Understanding the Mali Hotel Attack

Andrew Lebovich comes on the show to discuss the recent attack in Bamako, the groups involved, the security situation in Mali, and much more. Some of the topics we covered include:

• Background on al-Mourabitoun and Moktar Belmoktar
• Why the attacks in Bamako weren’t surprising
• The concept of “extraversion” and how it relates to the targeting of the Radisson in Bamako
• Local vs. global focus of the attack
• France’s 2013 intervention in Mali and it’s relevance to the current situation
• Potential for improving the security situation and the need to reform the military and security services

Links:

• Analysis: Mali hotel siege was horrifically predictable – Al Jazeera English
• Can we compare the recent terrorist attacks in Paris and Bamako? – The Washington Post
• Of Mergers, MUJAO, and Mokhtar Belmokhtar | al-Wasat
• Andrew Lebovich (@tweetsintheME) on Twitter
• Karl Morand (@KarlMorand) on Twitter

Thanks to Zane, Wendy, David, and Ryan for supporting the podcast! If you’d like to support the show please check out the podcast’s Patreon page!

ISIS Oil Operations

Matthew Reed comes back on the show to discuss ISIS oil operations. Some of the topics we covered include:

• How analysts track ISIS oil operations
• How much oil ISIS is producing
• The process of getting oil from the ground to ISIS turning it into cash
• Coalition attacks on ISIS oil infrastructure
• Why the US-led coalition is hesitant to completely destroy ISIS’ oil operations
• What it would take to eliminate ISIS’ ability to profit from oil production
• Why ISIS doesn’t need to export oil to benefit from it

Links:

• The Fuse | Taking Stock of ISIS Oil: Part 1
• The Fuse | Taking Stock of ISIS Oil: Part 2
• Matthew Reed (@matthewmreed) on Twitter
• Foreign Reports | Reporting Service on Middle East Affairs
• Karl Morand (@KarlMorand) on Twitter

Thanks to Zane, Andrew, and Alex for supporting the podcast! You can support the podcast by making a small donation on Patreon!

India’s Relations with Israel & Palestine

Nicolas Blarel comes on the show to discuss India’s relationship with Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Some of the topics covered include:

• Background on India’s trade and military relationship with Israel
• India’s support for Palestine and Palestinian leaders
• Recent visits to Israel by Indian leaders
• Narendra Modi’s potential upcoming visit to Israel and the region
• The benefits to Israel from a Modi visit
• Controversies related to recent UN votes by India dealing with Israel-Palestine issues
• Efforts to separate Israel-Palestine political issues from economic ties
• How India’s relationship with Israel and Palestine are viewed domestically in India

Links:

• The Evolution of India’s Israel Policy: Continuity, Change, and Compromise since 1922
• Blarel, Dr. N.R.J.B. – Faculty & Staff – Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences
• Nicolas Blarel (@nicoblar) on Twitter
• Karl Morand (@KarlMorand) on Twitter

You can support the podcast by making a small donation on Patreon!