Information continues to gather slowly in the aftermath of the attack. ISIL has taken credit but it is unclear i fit planned or supplied the operation. It may simply have inspired the attack, One of the terrorists had a Syrian passport that indicates he was a recent refugee who crossed into Europe from Greece. However, the passport may have been stolen or purchased.
Look for ties to Islamist groups in N Africa, especially Algeria. There are Islamist groups there and there is routine commerce and travel between the region and France.
How will France respond? Increase airstrikes in Syria and probably Iraq. Possibly French commando strikes on Islamist targets in N Africa and the Middle East.
Afghan troops defect to Taliban
About 65 ANA troops, including officers, have gone over to the Taliban in the southern province of Helmand. Presumably, the troops are mainly Pashtun. This is very bad news, If other defections follow, southern Afghanistan may be lost. This will lead to retrenchment in the north.
Saudis continue to press for Assad’s departure
As international talks begin,the Saudis are signaling their insistence that Assad must go. Russia, Syria’s chief backer, is flexible on Assad, but Iran is adamantly opposed to his departure.
US drone kills ISIL leader in Libya
ISIL has lost another leader. Killing a leader here and there isn’t significant. As Charles de Gaulle once said, centuries are filed with indispensable men. In order to be successful, ISIL and AQ leaders must be killed or capture routinely – several a month.