Email from Counter Extremism Project (CEP) Global News on Extremism and Terrorism Eye on Extremism September 18, 2025   Top Stories Times of Israel: Revealed: Tony Blair’s US-backed proposal for ending the Gaza war and replacing Hamas US President Donald Trump has authorized Tony Blair to rally regional and international stakeholders around the former UK prime minister’s proposal to establish a postwar transitional body to govern the Gaza Strip until it can be handed over to the Palestinian Authority, four sources familiar with the matter told The Times of Israel. AFP: After Kirk murder, Trump says he’s designating Antifa a ‘terrorist organization’ US President Donald Trump said he would designate “Antifa” — a shorthand term for “anti-fascist” used to describe diffuse far-left groups — as “a major terrorist organization,” a move he threatened in his first term.   CEP's ARCHER at House 88 The Auschwitz Research Centre on Hate, Extremism and Radicalization (ARCHER) at House 88 is sited at the former residence of Rudolf Höss, Commandant of the Auschwitz concentration and death camp from 1940-1944. We will transform it into a unique symbol of the fight against antisemitism, extremism, and terrorism. Follow ARCHER at House 88 on X, Facebook, and Instagram to stay updated on our progress.   CEP Mentions Forbes: Trump Says He Is Designating Antifa As A ‘Major Terrorist Organization’ The Counter Extremism Project labels Antifa as “one of the most prominent far-left movements in the United States,” but notes it’s “not a coherent, centralized group but a broad ideology centered around the so-called opposition to fascism.” Analysis Times of Israel: Hamas Must Be Destroyed, No Other Option Israel’s fight is the free world’s fight. If Hamas survives, every extremist learns the same lesson: terror works. Massacres work. Hiding behind civilians works. The free world cannot afford that lesson. Soufan Center: The Diminished Strategic Value of Iran’s “Axis of Resistance” For decades, Iranian leaders have built their strategic architecture around a network of mostly, but not exclusively, Shia Muslim non-state actors, often referred to in mainstream media as Iranian “proxies.” The U.S. has designated virtually all of Iran’s regional allied movements — members of a coalition Iran calls its “Axis of Resistance” — as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). The FTO label describes these movements’ tactics but often oversimplifies their objectives and motivations. Foreign Affairs: The Return of ISIS Nine months after the longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad was toppled by a rebel offensive, Syria faces a litany of new challenges. The country, which is now being led by the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), is contending with recurring violent sectarian clashes, successive Israeli strikes into Syrian territory, and internal disputes within the new government. Adding to the tumult is a resurgence of one of Syria’s most enduring challenges: the Islamic State, also known as ISIS. United States CBS News: Suspect in custody after allegedly ramming car into FBI Pittsburgh field office in "targeted attack" A suspect is in custody after being accused of committing a "targeted attack" by allegedly using his car to ram the entrance gate to the FBI's Pittsburgh Field office. The FBI says Donald Henson, of Penn Hills, who they say used his car to ram the gate to the building around 2:40 a.m. on Wednesday, is in custody. Wall Street Journal: Why Trump Privately Fumes About Netanyahu but Gives Him Free Rein President Trump is frustrated with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The question is whether he will ever be angry enough to do anything about it. Trump has told several aides in recent weeks that Netanyahu prefers using military force to compel Hamas’s surrender, instead of the president’s preferred method of a negotiated cease-fire. His frustration boiled over last week hours after Israel attacked Hamas negotiators in Qatar, an operation that threatened to derail fragile peace talks. NBC News: FBI director acknowledges violent extremism on 'both sides' Presented with a list of attacks that took place over the past decade, FBI Director Kash Patel acknowledged that political ideology fuels violent extremism on "both sides" of the political spectrum. Patel went on to deny that his comment contradicts recent statements made by President Trump. Fox News: House clears path for vote honoring Charlie Kirk, denouncing 'political extremism' The House voted Wednesday to advance a resolution honoring slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, clearing the way for floor debate later this week. Lawmakers voted in favor of advancing the measure and a bill to avert a government shutdown in a joint mechanism known as a "rule vote." ABC 7 News: Ex-lawmaker who ran against Biden blames Kirk killing on 'anger-tainment,' extremists on both sides Former Minnesota Democratic congressman Dean Phillips became a pariah in his party even before 2024 when he challenged then-President Joe Biden in the primary, believing a diminished Biden shouldn't automatically be the Democratic presidential nominee. It wasn't until months later, after Biden's disastrous debate with President Donald Trump, that other Democrats began saying out loud what Phillips had tried to call attention to for two years in vain. The 19th: Want to stop political violence? Start by addressing hostile sexism. Gender studies scholars and experts on domestic violence have long known that gender-based bigotry is a gateway to violent extremism. It’s time for national security officials to catch up, says Miller-Idriss, founding director at the Polarization and Extremism Research & Innovation Lab (PERIL) at American University. CBS News: Teen convicted of working with extremist groups to carry out terrorist attacks in Philadelphia area A teenager has been convicted of working with extremist groups in Syria with the intent of carrying out terrorist attacks in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, specifically targeting the Philly Pride Parade, the Army-Navy game and other events in the city. Muhyyee-Ud-din Abdul-Rahman, 19, was found guilty in a jury trial on Wednesday of attempting to possess weapons of mass destruction and risking a catastrophe, among other charges, District Attorney Larry Krasner announced in a press conference. Daily Kos: Obama warns of Trump team's 'extremist views' resident Barack Obama attended the Jefferson Educational Society’s 17th Global Summit in Pennsylvania Wednesday, where he was asked about right-wing activist Charlie Kirk’s killing last week. Addressing the Trump administration’s response to the murder of Kirk—who was known for promoting racist, transphobic, and misogynistic views—Obama pointed out the stark differences between the Trump administration and his own staff. The Guardian: US judge orders Mahmoud Khalil deported citing ‘misrepresented facts’ on green card form An immigration judge in the US state of Louisiana has ordered the deportation of pro-Palestinian protest leader Mahmoud Khalil to Algeria or Syria, ruling that he failed to disclose information on his green card application, according to court documents filed on Wednesday. Detroit Jewish News: Synagogues Beef Up High Holiday Security Amidst Rising Antisemitism This High Holiday season, synagogues across Metro Detroit are taking more precautions than ever to ensure a safe environment for attendees in light of the continuing rise of antisemitism and antisemitic threats both locally and abroad. New York Post: Reps. Lawler, Gottheimer rip Mamdani for scrapping Holocaust group’s antisemitism definition A bipartisan duo of congressmen representing both sides of the Hudson joined forces Wednesday to slam mayoral front-runner Zohran Mamdani for opposing a Holocaust remembrance group’s definition of “antisemitism.” Mayor Eric Adams signed an executive order in June that uses the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition as part of a push against anti-Jewish hate. Europe The Guardian: How the EU’s far right has seized on Charlie Kirk’s killing Leaders from Orbán to Le Pen have framed the shooting as evidence of persecution – a strategy that experts say could further normalise extremism across the continent France RFI: Far-right activists fined for racist insults against French star Aya Nakamura Ten people linked to extreme-right group Les Natifs (The Natives) have been fined for aggravated public insult against French-Malian singer Aya Nakamura. The Paris criminal court rejected the prosecution’s request for convictions on the more serious charge of incitement to hatred. Greece Greek City Times: Palestinian Suspect in Hymettus Arsons and Aigaleo Assaults Claims ISIS Ties, Faces Extensive Charges A 32-year-old Palestinian man, also identified as a Syrian national, was arrested in Aigaleo, western Athens, on September 15, 2025, for sexually harassing a 14-year-old girl, a 17-year-old girl, and a 58-year-old woman. He is also under investigation for multiple arson attacks on Mount Hymettus, including a wildfire on September 7 near Vyronas. During questioning by the Arson Crime Division, the suspect claimed ISIS membership, alleging a man he met in Turkey paid him €100 per fire, later contradicting himself by describing this individual as a “prophet” and then stating he acted alone to “clear his mind.” The Greek National Intelligence Service (EYP) is investigating these claims. United Kingdom The Times: UK will recognise Palestine state after end of Trump state visit Sir Keir Starmer will this weekend formally recognise Palestine as a state after President Trump has concluded his state visit to the UK. The prime minister has delayed the announcement until after Trump has left because of concern that the issue could otherwise dominate a news conference with the two men on Thursday at Chequers. Byline Times: GB News Ramps Up Migrant ‘Invasion’ Rhetoric as Channel Veers Far Right Dehumanising and sensationalist language about immigrants and asylum seekers is on the rise on right-wing news channel GB News, new research for Byline Times suggests. Analysis of GB News transcripts for this outlet, conducted by campaign group Stop Funding Hate, reveals a big increase in language about a supposed “invasion” of migrants to the UK, as well as incendiary rhetoric about people fleeing war being of “fighting age”. The Guardian: Police arrest man filmed at far-right rally allegedly calling for Keir Starmer to be shot A man allegedly captured on video at the far-right rally in London on Saturday threatening to kill Keir Starmer has been arrested by police. An investigation was launched on Sunday in connection with the video, which was filmed at the event organised by the far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson. Afghanistan Afghanistan International: Taliban Defence Minister Says Lifting US Sanctions Is Top Priority Taliban Defence Minister Mullah Yaqoob Mujahid said the group’s main priority in its dealings with Washington is the lifting of US sanctions. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Mujahid said Taliban relations with the United States are primarily focused on political and economic issues. He recently travelled to Doha, where he expressed solidarity with Qatar and met local officials. Afghanistan International: Taliban Intelligence Arrests Protesters In Mazar-e-Sharif Over Shop Demolitions Taliban intelligence forces have detained several protesters in Mazar-e-Sharif after demonstrations erupted over the planned demolition of shops, sources told Afghanistan International. Witnesses said the arrests began when Taliban forces detained Dawood Kalantar, a shopkeeper who joined Tuesday’s protest. Other shopkeepers who went to inquire about him were also taken into custody. Afghanistan International: Taliban Leader Reportedly Angered By Baradar’s ‘Unauthorized’ Meet With US Envoy Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada is reportedly angry with Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Ghani Baradar for meeting a US delegation without his approval and without the presence of his trusted aides, sources told Afghanistan International. Afghanistan International: Taliban Leader’s Internet Shutdown Order Deemed Final Taliban leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada’s decision to cut fibre optic internet across Afghanistan is final, sources in Kandahar told Afghanistan International. KabulNow: Pakistan Seeks UNSC Action on Terror Groups Operating Under Taliban Rule Pakistan has warned the United Nations Security Council that armed groups sheltering in Afghanistan remain the gravest threat to its national security, saying the Taliban has failed to prevent cross-border militancy. Iran Iran International: Iran’s 'eye for an eye' strategy deterred Israel, Revolutionary Guards say Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Wednesday that its retaliation for Israeli strikes during a 12-day war in June has deterred its arch-foe. IRGC spokesman Brigadier General Ali-Mohammad Naeini told Tasnim News that the depth of Iran’s response caused Israel to reconsider its war aims. Iraq Gulf Times: 3 ISIS members killed in airstrike in Northern Iraq Three ISIS members were killed in an airstrike southeast of the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk. A security source said that Iraqi aircraft carried out an airstrike targeting an ISIS hideout in Wadi Al-Shai, southeast of Kirkuk. The source added that the strike resulted in the killing of three members, including a prominent leader in the organization, and the complete destruction of the hideout. Iraqi security forces continue to pursue remnants of ISIS throughout the country's various provinces, particularly as its elements periodically target army and police personnel in armed attacks. Rudaw: Iraqi authorities must ‘divorce themselves’ from Iranian influence: US congressman The Iraqi government must take steps to disassociate itself from the “evil” Iranian regime, Congressman Joe Wilson told Rudaw on Wednesday, calling on Baghdad to cooperate closely with Washington and steer clear of Tehran. Israel Reuters: Israeli military says received report of shooting at Jordan border crossing The Israeli military has received a report of a shooting at the Allenby Crossing between the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Jordan, and details of the incident were under investigation, the military said on Thursday. Wall Street Journal: In Gaza City, Israel Looks for a Way to Kill Hamas but Not Its Hostages As Israel’s military closes in on Hamas in Gaza City, it confronts a challenge that will shape the coming battle: How to destroy the militant group’s forces without killing the hostages they hold. The risk is that it can’t do both. Hamas, whose vast tunnel network is still largely intact in Gaza City, has warned it will kill the captives if the military tries to free them by force. The densely packed battlefield also raises the risk of accidental deaths. Lebanon Naharnet: Geagea: Statements of Hezbollah officials put govt. decisions in trash bin Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea on Thursday lamented the “new attacks” on UNIFIL forces in south Lebanon, after reports said UNIFIL patrols were intercepted by residents in the towns of Jibsheet and al-Zrariyeh. “The repeated attacks on U.N. forces show that security forces are not dealing with the facts on the ground with the necessary seriousness,” Geagea decried. Naharnet: Report: Hezbollah still cooperating in South Litani disarmament Conflicting reports have emerged on whether Hezbollah is still cooperating with Lebanese authorities over the handover of its weapons in the area south of the Litani River near Israel’s border. Political sources told Asharq al-Awsat newspaper that “this cooperation has declined, which could lead to delaying the army’s mission in this region.” Naharnet: Damoush warns against dragging army into confrontation with Hezbollah Head of Hezbollah's Executive Council Sheikh Ali Damoush warned Thursday against dragging the Lebanese army into a confrontation with Hezbollah. "Do not push the army into a confrontation with its people. The army's role is to face (foreign) aggressions, maintain civil peace, and ensure stability, not to confront the Lebanese people," he said, adding that Hezbollah's weakness is just "an illusion". "Those who bet that the resistance will surrender to pressure and threats are delusional." Syria Times of Israel: Syria’s Sharaa: Security pact talks with Israel could yield results ‘in coming days’ Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said on Wednesday that ongoing negotiations with Israel to reach a security pact could lead to results “in the coming days.” He told reporters in Damascus the security pact was a “necessity” and that it would need to respect Syria’s airspace and territorial unity and be monitored by the United Nations. Times of Israel: Israel said arming, paying salaries of Druze militia in Syria’s Sweida area Israel is working to unite splintered Druze factions in Syria’s Sweida area, providing them with arms and paying salaries of militia members in the wake of recent attacks and massacres of the Druze community there, Reuters reported on Tuesday. Yemen Yemen Online: Houthis Lash Out at UN Envoy Over Condemnation of Aid Worker Detentions Yemen’s Houthi movement has launched a fierce media offensive against UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg, following his recent statement condemning the group’s detention of humanitarian workers and raids on UN offices in Houthi-controlled areas. Libya Good Morning America: ISIS Expands Into Libya While Bedeviling World With Latest Hostage Drama While the world has been riveted by the latest high-tension ISIS hostage drama, U.S. officials are expressing alarm over the less-publicized expansion by the terrorist group's "caliphate" from Syria and Iraq into neighboring regions. Australia SBS News: The transnational links between extremist groups fuelling protests in Australia and the UK Experts say there are a number of driving forces behind recent mass demonstrations in Australia and the UK, and says they are "not particularly exceptional". They also say media organisations need to treat this issue with caution when reporting. Technology Times of Israel: Podcasts, going off-script, now fertile ground for antisemitic sophistry, critics warn The new show is part of an evolution that has seen podcasts, livestreaming videos, Substack and other forms of what is termed alternative media increasingly challenge traditional platforms like legacy news outlets. In both realms, the conversation often centers on Israel and Jews. Reuters: US House panel asks online forum CEOs to testify after Charlie Kirk assassination A U.S. House committee on Wednesday asked the CEOs of online platforms Discord, Steam, Amazon-owned Twitch (AMZN.O), opens new tab and Reddit (RDDT.N), opens new tab to testify at an October 8 hearing following the assassination of Charlie Kirk, citing the "radicalization of online forum users." CEP Podcasts Unpacking the week's extremism-related anniversaries and news, as well as counter extremism developments and prospects. A deep dive into CEP's research and topics that are relevant to our mission, from our Berlin-based team.   The Counter Extremism Project (CEP) is a nonprofit and non-partisan international policy organization working to combat the growing threat posed by extremist ideologies. CEP depends on the generosity of its supporters. If you value what we do, please consider making a donation. DONATE Were you forwarded this email? Subscribe for yourself here. Counter Extremism Project (CEP) | PO Box 3980 | NEW YORK, NY 10185 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice