at a point of control over Pakistan. Among the cast of characters to be flipped though...

By Steve Schippert at 1:26 PM | | Feedback (0)

Iran's IRGC: Rogues Or State Arm?

It is, in my view, a purely rhetorical question which answers itself in reading. At the Middle East Quarterly, Michael Rubin writes a good backgrounder titled Iran’s Revolutionary Guards - A Rogue Outfit?. The answer, of course, is “Hardly.” The...

By Steve Schippert at 12:56 PM | | Feedback (0)

  • AudioJanuary 7, 2008
    [Listen Here]
    Global Crisis Watch explores the potential for conflict in the dynastic world of Pakistan politics between the Bhutto and the Zardari clans, and the difficulties that await in the tribal regions for any counterinsurgency program to counter Taliban and al...

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