Taliban continue fighting in Kunduz province
Having failed to hold on to Kunduz city, the Taliban have launched attacks in the parts of Kunduz province. They were able to leave the city with sizable quantities of ammunition and other supplies.
Iranian ground troops in Syria?
There’ve been reports of Iranian troops in Syria before. Same with Iranian troops in Yemen. Those reports did not pan out. In the wake of the beginning of Russian air support, Iranian troops are said to be poised to launch an offensive against rebel troops in the north, If the aims of this are to hammer the rebels and force negotiations, this is attainable and probably beneficial. If the intent is to retake Syria for Assad, then this is neither attainable nor beneficial. It will lead to a larger war and to greater tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia in the Gulf.
Israeli security forces have arrested seven Israeli Muslims said to be coordinating with ISIL for attacks on Israeli targets. ISIL has troops just to the northeast of Israel, near the Syrian town of Deraa. Two Israelis were killed by Palestinians as they drove on the West Bank. This is another incident in growing unrest among the Arab population which is based on the absence of peace talks and the recent fighting on the Temple Mount.
Iraq open to Russian airstrikes
Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has said he was open to Russian fighters, presumably the ones now stationed in Syria, attacking ISIL inside his country. This may come from Iranian influence as Tehran does not want Iraq to draw too close to the US. Iraq wants to have good relations with Iran, Syria, the US, Russia, and China. Hence it will behave opportunistically on the world stage.