Russian airstrikes near Golan Heights
Russia has bombed ISIL and al Nusrah Front positons just to the east of Israel. Israel has had a guarded relationship with those two groups but has reportedly given limited help to the al Nusrah Front, which is the al Qaeda affiliate in Syria. Israel would like to see the region to the east of Golan become a buffer zone or a de facto protectorate.
US naval vessel challenges Chinese sovereignty claim
The USS Lessen, a a destroyer, has challenged China’s claim of sovereignty for an artificial island in the South China Sea. China has of course denounced the move. The US will repeat such missions. China will look to do the same in the region, perhaps in the waters of Vietnam or the Philippines.
Note that countries around China are alarmed by China’s growing assertiveness but expect the US to handle it. If the US sends another of its ship near such disputed territory, it should be accompanied by more than one naval vessel from regional actors.
US consider embedding troops in Iraq
As the ISIL war creeps on slowly, the US is seeking ways for greater progress. It is now pondering embedding US troops with Iraqi forces, probably to guide airstrikes and to provide tactical advice.
The view here is that a slow war may be frustrating but a slow war of attrition might be the best way to wear down and defeat ISIL — and to erode the group’s appeal to young Muslims from an ever-victorious army to a death trap.
Israeli eatery offers discounts
A hummus bar in Kfar Vitkin offers a fifty percent discount to tables with both Arabs and Jews. Good deal!