ISIS and the Reversible Stages of Revolt

by Paul R. Pillar Large-scale armed insurrection tends to move through identifiable phases that correspond roughly to what Mao Zedong described many years ago. In Mao’s formulation, the first of three phases emphasizes organization, propaganda, and the establishment of cadres… Continue Reading

No, Neocons, America Is Not “Tilting toward Iran”

by Derek Davison Jim Lobe has already noted the swarm of neocons rushing to defend Saudi Arabia in the latest escalation of its ongoing rivalry with Iran, and Eli Clifton has explained how big money has bought a certain fealty… Continue Reading

Ramadi: No Model for the Future

by Wayne White The recapture of most of the Iraqi city of Ramadi is good news, especially since Iraq Army units backed by Sunni Arab tribesmen pulled it off without abusive Shi’a militias. This victory, however, was tarnished by the… Continue Reading

Islamic State? Al-Qaeda!

by Derek Davison A report recently issued by the Wilson Center suggests that the Islamic State (ISIS or IS) is fundamentally incapable of sustaining its early successes. On the other hand, al-Qaeda, which many believe has been eclipsed by IS,… Continue Reading

Coalition Air Campaign Against IS: Report Card

by Derek Davison It has now been over 14 months since the Obama administration authorized the first strikes in Iraq against the Islamic State (ISIS or IS), and roughly 13 months since that campaign expanded to include IS targets in… Continue Reading