Today's Headlines and Commentary

President Obama addressed the UN General Assembly in New York today. The Washington Post contrasts the tone of these remarks with the tone of another claim by the President some time back: “The world is more stable than it was five years ago.”According to the Washington Post, the President will propose to the U.N. Security Council an international counterterrorism resolution, that is intended to “underscore the centrality of countering violent extremism efforts.” His speech comes just a day after the start of U.S.-led airstrikes in Syria. The Wall Street Journal reports, “The U.S. and its allies unleashed more than 160 missiles and bombs on targets inside Syria [yesterday].” According to U.S. officials, these attacks resulted in significant damage. Defense Department spokesperson Rear Adm. John Kirby noted, "Last night's strikes were only the beginning.” Indeed, airstrikes continued today. The Pentagon shares news of eight additional operations conducted so far. The Associated Press examines the impact of today’s strikes on their terrorist targets. The New York Times describes the assault's structure. The United States conducted the overwhelming majority of the airstrikes, though Arab nations participated, particularly in the operations' later stages. “In disclosing the identities of the five Sunni Arab nations that joined or supported the attacks in Syria — Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Jordan and Qatar — the Obama administration sought to paint a picture of an international coalition resolute in its determination to take on the Sunni militant group.” Still, international reactions appear mixed. The Post analyzes the statements issued by Middle Eastern countries and organizations. The Post also notes that America’s Arab alliance has made strange bedfellows of the Middle Eastern nations involved. In fact, “earlier this year, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain withdrew their ambassadors from Qatar, which has funded Islamists across the region to the consternation of the other three nations.” Furthermore, Army Times reports that even Syrian President Bashar al-Assad appears to support the U.S.-led airstrikes. At a meeting yesterday, he noted his approval of “any international anti-terrorism effort.” Reuters wonders whether the “motley crew” of nations, which the Obama administration has assembled, will hold together. Indeed, as the 2014 midterm elections approach, the President’s air campaign in Syria may be politically risky, according to Reuters. For now, U.S. lawmakers appear relatively supportive of the President’s actions, though they have yet to undertake legislation that would authorize U.S. operations against the Islamic State. The Los Angeles Times points out, “Lawmakers have vowed to play a larger role -- after the midterm elections.” Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) continues to push for congressional authorization though. Yesterday, he spoke at the Center for American Progress Action Fund. The Hill considers his statements there. As the U.S. re-involves itself in the Middle East, the Post’s David Ignatius examines the historical folly of “underestimating the enemy’s ‘will.’” Amid the U.S.-led air assault yesterday, Islamic State militants continued their attempts to humiliate the Iraqi army. Insurgents paraded roughly thirty captured Iraqi troops through the streets of Fallujah on stolen military Humvees. According to eyewitnesses, “the captured soldiers looked very exhausted... [while] the militants driving the convoy blasted songs glorifying the[ir] leader.” The AP has details. Meanwhile, Defense News reports that a potential U.S. sale of Apache AH-64E helicopters to the Baghdad government has lapsed due to Iraqi inaction. According to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, achieving a long-term nuclear agreement could lead to increased collaboration on the pursuit of Middle East peace and the struggle against terrorism. Reuters shares his statements from New York City in advance of the U.N. General Assembly. However, P5+1 nuclear negotiations with Iran have hit (another) speedbump. Earlier this month, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced Iran’s failure to answer questions about the military aspects of the country’s nuclear energy program. Yesterday, though, “Iran dismissed... as ‘fabricated ambiguities’ suspicions that it has carried out nuclear arms research, a day after it came under renewed Western pressure to help clear up...  [IAEA] concerns.” Reuters has the story. As the security situation in Libya deteriorates, the government there has called upon the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to develop plans for the removal of its remaining 850-ton stockpile of chemical weapons. Reuters shares details. According to the AP, Pakistani intelligence officials report that today, a suspected U.S. drone strike near the country’s Afghan border killed ten local and Uzbek militants. In a farewell address yesterday, outgoing Afghan President Hamid Karzai offered sharp criticism of U.S. war efforts in his country. The Post shares quotes from his statements, which provoked sharp criticism from U.S. Ambassador James B. Cunningham. The newspaper’s Editorial Board examines the country’s “steep path to stability.” In a biannual report released today, the World Bank projected minimal growth for Russia’s economy in response to minimal structural reforms and Western sanctions. The Wall Street Journal notes, “The World Bank cut its forecast for Russian economic growth to 0.3% in 2015 and 0.4% in 2016 under its baseline scenario from 1.5% and 2.2%, respectively.” Meanwhile, Russia has announced plans to increase its military presence on the Black Sea. Reuters reports details. Concern over the Ebola outbreak in western Africa continues. Predictions released by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) anticipate that “the [Ebola] virus could potentially infect 1.4 million people in Liberia and Sierra Leone by the end of January.” NPR and the Post report the grim forecasts. In Jordan, a state security court acquitted “militant Islamic cleric” Abu Qatada on charges of terrorism. The Times analyzes the outcome of the case. Meanwhile, in the United States, Federal District Court Judge Lewis A. Kaplan sentenced Sulaiman Abu Ghaith, Osama bin Laden’s former spokesperson, to life in prison. The Times shares details of that case, as well. On Friday, the same judge questioned a plea deal the government had arranged with Adel Abdul Bary, an Egyptian accused of passing messages for Osama bin Laden in relation to the 1998 bombings of U.S. Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. The Times reports. Marine Corps Times shares details of a Pentagon report on military recruiting for U.S. Cyber Command. At Real Clear Defense, Dr. Daniel Goure, Vice President of the Lexington Institute, considers whether the U.S. may lose its “superpower” distinction. In Marine Corps Gazette, Marine Corps Maj. Trevor Howell argues against the use of amphibious warfare. Wired examines the “remarkable vehicles” brought about by World War I. Email the Roundup Team noteworthy law and security-related articles to include, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook for additional commentary on these issues. Sign up to receive Lawfare in your inbox. 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