ISIL eyes Central Asia as next vulnerable frontier

ISIL eyes Central Asia as next vulnerable frontier

Special to WorldTribune.com By Backgrounder, Geostrategy-Direct.com Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL) is massing thousands of jihadists on the northern border of Afghanistan for incursions into Central Asia, Russian intelligence officers said. Taliban fighters have also pledged allegiance to ISIL and are ready to join the battle as the jihadists pass through weak border […]

Asia pivot: U.S. plan to close 15 bases in Europe noted in Moscow

Asia pivot: U.S. plan to close 15 bases in Europe noted in Moscow

Special to WorldTribune.com By Miles Yu, Geostrategy-Direct.com By Miles Yu, Geostrategy-Direct.com In a major move to further reduce U.S. military presence in Europe and implement the shift of strategic weight toward Asia, the Pentagon has announced the closing of at least 15 long-standing U.S. military bases across Europe. The base-closings impact America’s major allies in […]

U.S. closes 12-year chapter at strategic Manas air base in Kyrgyzstan

U.S. closes 12-year chapter at strategic Manas air base in Kyrgyzstan

Special to WorldTribune.com By Miles Yu, Geostrategy-Direct.com On June 3, a small ceremony closed to the public marked the end of a 12-year-long major operation crucial to the U.S.-led military efforts in Afghanistan. The Manas Air Force Base, called Transit Center by the locals and located outside the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek, was finally shut down for […]