The hottest Terrorism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

The Magdeburg Christmas market attacker had a long history of erratic and threatening behaviour that police routinely minimised and prosecutors studiously ignored

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 208 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Terrorism
  1. The attacker at the Magdeburg Christmas market had a long history of strange and threatening behavior, which was often overlooked by the police and legal authorities.
  2. Despite making numerous threats and showing unstable behavior, the attacker was allowed to stay in Germany, receiving various residency permits instead of being deported.
  3. People misinterpreted the attacker's motives, with some trying to label him as a right-wing terrorist or a jihadist, but he seemed to have no clear political agenda.

OSD 334: Drone terrorism is here, it’s just the government doing it

Open Source Defense • 56 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Terrorism
  1. Drones make it easier for governments to carry out acts of violence without much public reaction. This means they can target individuals without raising alarms.
  2. Even though drones seem to give more power to potential attackers, really, the main thing that stops people from committing violence is their own choices. Most people don’t want to hurt others.
  3. Drone usage is changing the way governments can enforce control. While they can help individuals, they can also give the state a lot more power if only governments have access to them.

The Myopia of Heroism

Moral Understanding • 98 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Terrorism
  1. The myopia of heroism focuses on saving visible victims but can disregard the broader consequences.
  2. Rational compassion suggests considering costs and benefits in decision-making to help others.
  3. Empathy is highlighted as a biased emotion, while rational compassion encourages thoughtful, reasoned help.
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al-Qaida-led Jihadis Enter Aleppo (Again)

Fisted by Foucault • 165 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics Terrorism
  1. al-Qaida-led fighters are attacking Aleppo and have already gained control of many towns. This is creating a serious problem for the Syrian government.
  2. The fighting has resulted in many casualties, including both combatants and civilians, with reports of air strikes causing deaths.
  3. The current regional tensions, especially with Hezbollah occupied in Lebanon, have left Syria vulnerable to these new attacks.

The War on Terror and the everyday infrastructure of oblivion

Wars Of Future Past • 98 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Terrorism
  1. Cars, which are part of our daily lives, can also be turned into deadly weapons like car bombs.
  2. The book 'Buda's Wagon' delves into the history and evolution of car bombs, showing how they have been used as tools of asymmetrical warfare.
  3. The use of car bombs highlights the intersection of everyday technologies with violent intentions, shaping the tactics of conflicts and the consequences of warfare.

Spain's spy agency backed 2017 'ISIS' attacks to 'scare' Catalonia before independence referendum

Geopolitical Economy Report • 378 implied HN points • 17 Jan 22
🌍 World Politics Terrorism
  1. Spain's spy agency allegedly supported 2017 'ISIS' attacks in Catalonia to intimidate the region before an independence referendum
  2. The terror attacks caused 16 deaths and over 150 injuries, with the leader of the terror cell being a longtime informant for Spain's National Intelligence Center (CNI)
  3. There is ongoing debate on whether the CNI directly orchestrated the attacks, but evidence suggests the agency facilitated them to create a sense of threat for Catalonia

Proxy wars in Syria, Lebanon, Ukraine overlap and explode

Aaron Mate • 136 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Terrorism
  1. Proxy wars in places like Syria, Lebanon, and Ukraine are connected and worsen each other. This means that fighting in one area can spill over into another and create more chaos.
  2. As a result of these conflicts, groups like Al Qaeda can take advantage and gain control of more areas, leading to new crises. This shows how interconnected these wars can be.
  3. The actions of major powers, like the CIA and Israel, are often behind these conflicts, showing how international interests can shape local battles and instability.

🔅 Ivory Coast's Lêkê Revolution & Madagascar's Gemstone Scandal

baobabnewsletter • 39 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Terrorism
  1. Ivory Coast's popular lêkê sandals are more than just footwear, they're a fashion statement and a symbol of national pride.
  2. Madagascar's former chief of staff attempted to leverage influence for personal gain in a gemstone scandal involving a bribe offer.
  3. Zambia is venturing into direct copper trading to maximize economic benefits, joining other African countries in taking control of their mineral resources.

When the Houthis Found “the Cloud"

Interconnected • 231 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Terrorism
  1. The Houthis damaged four undersea cables in the Red Sea, disrupting 25% of data traffic in that area, showing the vulnerability of global data connectivity.
  2. More than 20 countries are involved in the ownership and operation of these damaged undersea cables, highlighting the geopolitical implications of such incidents.
  3. A Hong Kong company, HGC Global Communications, played a central role in addressing the cable damages, emphasizing the fragility of the global data network despite its powerful infrastructure.

HAMAS IN GAZA

Dana’s Newsletter • 58 implied HN points • 08 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Terrorism
  1. Hamas has a history of violence and extremism, refusing to recognize Israel and instigating wars.
  2. Israel made a critical error by allowing Hamas to flourish, leading to devastating consequences.
  3. The conflict between Hamas and Israel has created an impossible situation with severe humanitarian repercussions.

Talibanistan

Diane Francis • 419 implied HN points • 16 Aug 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Terrorism
  1. The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan shows that military actions alone can't solve complex political issues. After years of involvement, the Afghan government fell apart quickly without Western support.
  2. History shows that invading countries often leads to more problems, like the rise of terrorist groups. Similar mistakes made in Iraq created chaos and suffering that continue today.
  3. Effective ways to fight terrorism might be better funding for early warning systems and surveillance instead of waging wars. Wars rarely lead to peace and stability.

Trashghanistan

Diane Francis • 339 implied HN points • 15 Jul 21
🌍 World Politics Terrorism
  1. Afghanistan has a long history of being invaded but remains unconquerable due to its tough terrain and complex mix of ethnic groups. The U.S. is just the latest empire to fail there after others like the British and Soviets.
  2. Despite the spending of $2.21 trillion over 20 years, the U.S. could not build a stable government in Afghanistan. Corruption and lack of oversight led to a weak Afghan security force, making it easy for the Taliban to regain control.
  3. The withdrawal of U.S. troops is seen as a mistake by some former leaders, but the public supports it. Unfortunately, many Afghans face a grim future as the Taliban reemerges and the country is likely to fall back into poverty and chaos.

The Death of Yahya Sinwar

Unpopular Front • 80 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Terrorism
  1. Yahya Sinwar's death has sparked mixed reactions, highlighting the ongoing cycle of violence in the region. While some celebrate his death, it won't bring lasting victory to Israel.
  2. Sinwar's legacy is marked by violence and suffering, particularly among the Palestinians he claimed to fight for. His methods often led to more harm than good for his people.
  3. The killing of Sinwar and others like him does not justify the widespread loss of innocent lives. It's crucial to remember that all individuals affected by this conflict have their own stories and humanity.

Former Al Qaeda Commander Seizes Power in Syria; Washington, DC Cheers!

Michael Tracey • 66 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Terrorism
  1. A former Al Qaeda leader has taken control in Syria, which is surprising to many. This shows how complicated the situation in Syria is right now.
  2. Despite the controversial background of this leader, there seems to be some support for him in Washington, DC. This raises questions about international politics and who is supported.
  3. The author hints at exploring other political figures like Tulsi Gabbard in future writings. This suggests there might be more discussions about less conventional political choices.

Who did 9/11? Whodunnit? Court Filing Shows The CIA (FBI, etc.) Dunnit

Global Community Weekly (GloCom) • 39 implied HN points • 23 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Terrorism
  1. Former FBI Special Agent Rossini had advance knowledge of 9/11 but did nothing to stop the attacks
  2. Court filing suggests troubling CIA links to two 9/11 hijackers, raising questions about recruitment and coverups
  3. CIA's Alec Station had unusual practices and operatives failed upwards after 9/11 attacks, raising doubts about their intentions

THE FALL OF BASHAR ASSAD

Seymour Hersh • 60 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Terrorism
  1. Bashar Assad's Syria had a complicated relationship with the US. Despite being labeled as a sponsor of terrorism, Syria was actually providing valuable intelligence against Al Qaeda.
  2. The US invasion of Iraq in 2003 was a controversial decision that didn't directly target the real source of terrorism, as Saddam Hussein was not associated with Islamist groups. This raised questions about the rationale behind the war.
  3. A little-known incident occurred during the Iraq War when American forces attacked Syrians on the border. Despite the deaths, Syria chose not to retaliate publicly, highlighting a tense but intricate geopolitical situation.

The Controlled Explosion

Adjacent Possible • 150 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
💾 History Terrorism
  1. Stories about unintended consequences are captivating to readers.
  2. Innovation often leads to collaborative efforts, but sometimes is driven by a single individual.
  3. Technological advancements give more power to smaller groups, which could lead to increased political violence.

Agency Capture – Biden Allocated $1.2 Billion To The United Nations Relief And Works Agency (UNRWA). It's Laced With Terrorist Extremists.

OpenTheBooks Substack • 143 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Terrorism
  1. Biden allocated $1.2 billion in Palestinian aid to UNRWA, a UN agency linked with terrorist extremists.
  2. President Trump had previously cut U.S. aid to UNRWA to zero due to concerns about funding terrorism.
  3. The United States has been the largest funder of UNRWA since its founding in 1948, providing over one-third of its budget.

Syria Proves To The World, The US Is The Terrorist We Should Be Hunting!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 48 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Terrorism
  1. The U.S. has been involved in foreign conflicts and actions that some believe are driven by self-interest rather than genuine efforts to combat terrorism.
  2. There are claims that terrorist groups like ISIS have ties to U.S. operations, suggesting a complicated relationship rather than straightforward opposition.
  3. Critics argue that the U.S. government's actions have caused suffering worldwide and question its moral authority to judge other nations.

Jihadistan

Diane Francis • 219 implied HN points • 26 Aug 21
🌍 World Politics Terrorism
  1. The situation in Afghanistan after the U.S. withdrawal could lead to more civil wars and a new home for terrorists, making Pakistan very vulnerable.
  2. Pakistan has a long history of harboring terrorists and is facing its own internal issues, which puts the region at greater risk.
  3. The Taliban's rise may increase challenges for Pakistan, India, and Iran, creating new tensions and potential conflicts in the area.

Subscriber Commentary and Review Thread (#14)

The Upheaval • 219 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Terrorism
  1. The British government runs a program called Prevent that encourages people to report on their neighbors for having 'wrong' thoughts.
  2. Some taxpayer-funded documents have flagged seemingly harmless books and TV shows as signs of potential extremism.
  3. International Substack users may soon see new features like pricing in local currencies and alternative payment options.

THE MYSTERIES OF OCTOBER 7

Seymour Hersh • 81 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Terrorism
  1. Hamas released hostages and Israel bombed Gaza causing ongoing questions.
  2. A US Army colonel assigned to Jerusalem consulate couldn't travel to Gaza for his reporting mission.
  3. There are mysteries surrounding why Hamas attacked on October 7 and why were only a few Israeli soldiers on duty that morning.

HAMAS'S ALAMO

Seymour Hersh • 42 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Terrorism
  1. Hamas is discussing exchanging prisoners with Israel.
  2. Hostages captured by Hamas in a terrorist attack are still alive.
  3. Israeli officials are open to negotiations with Hamas.

What Makes Something Progressive?

Gideon's Substack • 31 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Terrorism
  1. The term 'progressive' is often misunderstood and used as a catch-all for right-thinking attitudes about social causes, but the determination of these attitudes is crucial.
  2. Progressivism is centered around history and the belief that it has a discernible direction, influencing one's stance on various issues based on which 'side' of history they are on.
  3. The idea that history has a definite direction and a global left is debated, with a call to question preconceived notions and the importance of understanding the complexity and nuance of world politics.

12 Years Since Right-Wing Terror in Norway

Erik Examines • 44 implied HN points • 22 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Terrorism
  1. Terrorist attacks often stem from dangerous ideologies, not just evil individuals.
  2. The attack on Utøya in Norway specifically targeted social democrats, revealing deep-seated hatred.
  3. Extreme right-wing ideologies, fueled by conspiracy theories and hatred, have become more mainstream and impactful in today's world.

Happy Holidays: America's Enemies Are Imploding

I Might Be Wrong • 10 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Terrorism
  1. Syria is now seeing a leadership change that many believe is an improvement over the past. People are surprised that the new group might actually be better than what was previously in charge.
  2. Hezbollah and Hamas, two major groups in the region, are facing serious setbacks. There's a feeling of relief as these groups become less powerful and more fearful.
  3. The situation with Iran's proxy groups, like the Houthis, is still tense. Their attempts to provoke Israel seem reckless and dangerous without solid backing.

The Extremely Moderate Al Qaeda Splinter Group That Seized Power in Syria Is Interesting

I Might Be Wrong • 8 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Terrorism
  1. There is a surprising moderate faction within Al Qaeda that has gained power in Syria. This group seems to focus on practical issues rather than extreme ideology.
  2. The group's leader, Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, embraces a more liberal and pragmatic approach, which is unusual for someone from this background.
  3. Many people are skeptical about this change, as past efforts at reform in the Middle East often ended poorly, but some believe there is a chance for genuine progress this time.

Remember What Happened Right Before 9/11? It's Happening Again.

The Corbett Report • 23 implied HN points • 10 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Terrorism
  1. History seems to be repeating itself with the Taliban's campaign against poppy cultivation in Afghanistan mirroring events before 9/11.
  2. The Taliban's recent anti-poppy efforts have been remarkably successful, decreasing opium production by 90%.
  3. There are concerns and skepticism raised by Western establishments over the Taliban's poppy ban, with some fearing its long-term impacts.

Candles and Kalshnikovs.

Trying to Understand the World • 7 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics Terrorism
  1. Understanding the reasons behind violent political acts is crucial. Many people fail to recognize that violence can often be a rational tool used by groups to achieve their goals.
  2. Liberal ideologies may overlook the complexities of violence, reducing it to issues of poverty or evil individuals. This misses the deeper motivations and societal factors that drive violence.
  3. The detachment of certain groups from the realities of violent conflicts can lead to a lack of awareness and preparation for future threats. True understanding requires confronting uncomfortable truths and engaging with complex ideological issues.

The Cost of War

The Weekly Gazette • 7 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Terrorism
  1. Wars often have long-lasting effects that can lead to more conflict. Decisions made by governments can come back to haunt them, affecting many people.
  2. Supporting certain groups in conflicts can backfire. For example, funding groups like Hamas can lead to more violence and problems later on.
  3. Understanding the history of conflicts helps us see why they happen. Lessons from the past can guide better choices for peace in the future.