Islamic State ‘Beatles’: The Next Move

February 10, 2018By Richard C Pendrynews No Comments

The sister of one of the victims of the infamous Islamic State group dubbed the Beatles – an Execution cell responsible for the murder of at least 27 of their hostages – has called for two of the gang; Alexanda Kotey and El Shafee Elsheikh, recently captured while trying to cross into Turkey, to be … Read More

Chilcot: The Answers?

July 6, 2016By Richard C PendryIraq, news 2 Comments

I spent over two years in Iraq in the aftermath of the invasion between 2005 and 2007, working for a private security company (PSC) that was providing security to the American, Department of Defence, during the reconstruction phase. But yesterdays publication of over 2 millions words just didn’t do it for me, so many unanswered … Read More

Turkish Kidnapped by Shia Militia

September 12, 2015By Richard C Pendrynews No Comments

Last week some of might have read my artice – Turkish Kidnapping: ISIS? – in which I questioned the validity of the claim made by Marc Pierin – a Carnegie Europe scholar published by Voice of America – that ISIS was responsible for the kidnaping of 18 Turkish construction workers in Bagdahd on 2nd September. … Read More

Will ISIS destroy ancient Palmyra?

June 17, 2015By Richard C Pendrynews, Syria No Comments

In May 2015, ISIS seized the city of Palmyra, the UNESCO World Heritage Site that lies in the Syrian Desert 215km north east of the capital Damascus. Another World Heritage Site the city of Hatra in northern Iraq has already become a casualty of the fanatical group.  The question is; will ISIS destroy ancient Palmyra? … Read More

Iraq Chaos; Afghanistan to Follow?

September 14, 2014By Richard C PendryAfghanistan, Iraq No Comments

As Iraq is pushed closer to chaos by IS/ISIS forces, there is concern that Afghanistan – the other country invaded as a result of the policies undertaken after 9/11 – will follow, as troops from the NATO derivative ISAF, will be pulled out later this year. However before the Afghans can look at the scheduled pull … Read More

British Withdrawal From Basra

September 13, 2007By Richard C PendryIraq No Comments

I stood on the road earlier today and watched as a convoy of armoured vehicles rumble past me, Union Jacks flying high, in what seemed a triumphal parade. But the dust caked, tired faces of the men astride them told a different story, that of relief. The soldiers from the Light Infantry and Royal Welsh … Read More

Marsh Arabs

July 13, 2006By Richard C PendryIraq, news No Comments

The oil rich area of Southern Iraq is normally associated with arid desert. But a short drive from the bare infertile plains, which contain the huge oils fields, lies an incredible wetland ecosystem called the Iraqi Marshes. The area, supplied by its water from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, was originally 20,000 km2, but under … Read More