Assault on Afrin
Who? Turkish Army
What? Continued military campaign
Where? City of Afrin, North Western Syria
Why is it important, relevant, worth consideration or keeping an eye on?
As the Turkish “anti-terrorist” campaign in Northern Syria against the YPG continues, a decisive action lies on the horizon. The Turkish army has reached the city of Afrin, capital of the Afrin province. Capturing the city could very well be a watershed moment for Turkey in Syria as throughout the whole operation Turkey has risked worsening tensions with its NATO ally the United States. The capture of Afrin could very well provoke the Russian Federation to involve itself with the Turkish campaign. Finally, once Turkish forces enter the city, Turkey could declare their operation over, this however is probably the most unlikely scenario.
Article by Reuters on the situation in Afrin:
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-afrin/turkish-forces-reach-outskirts-of-afrin-town-monitor-idUSKCN1GM0JR
Manila Militants
Who? Pro Islamic State Militants & Philippine Army
What? Clash in Capital Manila leaving 44 dead
Where? Manila, Philippines
Why is it important, relevant, worth consideration or keeping an eye on?
After predicting more violence and ISIS related troubles in the Philippines in our very first post, fighting in the Philippines has seemingly resumed. Maybe a one off incident, maybe a regrouping effort, it will be interesting to see what happens next in the Philippine capital, Manila.
Read more in the Reuters article here:
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-philippines-militants/at-least-44-militants-killed-in-clash-with-philippine-troops-army-idUSKCN1GN0EF
Non-Castro Cuba
Who? Cuban Government
What? First vote that will see a leader elected that is not a Castro since 1959
Where? Havana, Cuba
Why is it important, relevant, worth consideration or keeping an eye on?
Castro’s rule has been the main principle of Cuba since he lead the 1959 Communist Revolution. Just shy of 60 years later, Cuba steps forward in electing a new leader on April 19th, to lead a brave new era of politics on the island. Although it remains a one party election, popular polls currently indicate towards First Vice-President Miguel Diaz-Canel, who was born after the revolution and has no military experience, will be Cuba’s next president.
Read more here:
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cuba-election/cuba-holds-one-party-vote-as-post-castro-era-looms-idUSKCN1GN05H
