When the Saudi-led coalition launched military operations against the Houthi insurgents on March 26, 2015, all of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, except for Oman, joined the multinational force. As has become clear, each of the Arab Gulf sheikdoms has its own national interests and unique history of relations …
Read More »Yearly Archives: 2020
The Black Sea: Economic Region or Intersection?
For those who study the countries and regions that surround it, the Black Sea is many things — a global trade thoroughfare, a zone of contestation, a cradle of civilizations, and a dying ecosystem. But, curiously, one of the more opaque factors is whether the Black Sea region — the …
Read More »In historic deal with the UAE, Israel is the biggest winner
No matter how one reads the diplomatic deal announced Thursday between Israel and the United Arab Emirates—and there will surely be many supporters and detractors given its historic nature—there is one conclusion that seems irrefutable: Israel was the biggest victor.
Read More »Turkey says operations against Kurdish militants in Iraq to continue, urges Baghdad to cooperate
Turkey will continue its cross-border operations against Kurdish militants in northern Iraq if Baghdad continues to overlook the militants’ presence in the region, the foreign ministry said on Thursday, urging Iraqi authorities to cooperate with Ankara.
Read More »Lithuania recognizes Hezbollah as a terrorist organization
People affiliated with Hezbollah have been banned from entering Lithuania for 10 years. The Lithuanian government has designated Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, it announced Thursday.
Read More »As the US moves out of Afghanistan, Iran cements ties with the Taliban and officials
As the United States draws down its troops from the conflict-beleaguered Afghanistan, cracks are emerging that neighboring Iran is entrenching itself into – shoring up ties with formal government officials and ethnic minorities, as well as the Taliban and disgruntled new Taliban offshoots.
Read More »ISIS Redux: The Central Syria Insurgency In July 2020
Following is the July installment of “ISIS Redux: The Central Syria Insurgency,” a monthly update on the ongoing attacks by the terrorist group ISIS in central Syria. The June update can be read here, the May update can be read here, the April update here, and a full background and …
Read More »Reforming Lebanon must start by putting Hezbollah in its place
Last week’s blast in Beirut, one of the most powerful non-nuclear explosions in history, has destroyed lives and devastated a city. It has also sharply intensified demands for change in a country that desperately needs fundamental reform.
Read More »Assassinations Highlight Security Challenges for US-Backed Forces in Eastern Syria
Tensions are flaring in an eastern Syria province after the assassinations of several powerful Arab tribal leaders, with U.S.-backed forces accusing Islamic State (IS) sleeper cells and Syrian government proxies of carrying out such attacks to cause instability in the former IS stronghold.
Read More »Explosions Hit U.S. Coalition Supply Convoys in Iraq: Sources and Military Say
At least two explosions have hit convoys supplying U.S.-led coalition forces in Iraq in the last 24 hours, security sources said, the first on Monday evening near the southern border with Kuwait and the second on Tuesday north of Baghdad.
Read More »