ISIL launched an attack north of Mosul. This was their first offensive move since taking Ramadi last May. This attack was repelled by Kurdish forces and US airpower. The ISIL attack may have been an attempt to offset an upcoming attack on its stronghold of Mosul.
Government forces take key northern town
The counteroffensive against the Houthis has made a significant gain – this time in the north. The capital of al Jawf governate, which is northeast of the Houthi-held capital Sanaa, has fallen. The Houthis, as noted here long ago, made a grave error by driving too deeply into the Sunni south.
Japan builds up defenses along island chains
In response to China’s muscular actions in East and Southeast Asia, Japan is setting up anti-ship and anti-aircraft missile sites on a string of islands stretching 870 miles from Japan to near Taiwan. It is welcome to see a regional power reacting to China’s moves, rather than expecting the US to handle it.
Russia backing away from Assad, again?
President Putin has said he’s not opposed to Syrian president Assad’s stepping down as part of a peace settlement. That is a curious statement as it does not say Putin wants Assad out, only that he does not oppose it. Nonetheless, a consensus is building to get Assad out. Iran will be the stickler here. However, the Assad regime, which is aligned with Iran, will remain in power.
Pakistan denies being part of Saudi alliance
Hours after Riyadh announced its large alliance to counter ISIL, which included Pakistan, Islamabad has denied it’s part of the alliance and asked Riyadh explain the matter to its ambassador. Sounds like the Saudis jumped the gun and like Pakistan doesn’t want to be seen as Saudi Arabia’s sepoys.