Strategic Communication and Protocol Branch in the Kuwait Chief of General Staff Directorate Photos by Kuwait Armed Forces Moral Guidance & Public Relations Before taking an oath to defend my country until the last drop of my blood, I want to emphasize that it is every Kuwaiti’s patriotic duty to protect his homeland. Under the guidance and leadership of His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmed Al Jabir Al Sabah, the emir of Kuwait and supreme commander of the Armed Forces, and His Highness Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmed Al Jabir Al Sabah, we shall fearlessly face threats to the…
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I am pleased to accept the invitation of U.S. Central Command to write this editorial introducing the important theme of partnerships and peacekeeping. Qatar firmly believes in peace and coexistence between peoples, whether in one state or among the peoples of multiple countries. Therefore, the State of Qatar, represented by its prudent government, was and is still a pioneer in offering peace initiatives or directly contributing to international efforts aimed at prioritizing diplomatic solutions and rejecting regional and international conflicts. Qatar’s leadership has prided itself on its contributions to global peace through collective, multilateral action. We view such partnerships as the…
UNIPATH STAFF As herders tended their camels and goats on a calm summer morning, armed men in black hoods stormed an Egyptian village in pickup trucks. The terrorists seized villagers as hostages, planted banners atop buildings and placed sentries at a power station, school, water plant and clinic. It took a multinational team of highly skilled troops — including special operations forces from Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the United States, Greece and Cypress — to dislodge the invaders and restore life to normal. The rumble of two C-130 transport planes signaled the appearance of dozens of airborne troops who…
UNIPATH STAFF On the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the United States, dozens of security experts, including several current and former commanders at U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), attended a two-day conference contemplating the repercussions of that fateful day. What emerged was a crucial lesson for global security: If counterterrorism coalitions that exist now had existed in the 1990s, they might have prevented the 9/11 attacks and the rise of al-Qaida. In other words, multinational partners working together in their common interests represent a force for peace. The Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies hosted the Great…
JORDANIAN PUBLIC SECURITY DIRECTORATE Daesh’s invasion caused a significant displacement of civilians who fled from conflict areas in search of a safe haven. The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan enjoys security and stability under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, leading the nation to become the preferred destination of a huge influx of refugees from neighboring countries. This has occurred under difficult humanitarian conditions. It brings with it the possibility of people arriving who have different ways of thinking and cultures that may have been infused with terrorist ideology. Jordan has played a vital role in…
COL. UMED AHMEDOV, former SENIOR NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE MINISTRY OF DEFENSE OF THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN AT U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND Between 2017 and 2021, the government of Uzbekistan, with participation of international organizations, repatriated 531 citizens previously involved in the criminal activities of international terrorist organizations in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. These humanitarian operations, known collectively as Mehr (compassion), retrieved mainly women and children manipulated or influenced by close relatives, parents or spouses who belonged to violent extremist groups. To rehabilitate and socially reintegrate these citizens, Uzbekistan has adopted measures bringing together representatives of government and civic organizations. This effort…
UNIPATH STAFF | photos by Iraqi Navy Despite contested territorial waters and terrorist attempts by organized crime gangs, the Iraqi Navy has proved it can protect maritime navigation in the northern Arabian Gulf as well as play an important role with regional and international partners in securing the Gulf. Unipath interviewed Lt. Gen. Ahmed Jassim Maarij, commander of the Iraqi Navy, about its achievements, its international partnerships and his plans to improve Iraq’s naval capabilities. Unipath: How does the Iraqi Navy conduct its mission? Lt. Gen. Maarij: Naval Command protects Iraqi territorial waters and the coastline as well as oil…
ISLAMIC MILITARY COUNTER TERRORISM COALITION Terrorist organizations go to great lengths to attract young people into the arena of terrorist operations, frequently using online cells. These cells are responsible for 70% of youth recruitment. Eventually many of these recruits realize they have been deceived and seek ways to escape the inferno into which they have been thrust. But to free youths from the clutches of violent extremists and reintegrate them into society, it’s worth inquiring about the typical characteristics of young people drawn to these organizations. For answers, the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) turned to Dr. Abdullah Saad…
MAJ. KHURRAM SHAHZAD, Pakistan Armed Forces For several decades, United Nations peacekeeping has grown increasing complex. The spectrum of United Nations peacekeeping operations include restoring state authority, protecting civilians, and disarming, demobilizing and reintegrating former combatants. For that reason, successful peacekeeping missions demand greater flexibility and interoperability. To meet these complex peacekeeping challenges, aviation components often play a pivotal role in maintaining safety, security and stability toward successful achievement of the mission’s mandate. In addition to providing thousands of ground troops to U.N. missions, Pakistan is proud to supply aviation units to ease suffering in places like the Democratic Republic…
UNIPATH STAFF The Lebanese Armed Forces will receive an additional $67 million from the United States to aid in stabilizing the country. U.S. Undersecretary of State Victoria Nuland announced the new funding during her first visit to the Lebanese capital of Beirut in October 2021. The country is suffering a deep economic downturn exacerbated by COVID-19 and the 2020 Beirut port explosion. Shortages of basic goods had led to rampant smuggling that Lebanese security forces have interrupted. One operation in September 2021 seized hundreds of tons of smuggled fuel oil stored in underground tanks in the town of Ansar. Meanwhile…