Email from Counter Extremism Project (CEP) Trump administration labels 3 Muslim Brotherhood branches as terrorist organizations Eye on Extremism January 13, 2026   Top Stories Iran International: At least 12,000 killed in Iran crackdown as blackout deepens Iran International’s Editorial Board has published a statement titled “The killing of 12,000 Iranians will not be buried in silence,” setting out its findings on the latest crackdown and calling for documents and testimony. The full text of the statement follows: Iran is under a coordinated blackout aimed not only at security control but at concealing the truth. Internet cuts, crippled communications, media shutdowns, and intimidation of journalists and witnesses point to one goal: preventing a vast and historic crime from being seen. Washington Post: Trump administration labels 3 Muslim Brotherhood branches as terrorist organizations President Donald Trump’s administration has made good on its pledge to label three Middle Eastern branches of the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations, imposing sanctions on them and their members in a decision that could have implications for U.S. relationships with allies Qatar and Turkey.   IN TWO WEEKS | Enduring Music: Compositions from the Holocaust will bring works nearly erased by atrocity into public consciousness, played again in remembrance of victims of the Shoah. Francesco Lotoro—world-renowned conductor, composer, and musicologist—and orchestra will premiere pieces from Maestro Lotoro's archive, honoring and bringing to life music composed in the unimaginable conditions of the death camps. Tickets now available here.   CEP Mentions Frankfurter Rundschau: “Limit crossed”: Why the regime in Iran could soon fall “As a pure sanction, this would have relatively few consequences. But it would send a strong political signal,” says extremism expert and Middle East specialist Hans-Jakob Schindler, director of the Counter Extremism Project in Berlin. In recent years, sanctions have repeatedly been imposed on the Guard by the United Nations, the US, and the EU, including freezing all assets in the EU and travel bans. AFP: Hamas set to pick new leaders amid adverse international, regional setting According to sources, two figures have now emerged as frontrunners to be the head of the political bureau: Khalil Al-Hayya and Khaled Meshaal. Hayya, 65, a Gaza native and Hamas’s chief negotiator in ceasefire talks, has held senior roles since at least 2006, according to the US-based NGO the Counter-Extremism Project (CEP). DW News: What negotiation could mean for Iranians as the death toll from protests climbs CEP Senior Director Dr. Hans-Jakob Schindler interviewed about the situation in Iran. “A Human Rights group says more than 500 people have been killed in Iran's government crackdown on the largest protests in several years. Iran blames the bloodshed on foreign interference with the nationwide demonstrations now into their third week…” WELT: “The problem with the system is that it doesn't have enough money to make concessions.” Protests against the mullah regime in Iran continue to escalate. There are reports of hundreds of deaths. Terrorism expert [CEP Senior Director] Hans-Jakob Schindler explains what distinguishes this protest from previous ones and what makes it so dangerous for the mullahs. Analysis Iran International: As US weighs attack, fate of Iran protests may hang in the balance As Iran steps up a deadly crackdown on nationwide demonstrations, some analysts warned that if US President Donald Trump does not act on his vow to protect protestors, the unrest he helped galvanize may be stamped out. Trump said on Sunday that Iranian officials had reached out seeking talks on a nuclear deal and said the United States may meet with them after repeatedly warning Tehran against killing demonstrators and mooting "very strong" military options. United States Jerusalem Post: Fundraiser for ICE agent who killed Renee Good includes antisemitic attack on Minneapolis Mayor Supporters of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who shot and killed Renee Good, a US citizen, in Minneapolis last week are flocking to an online fundraiser to, in its organizer’s words, “Defend the Agent Who Stopped a Deadly Attack on America’s Border Enforcers!” Jewish Telegraphic Agency: Man charged with setting fire to Mississippi synagogue targeted it due to its ‘Jewish ties,’ FBI says The suspect arrested for allegedly setting fire to a Mississippi synagogue on Saturday confessed to the FBI that he had targeted the congregation due to its “Jewish ties.” Stephen Spencer Pittman was charged on Monday with maliciously damaging or destroying a building by means of fire or an explosive, according to an affidavit filed in U.S. District Court in Mississippi. WAPT ABC 16: Antisemitism on the rise in US as Jackson synagogue fire raises local alarm, report finds A new national report warning of rising antisemitism across the United States comes as federal investigators continue examining an arson attack at Jackson’s only synagogue, a crime that has intensified concern within Mississippi’s Jewish community. The American Jewish Committee released its State of Antisemitism in America 2024 report, finding widespread fear and behavioral changes among Jewish Americans following a surge in antisemitic incidents nationwide. PBS Newshour: Trump administration's posts echo rhetoric linked to extremist groups Just weeks into the new year, the Trump administration has rolled out a campaign across departments that draws on images and ideas borrowed from right-wing and white nationalist circles. Liz Landers reports on what some of these images and posts mean, and Amna Nawaz discusses more with Cynthia Miller-Idriss of the Polarization and Extremism Research Innovation Lab at American University. International Business Times: ICE Agents' Families Drop Bombshell Confessions About Extremism, Abuse Claims, and Lives Torn Apart After Getting Hired A viral discussion thread has ignited fresh scrutiny of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as thousands of anonymous users shared personal stories describing fractured relationships, ethical crises, and disturbing allegations tied to the agency's rapid expansion during the Trump administration's renewed deportation push. The thread under the question 'If you know an ICE agent personally, what's that relationship like now?' has amassed more than 16,000 upvotes and continues to circulate into early 2026. Fox Business: Eric Adams says New York City coin will fund fight against antisemitism, ‘anti-Americanism’ Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams warned Monday about a rise in antisemitism and "anti-Americanism" nationwide, saying a newly launched New York City digital coin could help fund education and awareness programs while also promoting the city as a cryptocurrency center. KSDK: Missouri bill would define antisemitism in schools amid rise in local hate incidents Missouri lawmakers are considering new legislation that aims to create a safer environment for Jewish students, faculty and staff in public K–12 schools and higher education. House Bill 2061, co-sponsored by Rep. George Hruza, a Republican representing parts of St. Louis County’s 89th District, and Rep. Steve Butz, a Democrat from St. Louis’ 81st District, would require public educational institutions to use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism as a guiding tool when responding to incidents of harassment or discrimination. Canada Jerusalem Post: Authorities charge two Edmonton men in separate cases for threats against Jewish community In separate cases, two Edmonton men were charged for posting threats against the Jewish community online in December, the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced on Monday. Argentina Jerusalem Post: Retired Argentinian general claims Israelis caused Patagonia wildfires in antisemitic conspiracy Argentine retired military general César Milani, alongside several key figures from the opposition, shared an antisemitic conspiracy theory on Sunday claiming two Israelis used an IDF grenade to cause a wildfire in the Patagonia region of southern Argentina. France Reuters: Marine Le Pen arrives for embezzlement appeal in Paris court French far-right leader Marine Le Pen arrived in court on Tuesday for an appeal trial that will determine whether she can run in the 2027 presidential election, after being barred from public office over a conviction for misusing EU funds. Le Pen was in March handed a five-year ban from holding public office, effective immediately, after she and eight other former National Rally (RN) lawmakers were found guilty of misappropriating over 4 million euros ($4.67 million) of EU funds, while the party itself and a dozen parliamentary assistants were found guilty of receiving it. Germany DPA: Berliner on trial for joining Hezbollah following October 7 attacks The trial of a German man accused of joining Lebanon's Hezbollah militia following the October 7 attacks on Israel began in Berlin on Tuesday. Prosecutors say the 30-year-old defendant decided to join Hezbollah after the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. Jewish Telegraphic Agency: A Jewish baby became the face of Nazi Aryan propaganda. Her life story outlasted the lie. Hessy Levinsons Taft, a Jewish woman whose baby photo was selected in a competition to represent the Aryan race in Nazi Germany, died on Jan. 1 at 91. Born in Berlin in 1934 to Latvian Jewish parents Jacob and Polin Levinson, Taft was photographed when she was 6 months old by a German photographer, Hans Ballin. Portugal The Resident: Authorities sound alarm over online radicalisation of young people Portugal’s government and PJ criminal police have issued fresh warnings about the dangers of online radicalisation and hate content, particularly among children and young people, during the launch of a new national awareness campaign this Tuesday. Speaking at the conference “Prevenção da Radicalização Online de Crianças e Jovens” (Preventing the Online Radicalisation of Children and Young People), held at PJ headquarters in Lisbon, the national PJ director Luís Neves described radicalisation as “a process of personal transformation in children and young people that leads to violent extremism”. United Kingdom The Telegraph: Starmer refuses to ban IRGC Sir Keir Starmer has refused to proscribe Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation. Labour will not designate the IRGC as a terror group despite the ayatollah’s security force playing a leading role in the violent suppression of pro-democracy protests. Independent: Labour MPs hit out after minister U-turns on Labour pledge to proscribe Iranian Revolutionary Guard Labour MPs have hit out at Sir Keir Starmer’s government over its refusal to proscribe Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terror organisation in the wake of the bloodbath unfolding on the streets of Iran. In 2023, foreign secretary Yvette Cooper – then the shadow home secretary – announced a Labour policy to proscribe the IRGC as criticism mounted over then Tory government’s refusal to do so. The Block: Iran's Revolutionary Guard moved $1 billion through UK-registered crypto exchanges, report finds Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has used two cryptocurrency exchanges registered in the United Kingdom to move approximately $1 billion since 2023, evading international sanctions, according to a new analysis from blockchain intelligence firm TRM Labs reported by The Washington Post. The Guardian: Boy planning terrorist acts wanted ‘white supremacist utopia, Leeds court told A teenage boy alleged to hate Jews and black people gathered weapons and researched local synagogues as he prepared to commit acts of terrorism, a jury has heard. The boy, now 16, from Northumberland, was proud of holding Nazi beliefs and became a member of a banned terror group which had the goal of creating a “white supremacist utopia”, prosecutors said. BBC: Councillor suspended over white supremacist dating site A Conservative councillor has been suspended from the party over her membership of a dating site aimed at white supremacists. Lillith Osborn has represented Glastonbury Town Council in Somerset since 2022 and was named by The Observer as one of 450 UK residents who had profiles on WhiteDate, a whites-only dating website which was recently shut down by a hacker. Jerusalem Post: Jewish MP banned from visiting Bristol school to avoid angering teachers, fellow lawmaker says An anti-Israel campaign to prevent a pro-Israel Labour Parliament Member from visiting a school was revisited with outrage at the Sunday Jewish Labour Movement Conference, when MP Steve Reed related that a Jewish MP had been banned from visiting the institution to avoid angering teachers. Reed said during a panel that he had a "colleague who is Jewish" who had been "refused permission to visit a school in his own constituency in case his presence inflames the teachers." Liverpool Echo: Neo-nazi terrorist and paedophile Jack Renshaw attacked in prison Neo-nazi terrorist and paedophile Jack Renshaw has been attacked in prison, the Ministry of Justice has confirmed. Renshaw, from Skelmersdale, was jailed in 2019 for plotting to kill then-Labour MP Rosie Cooper. Afghanistan Amu: Pakistan says Taliban deny full control over militants using Afghanistan’s territory Pakistan’s federal minister for parliamentary affairs has said the Taliban have not denied that militant groups operate from Afghanistan’s territory against Pakistan, but have instead claimed they lack full control over the Pakistani Taliban, or TTP. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said talks with the Taliban in Doha and Istanbul showed that Taliban officials acknowledged the presence of militant activity, while disputing responsibility for containing it. Amu: Taliban confirm arrest of journalist in northern Afghanistan Taliban police in Afghanistan’s northern Kunduz province have confirmed the arrest of journalist Nazera Rashidi, saying she was detained in connection with what they described as a criminal case, not her media work. In a statement on Monday, the Taliban police command said Rashidi was arrested along with four other women and that the case was unrelated to journalism, adding that she was no longer working with any media outlet. Gaza Strip/West Bank Times of Israel: Hamas seeks to rebuild shattered leadership as it faces postwar uncertainty Hamas is preparing to hold internal elections to rebuild its leadership, decimated by Israel during the war in Gaza, which it sparked by carrying out the October 7, 2023, massacre, sources in the terror group told AFP on Monday. With international powers and Israel pushing for it to be disarmed and have no role in Gaza’s future governance, its new leaders will face an uncertain future. Iran Iran International: Khamenei ordered killings with approval of top state bodies, sources say Information received from the Supreme National Security Council and the presidential office shoes that the nationwide killings during Iran’s latest protests were carried out on the direct order of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with the explicit knowledge and approval of the heads of all three branches of government. The information further indicates that the Supreme National Security Council issued an order for live fire, and that forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Basij were mainly responsible for shooting those killed. Times of Israel: Iran claims to have arrested Israel-linked terrorist groups Iranian security forces claim to have arrested what a state television report describes as terrorist groups linked to Israel in the southeastern city of Zahedan. The report, without providing additional details, says the group entered through Iran’s eastern borders and carried US-made guns and explosives that the group had planned to use in assassinations and acts of sabotage. Shafaq News: Iran: US, Israel deployed ISIS cells inside the country Iran on Tuesday accused the United States and Israel of sending ISIS-linked elements into the country to carry out attacks against civilians and security forces, as nationwide unrest continues to claim more casualties. In remarks reported by Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Abdolrahim Mousavi said the deployment follows what he described as Washington and Tel Aviv's “defeat” in the recent twelve-day war, accusing ISIS of carrying out deadly attacks targeting both citizens and security personnel. Iraq Kurdistan24: Iraq's Hezbollah: We Will Confront Any Aggression Committed Against Iran The Hezbollah Brigades of Iraq (Kata'ib Hezbollah) expressed readiness to support the Islamic Republic of Iran against any form of hostility, according to a statement released by the group’s leadership. Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi, Secretary-General of the Hezbollah Brigades—identified in the report as part of the Iraqi Resistance Front—announced that the group is prepared for “all kinds of cooperation” should Iran face internal or external aggression. Israel Jerusalem Post: Security Cabinet to meet on Phase II of Gaza plan amid ongoing Iran protests, 'Post' learns The Security Cabinet will meet on Tuesday evening to discuss Phase II of the Gaza peace plan, The Jerusalem Post has learned. The discussion comes amid ongoing protests in Iran, which may affect the security implications of advancing the deal's progress. Jerusalem Post: Bill on prosecuting October 7 Nukhba terrorists passes first Knesset reading The Knesset plenum approved in its first reading a bill regulating the prosecution of terrorists who took part in the October 7 massacre overnight on Tuesday. The legislation passed without a single opposing vote. Jerusalem Post: Hamas 'will not give up until last Israeli is gone,' former hostage Eitan Mor says Former hostage Eitan Mor said he was “amazed” by how much intelligence he saw Hamas had on Israel during his time in captivity, adding that the terrorist group had been focused on rebuilding and preparing for further attacks. Jerusalem Post: 'Cool!' Ex-hostages Emily Damari, Romi Gonen recount learning of Hamas leader Sinwar's death Former Hamas hostages Emily Damari and Romi Gonen appeared on the music branch of Army Radio, Galgalatz, on Monday, where they discussed their experiences during their captivity, including when they first learned about Hamas arch-terrorist Yahya Sinwar's death. "We saw Sinwar on TV, in the famous picture of his, with his nice teeth," Damari recalled. Lebanon Naharnet: US labels Lebanon's Jamaa Islamiya a 'foreign terrorist organization' U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has made good on its pledge to label three Middle Eastern branches of the Muslim Brotherhood as "terrorist" organizations, imposing sanctions on them and their members in a decision that could have implications for U.S. relationships with allies Qatar and Turkey. The Treasury and State departments announced the actions Tuesday against the Lebanese, Jordanian and Egyptian chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood, which they said pose a risk to the United States and American interests. Syria Reuters: Syria's Kurds protest Aleppo violence as fears of wider conflict grow Several thousand people marched under the rain in northeast Syria on Tuesday to protest the expulsion of Kurdish fighters from the city of Aleppo the previous week after days of deadly clashes. The violence in Aleppo has deepened one of the main faultlines in Syria, where President Ahmed al-Sharaa's promise to unify the country under one leadership after 14 years of war has faced resistance from Kurdish forces wary of his Islamist-led government. ANHA: Iraqi ISIS mercenary killed during attacks on Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafiyeh An Iraqi ISIS mercenary was killed during attacks by the Turkish-backed mercenaries of the Syrian Interim Government on the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh neighborhoods of Aleppo. Yemen Yemen Online: US Drone Strike Reportedly Kills Two Senior al-Qaeda Members in Marib Yemeni sources reported that a drone strike, believed to be carried out by a U.S. aircraft, targeted a motorcycle in the al-Shabwan al-Samada area of al-Wadi district, eastern Marib, on Sunday evening, killing two senior members of al-Qaeda in Yemen. According to the sources, the two militants were riding the motorcycle when the drone struck, killing them instantly and leaving their bodies in pieces. Local authorities in Marib have not yet issued any statement regarding the attack. Yemen Online: Security Breakdown Exploited by Islah Party (Muslim Brotherhood) in Taiz The city of Taiz is witnessing a serious security breakdown amid the absence of state military institutions and the declaration of a so-called "state of emergency." The situation has reportedly been exploited by the Islah Party, the political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood in Yemen, to settle scores, expand its influence in the city, and suppress voices of freedom. India Afghanistan International: Taliban Appointee Begins Duties At Afghan Embassy In New Delhi A Taliban-appointed diplomat has begun work as the acting head of Afghanistan’s embassy in New Delhi, marking a further step in India’s engagement with the group despite the absence of formal recognition. Noor Ahmad Noor met on Monday with Anand Prakash, head of the Afghanistan and Pakistan desk at India Ministry of External Affairs, according to a statement published by the Afghan embassy. Malaysia Malay Mail: Police keeping an eye on extremist groups exploiting religion for national security Monitoring extremist or militant groups that exploit religion to justify suicide attacks is essential for the country’s security. Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said the Special Branch’s success in detecting and launching large-scale operations against Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) under the Internal Security Act 1960 (ISA) since December 2001 thwarted the group’s violent plans in Malaysia. Australia Australian Broadcasting Corporation: Neo-Nazi group National Socialist Network says it will disband due to proposed hate speech laws Neo-Nazi group the National Socialist Network has announced it will disband in response to proposed new hate speech laws by the federal government. In a statement posted to Telegram, the group announced the closure of the National Socialist Network would also spell the end of "co-projects" White Australia, the European Australian Movement and the White Australia Party. Times of Israel: Australian writers’ festival canceled after booting Palestinian author who lauded Oct. 7 One of Australia’s top writers’ festivals was canceled on Tuesday, after 180 authors boycotted the event and its director resigned in response to the festival disinviting a Palestinian author who praised Hamas’s October 7, 2023, massacre. 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. 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