Middle Orient

The dismissal of Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant came at a delicate time, coinciding with polling day in the US elections, between the supposed end of the war in the Gaza Strip and the beginning of another war in Lebanon, and after the security leaks crisis that toppled officials from …

Despite calls for Europe to play a bigger role in transatlantic security, Brussels has been reluctant to embrace NATO ally Turkey as a closer partner in its defense. Two major disruptions are now reshaping the European security paradigm. First, Russia’s full-blown invasion of Ukraine shattered the prevailing wisdom of the …

As the transatlantic allies adapt to Europe’s new geopolitical realities, maintaining unity against Russia will be critical. Türkiye will have a pivotal role to play in this long-term effort. During the Cold War, Türkiye presented itself as the steadfast guardian of Europe’s southern flank against the Soviet threat. It stood …

Russian forces recently advanced during two company-sized mechanized assaults within and south of Kurakhove in western Donetsk Oblast. Geolocated footage published on November 12 indicates that Russian forces recently advanced along Zaporizkyi Street in northeastern Kurakhove during a company-sized mechanized assault.[1] The Ukrainian brigade that defended against the mechanized assault …

Newly-appointed Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reaffirmed that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will continue its operation in Lebanon until it accomplishes its mission.[1] Katz made these comments during a meeting with the IDF General Staff. Katz replaced Yoav Gallant as defense minister on November 8 and was formerly foreign …

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has destroyed the ability of Lebanese Hezbollah to conduct ground attacks into Israel, according to unspecified senior IDF officers.[1] The IDF has conducted clearing operations targeting Hezbollah capabilities and infrastructure across southern Lebanon to this end since October 1. These clearing operations have involved destroying …

Analysis: While the long overdue elections reaffirmed Iraqi Kurdistan’s ruling duopoly, they also highlighted the persistent tensions between the KDP and PUK. Bafel Talabani paced the stage during a recent pre-election rally and railed against his rivals as the sun set over Dukan Lake. The crowd in front of him …

Israel isn’t just eradicating Hezbollah in Lebanon, it’s collectively punishing Lebanon’s destitute Shia community, say Dima El-Ayache and Karim Safieddine. On September 17, Israel detonated thousands of pagers across Lebanon in public spaces, private workplaces, and homes, marking one of the biggest criminal attacks in recent Lebanese history. Before this …

Israeli strikes killed dozens of people including children on Sunday in Lebanon and isolated northern Gaza, as the world watched for signs of how the U.S. election might affect the wars between Israel and Iranian-backed militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he has spoken …

Notably, Israel’s announcement of the arrest of a figure in Quneitra coincided with a kidnapping operation in the Batroun area of northern Lebanon, which targeted a “senior member” of Lebanese Hezbollah. On Sunday, the Israeli occupation revealed details of a kidnapping operation conducted by a commando unit two months ago …