A decade has passed since Saudi Hezbollah, known locally as Ansar Khat al-Imam (Followers of the Line of the Imam), bombed the Khobar Towers, a U.S. military housing compound, killing 19 soldiers and injuring 350. This attack brought dramatic attention to Saudi Arabia's Shiite community and its potential for political violence and terrorism. Today, in light of an emerging power in Iran, a Shiite-dominated Iraq and an intensifying Shiite-Sunni divide, attention has returned to the Shiites of Saudi Arabia. By John Solomon (TIRU).

John Solomon the head of World-Check's Terrorism and Insurgency Unit explores recent reports of paramilitary camps, extremist activities and extraordinary renditions of jihadi suspects in the Republic of South Africa which continue to raise concern that the country is used for terrorist support activities.

Recent evidence suggests that prominent al-Qaeda financiers, facilitators and recruiters continue to operate in the generally underreported region of southern Africa. A brief historical survey of these events seems to reveal a discernible pattern that prominent global jihadis—sometimes serving as conduits between UK- and Pakistan-based networks—have used southern Africa as a possible medium through which to not only stage operations, but also secure refuge, money and recruits; all critical factors for executing attacks in support of the movement. By John Solomon (TIRU).