Political and security risk updates from the Open Briefing intelligence desks. Includes Al-Shabaab's video threat against British Muslim leaders and the string of bombings that threatens Burma’s reformist efforts.
Tag: Syria
Press release: New report calls for assertive diplomacy from Israel
Open Briefing has published a briefing paper calling for for more assertive diplomacy from Israel and a change in it’s current posturing, particularly in relation to the Palestinians, Iran and erstwhile allies, such as Turkey.
Seizing the initiative: Israel’s strategic environment and the need for assertive diplomacy
Open Briefing: Israel’s strategic neighbourhood is in flux and Netanyahu’s second government has responded with reactive cautiousness. However, this dynamic calls instead for more assertive diplomacy and therefore a change in Israel’s current posturing.
Intelligence brief: The likely development of Turkish policy towards Syria
Open Briefing: Turkey is highly likely to seek a leading diplomatic role as the end of the Bashar al-Assad regime appears more likely but is unlikely to shut its border with Syria and highly unlikely to be involved in military action on Syrian territory.
Intelligence brief: What is the current status of missing US freelance journalist Austin Tice?
Open Briefing: It is highly likely that missing US journalist Austin Tice was captured by Syrian military forces and, if still alive, is likely still in government custody. However, it is impossible to assess with any confidence his current location or condition.
Intelligence brief: Preliminary analysis of the “Austin Tice still alive” video
Open Briefing: A video purportedly showing missing freelance journalist Austin Tice has been posted on YouTube. Our analysis concludes that this is Tice but irregularities suggest the video might have been staged by Syrian government forces.
