ISLAMISTS IN KAZAKHSTAN
The jihadist network in Kazakhstan is becoming more unified and well-organized, potentially setting the stage for more deadly terrorist attacks in the region, according to a new study by the Medium-Orient Information Agency. The report warns that Kazakh terrorists may begin to operate in Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and parts of Uzbekistan. Despite the relatively healthy Kazakh economy, seven major terrorist actions have occurred in the country over the last two years. The radical Islamists who perpetuate this violence mostly come from western Kazakhstan, where religious fundamentalism is a more appealing option for youth facing up to a 90% unemployment rate. Kazakh officials report that there are more than 200 Islamist radicals in the county associated with groups including al-Qaeda, the Islamic Movement of Eastern Turkestan, the Muslim Brotherhood, the Taliban and the Mujahidin of Central Asia. (The Jamestown Foundation, May 22, 2013)
AL-NUSRA SEIZES SYRIAN OIL FIELDS
The al-Qaeda-affialted group Jabhat al-Nusra has taken control of oil wells surrounding the city of Raqqa in northeast Syria. The oilfields previously produced up to 380,000 barrels of crude oil which the jihadist group is now selling to local refineries. The oil is being processed into low-grade petrol and kerosene, and sold locally. In spite of European Union sanctions against the sale of Syrian oil internationally, Jabhat al-Nusra is selling enough of the oil within Syria make a profit. General Salim Idriss, the head of the Free Syrian Army, has asked for Western help in retaking the oilfields but admits the endeavor would likely require upward of 30,000 troops. (The Telegraph, May 18, 2013)
SYRIA ACQUIRES CRUISE MISSILES FROM RUSSIA
In a move that was heavily criticized by the United States, Russia delivered a number of mobile batteries of the Yakhont cruise missiles with advanced radar to Syria. This coincides with a buildup of Russian warships in the eastern Mediterranean in a show of support for the Assad regime. The missile could play a significant role in the Syrian conflict by making it more difficult for the U.S. to establish a no-fly zone over the country or to launch airstrikes from the sea. However, Pentagon officials have stated that the U.S. is capable handle the threats posed by the missiles. The U.S. also called on Russia to stop the planned delivery of S-300 surface-to-air missiles to the Syrian government arguing that “air defense systems [are] particularly destabilizing to the region.” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov responded by saying that the missiles “don’t upset the balance of forces in the region and don’t create advantages in the struggle against the opposition.” (Los Angeles Times, May 17, 2013)
RAYTHEON TO SUPPLY OMAN WITH AIR DEFENSE
Oman finalized a $2.1 billion deal to buy an air-defense system from Raytheon. The specifics of the system are not known though an official from the Gulf Cooperation Council said that “There are similar systems elsewhere in the Gulf.” Oman, an important U.S. ally in the Gulf, has also agreed to buy 12 F-16s from the U.S., signaling an increased level of cooperation on defense between the two countries. ( Defense News, May 21, 2013)
QATAR TO PROVIDE EGYPT WITH FINANCIAL LIFELINE
Egypt has received a $3 billion low-interest rate loan from Qatar, bringing the total value of its foreign assistance to $8 billion. Some Egyptians are are concerned Qatar is attempting to purchase influence with the new Muslim Brotherhood-led government. Abdel Moati Zaki Ibrahim, a founder of the Freedom and Justice Party, responded to criticism of the Qatari loans by saying that “If the big powers aren’t working, why shouldn’t the little powers fill [the gap]?” The funding has allowed Cairo to avoid taking out a loan from the International Monetary Fund which would be accompanied by strict conditions. Egypt’s financial situation is reportedly so dire that President Mohammed Morsi has been seen “begging” for money from the Qataris and Russians. (The Wall Street Journal, May 17, 2013)