US and Turkey announce joint op
Many ISIL recruits enter Syria via the Turkish border. The US and Turkey will try to close off the crossing points. Iraq will remain as another point of entry.
Corruption charges in Nigeria’s security bureaus
Nigeria’s former security chief has been accused of pocketing some $2 billion dollars designated for helicopters, fighters, and ammo. Governmental corruption is one of the causes of Islamist unrest and it is one of the reasons many governments fail in efforts to counter it.
US to give two naval vessels to the Philippines
As concern grows in East Asia about the rising power of China, the US is taking steps to strengthen the navy of one of the more concerned states. Perhaps this will lead to greater regional efforts to counter Chinese assertiveness, but most countries there expect the US to do it for them.
Iran continues to counter reformists
The nuclear agreement was expected in some quarters to lead to more openness inside Iran. Not here. The mullahs and generals see openness and democracy as leading to uprisings, secessionism, and paralysis.