An explosion has taken place in a tourist area of Istanbul, not far from the renowned Blue Mosque. Speculation holds that ISIL is responsible. Many of the ten deaths are German tourists. It’s possible the Germans were specifically targeted as their country has recently begun flying recon missions against ISIL in Syria and Iraq. Possible, but bad luck seems more likely at this point.
Iranian propaganda hits Sunni ties to Israel and US
There is of course a propagandistic part of the sectarian conflict. Iran is underscoring the ties between Sunni rulers and Israel and the US. This is an effort to foment discontent on the proverbial Arab Street. The Sunni principalities are indeed reliant on the US for defense and regarding Syria and Iran they are in line with Israeli objectives of weakening Shia power. This isn’t a new propaganda line, but it comes amid an increasingly ominous sectarian conflict.
Israel’s concern over ISIL grows
Shin Bet, Israel’s domestic intelligence agency, is concerned over two developments. Arabs living in Israel and the West Bank are attracted to ISIL which operates close to the Golan Heights. At least fifty such people are thought to be serving with ISIL now. There is further concern of ISIL cells developing inside Israel.