News and commentary: August 20

Bomb attack in Cairo

Egyptian security forces building is hit. ISIL takes claim but under different name than usually used. Since the Muslim Brotherhood was ousted from the presidency and outlawed, parts of the MB have splintered off into violent groups, some of which have tied in with tribal fighters in Sinai. This will continue. The MB was a clear winner in the new democracy until the Egyptian army, backed by Saudi Arabia, forced them out and began to construct a new military government along with the old Mubarak oligarchy.

South and North Korea exchange artillery fire

Border clashes are fairly common along the DMZ and nearby waters. The North enjoys the support of both Russia and China as it ties down considerable American and allied assets. Neither Russia nor China, however, has any interest in seeing war on the Korean peninsula. The North Korean leadership, however, is mercurial to say the least.

Sunni tribal leaders display little unity

A Baghdad meeting to plan Sunni opposition to ISIL leads to arguments and brawls. Look for the the leadership of the Dulayim tribal confederation to reestablish some coherence in the Sunnis. Without it,  a concerted effort against ISIL in the Sunni regions of Iraq will be difficult – and a post-ISIL region will be chaotic, much like Libya.