EUObserver: A top EU official wants internet and telecommunication companies to hand over encryption keys to police and spy agencies as part of a wider crackdown on terrorism.
Military, Russia
Nato colonel sheds light on Russia ‘psy-ops’
EUObserver:Aivar Jaeski knows the Russian military from the inside. A conscript to the Soviet army in his early life, the Estonian-born Nato colonel recalls being stunned how “little training and specialisation” it had to offer its recruits.
Military, Politics, Russia
Russia Is Reinforcing 3 Crucial Geopolitical Frontlines
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed off on a new military doctrine for the country on Dec. 26 last year. The new doctrine, beyond explicitly stating that NATO’s expansion was the main external threat facing Moscow, calls for reinforcing three geopolitical fronts that Russia…
Middle East, Terrorism
Syria urges intelligence sharing to fight terrorism: state media
(Reuters) – Syrian President Bashar al-Assad urged states fighting terrorism to share intelligence, Syrian state media reported on Wednesday, saying European policies were responsible for attacks by Islamist gunmen in France last week.
Middle East, Politics
Saudi Arabia’s crown prince likely to take over on king’s death, posing risk of disagreement over his successor
IHS Jane’s Intelligence Review Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud is primed to succeed the ailing King Abdullah. Source: PA Key Points With King Abdullah and his successor, Crown Prince Salman, suffering ill health, Deputy Crown Prince Muqrin (69 years…
Africa, Military, Terrorism
Intensification of Libya’s civil war likely in 2015, increasing existing risks to oil and transportation assets
IHS Jane’s Intelligence Review Libyan military soldiers sweep an area of Benghazi as they battle with Islamist extremist militias in the Libyan city on 30 October 2014. Source: PA Key Points Hardliners are taking increasing control of both of Libya’s…
Economy
Global Financial Operational risk ratings
RATINGS CHANGES There were changes to risk scores in 34 countries during the latest monthly updating cycle of the Risk Briefing model. These led to upgrades of the overall score in only nine cases, but there were seven downgrades. In…
Uncategorized
Greece: Syriza to edge cliffhanger election
The outcome of Greece’s pre-term election is uncertain. We assume an opposition victory and the formation of a coalition government led by Syriza Unifying Social Front (Syriza), with centrist and centre-left parties. Such a government’s room for manoeuvre as regards…
Europe, Terrorism
Paris attack prompts calls for greater security powers
A number of officials and ministers are calling for expanded surveillance and security powers in the wake of the Charlie Hebdo attack in Paris.