RUSI in the News August 2011

Citations of RUSI experts, analysis and events in the global media from August 2011

The Fall of Tripoli

After five months of bloody fighting in Libya, Colonel Qadhafi - the repressive leader of the country for 42 years - was finally deposed from his Tripoli stronghold. NATO air power, which had been employed since March, was seen as 'central and decisive' in bringing down the Qadhafi regime. But the location of Qadhafi and his sons was still not clear and questions remained about his strength to organise an insurgency against any future government. RUSI experts were at the forefront of media analysis of the fall of Tripoli.

COVERAGE IN: BBC NEWS, THE SCOTSMAN, NATIONAL POST, TELEGRAPH.CO.UK

London Riots

The British capital and other major cities in the country were gripped by four days of rioting and social disorder this month. London, Birmingham and Manchester were mainly affected by the chaos. Individuals took advantage of the breakdown in law and order by looting both local businesses and high-street chains across the UK. It was thought that social media was used to coordinate and instigate certain incidents, prompting David Cameron to admit he was 'considering' disrupting social networking in times of emergency. RUSI analysts were able to contribute their expertise to the heated debate that followed.

COVERAGE IN: REUTERS INDIA, REUTERS

Syria

The Syrian army has continued its brutal suppression of political dissent across Syria. The upheaval in the country has followed on from other popular uprisings that have characterised the 'Arab Spring' movement across North Africa and the Middle East. Unlike other countries, however, Syria has seen some of the worst violence in the region. President Bashar al-Assad's grip on power has often seemed tenuous but he still remains on top with the help of a deeply loyal army and officer corp. RUSI's Middle East experts have given their viewpoints on the ongoing violence.

COVERAGE IN: BBC NEWS