Middle East

“Suitcase Nukes:” Permanently Lost Luggage

Nikolai Sokov February 13, 2004 View “Suitcase Nukes:” A Reassessment On February 8, a London-based Arab newspaper, Al-Hayat, reported that in 1998, in Kandahar, Afghanistan, al-Qaeda had bought nuclear weapons from Ukraine using the services of a Ukrainian scientist, whose first name was Viktor. Multiple news sources immediately linked this story to the 1997 statement by […]

The Significance of the “Death” of Ali Hassan al-Majid

Iraq’s ability to resist the US/UK forces in the south of Iraq have taken a hit with the possible death of Ali Hassan al-Majid, Saddam’s paternal cousin.

The Republican Guard, Al-Haris Al-Jamhuri

Saddam’s Republican Guard provides stiff resistance against US and UK forces deployed in Iraq.

The Battle for Basra

Securing Basra has numerous ramifications for US Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The Iraqi Actors in the North of Iraq

A myriad of armed tribal and Islamist militias in the north of Iraq could pose a threat to US forces stationed in the area.

Turkey’s Position in the Iraq Operation: Bridge or Barrier?

Turkey and the United States have differences in attaining their objectives in Iraq, but the commonalities will eventually encourage the allies to cooperate.

Who Are Saddam’s Fidayin?

A military unit dedicated to sacrificing themselves for Saddam has played a prominent part in attacking American forces in the south of Iraq.

Command and Control of Iraq’s Chemical Weapons Arsenal

As US forces approach the outskirts of Baghdad, the Pentagon has asserted that Republican Guard Units have the authority to deploy chemical weapons.

American POWs

Saddam Hussein offers incentives to his officers for capturing prisoners of war.

Just Following (Saddam Hussein’s) Orders

Documents taken in Iraq after the first Persian Gulf war showed the extent to which Saddam Hussein hoped to have his soldiers and even civilians exploit prisoners of war.