Daily Incidents

Iran Unrest

Yemen Protests

Recent Publications

Recent in-depth pieces on frontline issues from the CriticalThreats team

  1. Yemen Crisis Situation Reports

    The crisis in Yemen has escalated and may be on the brink of civil war. Regular analysis of the situation and an updated map of Sana'a will keep you apprised of the latest developments.

  2. The Case for Continuing the Counterinsurgency Campaign in Afghanistan

    The drawdown in Afghanistan may be afoot, but racing for the exits will leave large parts of the country -- especially around Kabul in the east -- infested with insurgent havens.

  3. Military Still Pulls Strings in Pakistan

    It will take brave politicians and a change in the way the US and others engage with Pakistan before the military's grip on the country is weakened.

  4. Kenyan Operation Linda Nchi

    Kenya launched an offensive operation against al Shabaab in Somalia codenamed “Operation Linda Nchi” (Operation Protect the Nation) on October 16, 2011. The Critical Threats Project has prepared a timeline of the offensive and an accompanying map.

  5. A New Mirage in the Iraqi Desert

    This vision of relations will seem palatable to Americans and Iraqis who want to believe that all will be well after the withdrawal of U.S. troops. But the image is a mirage.

  6. The Iranians Certainly Think They've Won in Iraq

    If partisan political bickering prevents us from recognizing the reality that Iran really has scored an important and damaging victory over the U.S. in Iraq, then the prospects for any intelligent strategy to respond to that failure are dim indeed.

  7. Turbulent North Waziristan: Gul Bahadur Threatens to End the Peace

    CTP looks at the fallout of recent violence in North Waziristan and examines how threats to end a peace deal with the government by Hafiz Gul Bahadur, the main local Taliban commander, may actually play out on the ground.

  8. Jund al Khilafah Targets Kazakhstan

    It remains to be seen the extent to which the recent spate of attacks and increased militancy in Kazakhstan have operational links to the broader network of terrorist groups operating in Central Asia and South Asia.

Daily News Briefs

Daily data on security, political, and economic trends in Critical Threats' focus areas.

  1. Gulf of Aden Security Review

    Gulf of Aden Security Review - January 27, 2012

    Yemen: Kidnapped Norwegian UN worker released; fighting in north Yemen kills at least 22 people; Ansar al Sharia’s commander in Zinjibar explains his organization’s goals in interview. Horn of Africa: Al Shabaab executes teenagers accused of spying; al Shabaab praises January 24 suicide bombing in Beledweyne.

  2. Iran News Roundup

    Iran News Round Up January 27, 2012

    Hamas leader to visit Iran next week; conflicting reports on Iranians kidnapped in Syria; Davutoglu says Turkey no platform for attacking Iran; Pakistan resolved to move ahead on Iran gas pipeline project despite sanctions

  3. Pakistan Security Brief

    Pakistan Security Brief – January 27, 2012

    Unidentified assailants fire rockets at the Pakistani Military Academy; Six Pakistani traders killed in Iran by Iranian security forces; Musharraf again postpones his return to Pakistan; PM Gilani rejects possibility of a “creeping” military coup; PTI leader Imran Khan predicts his party will “sweep” national elections; Pakistan to continue Iran-Pak gas pipeline despite possible U.S. sanctions; NA Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting recommends ban on “anti-Pakistan” statements on private television channels; Ten BRA militants kill five FC soldiers; PCNS gives Mansoor Ijaz “one last chance” to appear; Supreme Court to hear “memogate” case on Jan. 30; Rasool surrenders to FIA; U.S. says Pakistan has an important role to play in Afghan reconciliation process; Pakistani gunship helicopters attack two militant camps; Militants engage security personnel in one-hour long battle; Landmine kills soldier in Balochistan.

  4. Gulf of Aden Security Review

    Gulf of Aden Security Review - January 26, 2012

    Yemen: Ansar al Sharia releases statement on withdrawal from Yemeni town; air force uprising spreads to seven Yemeni governorates; more than 300 families displaced due to Hajjah fighting. Horn of Africa: At least 10 people killed in fighting between al Shabaab militants and TFG and Ahlu Sunna wa al Jama’a forces; al Shabaab releases audio will of Beledweyne suicide bombing “martyr”; security crackdown in Beledweyne led by TFG and Ethiopian soldiers; Ahlu Sunna wa al Jama’a arrests at least 10 al Shabaab suspects in Gedo region; residents of Mogadishu’s Dharkenley district flee shelling.

  5. Iran News Roundup

    Iran News Round Up January 26, 2012

    Iran’s envoy to Kuwait disqualified from upcoming polls; Iran’s parliament mulling immediate ban on oil exports to E.U.; Pakistan signs gas contract to import natural gas from Iran despite sanctions; Iran’s trade with China grows by 55% in 2011