#middle-east-politics

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US army says two navy pilots shot down over Red Sea in friendly fire'

US military investigated a downed F-18 incident, dismissing Houthi claims of hostile attack as a case of friendly fire.
#iran

Iranians see divergent futures in Trump, Harris DW 10/28/2024

Many Iranians favor Trump for US presidency, believing he could instigate fundamental changes in Iran amidst a worsening economic crisis.

How U.S. elections could shape Israel's multifront Middle East war

The U.S. is concerned that Israeli strikes on Iran could escalate tensions before the U.S. elections.

Israel and Iran agree on major Israeli role in Assad downfall

Khamenei blames the US and Israel for supporting the overthrow of Assad, rejecting their involvement in Syria's instability.

Why Bashar al-Assad trembles

The stability of Bashar al-Assad's regime is now challenged due to the diminishing support from Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah.

Reformist clerics imply Iran should back two-state solution for Israel and Palestine

Reformists in Iran are debating the country's stance on recognizing Israel and possibly shifting towards a two-state solution for Palestinian territories.

Iran Is Not Ready for War With Israel

Khamenei's decision to act against Israel was influenced by the need to maintain credibility, despite not wanting a full-blown conflict.

Iranians see divergent futures in Trump, Harris DW 10/28/2024

Many Iranians favor Trump for US presidency, believing he could instigate fundamental changes in Iran amidst a worsening economic crisis.

How U.S. elections could shape Israel's multifront Middle East war

The U.S. is concerned that Israeli strikes on Iran could escalate tensions before the U.S. elections.

Israel and Iran agree on major Israeli role in Assad downfall

Khamenei blames the US and Israel for supporting the overthrow of Assad, rejecting their involvement in Syria's instability.

Why Bashar al-Assad trembles

The stability of Bashar al-Assad's regime is now challenged due to the diminishing support from Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah.

Reformist clerics imply Iran should back two-state solution for Israel and Palestine

Reformists in Iran are debating the country's stance on recognizing Israel and possibly shifting towards a two-state solution for Palestinian territories.

Iran Is Not Ready for War With Israel

Khamenei's decision to act against Israel was influenced by the need to maintain credibility, despite not wanting a full-blown conflict.
moreiran

Syria has always been an Israeli obsession. Now it has unexpectedly given Netanyahu his coveted image of victory | Aluf Benn

Israel captured Mount Hermon in Syria, marking a significant military victory after 14 months of conflict, as symbolized by an iconic photograph.
#syria

Biden Calls Bashar Assad's Fall in Syria a Fundamental Act of Justice'

The collapse of Assad's regime is seen as justice but presents new risks for the Middle East.

Syrian government falls in stunning end to 50-year rule of Assad family

Syrian government overthrown; Assad's 50-year rule ends after a rapid rebel advance into Damascus.

Assad's fall to Islamist rebels in Syria unsettles region's autocrats

Syrian rebels' recent success has rekindled revolutionary fervor reminiscent of the Arab Spring, prompting concern among regional autocrats about potential unrest at home.

Syria's Bashar Assad: Accidental leader and tyrant DW 12/08/2024

Bashar Assad's reign in Syria appears to have ended following his flight to Russia amid a decades-long civil war fueled by internal and external conflict.

Putin has been conspicuously silent about Syria since the collapse of Assad's rule

Putin's silence about Syria reflects Russia's weakened influence after Assad's fall and its focus on Ukraine.

Several countries slam Israeli plans to expand settlements in Syria's Golan

Israel's expansion of settlements in the Golan Heights faces widespread international criticism amid ongoing military actions in Syria.

Biden Calls Bashar Assad's Fall in Syria a Fundamental Act of Justice'

The collapse of Assad's regime is seen as justice but presents new risks for the Middle East.

Syrian government falls in stunning end to 50-year rule of Assad family

Syrian government overthrown; Assad's 50-year rule ends after a rapid rebel advance into Damascus.

Assad's fall to Islamist rebels in Syria unsettles region's autocrats

Syrian rebels' recent success has rekindled revolutionary fervor reminiscent of the Arab Spring, prompting concern among regional autocrats about potential unrest at home.

Syria's Bashar Assad: Accidental leader and tyrant DW 12/08/2024

Bashar Assad's reign in Syria appears to have ended following his flight to Russia amid a decades-long civil war fueled by internal and external conflict.

Putin has been conspicuously silent about Syria since the collapse of Assad's rule

Putin's silence about Syria reflects Russia's weakened influence after Assad's fall and its focus on Ukraine.

Several countries slam Israeli plans to expand settlements in Syria's Golan

Israel's expansion of settlements in the Golan Heights faces widespread international criticism amid ongoing military actions in Syria.
moresyria
#trump-administration

Middle East looks ahead to return of 'dealmaker' Trump DW 11/08/2024

Trump aims to resume Mideast policies focusing on peace between Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah, while promoting the Abraham Accords.

Trump Should Rule Out Israel Annexing the West Bank

Trump's administration may inadvertently support Israeli West Bank annexation, risking regional chaos and undermining U.S. interests.

Foreign students advised to make plans before Trump. And, 2024's final news quiz

Iran's strategic ambitions in the Middle East are jeopardized by the collapse of its ally, Syria.
U.S. colleges are warning international students about potential border issues amid changes in administration.

How will Donald Trump's cabinet picks affect his foreign policy?

Trump's controversial foreign policy nominees signal a hawkish approach, raising concerns about peace efforts.

Elon Musk met with Iran's U.N. ambassador as Tehran may look to ease tension with Trump

Iran sought dialogue with Elon Musk to ease tensions with Trump's incoming administration.

Middle East looks ahead to return of 'dealmaker' Trump DW 11/08/2024

Trump aims to resume Mideast policies focusing on peace between Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah, while promoting the Abraham Accords.

Trump Should Rule Out Israel Annexing the West Bank

Trump's administration may inadvertently support Israeli West Bank annexation, risking regional chaos and undermining U.S. interests.

Foreign students advised to make plans before Trump. And, 2024's final news quiz

Iran's strategic ambitions in the Middle East are jeopardized by the collapse of its ally, Syria.
U.S. colleges are warning international students about potential border issues amid changes in administration.

How will Donald Trump's cabinet picks affect his foreign policy?

Trump's controversial foreign policy nominees signal a hawkish approach, raising concerns about peace efforts.

Elon Musk met with Iran's U.N. ambassador as Tehran may look to ease tension with Trump

Iran sought dialogue with Elon Musk to ease tensions with Trump's incoming administration.
moretrump-administration
#syria-conflict

Israel Is Invading Syria and Destroying Its Defenses Amid National Upheaval

Israel is exploiting Syria's power vacuum after Assad's regime weakened, launching nearly 500 strikes to dismantle its military capabilities.

Syria's Kurds fearful of the future after Islamist rebels seized power

The Kurdish region faces uncertainty following Assad's fall, as new Sunni Arab factions threaten their autonomy and stability in Syria.

The Folly of Ignoring Syria This Long

Ignoring frozen conflicts can lead to sudden escalations and increased global involvement, highlighting the need for proactive diplomatic engagement.

Wednesday Briefing: A Wave of Post-Assad Attacks

Israel claims to have destroyed Syria's navy in airstrikes as part of ongoing military operations targeting chemical weapons.

What's next for Syria's President Bashar al-Assad and his allies?

The rebel offensive in Syria is advancing rapidly after capturing Aleppo, challenging President Assad's regime.

Israel Is Invading Syria and Destroying Its Defenses Amid National Upheaval

Israel is exploiting Syria's power vacuum after Assad's regime weakened, launching nearly 500 strikes to dismantle its military capabilities.

Syria's Kurds fearful of the future after Islamist rebels seized power

The Kurdish region faces uncertainty following Assad's fall, as new Sunni Arab factions threaten their autonomy and stability in Syria.

The Folly of Ignoring Syria This Long

Ignoring frozen conflicts can lead to sudden escalations and increased global involvement, highlighting the need for proactive diplomatic engagement.

Wednesday Briefing: A Wave of Post-Assad Attacks

Israel claims to have destroyed Syria's navy in airstrikes as part of ongoing military operations targeting chemical weapons.

What's next for Syria's President Bashar al-Assad and his allies?

The rebel offensive in Syria is advancing rapidly after capturing Aleppo, challenging President Assad's regime.
moresyria-conflict
#israel

Israeli Officials Embrace Trump Victory, Despite His Unpredictability

Israel's leaders view Trump's victory as a significant boost for their geopolitical interests.

Opinion | Exploring the Failures in the Mideast

Biden faces challenges regarding Israel's actions and Hamas's aggression, impacting the possibility of a peace solution.

Huckabee As Envoy to Israel Spells End of Two-State Solution

Trump's nomination of Huckabee signals strong support for Israeli extremism amidst controversial Middle Eastern politics.

Middle East: Qatar reportedly pulls out of Gaza truce talks DW 11/09/2024

Qatar stops mediating Israel-Hamas talks until both parties demonstrate genuine willingness to negotiate.

October 7: One year on in the Middle East DW 10/04/2024

Saudi Arabia's normalization talks with Israel have stalled due to the Israel-Hamas conflict, complicating regional diplomacy and socioeconomic ambitions.

After Syria: Is there a chance for Iran-US rapprochement?

As Iran's influence declines, opportunities for improving US-Iran relations may arise.

Israeli Officials Embrace Trump Victory, Despite His Unpredictability

Israel's leaders view Trump's victory as a significant boost for their geopolitical interests.

Opinion | Exploring the Failures in the Mideast

Biden faces challenges regarding Israel's actions and Hamas's aggression, impacting the possibility of a peace solution.

Huckabee As Envoy to Israel Spells End of Two-State Solution

Trump's nomination of Huckabee signals strong support for Israeli extremism amidst controversial Middle Eastern politics.

Middle East: Qatar reportedly pulls out of Gaza truce talks DW 11/09/2024

Qatar stops mediating Israel-Hamas talks until both parties demonstrate genuine willingness to negotiate.

October 7: One year on in the Middle East DW 10/04/2024

Saudi Arabia's normalization talks with Israel have stalled due to the Israel-Hamas conflict, complicating regional diplomacy and socioeconomic ambitions.

After Syria: Is there a chance for Iran-US rapprochement?

As Iran's influence declines, opportunities for improving US-Iran relations may arise.
moreisrael
#us-iran-relations

How Close Is Iran to a Nuclear Weapon and What Happens if They Get One?

Iran's nuclear program poses a greater threat than its historical aggressiveness towards the West.
The potential for Iran to develop nuclear weapons is heightened by geopolitical shifts.

For many Iranians, Trump's return intensifies worries about war. Yet some see reasons for hope

The future of U.S.-Iran relations may hinge on Trump's approach, with prospects of war or diplomacy looming.

How Close Is Iran to a Nuclear Weapon and What Happens if They Get One?

Iran's nuclear program poses a greater threat than its historical aggressiveness towards the West.
The potential for Iran to develop nuclear weapons is heightened by geopolitical shifts.

For many Iranians, Trump's return intensifies worries about war. Yet some see reasons for hope

The future of U.S.-Iran relations may hinge on Trump's approach, with prospects of war or diplomacy looming.
moreus-iran-relations

Opinion | Why Al-Assad Fell

The fall of the Assad regime represents a significant victory for the Syrian people and poses new challenges and opportunities for the U.S. and its allies.
#syrian-civil-war

What Is Happening in Syria

The Syrian Civil War has had devastating humanitarian impacts and is affecting global politics, particularly in Europe as refugees increase.
The balance of power in Syria is shifting with recent rebel successes, signaling potential changes in the conflict's trajectory.

What we know about Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the rebel group that led the offensive to oust Syria's leader

Bashar Assad's government has collapsed, ending his 24-year rule amid a surprise offensive by rebel forces in Syria.

What Is Happening in Syria

The Syrian Civil War has had devastating humanitarian impacts and is affecting global politics, particularly in Europe as refugees increase.
The balance of power in Syria is shifting with recent rebel successes, signaling potential changes in the conflict's trajectory.

What we know about Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the rebel group that led the offensive to oust Syria's leader

Bashar Assad's government has collapsed, ending his 24-year rule amid a surprise offensive by rebel forces in Syria.
moresyrian-civil-war
#military-strikes

US announces air strikes on ISIL targets in Syria after al-Assad's fall

US air strikes aim to dismantle ISIS amidst political shifts in Syria after Assad's government collapse.
Biden highlights both risk and opportunity following Assad's fall, seeking cooperative efforts to aid Syria's future.

Measured Comments From Israel and Iran on New Round of Strikes

Iran maintains the right to respond to Israeli airstrikes, but leaders promote a measured approach amid ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire.

US announces air strikes on ISIL targets in Syria after al-Assad's fall

US air strikes aim to dismantle ISIS amidst political shifts in Syria after Assad's government collapse.
Biden highlights both risk and opportunity following Assad's fall, seeking cooperative efforts to aid Syria's future.

Measured Comments From Israel and Iran on New Round of Strikes

Iran maintains the right to respond to Israeli airstrikes, but leaders promote a measured approach amid ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire.
moremilitary-strikes
#donald-trump

Trump's comeback poses challenges for Iran DW 11/08/2024

Trump's second term could lead to a further escalation of tensions with Iran, affecting strategies regarding their nuclear program and regional influence.

Opinion | Thomas Friedman: Trump's Path to a Nobel Peace Prize?

Trump has a historic opportunity to influence peace in the Israel-Gaza conflict, drawing from past proposals.

Iran's currency falls to an all-time low as Trump clinches the US presidency

Iran's currency has hit an all-time low, exacerbating economic challenges amid U.S. sanctions and increasing tensions in the region.

Opinion | How Trump Can Earn a Place in History That He Did Not Expect

Trump's presidency may reshape U.S. involvement in Israeli-Palestinian relations, contingent on his approach and key appointments.

Palestinians Try to Sway Trump, Reaching Out to Tiffany Trump's Relative

Mahmoud Abbas is reshaping his relationship with Donald Trump to influence future peace negotiations amidst ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Trump's comeback poses challenges for Iran DW 11/08/2024

Trump's second term could lead to a further escalation of tensions with Iran, affecting strategies regarding their nuclear program and regional influence.

Opinion | Thomas Friedman: Trump's Path to a Nobel Peace Prize?

Trump has a historic opportunity to influence peace in the Israel-Gaza conflict, drawing from past proposals.

Iran's currency falls to an all-time low as Trump clinches the US presidency

Iran's currency has hit an all-time low, exacerbating economic challenges amid U.S. sanctions and increasing tensions in the region.

Opinion | How Trump Can Earn a Place in History That He Did Not Expect

Trump's presidency may reshape U.S. involvement in Israeli-Palestinian relations, contingent on his approach and key appointments.

Palestinians Try to Sway Trump, Reaching Out to Tiffany Trump's Relative

Mahmoud Abbas is reshaping his relationship with Donald Trump to influence future peace negotiations amidst ongoing conflict in Gaza.
moredonald-trump
#gaza

Will Lebanon Deal Break Gaza Deadlock? Experts Doubt It

Biden's optimism about Gaza peace talks is premature due to Hamas's hostages and Netanyahu's political difficulties.

Opinion | Yahya Sinwar's Death Is a (Tricky) Opportunity

Yahya Sinwar's death brings mixed reactions, highlighting the complexity of Gaza's political landscape and the challenges ahead for peace and stability.

Will Lebanon Deal Break Gaza Deadlock? Experts Doubt It

Biden's optimism about Gaza peace talks is premature due to Hamas's hostages and Netanyahu's political difficulties.

Opinion | Yahya Sinwar's Death Is a (Tricky) Opportunity

Yahya Sinwar's death brings mixed reactions, highlighting the complexity of Gaza's political landscape and the challenges ahead for peace and stability.
moregaza

The World

Wealthy nations committed to $300 billion annually to support the Global South in climate change efforts at COP29.
#biden-administration

Biden issues more Israeli settler sanctions ahead of Trump term

The US imposes new sanctions related to illegal Israeli settlements to combat violence against civilians in the occupied West Bank.

Biden advisers to visit Israel to try to seal a deal to end war in Lebanon

Biden's advisers aim to broker a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah, potentially de-escalating regional conflict.

Biden's betrayal of Israel is clear weakness masquerading as policy

Biden's administration exposes a reactive policy approach undermining US-Israel relations amidst escalating regional conflicts.

Former Army Member Who Resigned Over Gaza Speaks Against US Deployment to Israel

The U.S. is deploying troops to Israel amidst rising tensions with Iran, potentially deepening American involvement in regional conflicts.

Biden issues more Israeli settler sanctions ahead of Trump term

The US imposes new sanctions related to illegal Israeli settlements to combat violence against civilians in the occupied West Bank.

Biden advisers to visit Israel to try to seal a deal to end war in Lebanon

Biden's advisers aim to broker a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah, potentially de-escalating regional conflict.

Biden's betrayal of Israel is clear weakness masquerading as policy

Biden's administration exposes a reactive policy approach undermining US-Israel relations amidst escalating regional conflicts.

Former Army Member Who Resigned Over Gaza Speaks Against US Deployment to Israel

The U.S. is deploying troops to Israel amidst rising tensions with Iran, potentially deepening American involvement in regional conflicts.
morebiden-administration

Iran and Saudi Arabia pursue cautious rapprochement DW 11/10/2024

Iran and Saudi Arabia are cautiously improving relations despite longstanding tensions and conflicts in the region.

Gulf States See Trump as Ally They Can Do Business With

Trump's rapport with Gulf leaders may influence relations if he returns to presidency after the election.
#gaza-conflict

Egypt urges two-day truce as Israel kills 1,000 during northern Gaza siege

Egyptian President el-Sisi proposes a two-day truce in Gaza to facilitate prisoner exchange and potential long-term ceasefire discussions.

Death of Yahya Sinwar would be boost for Netanyahu but may not end war

Yahya Sinwar's death significantly impacts Hamas leadership, recruitment, and the broader conflict in Gaza, with potential realignments in strategy and operations.

What Yahya Sinwar's Death Could Mean for the Gaza Cease-Fire Talks

Sinwar's death may facilitate peace negotiations in Gaza, previously hindered by his hardline stance.

Trump's Win Is Likely to Prolong Gaza Talks Uncertainty

Trump's election victory complicates cease-fire efforts in Gaza.

Egypt urges two-day truce as Israel kills 1,000 during northern Gaza siege

Egyptian President el-Sisi proposes a two-day truce in Gaza to facilitate prisoner exchange and potential long-term ceasefire discussions.

Death of Yahya Sinwar would be boost for Netanyahu but may not end war

Yahya Sinwar's death significantly impacts Hamas leadership, recruitment, and the broader conflict in Gaza, with potential realignments in strategy and operations.

What Yahya Sinwar's Death Could Mean for the Gaza Cease-Fire Talks

Sinwar's death may facilitate peace negotiations in Gaza, previously hindered by his hardline stance.

Trump's Win Is Likely to Prolong Gaza Talks Uncertainty

Trump's election victory complicates cease-fire efforts in Gaza.
moregaza-conflict

Why Saudi-Israeli relations will likely still happen - despite the presidential election's outcome

Peace deal potential between Israel and Saudi Arabia remains strong despite conflict.
Ongoing trade growth among Abraham Accords countries indicates resilience.
Arab delegations' visits to Israel highlight efforts towards normalization.
#hezbollah

What Israel's Assassination of Hezbollah's Leader Means for the Middle East

Nasrallah's death will significantly destabilize Hezbollah and the political landscape of the Middle East.

Hassan Nasrallah obituary

Hassan Nasrallah's death signifies a pivotal shift in the balance of power in the Middle East and Hezbollah's future.

'It's an Earthquake'

Nasrallah's death could signify a potential shift in Lebanon's long-standing political landscape after 30 years.

Hezbollah picks cleric Naim Kassem to lead the Lebanese militant group

Naim Kassem has been chosen as the new leader of Hezbollah, ensuring continuity in the group's policies after Hassan Nasrallah's death.

What Israel's Assassination of Hezbollah's Leader Means for the Middle East

Nasrallah's death will significantly destabilize Hezbollah and the political landscape of the Middle East.

Hassan Nasrallah obituary

Hassan Nasrallah's death signifies a pivotal shift in the balance of power in the Middle East and Hezbollah's future.

'It's an Earthquake'

Nasrallah's death could signify a potential shift in Lebanon's long-standing political landscape after 30 years.

Hezbollah picks cleric Naim Kassem to lead the Lebanese militant group

Naim Kassem has been chosen as the new leader of Hezbollah, ensuring continuity in the group's policies after Hassan Nasrallah's death.
morehezbollah

The Guardian view on foreign powers in Sudan: struggling for advantage while civilians starve | Editorial

Foreign powers are significantly involved in Sudan's civil war, contributing to a humanitarian crisis through arms supplies and support to rival factions.
#hamas

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar is dead. Can Israel seal a hostage deal now?

Yahya Sinwar's death marks a pivotal moment in the conflict, potentially reshaping Hamas leadership and influencing ceasefire negotiations.

Yahya Sinwar, Leader of Hamas, Is Dead

Yahya Sinwar, a key Hamas leader, died after orchestrating a historic and deadly offensive against Israel, reshaping efforts to combat the group.

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar is dead. Can Israel seal a hostage deal now?

Yahya Sinwar's death marks a pivotal moment in the conflict, potentially reshaping Hamas leadership and influencing ceasefire negotiations.

Yahya Sinwar, Leader of Hamas, Is Dead

Yahya Sinwar, a key Hamas leader, died after orchestrating a historic and deadly offensive against Israel, reshaping efforts to combat the group.
morehamas
#benjamin-netanyahu

Israel Has Won the War. Can It Win the Peace?

Netanyahu's government must transform military victories in Gaza into a strategic vision for peace.

Netanyahu Suggests Israel Killed Likely Replacements for Hezbollah's Leader

Israel claims to have targeted key Hezbollah leaders in recent airstrikes, raising tensions and uncertainties in the ongoing conflict.
Netanyahu appeals to Lebanese civilians to distance themselves from Hezbollah, framing the conflict as one against the group's leadership rather than the populace.

Israel Has Won the War. Can It Win the Peace?

Netanyahu's government must transform military victories in Gaza into a strategic vision for peace.

Netanyahu Suggests Israel Killed Likely Replacements for Hezbollah's Leader

Israel claims to have targeted key Hezbollah leaders in recent airstrikes, raising tensions and uncertainties in the ongoing conflict.
Netanyahu appeals to Lebanese civilians to distance themselves from Hezbollah, framing the conflict as one against the group's leadership rather than the populace.
morebenjamin-netanyahu

Avi Shlaim, Israeli-British historian: Netanyahu wants to drag the US into a confrontation with Iran'

Avi Shlaim criticizes the current Israeli government for its extreme right-wing policies and potential plans for ethnic cleansing.

What Was Possible Before October 7th, and What Remains Possible Now

Israel's response to Hamas has escalated regional tensions and lacks a long-term political strategy beyond military actions.

Calls for ceasefire in Gaza, Lebanon as world marks October 7 anniversary

Global protests call for ceasefire as tensions in Gaza and Lebanon heighten amidst a year of conflict.

Gulf leaders support Palestine but many would not mind seeing Israel challenge Iran

Gulf states seek stability through Palestinian statehood amid rising Israeli-Iranian tensions.

Saudi Arabia Pledges to Send Funding for Palestinians

Saudi Arabia is restoring financial aid to the Palestinian Authority, signaling improved relations post-Trump and support for a Palestinian state.
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