Brian J. Phillips
@brianjphillips.bsky.social
Terrorism, conflict, crime. @uniessexgov.bsky.social. Via Ohio, Camp Lejeune, PGH, CDMX. Co-authored book: "Insurgent Terrorism." https://sites.google.com/site/brianjphillips/home
Reposted by Brian J. Phillips
TODAY the U.S. adds the Venezuelan network "Cartel de los Soles" to its Foreign Terrorist Organization list.
The Trump admin has now designated 24 (!) groups as FTOs this year.
For perspective, in the 8 years of GW Bush, the 9/11 years, Bush only added 15 groups to the list.
The Trump admin has now designated 24 (!) groups as FTOs this year.
For perspective, in the 8 years of GW Bush, the 9/11 years, Bush only added 15 groups to the list.
November 24, 2025 at 2:10 PM
TODAY the U.S. adds the Venezuelan network "Cartel de los Soles" to its Foreign Terrorist Organization list.
The Trump admin has now designated 24 (!) groups as FTOs this year.
For perspective, in the 8 years of GW Bush, the 9/11 years, Bush only added 15 groups to the list.
The Trump admin has now designated 24 (!) groups as FTOs this year.
For perspective, in the 8 years of GW Bush, the 9/11 years, Bush only added 15 groups to the list.
Two points: 1. The Trump admin thinks Cartel de los Soles is led by Venezuelan President Maduro. This could justify (to them) regime change or other serious actions.
2. FTO status gives a focal point to US agencies and foreign allies. There are now *91* FTOs. Is it possible to focus on 91 groups?
2. FTO status gives a focal point to US agencies and foreign allies. There are now *91* FTOs. Is it possible to focus on 91 groups?
November 24, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Two points: 1. The Trump admin thinks Cartel de los Soles is led by Venezuelan President Maduro. This could justify (to them) regime change or other serious actions.
2. FTO status gives a focal point to US agencies and foreign allies. There are now *91* FTOs. Is it possible to focus on 91 groups?
2. FTO status gives a focal point to US agencies and foreign allies. There are now *91* FTOs. Is it possible to focus on 91 groups?
TODAY the U.S. adds the Venezuelan network "Cartel de los Soles" to its Foreign Terrorist Organization list.
The Trump admin has now designated 24 (!) groups as FTOs this year.
For perspective, in the 8 years of GW Bush, the 9/11 years, Bush only added 15 groups to the list.
The Trump admin has now designated 24 (!) groups as FTOs this year.
For perspective, in the 8 years of GW Bush, the 9/11 years, Bush only added 15 groups to the list.
November 24, 2025 at 2:10 PM
TODAY the U.S. adds the Venezuelan network "Cartel de los Soles" to its Foreign Terrorist Organization list.
The Trump admin has now designated 24 (!) groups as FTOs this year.
For perspective, in the 8 years of GW Bush, the 9/11 years, Bush only added 15 groups to the list.
The Trump admin has now designated 24 (!) groups as FTOs this year.
For perspective, in the 8 years of GW Bush, the 9/11 years, Bush only added 15 groups to the list.
Only a small % of US folks do! But many of those seem to catch their house on fire.
November 21, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Only a small % of US folks do! But many of those seem to catch their house on fire.
Reposted by Brian J. Phillips
Another point: the Trump admin is REALLY using terrorist designation a lot this term. Unprecedented increase in FTOs.
There are now 90 groups on the Foreign Terrorist Organization list. In the mid-2010s, there were around 60 FTOs.
There are now 90 groups on the Foreign Terrorist Organization list. In the mid-2010s, there were around 60 FTOs.
November 21, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Another point: the Trump admin is REALLY using terrorist designation a lot this term. Unprecedented increase in FTOs.
There are now 90 groups on the Foreign Terrorist Organization list. In the mid-2010s, there were around 60 FTOs.
There are now 90 groups on the Foreign Terrorist Organization list. In the mid-2010s, there were around 60 FTOs.
Another point: the Trump admin is REALLY using terrorist designation a lot this term. Unprecedented increase in FTOs.
There are now 90 groups on the Foreign Terrorist Organization list. In the mid-2010s, there were around 60 FTOs.
There are now 90 groups on the Foreign Terrorist Organization list. In the mid-2010s, there were around 60 FTOs.
November 21, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Another point: the Trump admin is REALLY using terrorist designation a lot this term. Unprecedented increase in FTOs.
There are now 90 groups on the Foreign Terrorist Organization list. In the mid-2010s, there were around 60 FTOs.
There are now 90 groups on the Foreign Terrorist Organization list. In the mid-2010s, there were around 60 FTOs.
In general, today's 4 listings add to a trend I identified in this article: the US and its traditional allies diverging in counterterrorism. The US using CT for drug traffickers and now antifa, while Europe, Australia, etc. instead are adding far-right groups to their lists.
icct.nl/publication/...
icct.nl/publication/...
The end of US-led global counter-terrorism? Changing trends in terrorist designation
Global counter-terrorism is fundamentally changing, as is evident in recent patterns of terrorist designation. For decades, the US Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) list has been a bellwether of co...
icct.nl
November 21, 2025 at 1:49 PM
In general, today's 4 listings add to a trend I identified in this article: the US and its traditional allies diverging in counterterrorism. The US using CT for drug traffickers and now antifa, while Europe, Australia, etc. instead are adding far-right groups to their lists.
icct.nl/publication/...
icct.nl/publication/...