War, Conflict, and History Newsletter-June 10, 2017

The war against ISIS (AKA the Islamic State) continues to mutate and grow.  Violent attacks in the Philippines, Iran, Afghanistan and elsewhere this past week all point toward ISIS.  In response, the United States declared military involvement  in aid of the Philippine government in the ongoing fighting in Mindanao, while in Afghanistan, the U.S. takes casualties in an attack likely connected to ISIS. Meanwhile, in Iran, one member of the sprawling, yet divided anti-ISIS coalition, endures what seems to be their first ISIS-directed or inspired terrorist attack.

And, while all of this was going on, America’s allies in the Middle East found themselves taking sides in a conflict (so far limited to diplomatic and economic combat) that pits Qatar (home to a large and important U.S. military base) against Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain and others.  At last report, Turkey was siding with Qatar.

In this edition of our War, Conflict, and History newsletter are links to articles and reports that will inform your knowledge of these events.