July 16th, 2012
Libya’s Militia Menace: The Challenge After the Elections Libya’s elections passed peacefully, but observers should have no illusions about the momentous challenges ahead, especially the task of rebuilding and formalizing the country’s security services. During its 16 months in power, the outgoing transitional government walked a fine line between trying to dismantle the country’s regional militias and making use of them as hired guns. The strategy sowed the seeds for the country’s descent into warlordism.

Libya’s Militia Menace: The Challenge After the Elections

Libya’s elections passed peacefully, but observers should have no illusions about the momentous challenges ahead, especially the task of rebuilding and formalizing the country’s security services. During its 16 months in power, the outgoing transitional government walked a fine line between trying to dismantle the country’s regional militias and making use of them as hired guns. The strategy sowed the seeds for the country’s descent into warlordism.

14 notes·
libya news politics Arab spring militants
July 12th, 2011

Pakistan’s Middle Class Extremists

Most policymakers makers believe that the poor are more susceptible to the appeals of violent groups. Counterterrorism policies have therefore often centered on economic development. In Pakistan, however, it is the middle class that is supportive of militant groups. What does this mean for counterterrorism strategy?

Read the article here.

91 notes·
pakistan terrorism development economic development foreign aid extremists militants middle class taliban foreign aid
June 8th, 2011

A False Dawn for Yemen’s Militants

Why Saleh’s Departure Will Not Give Free Rein to Al Qaeda

By James Spencer

With Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh out of the country, the future for the country’s leadership is unknown. Many fear that this will create a vacuum for al Qaeda and other terrorist groups will exploit. James Spencer, a retired British infantry commander, explains why this fear ignores how tribal politics and Islamist groups actually function in Yemen.

16 notes·
Yemen Saleh Terrorism al Qaeda militants politics
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