Category: Security Blog

09 January 2019

Prospects for Stability & Development in Libya – Libya Special Intelligence Report

Approximate Territorial Areas of Control in Libya

Control over territory in Libya is contested between the HoR, the GNA, and tribal militias. As neither of these entities are willing to compromise upon their interests, the current political landscape in Libya will remain unstable, and the security environment in...

18 December 2018

Qatar’s decision to withdraw from OPEC in January 2019 part of increasing effort to break from Saudi influence – Qatar Analysis

Saad al-Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs, speaks during a news conference in Doha, Qatar, December 3, 2018. REUTERS/Eric Knecht - RC1FCBB9E840

Qatar’s decision to withdraw from OPEC stems from its inability to influence decisions within the organization due to relatively low output as well as its interest in breaking away from Saudi influence.

11 December 2018

Travel and Security Recommendations for the Holiday Season

Travel & Security Recommendations for the Holiday Season

International travel during the holiday season can be stressful, hectic, and oftentimes dangerous. MAX has compiled a list of travel and security recommendations to guide you through the holidays safely and hassle-free.

05 December 2018

IS attack against Tazirbu police station on November 23 indicative of increase in militant group’s ranks, capabilities in Libya – Libya Analysis

IS-linked media report on Tazirbu attack

The November 23 attack against the Tazirbu police station is very similar to the October 28-29 Islamic State (IS)-claimed attack against a police station in al-Fuqaha, Jufra District. These attacks indicate a shift in IS strategy from localized...

28 November 2018

G20 Buenos Aires summit 2018 – November 30-December 1 – Argentina Special Analysis

G20 Summit likely to see violent protests, as Argentina sees continuing political tensions: A protester hurls rocks at the police during clashes outside the Congress, where the budget bill is being debated, in Buenos Aires, Argentina October 24, 2018. REUTERS/Martin Acosta TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - RC126BBF9DE0

Between November 30 and December 1, Argentina will hold the 13th leaders’ summit of the Group of Twenty (G20) in Buenos Aires.

20 November 2018

Asia Bibi-related protests underscore TLP’s growing political influence; blasphemy case to increase radicalization – Pakistan Analysis

A supporter of the Tehrik-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) Islamist political party, chants slogans with others during a protest, after the Supreme Court overturned the conviction of a Christian woman sentenced to death for blasphemy against Islam, in Lahore, Pakistan November 2, 2018. REUTERS/Mohsin Raza - RC1E94F273B0

The recent ruling in a longstanding blasphemy case is likely to increase tensions among Islamist groups in Pakistan.

13 November 2018

Growing wedge between al-Qaeda affiliates in Maghreb and Sahel to have adverse impact on long-term capabilities – Algeria & Mali Analysis

Number & Location of Militant Surrenders in Southern Algeria in 2017-2018; Highlighting Increasing Wedge Between AQIM in Algeria, JNIM in Mali

Mass surrendering of Mali-based Algerian fighters and militants in southern Algeria is increasingly driving a wedge between AQIM in Algeria and JNIM in Mali, which may force a shift from regional operations to a local focus.

07 November 2018

Pittsburgh Shooting – How Social Media became a Platform for Decentralized Radicalism and Political Violence – USA Special Analysis Report

Social media sites like Gab influenced the far-right militant who carried out the Pittsburgh shooting: The Tree of Life synagogue is pictured following Saturday's shooting at the synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S., October 28, 2018. REUTERS/Cathal McNaughton - RC1A1B576ED0

The Pittsburgh synagogue shooting by a white nationalist underscores the decentralized nature of radicalism in the USA, which is increasingly found on online domains.

01 November 2018

Ethiopia-Eritrea peace deal provides momentum to regional reform – Horn of Africa Special Analysis Report

Eritrea's President, Isaias Afwerki talks to Ethiopia's Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed during the Inauguration ceremony marking the reopening of the Eritrean Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia July 16, 2018. REUTERS/Tiksa Negeri - RC13F9FB50E0

The Ethiopia-Eritrea peace deal will improve the stability of the Horn of Africa and increase opportunities for foreign investment and growth across the region.

23 October 2018

Far-right militant threat reflected in September 2018 arrest data; risk to immigrant communities, anti-Brexit figures to increase – UK Analysis

Brexit catalyzes UK's existing far-right as the number of nationalist militants increases: Tattoos are seen on the back of the head of a supporter of the English Defence League (EDL) during a rally outside Downing Street in London September 20, 2014. REUTERS/Toby Melville (BRITAIN - Tags: POLITICS SOCIETY) - LM1EA9K1A9K01

Since the Brexit vote, far-right militancy has been catalyzed by the polarization of British politics and a concurrent increase in Islamist militancy.