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First Post
22-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Trump and jihadist forces: Is the US taking a U-turn on war on terror?
While Trump positioned himself as a fighter against jihadism, he unintentionally played into the hands of the jihadist groups by fuelling global instability and deepening divisions within US read more The post-9/11 response announced by former US President George W Bush later on built an impression that jihadist groups hate American presidents. But with Donald Trump, things are more complicated. Even though he used strong language, made strict immigration rules and ordered attacks on jihadist leaders, many jihadists—especially Salafi-jihadis—seemed to strangely prefer him. This doesn't mean they liked or admired him. Instead, they found his actions useful for their own goals. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Many jihadist groups and thinkers believed that Trump's presidency, without meaning to, helped their cause. His leadership made their messages stronger and made divisions in society worse, which is exactly what these groups want to use to their advantage. Exploiting chaos From the point of view of jihadist groups, President Trump is seen as someone who creates disorder, both inside US and around the world. A BBC Monitoring report says even though jihadists usually ignore Western elections and changes in leadership, they often see Trump as someone who brings chaos that they can use to their advantage. They believe that during Trump presidency, the American society will be even more divided, increase tensions within the country and distract the US government from focussing on fighting terrorism overseas. This kind of chaos fits well with what jihadist groups like the Islamic State (IS) and Al Qaeda. These groups aim to make divisions in Western countries worse so they can spread their ideas and build support for their causes. Trump observers say the latest flip-flop is not a new thing for the Republican leader. A Foreign Affairs article from 2016 say that Trump's unpredictable behaviour, strong anti-Muslim language and tendency to pull US away from international involvement support the jihadist story that the West is weak and falling apart. Aversion to foreign wars Trump has often shown that he doesn't want US to get involved in long and costly wars in other countries. Because of this, some jihadist groups have given him reluctant approval. They understand that when the US pulls its troops out of certain regions, it gives them more space to regroup and grow. During Trump's time in office in the first term, the US started pulling out of Afghanistan. This move was completed under President Biden and led to the quick return of the Taliban to power. Many jihadists now expect that during Trump's second presidency, he will follow a similar path in places like Syria and Iraq. These are areas where American forces are still important in fighting what's left of the IS and keeping Iran-backed militias in check. Jihadist groups are also hopeful that Trump will not focus much on Africa. The US already pulled out troops from Chad and Niger in 2024, which has led to more jihadist activity in those areas. Even though Trump made some strong moves in the past—like ordering the killing of IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi—jihadists think his lack of interest in rebuilding other nations will help them in the long run. They believe that any short-term losses during his time in office are worth it if it means gaining more power and space in the future. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Hostility toward Iran One of the few areas where President Trump and Sunni jihadist groups share similar views is their strong dislike for Iran. Jihadist groups have noticed that Trump pulled US out of the Iran nuclear deal, supported Israeli military actions and backed fights against terrorists that are supported by Iran. They see these moves as helpful in pushing back against what they call Shia aggression. Groups like IS, which follow Salafi-jihadi beliefs, see Iran and Shia groups as serious threats to Sunni Islam. During the ongoing war between Israel and Gaza, IS even said that fighting Iran was more important than fighting Israel. Reports suggest that the IS sees Iran as a bigger danger to Sunni Muslims than Israel. Because President Trump said strong words against Iran, many jihadist groups felt that his actions matched their own goals. They see Shia fighters as a more immediate threat than Zionism, so Trump's anti-Iran stance fits well with their strategy. Anti-Muslim rhetoric One of the strongest reasons why jihadist groups favour Trump is because of the way he speaks about Muslims. His words are often used by these groups to support their claim that the West hates Islam. Trump's comments about bombing jihadists, banning Muslims and bringing back torture have even been used in IS propaganda videos and helped them recruit new members. During Trump's first term, he put in place the 2017 travel ban that affected several Muslim-majority countries and also moved US embassy to Jerusalem. Jihadist media groups like those linked to Al Qaeda pointed to these actions as proof that US is at war with Islam. These events gave jihadist groups a lot of material to spread the idea that America and the West are trying to harm Muslim countries, disrespect their religion and take away their dignity. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In addition, Trump's harsh words about Muslims help jihadist groups promote a black-and-white view of the world. This view says Muslims and non-Muslims are natural enemies and can never live peacefully together. This idea fits perfectly with IS's way of thinking, which divides the world into dar al-Islam (land of Islam) and dar al-harb (land of war), leaving no room for peace or neutrality, say experts. Internal division in US Jihadist groups often praise Trump because they believe his way of leading will cause more problems inside US. They think that his controversial policies and fiery public statements will lead to civil unrest, more racial tension and stronger political fights. This, they believe, will keep the US government and people too distracted to focus on stopping terrorist groups in other parts of the world. The BBC report says that jihadists hope Trump's 'divisive politics' will not only split American society but also make it harder for US to show strength in other countries. If America turns its attention inward, jihadist groups in places like the West Asia, Africa and South Asia could have more freedom to grow and act. Jihadists even see the chance of the US falling apart—whether through political chaos or economic problems—as a sign of divine help for their cause. These fears are further fuelled by recent domestic moves, including controversial appointments to key religious advisory roles. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Controversial appointments to White House Religious Liberty Board According to a report in The Economic Times, President Trump appointed Ismail Royer and Shaykh Hamza Yusuf to a new advisory board under the White House Religious Liberty Commission, sparking debate due to their controversial pasts. Royer, once convicted in a terrorism case linked to terrorist training in Pakistan, now works in religious advocacy, promoting interfaith dialogue. Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, an Islamic scholar and founder of Zaytuna College, is known for his contributions to Islamic education and interfaith cooperation. Critics, led by commentator Lara Loomer, allege both men have past associations with extremist ideologies. Royer served prison time for helping others join a jihadist group, though he has since renounced extremism. Yusuf is accused of having made sympathetic remarks about figures linked to terrorism and attending events tied to controversial causes. While these claims remain unproven or unaddressed by Yusuf, their appointments have raised concerns over the vetting process and the message it sends on religious freedom and national security. Shared social values Surprisingly, another reason some jihadists support Trump is because they see him as having similar conservative social values. Many of Trump's supporters are evangelical Christians and far-right groups who strongly believe in religion. Even though their beliefs are very different from those of jihadists, both sides are against things like liberal ideas, secularism and LGBTQ+ rights. This creates a strange kind of connection between them as both want a society based on strict moral rules. Jihadist groups have noticed this shared outlook and have used it in their messaging. Reports say that some Islamists even admire how Trump talks about protecting religious freedom (even though it's focussed on Christianity) and how he supports traditional family values. While jihadists don't accept his version of Christianity, they do see a chance to join forces—indirectly—in fighting against modern liberal and secular values. Dangerous statements on Gaza Trump's strong and controversial comments about Gaza have given jihadist recruiters new material to use. In February 2025, NBC News reported that Trump suggested US should 'take over' and 'develop' the Gaza Strip and he also talked about forcing Palestinians to move elsewhere. These comments caused outrage around the world. Counterterrorism expert Marc Polymeropoulos explained that this kind of language acts as a 'triggering mechanism' for jihadist groups. It helps them tell a story that US is an imperialist power trying to control and remove Muslims from their land. Lucas Webber from Tech Against Terrorism also pointed out that the suffering of Palestinians has always played a big role in jihadist propaganda. According to the NBC News report, Trump's words make that message even stronger by suggesting that Western countries, especially US, are not just ignoring Muslim suffering—they are helping to cause it. In this way, Trump's statements become powerful tools for jihadist groups to encourage violence against American targets. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump as the 'perfect enemy' One of the clearest examples of why jihadists respect Trump comes from Tarek, a former IS fighter interviewed by Foreign Affairs. He called Trump 'the perfect enemy' because his aggressive and unpredictable behaviour supports the jihadist way of thinking. Trump's election did not scare them. Instead, it made their belief stronger that Muslims cannot live peacefully with the West and that jihad is the only option for Muslims. Jihadists also see Trump's personality—often seen as irrational and dangerous—as fitting their religious prophecies. Former IS members have said that they view Trump not just as an enemy, but as someone chosen by God to speed up this important event in history. The way jihadists see Trump also helps explain why India is worried about his recent foreign policy decisions. Trump's shifting alliances raise red flags in New Delhi According to a Firstpost article, despite claiming to avoid interfering in other nations' affairs, President Trump repeatedly hinted at a willingness to get involved in a highly sensitive area for India — Jammu and Kashmir. His comments, combined with overtures to Islamist forces across West and South Asia, have alarmed New Delhi. India had initially expected Trump to align more closely with its stance on Pakistan and terrorism, but his open praise for Pakistan and negotiations with terror groups have presented new diplomatic hurdles. Previous US administrations engaged with both India and Pakistan during regional tensions without overtly favouring one side. In contrast, Trump disregarded that careful balance, openly complimenting both countries and minimising the distinction between their political systems — one a robust democracy, the other under military influence. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump also maintained close ties with Turkey, whose leader, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has been a vocal supporter of Pakistan. Turkish military equipment played a role in recent attacks on India, and while Turkey openly backed Pakistan, Trump refrained from criticising Pakistan's harbouring of terrorists — deepening India's concerns about shifting US priorities. A useful adversary, not a friend Jihadist support for Trump is not because they agree with or admire him, but because they see his actions and personality as useful to their cause. Trump's harsh words about Muslims, his focus on keeping US out of foreign conflicts, his strong stance against Iran and his angry comments about Palestine all create a situation where jihadist groups can grow stronger in their messaging, actions and beliefs. For groups like IS and Al Qaeda, Trump is a lucky opponent. His politics divide people and help push more people toward radical ideas. His unpredictable behaviour causes instability around the world. His foreign policies give these groups things to use in their propaganda and chances to act more freely. Whether he realises it or not, Trump fits perfectly as an enemy who helps prove their ideas and make their movement bigger. In this surprising and ironic way, Trump's efforts to fight jihadism may actually be speeding up the big conflict jihadists want with the West—a battle they believe will not end with their defeat, but with their victory. Trump presidency is exactly what they want. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
RTÉ News
09-05-2025
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Putin marks World War II victory with Xi at his side
Vitaly Shevchenko, Russia Editor with BBC Monitoring, reports that Russia has marked the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II with a major military parade.
BBC News
22-04-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Burkina Faso army says it foiled 'major' coup plot
Burkina Faso's military government has said it foiled a "major plot" to overthrow junta leader Capt Ibrahim Traoré, with the army alleging the plotters were based in neighbouring Ivory Minister Mahamadou Sana said the coup attempt was led by current and former soldiers working with "terrorist leaders". The intention was to attack the presidential palace last week, he aim of the plan was to "sow total chaos, and place the country under the supervision of an international organisation", Sana said on state television on is the latest of several claims of attempts to remove the junta leader who seized power in 2022 amid increasing militant attacks. Burkina Faso, like its Sahel neighbours, has been battling armed jihadist groups, with an estimated 40% of the country under their promises by Capt Traoré's military government to improve security and even seeking new security partnerships with Russia, the situation remains dire with frequent attacks from region with more 'terror deaths' than rest of world combinedIn this latest coup attempt, which happened last week but details of which have only just been released, Sana said the plotters attempted to use Burkinabe religious and traditional leaders to sway army officers into backing the plan. "The manoeuvre was to culminate, according to the terrorist plotters' plan, on Wednesday 16 April, 2025 in an assault on the presidency of (Burkina) Faso by a group of soldiers recruited by the nation's enemies," he said."The brains outside the country are all located in Ivory Coast," he added, naming in particular two former army officers, believed to be behind the plot. He said "sensitive information was passed on to "terrorists" to increase attacks on the military and civilians and "incite a revolt against the authorities".Last week, several military personnel, including two officers, were arrested for planning to "destabilise" the government, security sources told the AFP news agency. The Ivorian authorities have not yet commented on claims it hosted the plotters but the Burkinabe junta has often blamed its southern neighbour of supporting its opponents in latest claim comes months after Ouagadougou said it thwarted another "destabilisation" plot against the junta last November. Burkina Faso, along with two other military-led states – Mali and Niger, has broken away from the regional West African bloc, Ecowas, to form a new have cut ties with former colonial power France and allied with Russia reporting by BBC Monitoring You may also be interested in: Capt Ibrahim Traoré: From shy schoolboy to military leaderWhy Russia's Africa propaganda warrior was sent homeGruesome machete video prompts Burkina Faso investigationJunta chiefs 'turn their backs' on West Africa bloc Go to for more news from the African us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Putin says ‘yes' to ceasefire – but lays down impossible terms for Ukraine
Vladimir Putin has endorsed US plans for a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine – but has insisted he will do so only on his terms. The Russian president made a series of demands for concessions by Ukraine's President Zelensky, which some experts said would amount to a 'surrender' by Ukraine. Mr Putin said: 'We agree with the proposals for the ceasefire, but our position is based on the assumption the ceasefire will lead to a long-term peace.' Any such agreement had to address the 'root causes' of the conflict, he said at a press conference. Mr Putin said he was broadly in favour of Donald Trump's proposed 30-day truce, which Mr Zelensky has approved. But the Russian leader said there were 'nuances' which had to be dealt with. He has repeatedly insisted any temporary ceasefire could proceed only if he was given a guarantee that Ukraine would not join Nato. He is also adamant that Ukraine will not be given land seized by Russian troops. He said 'serious questions' remained over how the ceasefire will be implemented. Mr Putin's response drew criticism from leading diplomats and pundits. Former US ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul told the BBC: 'We are forcing Ukraine to surrender. Putin is occupying their territory, denying them their sovereignty to choose their alliances, he is now telling them they cannot even import weapons. 'That's not a great deal from Zelensky's perspective.' Vitaly Shevchenko, Russia editor for BBC Monitoring, said Mr Putin's response to the ceasefire plan was 'a 'no' disguised as a 'yes''. Mr Shevchenko added: 'The conditions he is putting forward for Ukraine would be devastating to accept. No more weapons supplies, no more mobilisation, surrender rather than withdrawal of Ukrainian troops in Kursk region.' Mr Putin's demand for the 'root causes' of the dispute was a coded demand to achieve his initial aim in invading Ukraine, to wipe it off the map, said Mr Shevchenko. The Russian president warned Ukrainian soldiers in Kursk to 'surrender or die'. He said the proposal for a the ceasefire, agreed in talks between Washington and Kyiv in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, was 'good, and we absolutely support it'. Russian forces have been advancing since the middle of last year, and now control nearly a fifth of Ukraine's territory, three years after the Kremlin sent tens of thousands of troops to invade the country. At the same time, Ukrainian forces are losing ground in the Kursk region amid a major Russian offensive to recapture land which Kyiv had hoped could be a crucial bargaining chip in peace negotiations. Mr Putin asked: 'If we ceased hostilities for 30 days, would it mean that everybody there would leave? Should we release them after they committed serious crimes against civilians there? 'How will other aspects be dealt with along with 2,000km contact line? As you know, the Russian troops are advancing practically in every sector of the contact line, and all the conditions are there for us to besiege fairly large [Ukrainian] units. 'So what would happen during those 30 days?' Ukraine is likely to see Mr Putin's stance as an attempt to buy time while Russian troops squeeze the last Ukrainian troops out of western Russia and Moscow sticks to demands that Kyiv regards as seeking its capitulation. Mr Putin also held out the idea of building a gas pipeline to Europe because, he said, it needed cheap Russian gas. Ukrainian troops stranded in Kursk would need to 'surrender or die', the Russian president warned. 'The situation is fully under our control and the group that invaded our territory has been isolated, fully isolated,' he said. Any ceasefire negotiations would depend on the situation on the ground. After Mr Putin's press conference, which was held with Belarusian president and ally Alexander Lukashenko, he was set to hold a meeting with US president Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff. Those discussions, behind closed doors in Moscow, were expected to focus on some of the details of the proposals. The Russian leader thanked Mr Trump for 'giving so much attention to a settlement in Ukraine'. Asked about the prospect of the US lifting sanctions, he said any companies that wanted to return to Russia would be welcomed. But sanctions on Russia, he said, had 'created Russia's independence and our sovereignty'. He reminded the world that tactical nuclear arms have been deployed in Belarus. Earlier, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky accused the Kremlin of wanting to postpone a truce. 'Regrettably, for more than a day already, the world has yet to hear a meaningful response from Russia to the proposals made,' he wrote on social media. 'This once again demonstrates that Russia seeks to prolong the war and postpone peace for as long as possible. We hope that US pressure will be sufficient to compel Russia to end the war. 'Our team is prepared to continue working constructively with all partners in America, Europe, and other parts of the world who are committed to bringing peace closer.' Mr Trump said Mr Witkoff was in serious discussions with Russia about ending the war. The president, who said he was willing to talk to the Russian leader by phone, called Mr Putin's statement 'very promising' but said it was not complete. 'Hopefully, they'll do the right thing,' he said during a meeting with Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte. He said he did not believe Russia would attack US allies. 'It's not going to happen. We'll make sure it doesn't happen,' he said.
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
DR Congo country profile
The recent history of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has been one of civil war and corruption. It is rich in natural resources but has suffered from political instability, a lack of infrastructure, centuries of both commercial and colonial exploitation, and little widespread development since independence. During the two Congo wars, from 1996-2003 the country was at the centre of what some observers call "Africa's world war", with widespread civilian suffering. The war claimed an up to six million lives, either as a direct result of fighting or because of disease and malnutrition. Since the late-2000s, there has been continued fighting in the east, which has seen the deployment of UN and SADC peacekeepers to support Kinshasa. Read more country profiles - Profiles by BBC Monitoring Capital: Kinshasa Area: 2,345,409 sq km Population: 111 million Languages: French, Kituba, Lingala, Swahili, Tshiluba Life expectancy: 59 years (men) 62 years (women) President: Félix Tshisekedi President Félix Tshisekedi won a second term in the December 2023 elections, which was condemned as a "sham" by several opposition candidates. The president won about 73% of the vote, with his nearest challenger, Moise Katumbi, on 18%, officials said. The election was marred by widespread logistical problems. It had to be extended to a second day in some parts of the country. About two-thirds of polling stations opened late, while 30% of voting machines did not work on the first day of the vote, according to an observer group. The opposition said the problems were part of a deliberate plan to allow the results to be rigged in favour of Mr Tshisekedi, 60. Mr Tshisekedi became president in January 2019 after protracted political wrangling in the wake of a controversial election in December 2018. He succeeded Joseph Kabila, who had become president when his own father Laurent was assassinated in 2001. President Tshisekedi also comes from a political dynasty, as his father Étienne was opposition leader and later prime minister under the dictator Mobutu Sese Seko in the 1980s and 1990s. The Congolese media operate against a backdrop of political power struggles and unrest. Reporters Without Borders says journalists face arrest, threats and violence. The press carries criticism of the government, and some publications reflect opposition party views. Radio is the leading medium. Radio Okapi, partly run by the local UN mission, is an influential outlet. Read full media profile Some key dates in DR Congo's history: 1200s - Rise of Kongo Empire, centred in modern northern Angola and including extreme western Congo and territories round lakes Kisale and Upemba in central Katanga (now Shaba). 16th-17th Centuries - British, Dutch, Portuguese and French merchants engage in slave trade through Kongo intermediaries. 1870s - Belgian King Leopold II sets up a private venture to colonise Kongo. 1884-85 - European powers at the Conference of Berlin recognise Leopold's claim to the Congo basin. Leopold announces the establishment of the Congo Free State, headed by himself. 1908 - Belgian state annexes Congo amid protests over killings and atrocities carried out on a mass scale by Leopold's agents. Millions of Congolese are said to have been killed or worked to death during Leopold's control of the territory. 1959 - Belgium begins to lose control over events in the Congo following serious nationalist riots in Leopoldville (now Kinshasa). 1960 - Congo becomes independent with Patrice Lumumba as prime minister and Joseph Kasavubu as president. 1960 July - Congolese army mutinies; Moise Tshombe declares Katanga independent; Belgian troops sent in ostensibly to protect Belgian citizens and mining interests; UN Security Council votes to send in troops to help establish order, but the troops are not allowed to intervene in internal affairs. 1961 - Patrice Lumumba murdered, reportedly with US and Belgian complicity. 1963 - Moise Tshombe agrees to end Katanga's secession. 1965 - Mobutu Sese Seko seizes power. 1971 - Country is renamed Zaire. 1977 - French and Belgian paratroops, alongside Moroccan forces, help repulse attack on Katanga by Angolan-based rebels. 1996-97 - First Congo War. A civil war and international military conflict, which culminates in a rebel invasion replacing President Mobutu with the rebel leader Laurent Kabila. The country is renamed the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 1998-2003 - Second Congo War. Kabila's unstable government comes into conflict with his allies, setting the stage for a renewed civil war, drawing in several neighbouring countries. Dozens of armed groups fight on in the east, requiring a large United Nations military force to try to maintain order. An estimated 900,000 to 5,400,000 people are killed or die of disease or famine. 2004 - Kivu conflict breaks out in eastern DRC. The series of protracted armed conflicts in the area involves more than 120 different armed groups. 2006 - First free elections in four decades. Joseph Kabila wins the run-off vote. 2012-13 - M23 rebellion. The rebel March 23 Movement is formed. A UN report finds that Rwanda created and commanded the M23 rebel group. 2013 - 3,000-strong UN Intervention Brigade deployed to fight and disarm M23 rebels in the east. 2016 - President Kabila remains in power in violation of the constitution. 2017 - M23 rebels resume their insurgency. 2019 - Officials declare opposition candidate Felix Tshisekedi the winner of December's presidential election. 2022 - DR Congo, UN, US and others accuse Rwanda of sending its soldiers to fight alongside M23 rebels in eastern DRC, who are accused of carrying out war crimes. Rwanda denies this. 2023 - President Tshisekedi wins a second term in a disputed election. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) deploys a 2,900-strong peacekeeping force in the east. 2025 - After a rapid advance, M23 rebels capture the city of Goma in eastern DRC and threaten to move on Kinshasa.
