The West’s eyes are on Syria – but Islamic State is still winning in Iraq October 26, 2014 There is little doubt that Islamic State’s (IS) siege of Kobani in Syria is a gripping story. Echoing similar narratives to the Alamo and the Boxer Rebellion, a small band of brave and determined “good guys” (in this case the Syrian Kurds) miraculously seem to be holding off hordes of fanatical “bad guys” (IS). Indeed, [...]
Islamic banking UK: Islamic Bank of Britain re-branded to Al Rayan Bank as number of non-Muslim investors grows October 23, 2014 The Islamic Bank of Britain has unveiled plans to change its name to Al Rayan Bank, as it aims to increase its presence in London and acquire a wider range of customers. It will also update its logo and all other aspects of its brand identity across its website and UK branches. As long [...]
Islamic State terror plot: Four London men accused of swearing allegiance to IS and using Google Street View for “hostile reconnaissance” October 17, 2014 Scotland Yard has announced that four London men have been charged with intention to commit acts of terrorism. The men have been of accused of swearing an oath to the terror group Islamic State. Furthermore, it is alleged the men were attempting to buy a pistol furnished with silencer. Scotland Yard said the men are [...]
David Cameron vows to “hunt down” Islamic State killers after Alan Henning murder October 4, 2014 David Cameron has vowed to hunt down the IS murderers of British aid volunteer Alan Henning. The Prime Minister said: "The brutal murder of Alan Henning by Isil [IS] shows just how barbaric and repulsive these terrorists are. My thoughts and prayers tonight are with Alan’s wife Barbara, their children and all those [...]
Why taking on Islamic State in Syria is a recipe for unmitigated disaster September 28, 2014 For all that he is supposed to be a master communicator – and despite the oceans of ink spilled on the subject – I must confess I have no idea what exactly President Obama is trying to do against the Islamic State (IS). The White House talks of degrading and ultimately destroying the militants by [...]
UK jets take off for first combat mission against Islamic State in Iraq September 27, 2014 British fighter jets are making their way to Iraq for their maiden combat mission, following yesterday's parliamentary vote in favour of air strikes in the region. At 8.30 this morning, two Tornado GR4 fighter jets took off from their base in Cyprus, where they have been located since August. They are armed with Brimstone [...]
MPs vote to begin air strikes against Islamic State in Iraq September 26, 2014 MPs have voted in favour of military intervention in Iraq against Islamic State (IS) militants. The precise wording of the motion does not mean "boots on the ground" – instead, it condemns "barbaric acts" by IS militants and acknowledges Iraq's request for assistance, meaning the UK will perform airstrikes on the IS in Iraq in [...]
Threat of Islamic State to the UK is enough to require ground troops, says think tank September 26, 2014 Today's parliamentary debate will determine whether or not the UK joins America and its Arab allies in carrying out airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) militants in Iraq. It follows on from Prime Minister David Cameron's declaration earlier this week that the UK is “ready to play its part” in the campaign against the extremist [...]
David Cameron and Hassan Rouhani come face-to-face to discuss Islamic State September 23, 2014 Prime Minister David Cameron and Iranian president Hassan Rouhani are meeting in person for the first time ever to discuss Iran's role in fighting the Islamic State (IS). Meeting later in New York, it is thought Cameron will use the opportunity to persuade Rouhani Iran should join action against IS militants. No British prime [...]
Is Tony Blair right that we shouldn’t rule out deploying ground troops against Islamic State? September 22, 2014 Robin Simcox, a research fellow at the Henry Jackson Society, says Yes. Since the US and the UK have only recently withdrawn combat troops from Iraq, redeployment is politically challenging. However, Tony Blair is right to say that it may be necessary. US President Barack Obama says he intends to “destroy” IS. But his strategy [...]