News: August 12

Iraqi troops encircle Ramadi

Ramadi fell to ISIL a few months ago. Iraqi troops, the army and Shia militias, are prepared to take the city itself. ISIL is likely well prepared with mines, snipers, and interlocking positions. The fighting could be costly, especially on the frail Iraqi army.

Think tank warns of new cold war dangers

The European Leadership Network. a London-based think tank, warns that military exercises by NATO and Russia may accidentally cause a dangerous incident. Perhaps, but let’s remember that such exercises went on throughout Cold War One and no such accident happened. Furthermore, today’s communication capacities are vasty superior and make blunders less likely.

Russian “trolls” spread propaganda

Well, doesn’t the United States have the best trolls in the world?

Turkish president states war on PKK will be relentless

And the PKK war on Turkey may also be relentless. Erdogan has blundered with this. Look for PKK attacks in the Kurdish southeast and elsewhere in Turkey. It will be interesting to see if the PKK refrains from attacking civilian targets.