Sahel Democracies On the Defensive

Several West African nations in the Sahel (sub-Sahara) region are fighting losing battles against Islamic insurgents, according to a recent report. A jihadist insurgency spread to Niger and Burkina Faso from neighboring Mali in 2015, notably in the “three borders” area. Twenty-nine soldiers were killed in western Niger in an attack by suspected jihadists on October 3, the deadliest of …

Promising New PTSD Drug Flops

Jazz Pharmaceuticals had high hopes for its new fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor, but the drug failed to outperform a placebo during a clinical trial. “We plan to fully evaluate this data. However, based on topline results, we do not anticipate moving forward with additional JZP150 development in PTSD,” Rob Iannone, M.D., Jazz’s global head of R&D, said. “We …

Mozambique Increases Draft Requirements

In an effort to fight an ongoing insurgency without depending on private military contractors, Mozambique’s parliament approved a measure raising compulsory military service requirements. The measure raises the standard draft requirement from two to five years for general service soldiers and six years for special forces. Proponents hope the measure will decrease dependence on foreign fighters and make the army …

The Magnificent Seven Contractor Responsibilities in Southwest Asia

Private military contractors have recovered from COVID-19 business setbacks. By 2028, the global market should exceed $3 trillion, according to the latest estimate. Such profitability, along with continued instability in so many parts of the world, means lots of job opportunities for private military contractors in the areas listed below. The Afghanistan and Iraq Wars are over. But fighting continues …

Syrian Civil War Drags On

Although government forces have asserted control over most of the war-torn country, fighting continues in Syria. Between October and December 2023, American troops repelled over 100 attacks. Most of the attacks either did not reach bases or were shot down by U.S. defenses, according to a DoD official. The small number that did, however, have resulted in 66 injuries to …