US rethinking usefulness of training programs
In the wake of poor performances by western-trained forces in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, the US is reevaluating its strategy of relying on US airpower and US-trained ground troops in wars against ISIL and the Taliban. Trainers can teach soldiers how to salute and shoot, but not to hold their ground. Further, foreign ground troops are coming to see the US as a power that will do their fighting.
Iran suffers more casualties in Syria
Since placing ground troops in the fight for northern Syria, Iran has suffered several KIAs. The war is being presented in heroic terms in Iranian media, in part to present the government as the defender of the Shia faith and to weaken cals for reform. After the nuclear deal, expectations were high among urban dwellers that an opening was at hand. Doubtful.
New controversy at Temple Mount
Israeli security forces are preventing the Muslim authority (al-Waqf) from installing the cameras to monitor events around the al Aqsa mosque. The security forces claim that the authorities have acted prematurely and that further political authorization is needed. Some Palestinian figures claim that the monitors will be used to gather evidence against people that the Israelis will claim were inciting violence. The cameras could never truly calm this situation.