October 17, 2016

The Advance Toward Mosul Begins

After months of intensive preparations, the battle of Mosul is fast approaching. For much of the past year, Iraqi security forces have been streaming north and working to put the necessary logistics into place in anticipation of the offensive. On Oct. 13, Iraqi Army Chief of Staff Gen. Othman al-Ghanmi announced that the preparations are complete and that the operation will begin as soon as Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi gives the order to launch it. In the meantime, a look at the situation around Mosul and the forces arrayed for battle can offer insight into what will come next.

For more on Mosul, listen to the latest episode of Stratfor Talks.

See the world differently with Stratfor. Join today.

COLUMNS

The Numeric Solution

One simple change to forecasters' standard operating procedure could boost forecast accuracy, increase accountability, reduce misunderstandings and miscalculations, and generally make the world a wealthier and safer place. The change? Use numbers.

STRATFOR FORECAST

2016 Fourth-Quarter Forecast

The new Stratfor quarterly forecast details how geopolitical trends will affect different world regions in the final months of 2016.

POLITICS

Mauritania's President Makes a Risky Gamble 

Mauritania's national dialogue was intended to bring members of the opposition and ruling party together to discuss constitutional reform. Groups have since accused President Abdelaziz of using the talks to plan a coup; if he's not careful, he could destabilize the entire Sahel.

STRATFOR TALKS

Challenges Facing the Next U.S. President 

The final U.S. presidential debate is this Wednesday. Listen to our podcast episode exploring the challenges facing the next U.S. president, regardless of who wins next month. 

Share this newsletter with friends, family and colleagues by forwarding this email. They can sign up here.