Yemen’s Political Soap Opera

Adam Baron comes back on the show to talk about the recent political drama in Yemen. We covered some of the major events of the past few months and then discussed other issues including:

• Former ex-president Hadi ‘leaving’ Sanaa for Aden
• Embassy closures in Yemen and what that could mean for the country
• The southern secession movement and why they’ve been unable to capitalize on Yemen’s political chaos
• The Houthi’s aims, and the blunders that have eroded some of their popular support
• The potential for Yemen’s political problems to become far more violent
• Failures of the international community to effectively handle the situation in Yemen
• Role of Saudi Arabia, Iran, and other neighboring countries in the current conflict
• Humanitarian problems that go largely unnoticed but could have serious long-term implications

Links:

• Adam Baron
• Adam Baron | European Council on Foreign Relations
• Adam Baron (@adammbaron) on Twitter
• Karl Morand (@KarlMorand) on Twitter

Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes
Check out the podcast’s Facebook page
Support the podcast by making a small donation on Patreon!

ISIS in North Africa as War Against Them Grows

Hassan Hassan comes on the show to talk about issues related to the fight against ISIS. Topics we covered include:

• ISIS growth in North Africa
• Where ISIS is winning, and where it is losing
• Tactical vs. strategic effects of airstrikes on ISIS
• Influence of Management of Savegery on ISIS actions and propaganda
• Importance of local forces and tribes in fighting ISIS
• Challenges to building those local forces
• ISIS is setting the agenda, but the world needs to change that

Links:

• ISIS: Inside the Army of Terror: Michael Weiss, Hassan Hassan Amazon.com
• Destroying ISIL is about more than vengeance | The National
• Jordan’s fights against ISIL no longer ‘someone else’s war’ | The National
• Hassan Hassan (@hxhassan) on Twitter
• Karl Morand (@KarlMorand) on Twitter

Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes
Support the podcast by making a small donation on Patreon!

The Shiite Jihad in Syria and Its Regional Effects

Phillip Smyth comes back on the show to talk about The Shiite Jihad in Syria and Its Regional Effects, his recent monograph for The Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Topics covered include:

• Why Shiite jihadi groups don’t receive nearly as much attention as Sunni ones
• Recruitment methods used by Shiite militia groups
• Risks faced by not addressing the issue of Shiite jihadi groups
• Phillip’s policy recommendations presented in his monograph

Links:

• The Fight Against ISIL: Shiite Militias and the Coalition Effort – Policy forum featuring Phillip Smyth, Michael Knights, and P.J. Dermer
• Hizballah Cavalcade | JIHADOLOGY
• Phillip Smyth (@PhillipSmyth) on Twitter
• Karl Morand (@KarlMorand) on Twitter

Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes
Support the podcast by making a small donation on Patreon!