ISDEI Instituto de Seguridad, Defensa y Estudios Internacionales

The Federal Government is sending 600 Australian personnel to the Middle East in preparation for military action against Islamic State (IS) militants in Iraq. Prime Minister Tony Abbott said the United States had specifically requested Australia contribute to an international strike against the militants, who have captured large swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria. Mr Abbott said around 200 troops would be sent to the United Arab Emirates within days, including a Special Forces contingent “that could act as military advisers to the Iraqi armed forces or to the Peshmerga”. They would be followed by around 400 Air Force personnel, up to eight Super Hornet aircraft, an early warning and control aircraft and an aerial refuelling aircraft.

The 14-ton armored vehicle, which was was formerly used to transport US Marines, was obtained in July and has been stored at a secret facility since it was received from the military at no cost. CBS LA were denied permission to film the vehicle. LAUSD police Chief Steve Zipperman told CBS LA that the vehicle was needed for “extraordinary circumstances” that involved “life-saving” situations while denying that the equipment was “threatening” or was merely being used as a “show of force.” However, the mere appearance of the tank-like vehicle is seemingly at odds with the Los Angeles School Police Department’s mission to, “Assist students, teachers, administrators and other staff in providing a safe and tranquil environment.” Zipperman acknowledged that the grenade launchers, which were obtained after 9/11, were not necessary and would be disposed with, although why that decision took 13 years to make is unknown. Referring to recent events in Ferguson, Missouri, where militarized poli...

In an editorial for the state-run People’s Daily, Chinese PLA Professor Han Xudong warns that Beijing should prepare itself for a third world war which could arise out of the conflict between the United States and Russia over Ukraine. “As the Ukrainian crisis deepens, international observers have become more and more concerned about a direct military clash between the US and Russia. Once an armed rivalry erupts, it is likely to extend to the globe. And it is not impossible that a world war could break out,” writes Xudong , noting that “the world has entered an era of new forms of global war” based around the Internet and the concept of sea power. The professor goes on to predict, “It’s likely that there will be a third world war to fight for sea rights,” and that in order for China to be ready for this new conflict, Beijing needs to, “develop its military power based on a global war” so as to guard against becoming a passive victim of events. Noting that “China’s overseas interests ...

In response to questions by lawmakers on the commitment of U.S. troops, Dempsey said “if we reach the point where I believe our advisers should accompany Iraqi troops on attacks against specific ISIL targets, I’ll recommend that to the president.” Republicans in Congress have criticized Obama’s approach to fighting the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. Many are calling for an army division on the ground to combat IS troops. “The president’s strategy to defeat ISIS is fundamentally detached from the reality on the ground,” said Republican Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, a ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “It will take an army to beat an army. But instead the president presented a limited counterterrorism strategy… I’m not advocating for an army division or combat elements on the ground. But it is foolhardy for the Obama administration to tie the hands and so firmly rule out the possibility of air controllers and special operators on the ground to direct airstrikes and ...

(Photo: Reuters) Al-Qaeda has urged militant groups in Iraq and Syria to put their differences aside and unite against a US coalition which will strike against the Islamic State (IS). There are reports that IS has gone underground following the US airstrike announcement. Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb made a rare joint plea to jihadist organizations, which was posted online. "Stop the infighting between you and stand as one rank against America's campaign and that of its satanic alliance that lies in wait for all of us, to break us stick by stick," they stated, according to Reuters. The groups urged militant fighters and their supporters to "stop the campaigns of mutual slander, and direct the honest pens and swords against the head of infidelity, America, and its unjust aggressive alliance." "In the face of this unjust crusaders' campaign, we have no choice but to stand in front of the hater of Islam and Muslims...