David Blair's Blog, page 38

Air strikes obliterate targets but cannot win the war against Isil

Isil will be crushed only when its pitiless ideology no longer attracts any significant support in the Muslim world, says David Blair

Senior Isil commander raised £1.25 million from Qatari nationals, says US Treasury

Cash from Qatar donor used by "Emir of suicide bombers" to launch military operations, according to US terrorism designation

Shia rebels force 'revolution' in Yemeni government

The Houthi rebel movement is to take up key posts in a shake-up of the Yemeni government that will see a rare instance of Shias holding power at the highest level

Analysis: Isil makes Obama abandon his long struggle to stay out of Syria

But air power alone will not be decisive against the terrorist movement, warns David Blair

Q&A: US air strikes in Syria

Why has the US stepped up its campaign against Isil? Are the air strikes legal? We answer the key questions on the US-led air strikes in Syria

Syria airstrikes: America's Arab allies join campaign against Isil

The US says that five Arab countries are 'partner nations' in the anti-Isil offensive. David Blair outlines the striking power of each state and the political calculations of their leaders

Head of human rights charity accused of leading double life as terrorist fundraiser

Abdul Rahman al-Nuaimi accused of sitting at centre of web of funding for al-Qaeda affiliates in countries ranging from Yemen to Syria, to Iraq to Somalia.

Former head of human rights charity accused of leading double life as terrorist fundraiser

Abdul Rahman al-Nuaimi accused of sitting at centre of web of funding for al-Qaeda affiliates in countries ranging from Yemen to Syria, to Iraq to Somalia.

How Qatar is funding the rise of Islamist extremists

The fabulously wealthy Gulf state, which owns an array of London landmarks and claims to be one of our best friends in the Middle East, is a prime sponsor of violent Islamists

Qatar faces growing pressure over terror funding

Shadow Defence Secretary Vernon Coaker and a senior Tory MP call for Qatar and Kuwait to face pressure to cut off funds to Islamist terrorists who have beheaded Western hostages in Iraq and Syria