Iran recruits Shia fighters for Syrian War
It has long been known that Iran has been recruiting Shia Hazaras from Central Afghanistan to fight in Syria. The numbers might be much higher than thought some 20,000. This of course reduces potential manpower in the Afghan army which has been taking heavy casualties and suffering desertions.
Al Shabab strikes Somali coastal spot
Al Shabab has sworn allegiance to al Qaeda but parts have broken away and pledged to ISIL. Its unclear which group is responsible here. The paris attacks of last November, while not the first of their type, have inspired several such attacks, in Burkina Faso, the US, and Egypt among them. The pattern is also boosted by competition between al Qaeda and ISIL, with each vying for prominence in the world Islamist movement.
Conflicting reports on Russia’s support for Assad
The Financial Times, a highly respected paper, reports that Russia has asked Assad to step down as president of Syria. The Kremlin has denied this. Nonetheless, Russian support for Assad isn’t unswerving, though it is supportive of his government. Ousting Assad isn’t terribly important and it might not be desirable. Assad might be one of the more moderate figures in Damascus.
The Tunisian government has imposed a nationwide curfew following several days of angry and sometimes violent demonstrations. There is a risk of the state overreacting which could lead to more violence. ISIL has a significant underground presence and a breakdown of government authority will lead to lawless areas where ISIL can operate as an alternate government.