Today's Headlines and Commentary

Yesterday, we shared news of a video published by the Islamic State, which depicted the brutal beheading of American journalist James Foley. The New York Times reports that the Islamic State had asked the U.S. to pay a multimillion dollar ransom in order to secure Foley’s release. The U.S. refused. Earlier this summer, a special operations team had attempted to free Foley and a number of his fellow prisoners from their captivity in Syria. Unfortunately, according to McClatchy, once on the ground, the U.S. forces found that the Americans had already been transferred to a new location. Although some commentators have criticized this operation as lacking congressional authority, Steve Vladeck notes that 1868 Hostage Act appears to apply. Following the release of the video of Foley’s death, some news outlets are considering the role of social media in the Islamic State’s campaign. BBC News analyzes the Islamic State’s use of Diaspora as a social network platform. In an opinion for CNN, David Weinberger, a senior researcher at Harvard University’s Berkman Center for Internet and Society, examines Twitter and Youtube’s content rules. Wired notes that Twitter has been suspending the accounts of users spreading “graphic imagery.” However, some Twitter users are taking the matter into their own hands by refusing to post propaganda photos and videos released by the Islamic State. According to the Washington Post, #ISISMediaBlackout has been trending. Meanwhile, Slate considers the quality of the production and distribution of the video of Foley. According to the Guardian, the British jihadist shown in the video is the leader of the Islamic State guards holding American and other foreign nationals hostage in Syria. Despite public outcry against the murder of Foley, the Associated Press points out that his death has yet to change the opinions of members of Congress with regard to U.S. action in Iraq. Indeed, following the President’s strict condemnation of the Islamic State’s beheading of Foley, the Wall Street Journal Editorial Board wonders, “So what will you do, Mr. President?” Since Tuesday, the U.S. has conducted about a dozen airstrikes in northern Iraq. Politico reports that most of these were in support of Iraqi and Kurdish forces retaking the Mosul Dam. According to the Wall Street Journal, U.S. airstrikes have so far been successful in driving some Islamic State commanders back to Syria. USA Today informs us that military leaders at U.S. Central Command are looking to expand the list of airstrike targets in Iraq. Agence France-Presse shares that the U.S. is considering sending an additional 300 troops to Iraq. Foreign Policy shares exclusive news that the Iraqi government has been working through back-channels to indicate to the U.S. its willingness to allow American fighter jets to use Iraqi bases. As of yet, the U.S. warplanes and drones involved in airstrikes in northern Iraq have been based elsewhere in the Middle East. According to the Foreign Policy piece, the Obama administration does not seem interested in the Iraqi government’s offer. In an op-ed in Defense One, U.S. Marine Corps General John Allen (ret.) urges the U.S. and its allies to “act decisively” against the Islamic State now, “while [the former] can still shape events.” In a Times editorial, Michael Singh, managing director of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, explains why the real problem in the Middle East is an economic one. During a public address yesterday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel’s Operation Protective Edge will continue until Hamas rockets stop. The AP shares the news. According to the Times, Israeli airstrikes early this morning killed three senior leaders of Hamas’ militant wing. Reuters shares news of a report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which found that Iran has taken steps to comply with the terms of the extension of an interim nuclear agreement. The Post reports that a photojournalist, who was arrested in Tehran alongside Post correspondent Jason Rezaian, was released from prison on bail yesterday. Per the wishes of the reporter’s family, the press is withholding her name. McClatchy and the AP remember the deadly chemical attack that occurred on rebel-held territory in Syria exactly a year ago. Stars and Stripes reports that a bomb detonation early this morning in eastern Kabul has injured four Afghan soldiers. According to the Wall Street Journal, Taliban militants are launching a nationwide offensive. Michael Kugelman, a senior program associate at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, examines the effect Pakistan’s political issues will have on Afghanistan. Ukrainian troops took hold of separatist-held Luhansk yesterday and have begun further pressing Donetsk. According to the AP, at least 52 people have died in the conflict so far. The Times also shares the story. Meanwhile, Russia is conducting new military exercises. AFP notes that Western powers have criticized such exercises “as intending to intimidate Ukraine.” According to the Guardian, Australia’s Labor party may block important sections of counterterrorism legislation currently under consideration by Parliament. Undersecretary of Defense Robert Work yesterday noted plans to move forward with a military building of Guam. Pacific Daily News has the story. Wired examines the cybersecurity vulnerabilities of the 911 emergency call system. Wired considers the six threats that most concern security experts. The Wall Street Journal informs us that in Boston federal court today, Dias Kadyrbayev, friend of the alleged Boston bomber, will change his plea to guilty of charges related to impeding the investigation of the attack. The AP reports that 34 enlisted sailors are being discharged from the Navy in relation to cheating at a nuclear power training site. 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. Visit our Events Calendar to learn about upcoming national security events, and check out relevant job openings on our Job Board.