ViTTa Assessment and Analysis of the Gray Zone
The Characterization and Conditions of the Gray Zone: A Virtual Think Tank Analysis (ViTTa) Author | Editor: Popp, G. (NSI, Inc). Within United States government (USG) and Department of Defense (DoD) spheres, the gray zone is a relatively new terminology and phenomena of focus for characterizing the changing nature of competition, conflict, and warfare between […]
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Russian Interests in Syria
Question (R2 Special): What are indicators of change in Russian strategic interests in Syria? Author | Editor: Astorino-Coutois, A. (NSI, Inc). This paper found that Russia¹s strategic interests in the Middle East are fairly stable. What could change is how Russia prioritizes its interests in the wake of the US election and change in administration. […]
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Discussion with NPS Experts – Dec 2016
SMA Reachback Panel Discussion with Experts from Naval Postgraduate School. Author | Editor: Robinson, G. (Naval Postgraduate School) & Canna, S. (NSI, Inc). On 1 November 2016, a team of experts from the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) prepared a two-hour panel discussion based loosely on the first round of CENTCOM¹s reach back questions. The team […]
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Reduce Recruiting of ISIL Fighters
Question (LR3): What actions and polices can regional and coalition nations employ to reduce recruitment of ISIL inspired fighters? Author | Editor: Cragin, K. (National Defense University). This paper addresses the issue of ISIL recruitment from Literature Review Question #3. To do this, it utilizes a quick look format and focuses on two non-standard ideas […]
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Shaping Post-ISIL Iraq and Region
Question (LR1): What opportunities are there for USCENTCOM to shape a post-ISIL Iraq and regional security environment promoting greater stability? Author | Editor: Astorino-Coutois, A. (NSI, Inc). The expert contributors to this paper agree on the relationship between regional security and stability in Iraq: A strong and stable Iraqi government is a fundamental component of […]
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ISIL Propaganda Effects
Question (QL5): What are the predominant and secondary means by which both large (macro-globally outside the CJOA, such as European, North African and Arabian Peninsula) and more targeted (micro- such as ISIL-held Iraq) audiences receive ISIL propaganda? Author | Editor: Astorino-Coutois, A. (NSI, Inc). The contributors to this Quick Look demonstrate clearly the breadth and […]
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Benefits of Coalition Presence in Iran
Question (R3 QL4): What are the critical elements of a continued Coalition presence, following the effective military defeat of Da’esh [in Iraq] that Iran may view as beneficial? Author | Editor: Astorino-Coutois, A. (NSI, Inc). Dr. Omar Al-Shahery of Carnegie Mellon University offers a critical caveat in considering the question posed for this Quick Look. […]
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Aims of Shia Militias Post-ISIL
Question (R3 QL3): What are the aims and objectives of the Shia Militia Groups following the effective military defeat of Da’esh? Author | Editor: Astorino-Coutois, A. (NSI, Inc). Referring to the Shi’a Militias as a unitary or homogenous entity masks the reality that what are now dozens of groups in Iraq were established at different […]
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Da’esh Transition to Insurgency
Question (R3 #2): How does Da’esh’s transition to insurgency manifest itself, and what actions should the Coalition take to minimize their ability to maintain either military effectiveness or popular support? Author | Editor: DeGennaro, P. (TRADOC G-2/G-27). The self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) or Da’esh, as the group has become known, transition to insurgency is underway. […]
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Political and Military Progress in Iraq
Question (R3 #1): Are Government of Iraq initiatives for political reconciliation between the sectarian divide moving in step with military progress against Da’esh, and what conditions need to be met in order to accommodate the needs of the Sunni population? Author | Editor: Canna, S. (NSI, Inc). Winning the War, but Losing the Peace “With […]
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