After a brief break in posts, we’re back here at Drugs and Thugs Blog with your regularly scheduled content (and a new recap post name). Here’s a quick list of some of the more interesting news and commentary articles from this week. Like the rest of Drugs and Thugs Blog, the topics addressed will focus on narcotics trafficking, international criminal organizations, insurgencies, and terrorism.
Boko Haram and the Caliphate: First off, an interesting article from The Long War Journal on Boko Haram’s announcement of their caliphate. Although some have speculated that this is the group pledging allegiance to the Islamic State and al-Baghdadi, it appears that there is no link between the two groups, as noted in an additional article from The Long War Journal.
Central American Gangs’ Codes: From InSight Crime, a description of El Salvadoran and Honduran codes used to transmit messages from leaders in prison to gang members on the outside. While not necessarily surprising, it is fascinating to see these groups respond to law enforcement methods.
Saudi Arabia and Blowback: David Ignatius writes on Saudi Arabia’s role in both spreading Salafism across the region and its simultaneous place in combating IS.
Pablo Escobar’s Chief Assassin and a Treasure Hunt: The most notorious assassin for Escobar’s Medellin Cartel was released from prison this week after 22 years. Following his release, there have been reports of individuals searching for Escobar’s cache of treasure.
The Mexican Border and al-Qaeda: Joshua Keating at Slate takes on the claim that Islamist terrorists could enter the US via the Mexican border. As he notes, “The scant reports of terrorists trying to enter the U.S. illegally are far outnumbered by the numerous well-documented plots by native-born Americans, naturalized citizens, and foreigners entering the country with valid passports and visas.”
IS’s Hybrid Army: Ben Hubbard and Eric Schmitt at The New York Times looks at IS’s unique combination of traditional military means with terrorist operations, as well as its loose organizational structure.
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Enjoy the long weekend, and thanks for reading.
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