Homeland Insecurity? Some 5,600 ISIS Fighters Return From Iraq, Syria
At least 5,600 individuals who fought for Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, have returned home to 33 countries, according to the latest by a private intelligence firm The Soufan Group. [The Defense Post]
French President Advocates for Freer Civil Society in Talks With Egyptian Counterpart
President of France Emmanuel Macron met with his Egyptian counterpart Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi on Tuesday and advocated for freer civil society in the country that could protect it against terror. [Bloomberg]
Spanish Government Ready to Use Force Against Catalonia
Spanish authorities are prepared to use force against separatists in Catalonia, according to the government spokesman Inigo Mendez de Vigo. [The Times]
Russia, the Philippines Sign Military Cooperation Agreement
The two countries signed an agreement for technical and military cooperation and agreed to a contract for the provision of rocket-propelled grenade launchers to the Philippines. [The Defense Post]
Saudi Arabia ‘Returning to Moderate Islam,’ Crown Prince Says
Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has vowed to return his country to “moderate Islam” and “destroy extremism very soon.” [The Guardian]
China’s Communist Party to Include President Xi’s Theory in Its Constitution
The Chinese Communist Party will officially include President Xi Jinping’s governing theory, dubbed “Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era,” in its constitution. The move will elevate the country’s leader to the status of Mao Zedong. [Reuters]
China, South Korea Defense Ministers Meet in Philippines
China’s Defense Minister Chang Wanquan met with his South Korean counterpart Song Young-moo on the sidelines of a defense ministerial in the Philippines. The meeting took place for the first time in two years. [Yonhap]
Amid visa row, Turkey’s Justice Ministry cancels US visit
The Turkish Justice Ministry said it canceled the trip “due to the recent visa crisis between the two countries.” [Reuters]
US to Resume Refugee Admissions With Enhanced Vetting
The administration of President Donald J. Trump intends to allow refugees from all countries to arrive in the U.S., but under new, enhanced vetting rules. [CNN]
US Secretary of State Visits Pakistan
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson arrived with an official visit in Pakistan on Tuesday where he met with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.
Today, Sec. Tillerson and Prime Minister Abbasi discussed our bilateral cooperation and partnership & Pakistan’s critical role in the region pic.twitter.com/I8KSLw6eoD
— Department of State (@StateDept) October 24, 2017
