Syrian army makes some headway
After weeks of Russian air support, the Syrian army is making limited advances in the north, taking a key town linking Aleppo to the south. All in all, however, the recent offensive has not met with great success. Rebel backers are increasing their arms to anti-government forces. Meanwhile, Russia claims it has drawn some rebel groups into Damascus’s fold. It’s unlikely that any sizable rebel group has some so.
Car bomb strikes Egyptian security forces in Sinai
The security situation in Sinai continues to be poor. Bedouin tribes seek autonomy from Cairo and work with al Qaeda and ISIL groups. Parts of the Muslim Brotherhood have broken away and formed violent groups.
Lower world prices are causing fiscal trouble in many Gulf states. Qatar has announced that its social spending will be reduced and offers that its largesse has hurt individual initiative. Qatar is a major supporter of rebel groups in Syria and Muslim Brotherhood parties in the Middle East.
More show of force toward China
US Sec of Defense Carter and the Malaysian defense minister will visit USS Theodore Roosevelt as it passes through the South China Sea. This is another gesture of protest against China’s claims in the region. The US sends warships, allies send a few people.
Meanwhile – and paradoxically – Chinese warships have pulled into Jacksonville, Florida on a goodwill mission.