The State Is Declared: The Story of the Iraqi Insurgency (October-December 2006)
Rob Ashlar, June 18, 2026
Continuing a serialized account of the Iraqi insurgency, Rob Ashlar gives an in-depth analysis of the rise of the Islamic State in Iraq, fractures in the Sahawat movement, and the choices faced by Sunni Iraqis trapped between sectarian depravity and the Coaltion collaboration. Read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, and Part 5. Read Article.
Anbar Awakes: The Story of the Iraqi Insurgency (August-September 2006)
Rob Ashlar, May 19, 2026
Continuing a serialized account of the Iraqi insurgency, Rob Ashlar covers a critical turning point in the Iraqi Insurgency between August and September 2006, tracking the zenith of the Mujahidin Shura Council (MSC) / Al Qaida in Iraq (AQI) and the subsequent tribal backlash that birthed the Sahawat movement. Read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4. Read Article.
On the Zionist Para-State
Rob Ashlar, March 13, 2026
In light of the recent war in Iran and the importance of the theoretical questions raised, we have republished Cosmonaut Contributor Rob Ashlar's essays on the Zionist Para-State, accompanied by an updated introduction. Read Article.
Incapable of Military Defeat: The Story of the Iraqi Insurgency (May-August 2006)
Rob Ashlar, July 18, 2025
Continuing his serialized account of the Iraqi Insurgency, Rob Ashlar covers the Summer of 2006, during which Al Qaida in Iraq (AQI) consolidated their control of western Anbar Province. Read Article.
The Cradle of Civilization on Fire: The Story of the Iraqi Insurgency (Jan-May 2006)
Rob Ashlar, April 9, 2025
Continuing a serialized account of the Iraqi Insurgency, Rob Ashlar covers the resurgence of Al Qaida in Iraq (AQI) in early 2006 following gains made by the US-led coalition forces. Read Article.