A C U R R E N T A W A R E N E S S S E R V I C E F R O M T H E M A R S H A L L C E N T E R
The Marshall Center Transnational Weekly is a current awareness, information and policy tool for Marshall Center stakeholders to inform them about online publications by think tanks, research institutes and other organizations that deal with trans- national subjects. Use of these brief excerpts and links does not reflect the views of or endorsement by the Marshall Center, the U.S. government or the German government. All original content in these compilations is copyrighted unless spe-cifically noted otherwise. All rights to copyrighted items are reserved.
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CONTENTS
25 APR IL 2017
COUNTERING TRANSNATIONAL ORGANIZED CRIME (CTOC)CorruptionDrug TraffickingTrafficking in Scarce or Protected ResourcesOrganized CrimeCrime and Terror Nexus
PROGRAM ON CYBER SECURITY STUDIES (PCSS)Internet GovernanceInternet FreedomPrivacy and SecurityCyber Statecraft DevelopmentPublic/Private PartnershipProtection of Intellectual PropertyCyber Capacity BuildingCombating Terrorism and Cyber CrimeInformation SharingCyber Protection of Critical Infrastructure
PROGRAM ON TERRORISM AND SECURITY STUDIES (PTSS)ISISTerrorism Around the WorldRadicalization and MessagingCounterterrorism StrategiesForeign Fighters
CONSEQUENCE MANAGEMENTDealing With Disaster
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COUNTERING TRANSNATIONAL ORGANIZED CRIME (CTOC)
CORRUPTION
A borderless world in curbing corruptionThe Christian Science Monitor: 18 April 2017Many countries are now accepting outside help in the fight against systemic corruption. The International Monetary Fund is requiring that Ukraine establish a special anti-corruption court as a condition of aid, and the U.S. Senate is considering a bill to greatly expand such efforts globally.
http://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/the-monitors-view/2017/0418/A-borderless-world-in-curbing- corruption
In Nigeria, president Buhari’s anti-corruption battle is shaking up his own teamYomi Kazeem – Quartz: 20 April 2017Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari campaigned on an anti-graft ticket, promising to clean up the government. His actions haven’t always matched his words — until now. Buhari has suspended two high-profile members of his administration on fraud charges.
https://qz.com/963867/in-nigeria-president-buharis-anti-corruption-battle-is-shaking-up-his-own-team/
For more on this theme:Alexei Navalny: Is Russia’s Anti-Corruption Crusader Vladimir Putin’s Kryptonite?http://www.newsweek.com/alexei-navalny-russia-vladimir-putin-donald-trump-corruption-protests-mos-cow-585004
Anti-corruption protests in Russia: The Kremlin is up against some difficult decisionshttp://www.fiia.fi/en/publication/671/anti-corruption_protests_in_russia/
The U.S. Combating Global Corruption Act Is a Worthwhile Proposal that Deserves More Attentionhttps://globalanticorruptionblog.com/2017/04/18/the-u-s-combating-global-corruption-act-is-a-worthwhile-proposal-that-deserves-more-attention/
The toolkit for prevention of corruption in the local administration was promotedhttp://www.kas.de/wf/en/33.48615/
The Money Machine: How a High-Profile Corruption Investigation in Ukraine Fell Aparthttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/apr/12/the-money-machine-how-a-high-profile-corruption-inves-tigation-fell-apart
Bridging the gaps: enhancing the effectiveness of Afghanistan’s anti-corruption agencieshttps://www.transparency.org/whatwedo/publication/bridging_the_gaps_enhancing_the_effectiveness_of_afghanistans_anti_corrupti
Economic Recovery and Confronting Corruption in Kyrgyzstanhttp://thediplomat.com/2017/04/economic-recovery-and-confronting-corruption-in-kyrgyzstan/
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DRUG TRAFFICKING
Are Crime Groups Behind Colombia Coca Eradication Protests?Tristan Clavel – InSight Crime: 14 April 2017Protests across Colombia against coca eradication are likely the work of organized crime groups fomenting dissent in an effort to save their illegal livelihoods. There is some reason for farmers to protest, however — Colombian authorities has been largely unsuccessful in implementing crop-substitution programs.
http://www.insightcrime.org/news-briefs/organized-crime-protests-colombia-coca-eradication
Poll: More Americans Than Ever Want Marijuana LegalizedVoice of America: 20 April 2017According to new polling data, 60 percent of Americans support the legalization of marijuana, with an overwhelming 94 percent in favor of medicinal usage. The poll by Quinnipiac University indicates marijuana has gained mainstream acceptance in the United States.
http://www.voanews.com/a/more-americans-than-ever-want-marijuana-legalized/3818868.html
For more on this theme:The disorienting effects of marijuana…on the Trump administrationhttps://www.brookings.edu/blog/fixgov/2017/04/20/disorienting-effects-of-marijuana-on-the-trump-ad-ministration/
Police struggle to combat drug border traffickinghttp://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/society/176898/police-struggle-to-combat-drug-border-trafficking.html
Swiss aim to shape international drug policyhttps://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/un-drugs-commission_swiss-aim-to-shape-international-drug-poli-cy/43123072
In Portugal, Drug Use Is Treated As A Medical Issue, Not A Crimehttp://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2017/04/18/524380027/in-portugal-drug-use-is-treated-as-a-medical-issue-not-a-crime
Drugs between East and West: In Search Of Central and Eastern European Drug Policy at UN meeting in Viennahttp://politicalcritique.org/cee/2017/central-and-eastern-europe-united-nations-commission-on-narcot-ic-drugs-vienna-2017/
Duterte’s office rejects drug-war allegations as ‘movie scenes’http://www.reuters.com/article/us-philippines-drugs-police-idUSKBN17M1BE
Officers rue the return of US ‘war on drugs’http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-39623671
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TRAFFICKING IN SCARCE OR PROTECTED RESOURCES
Almost Half of Natural World Heritage Sites Are Threatened by Criminal ActivityBrigit Katz – Smithsonian.com: 20 April 2017The World Wildlife Foundation, a conservation charity, warns that nearly half the world heritage sites designated as important to nature are at risk. Its report indicates that criminal activity such as illegal poaching, logging and fishing impacts 45 percent of the designated locations.
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/almost-half-natural-world-heritage-sites-are-threat-ened-criminal-activity-180962980/
AP investigation shows Peru backsliding on illegal loggingFrank Bajak – The Associated Press: 20 April 2017Despite efforts to combat the crime, an estimated 600 square miles of forest are logged illegally in Peru every year. A new investigation by The Associated Press sheds light on how corruption and a lack of political will are prime drivers of Peru’s lucrative illegal logging trade, with detrimental impacts on both security and the environment.
https://apnews.com/8f4d73bdc605446c9c64bc2aedf7aa31
For more on this theme:Technology and big data are helping Cameroonians protect their forestshttps://theconversation.com/technology-and-big-data-are-helping-cameroonians-protect-their-for-ests-75234
How poaching, smuggling in Africa fuel North Korea’s nuclear arrogancehttp://www.nation.co.ke/news/North-Korea-nuclear-arrogance-africa/1056-3895798-pwj4b0z/
Illegal Miners To Be Integrated Into Mainstream Mininghttps://www.newsghana.com.gh/illegal-miners-to-be-integrated-into-mainstream-mining/
Involve chiefs in fight against illegal mining - Adansi Kwapeahenehttp://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/involve-chiefs-in-fight-against-illegal-mining-adansi-kwa-peahene.html
Gold fever leaves trail of destruction in Zimbabwehttp://www.iol.co.za/news/special-features/zimbabwe/gold-fever-leaves-trail-of-destruction-in-zimba-bwe-8692300
Brazil to Cut Forest Protection Programshttps://financialtribune.com/articles/people-environment/62742/brazil-to-cut-forest-protection- programs
World Bank, U.S., EU Call for More Aggressive Action Against Illegal Fishing and Other Crimes at Seahttp://sierraexpressmedia.com/?p=80886
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ORGANIZED CRIME
Crimintern: How the Kremlin uses Russia’s criminal networks in EuropeMark Galeotti – European Council on Foreign Relations: 18 April 2017Russian organized crime has become a shadowy world of facilitators and suppliers for transna-tional criminal organizations.
http://www.ecfr.eu/publications/summary/crimintern_how_the_kremlin_uses_russias_criminal_net-works_in_europe
Dark Times in Venezuela Signal Bright Future for Organized CrimeVenezuela Investigative Unit – InSight Crime: 18 April 2017 Massive protests in Venezuela are likely to further cement political instability, which is good news for organized crime groups. InSight Crime looks at the potential criminal implications.
http://www.insightcrime.org/news-analysis/dark-times-venezuela-bright-future-organized-crime
For more on this theme:Multinational Operation Targets Major Online Child Porn Networkhttp://www.insightcrime.org/news-briefs/multinational-operation-targets-major-online-child-porn- network
El Salvador Crime Boss Allegedly Laundered Money with Panama Companieshttp://www.insightcrime.org/news-briefs/el-salvador-crime-boss-allegedly-laundered-money-with-pana-ma-companies
Dragon on the Border: Mexican and Chinese Transnational Criminal Networks and Implications for the United Stateshttp://smallwarsjournal.com/jrnl/art/dragon-on-the-border-mexican-and-chinese-transnational-crimi-nal-networks-and-implications-f
FinTech and Financial Crime: An Opportunity Not to be Wastedhttps://rusi.org/commentary/fintech-and-financial-crime-opportunity-not-be-wasted
The Trump administration takes aim at MS-13, transnational criminal organizationshttp://wjla.com/news/nation-world/trump-administration-takes-aim-at-ms-13-gang
Drugs, fakes, crude oil and region’s part in transnational crimehttp://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/EA-transit-route-for-drugs-from-Asia-to-Europe/2560-3889466-yyjfac/index.html
Creating Networks to Battle Criminal Organizationshttps://dialogo-americas.com/en/articles/creating-networks-battle-criminal-organizations
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CRIME AND TERROR NEXUS
How predatory crime and corruption in Afghanistan underpin the Taliban insurgencyVanda Felbab-Brown – Brookings: 18 April 2017Widespread crime and government corruption in Afghanistan since the Taliban’s fall from power is fueling the group’s resurgence.
https://www.brookings.edu/blog/order-from-chaos/2017/04/18/how-predatory-crime-and-corrup-tion-in-afghanistan-underpin-the-taliban-insurgency/
DHS Head Warns Terror, Organized Crime Ties TighteningMackenzie Weinger – The Cipher Brief: 18 April 2017 United States Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly is concerned about the nexus between criminal groups and terrorist networks. He listed transnational criminal organizations, terrorism and cyber attacks as the administration’s top concerns.
https://www.thecipherbrief.com/article/exclusive/north-america/dhs-head-warns-terror-organized-crime-ties-tightening-1091
For more on this theme:The crime-terrorism nexushttp://www.iss.europa.eu/uploads/media/Brief_10_Terrorism_and_crime.pdf
Examining the Nexus between Organised Crime and Terrorism and its Implications for EU Programminghttps://icct.nl/publication/examining-the-nexus-between-organised-crime-and-terrorism-and-its-implica-tions-for-eu-programming/
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PROGRAM ON CYBER SECURITY STUDIES (PCSS)
INTERNET GOVERNANCE
Understand more, fear less: How the future of the Internet can be designed with a human face – Reflexions on the G20 ICT Ministerial meetingConstance Bommelaer and Wolfgang Kleinwächter – The Huffington Post: 14 April 2017Earlier this month, the Group of 20 (G20) ministers responsible for the digital economy met in Düsseldorf, Germany, and adopted a G20 Digital Economy Ministerial Declaration. The document reaffirms the G20’s commitment “to a multistakeholder approach to Internet Governance, which includes full and active participation by governments, private sector, civil society, the technical community and international organisations, in their respective roles and responsibilities.”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/understand-more-fear-less-how-the-future-of-the-internet_us_58f0fd23e4b0156697224ec9
Full text of declaration:
http://www.bmwi.de/Redaktion/DE/Downloads/G/g20-digital-economy-ministerial-declaration-en-glish-version.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=10
For more on this theme:(Global) Striving for an International Consensus on Cyber Security: Lessons from the 20th Centuryhttp://www.globalpolicyjournal.com/articles/global-governance/striving-international-consensus-cy-ber-security-lessons-20th-century
INTERNET FREEDOM
Governing body declares: No IP addresses for governments that shut down internet accessJessica Hall – ExtremeTech: 19 April 2017The African Network Information Center (AFRINIC) will consider a proposal to refuse new IP addresses to governments that cut off internet access to their citizens. AFRINIC is the internet registry in charge of managing and allocating IP address blocks across Africa.
https://www.extremetech.com/internet/247936-governing-body-declares-no-ip-addresses-govern-ments-shut-internet-access
For more on this theme:(Iran) Telegram’s new audio messaging feature blocked in Iranhttp://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/telegrams-new-audio-messaging-fea-ture-blocked-in-iran-4619871/
(Russia) One of the World’s Top Protest Apps Was Just Blocked in Russiahttp://www.defenseone.com/technology/2017/04/one-worlds-top-protest-apps-was-just-blocked-rus-sia/136982/?oref=d-river
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PRIVACY AND SECURITY
The French Court Case That Threatens to Bring the “Right to be Forgotten” EverywhereNani Jansen Reventlow – Council on Foreign Relations: 19 April 2017A French court case concerning the “right to be forgotten” could dramatically change what information is found online. The case has the potential to shape where and what information is accessible worldwide, rather than just in the nation of the claimant.
http://blogs.cfr.org/cyber/2017/04/19/the-french-court-case-that-threatens-to-bring-the-right-to-be-for-gotten-everywhere/
For more on this theme:(Global) Data protection & privacy lawshttps://www.financierworldwide.com/roundtable-data-protection-privacy-laws-may17#.WPfII6IpAaF
(EU) #EPrivacy: MEPs look at new rules to safeguard your personal details onlinehttps://www.eureporter.co/frontpage/2017/04/20/eprivacy-meps-look-at-new-rules-to-safeguard-your-personal-details-online/
(Hong Kong) Surveillance, Privacy and the Right to Know: A Delicate Imbalance in Hong Konghttps://globalvoices.org/2017/04/20/surveillance-privacy-and-the-right-to-know-a-delicate-imbalance-in-hong-kong/
CYBER STATECRAFT DEVELOPMENT
Chinese Military Prepares for New Cyber Focus, Streamlined ForceTom O’Connor – Newsweek: 19 April 2017China is restructuring its military to become a more high-tech force. The reorganization introduces a greater focus on electronic warfare by 2020.
http://www.newsweek.com/chinese-military-prepares-massive-changes-new-cyber-division-586313
For more on this theme:(U.K., Russia) Foreign Office attacked by Russia-linked cyber hackershttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/04/13/foreign-office-attacked-russia-linked-cyber-hackers/
(Australia) Australia’s Cyber Security Strategy — one year onhttps://www.aspistrategist.org.au/australias-cyber-security-strategy-one-year/
(Europe) Europe’s digital power: from geo-economics to cybersecurityhttp://www.ecfr.eu/publications/summary/europes_digital_power_from_geo_economics_to_ cybersecurity7274
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PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP
Takeaways From the EWI Cyberspace Cooperation SummitBruce McConnell – Council on Foreign Relations: 10 April 2017A March 2017 summit hosted by the EastWest Institute and the University of California, Berkeley, focused on ways the public and private sector could more closely collaborate on attacks and threat information in the cyber realm.
http://blogs.cfr.org/cyber/2017/04/10/takeaways-from-the-ewi-cyberspace-cooperation-summit/
For more on this theme:(U.S.) Feds face big obstacle in cyber efforts: Geographyhttp://thehill.com/policy/cybersecurity/329401-feds-face-big-obstacle-in-cyber-efforts-geography
(Middle East) Riyadh becomes regional hub for fight against cyber-attackshttp://saudigazette.com.sa/business/riyadh-becomes-regional-hub-fight-cyber-attacks/
(U.K.) Cyber security is a strategic risk management issuehttp://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/cyber-security-is-a-strategic-risk-manage-ment-issue
PROTECTION OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Court Sentences Movie Downloaders to 45 Days in JailAndy – Torrent Freak: 16 April 2017File sharing is an illegal activity that can get you into serious trouble in Nigeria, where 18 people were sentenced to 45 days in jail for downloading and sharing local movies without permission.
https://torrentfreak.com/court-sentences-movie-downloaders-to-45-days-in-jail-170416/
For more on this theme:(U.K.) ‘Sizable Proportion’ Of U.K. Businesses Have No Formal Approach On Cyber Securityhttps://www.forbes.com/sites/dinamedland/2017/04/19/sizable-proportion-of-u-k-business-es-have-no-formal-approach-on-cyber-security/#d2f94d65b6e5
(Russia) Departure Of YouTube From Russia Could Result In Growth Of Pirated Content, Government Warnshttps://www.ip-watch.org/2017/04/20/departure-youtube-russia-result-growth-pirated-content-govern-ment-warns/
(U.S., China, Taiwan) Phishing in Troubled Waters: Confronting Cyber Espionage across the Pacific and the Strait of Taiwanhttps://s3.amazonaws.com/files.cnas.org/documents/CNASReport-Taiwan-Cyber-Final.pdf
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CYBER CAPACITY BUILDING
Europe is falling being in digital trade — Time to take actionShawn W. Tan – Brookings: 17 April 2017Despite the European Union’s Digital Single Market initiative, Europe and Central Asia are falling behind on digital trade issues.
https://www.brookings.edu/blog/future-development/2017/04/17/europe-is-falling-being-in-digital-trade-time-to-take-action/
For more on this theme:(U.S.) The U.S. Army Wants to Call in Cyber Attacks Like Artillery Firehttp://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/9415/the-u-s-army-wants-to-call-in-cyber-attacks-like- artillery-fire
(Europe, Central Asia) Unleashing the Power of the Internet in Europe and Central Asiahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXvuoo93xn0&feature=youtu.be&list=PL72843D9EED111DC2
(Global) Why Policymakers Should Care About Weak Digital Infrastructure Abroadhttp://blogs.cfr.org/cyber/2017/04/12/why-policymakers-should-care-about-weak-digital-infrastruc-ture-abroad/
COMBATING TERRORISM AND CYBER CRIME
How Israel is thinking outside the box to stop cyber terrorAnna Ahronheim – The Jerusalem Post: 19 April 2017 The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are training to be the world’s elite in the cyber realm. Soldiers at the IDF’s Cyber Defense Academy focus on the dangers posed by cyber crime and terrorism as a “fourth front.”
http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Thinking-outside-the-box-to-counter-the-threats-posed-by-cyber-ter-rorists-488324
For more on this theme:(Global) Skype most popular communication channel for cyber criminalshttp://www.computerweekly.com/news/450417011/Skype-most-popular-communication-channel-for-cy-ber-criminals
(U.K., Global) Free hacking tools ‘help young into cyber-crime’http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-39654092
(Global) Cyber-criminals reap the benefits of cross-community collaborationhttps://www.scmagazineuk.com/cyber-criminals-reap-the-benefits-of-cross-community-collaboration/article/651890/
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INFORMATION SHARING
Cyber threat info sharing made easierMark Rockwell – GCN: 17 April 2017The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Structured Threat Information eXchange (STIX) is about to get an upgrade — the next version of the information-sharing language is nearly complete.
https://gcn.com/articles/2017/04/17/stix-threat-info-sharing.aspx
For more on this theme:(Global) Cyber risk a growing threat to financial institutions, says Fitch Ratingshttp://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/cyber-risk-growing-threat-financial-institutions-says-fitch-ratings
CYBER PROTECTION OF CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Aussie critical infrastructure organisations in the cyber firing lineLeon Spencer – ARN: 19 April 2017More than half of Australian organizations have experienced compromised data or systems, according to a 2016 Australian Cyber Security Centre Survey report. The report also reveals that Australian critical infrastructure organizations are “targeted by cyber criminals up to hundreds of times each day.”
https://www.arnnet.com.au/article/617888/aussie-critical-infrastructure-organisations-cyber-firing-line/
Full report:
https://www.acsc.gov.au/publications/ACSC_Cyber_Security_Survey_2016.pdf
For more on this theme:(U.S.) Outer-Space Hacking a Top Concern for NASA’s Cybersecurity Chiefhttps://bol.bna.com/outer-space-hacking-a-top-concern-for-nasas-cybersecurity-chief/
(U.S.) Energy Department exercise reveals ‘gaps’ in major cyber incident responsehttp://thehill.com/policy/cybersecurity/329499-energy-dept-exercise-reveals-gaps-in-response-to-ma-jor-cyber-incident
(Global) New threats to ICS/SCADA systems and practical protectionhttp://www.hazardexonthenet.net/article/132950/New-threats-to-ICS-SCADA-systems-and-practical-protection.aspx
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PROGRAM ON TERRORISM AND SECURITY STUDIES (PTSS)
ISIS
Rolling Back the Islamic StateSeth G. Jones, James Dobbins, Daniel Byman, Christopher S. Chivvis, Ben Connable, Jeffrey Martini, Eric Robinson and Nathan Chandler – Rand: April 2017This report focuses on the threat ISIS poses to the United States and examines four possible strategies to counter the extremist group.
https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR1912.html
Report: Weakening Syria’s government could help ISIS groupSusannah George – The Associated Press: 19 April 2017A recent report published by IHS Jane’s Terrorism and Insurgency Centre says many of ISIS’ battles are being fought against the Syrian military, meaning efforts toward regime change may benefit ISIS.
http://bigstory.ap.org/article/22f8b8ce5f8847efa2bdbf73c34eb633/report-weakening-syrias-govern-ment-could-help-group
Full report:
http://news.ihsmarkit.com/press-release/aerospace-defense-security/study-shows-islamic-states-prima-ry-opponent-syria-governmen
For more on this theme:Will Jordan confront IS in southern Syria?http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2017/04/jordan-north-south-syria-military-involvment.html
Defeat by Annihilation: Mobility and Attrition in the Islamic State’s Defense of Mosulhttps://www.ctc.usma.edu/posts/defeat-by-annihilation-mobility-and-attrition-in-the-islamic-states-de-fense-of-mosul
Islamic State claims responsibility for Paris shooting that kills 1 officer and wounds 2 othershttp://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-paris-police-shot-champs-elysees-20170420-story.html
Islamic State video threatening Iran unlikely to result in sustained terrorism campaign in one-year outlookhttp://www.janes.com/article/69663/islamic-state-video-threatening-iran-unlikely-to-result-in-sus-tained-terrorism-campaign-in-one-year-outlook
When the Islamic State Group Is Defeated What Will Take Its Place?http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/When-the-Islamic-State-Group-Is-Defeated-What-Will-Take-Its-Place-20170418-0030.html
How the West is helping ISIS wage its psychological terror campaignhttp://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/international/329749-how-the-west-is-helping-isis-wage-its-psy-chological-terror
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TERRORISM AROUND THE WORLD
Central Asian Militants’ Shifting Loyalties in Syria: The Case of The Turkistan Islamic PartyJacob Zenn – The Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst: 19 April 2017It appears that Central Asian militants are growing restless with the status quo. Unhappy with al-Qaida’s limited external operations and the Syrian branch’s desire to distance itself from al-Qaida, militants — especially members of the Turkistan Islamic Party — are turning toward ISIS.
http://www.cacianalyst.org/publications/analytical-articles/item/13438-russian-gas-in-the-southern-gas-corridor-could-undermine-the-eu%E2%80%99s-diversification-plans.html
Marriage of Convenience: The Evolution of Iran and al-Qa`ida’s Tactical CooperationAssaf Moghadam – Combating Terrorism Center: 14 April 2017Recently declassified letters from Osama bin Laden shed new light on the relationship between Iran and al-Qaida, suggesting it is mainly one of “tactical cooperation.”
https://www.ctc.usma.edu/posts/marriage-of-convenience-the-evolution-of-iran-and-al-qaidas-tacti-cal-cooperation
For more on this theme:Female suicide bomber attacks in West Africa on pace to quadruple in 2017http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2017/04/female-suicide-bomber-attacks-in-west-africa-on-pace-to-quadruple-in-2017.php
Al-Shabab Warns Against Western Educationhttp://www.voanews.com/a/al-shabab-warns-against-western-education/3818654.html
After St Petersburg: Russia and the Threat from Central Asian Terror Networkshttps://rusi.org/commentary/after-st-petersburg-russia-and-threat-central-asian-terror-networks
Rohingya Crisis in Southeast Asia: The Jihadi Dimensionhttp://www.rsis.edu.sg/rsis-publication/icpvtr/co17069-rohingya-crisis-in-southeast-asia-the-jihadi-di-mension/#.WPkydKIpAaE
Fifteen Years after the Djerba Synagogue Bombinghttps://www.ctc.usma.edu/posts/fifteen-years-after-the-djerba-synagogue-bombing
Al Qaeda Quietly Expands in South Asiahttps://www.thecipherbrief.com/article/asia/al-qaeda-quietly-expands-south-asia-1089
Is An ISIS/Al-Qaeda Merger In The Cards?http://www.newsweek.com/isis-al-qaeda-merger-cards-586128
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RADICALIZATION AND MESSAGING
Counterterrorism and Youth Radicalization in Jordan: Social and Political DimensionsSean Yom and Katrina Sammour – Combating Terrorism Center: 14 April 2017The authors examine the relationship between policy, economics, education and youth radicalization in Jordan. Their research suggests that it isn’t the pull of Islamic radicalization that leads to extremism, but the lack of ties to the state.
https://www.ctc.usma.edu/posts/counterterrorism-and-youth-radicalization-in-jordan-social-and-politi-cal-dimensions
The Link Between White Supremacists and Islamic TerrorismMichael German – The Cipher Brief: 20 April 2017 While policymakers and academics have focused since 9/11 on what causes radicalization among terrorists, the phenomenon isn’t entirely new and can be compared to the threat of white supremacist groups.
https://www.thecipherbrief.com/article/north-america/link-between-white-supremacism-and-islamic-ter-rorism-1089
For more on this theme:How Iran’s military strategy against IS may backfirehttp://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2017/04/iran-islamic-state-kurdistan-recruitment-jihad-ism-at-home.html
How girls’ education intersects with violent extremismhttps://www.brookings.edu/blog/education-plus-development/2017/04/13/how-girls-education-inter-sects-with-violent-extremism/
‘There is no life without jihad and no jihad without hijrah’: the jihadist mobilisation of women in Spain, 2014-16http://www.realinstitutoelcano.org/wps/portal/rielcano_en/contenido?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/elcano/elcano_in/zonas_in/ari34-2017-garciacalvo-jihadist-mobilisation-women-spain-2014-2016
A Psycho-Emotional Human Security Analytical Framework: Origin and Epidemiology of Violent Extremism and Radicalization of Refugeeshttp://smallwarsjournal.com/jrnl/art/a-psycho-emotional-human-security-analytical-framework-ori-gin-and-epidemiology-of-violent-e
The Call to Radicalism, Both at Home and Abroadhttps://www.thecipherbrief.com/article/north-america/what-we-miss-domestic-radicalization-pro-cess-1089
No Single Path Towards Radicalizationhttps://www.thecipherbrief.com/article/north-america/no-single-path-towards-radicalization-1089
Latest ISIS recruit video shows young school-aged boy participating in executionhttp://www.theblaze.com/news/2017/04/18/latest-isis-recruit-video-shows-young-school-aged-boy-par-ticipating-in-execution/
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COUNTERTERRORISM STRATEGIES
The alarming truth about Countering Violent Extremism programs: We don’t know what worksMatteo Vergani – Interpreter: 17 April 2017Programs to counter violent extremism have grown exponentially in Australia. But there is scant evidence of their impact or effectiveness.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/alarming-truth-about-countering-violent-extremism-pro-grams-we-don-t-know-what-works
Muslim Countries Forming Military Alliance to Fight ISIS TerrorismCristina Silva – Newsweek: 19 April 2017The Islamic Military Alliance to Fight Terrorism is a coalition of 41 Muslim-majority nations working to create a mobile military force to fight ISIS and other regional threats. The alliance will hold its first major meeting later this year.
http://www.newsweek.com/muslim-countries-forming-military-alliance-fight-terrorism-586315
For more on this theme:Mali’s Next Battlehttps://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR1241.html
On a Modern Form of Terrorism: Small-Scale and Self-Containedhttp://smallwarsjournal.com/jrnl/art/on-a-modern-form-of-terrorism-small-scale-and-self-contained
Indonesian authorities hunt Islamic State operative’s cyber recruitshttp://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2017/04/indonesian-authorities-hunt-islamic-state-opera-tives-cyber-recruits.php
Amid Aid Uncertainty, U.S. Counterterrorism Cooperation Continues In Africahttp://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2017/04/17/521400443/amid-aid-uncertainty-u-s-counter-terror-ism-cooperation-continues-in-africa
Pakistan’s Next Counterterrorism Campaignhttps://www.stratfor.com/image/pakistans-next-counterterrorism-campaign
US sending dozens more troops to Somaliahttp://www.cnn.com/2017/04/13/politics/us-troops-somalia/
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FOREIGN FIGHTERS
Returning Foreign Fighters in the Caribbean: Issues and ApproachesJaimie Ogilvie – Small Wars Journal: 19 April 2017The radicalization of individuals in the Caribbean region is a major concern, not just for their home countries, but for the United States as well. The United States Southern Command is concerned about the potential impact of these foreign fighters after they return from fighting abroad.
http://smallwarsjournal.com/jrnl/art/returning-foreign-fighters-in-the-caribbean-issues-and-approaches
For more on this theme:Islamic State Defeats in Mideast will Send Hardened Fighters to Spread Terror Around the Globehttp://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/apr/18/isis-foreign-fighters-to-bring-terror-home/
The Top 5 Countries Where ISIS Gets Its Foreign Recruitshttp://time.com/4739488/isis-iraq-syria-tunisia-saudi-arabia-russia/
EU’s ‘foreign fighter’’ traffic checks cause chaos at borderhttp://www.worldbulletin.net/todays-news/187983/eus-foreign-fighter-traffic-checks-cause-chaos-at-border
US may review visa waiver to keep ISIS outhttp://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/us-may-review-visa-waiver-to-keep-isis-out
EU Faces ‘Disaster’ If 5,000 Jihadists Return Homehttp://www.eurasiareview.com/15042017-eu-faces-disaster-if-5000-jihadists-return-home/
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CONSEQUENCE MANAGEMENT
DEALING WITH DISASTERS
As quake-prone Asia urbanises, shoddy construction raises disaster riskMushfique Wadud and Jared Ferrie – IRIN: 19 April 2017Urban sprawl is becoming more than just a land problem throughout Asia, especially in Bangladesh. If a large earthquake occurred, more than a half-million people would be killed in the country’s three largest cities, according to estimates in a draft contingency plan. This is largely due to poor construction and lack of regard for building codes.
https://www.irinnews.org/feature/2017/04/19/quake-prone-asia-urbanises-shoddy-construction-rais-es-disaster-risk
Payouts for Perils: How Insurance Can Radically Improve Emergency AidThe Payout for Perils Working Group and Theodore Talbot – Center for Global Development: 19 April 2017Instead of dealing with disasters after they strike, the international community should provide financial aid for planning to prepare for disasters before they happen.
https://www.cgdev.org/publication/payouts-for-perils-how-insurance-can-radically-improve-emergen-cy-aid-report
For more on this theme:How to Reduce Risk from Extreme Weather Eventshttp://www.unisdr.org/archive/52788
Community Based Disaster Risk Management And School Safety Programmes Launched In Balochistanhttp://www.wfp.org/news/news-release/community-based-disaster-risk-management-and-school-safety-programmes-launched-bal
Youth being taught disaster management techniqueshttp://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/youth-being-taught-disaster-man-agement-techniques/article18073589.ece
350 complete disaster management camphttp://www.gulf-times.com/story/544454/350-complete-disaster-management-camp
State gears up for first forest fire mock drillhttp://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/state-gears-up-for-first-forest-fire-mock-drill/article-show/58247402.cms
Combined relief effort after Meetotamulla disasterhttp://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Combined_relief_effort_after_Meethotamulla_disas-ter_20170415_01
Exercise Tradewinds preparing local military for modern threatshttp://www.loopnewsbarbados.com/content/exercise-tradewinds-preparing-local-military-modern-threats