ANA launches effort to retake Kunduz
A day after the capital of Kunduz, or parts of it, fell to the Taliban, the Afghan army has begun an effort to retake it. US airpower will help but neither Washington nor Kabul wants to see the city flattened. Over the last few years the Taliban have been able to mass troops to take key positions, but they have not been able to hold them. Note well the promptness if the ANA counteroffensive, especially as compared to the sluggishness of the Iraqi army in its campaign to retake Ramadi, which fell to ISIL last May.
Saudi Arabia under international scrutiny
In recent weeks the Saudis have faced mounting criticism of the Mecca disaster – and the death toll is rising. Furthermore, a Saudi airstrike in Yemen killed over a hundred people gathered for a wedding. International human rights organizations are taking note of a scheduled execution of a young Saudi Shia who has been accused of participating in illegal demonstrations and violating firearms laws. The method of execution is beheading followed by crucifixion.
Saudi prince calls for political change
An unnamed prince, a grandson of the country’s founder Abdul Aziz ibn Saud, asserts that King Salman is unfit to rule and should be replaced. He also claims that there is disquiet in the royal family over Salman’s rule. I’ve long held that there will not be a smooth transition to the next generation of rulers. All the monarchs since the death of Abdul Aziz have been his sons, usually drawn from a specific clique known as the Sudairis. There is a large number of grandsons, perhaps several thousand, who want greater power. There are probably a number of granddaughters who want the same. Look of them to use claims of democracy to advance their interests in coming years.
Estonia begins a Russian television station
Approximately 25-30% of Estonians are ethnic Russians and they are concentrated in the country’s east. This station will strengthen the sense of separateness among Russians. The station will likely enjoy super from Russia. Look for a separatist movement to grow in eastern Estonia.