Middle Orient

Iran Update, May 14, 2024

Israeli forces expanded clearing operations on May 14 into areas of Jabalia refugee camp that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had not previously cleared. Two IDF brigades advanced into the center of the Jabalia refugee camp.[i] Israeli forces initially conducted clearing operations in Jabalia city and refugee camp in November …

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Iran Update, May 12, 2024

Key Takeaways: Northern Gaza Strip: Israeli ground forces advanced into Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip.Southern Gaza Strip: Israeli forces continued a “precise operation” targeting Hamas in eastern Rafah.West Bank: Israeli forces have engaged Palestinian fighters in at least three locations in the West Bank.Southern Lebanon and Golan Heights: Iranian-backed …

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Russia Removes Guards From Armenian-Azerbaijani Border, But Not From Borders With Iran And Turkey, Kremlin Says – OpEd

At Yerevan’s request and in a way consistent with Moscow’s withdrawal of its so-called “peacekeepers” from Azerbaijani territory, the Russian government has removed Russian border guards from the Armenian-Azerbaijani frontier but not from Armenia’s borders with Iran and Turkey, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov says. Russia has maintained border posts in …

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Deterrence, Escalation Management And The Iran-Israel Conflict – Analysis

On 13 April 2024, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched an aerial attack on Israel involving over 300 drones, cruise and ballistic missiles. Israel and its Western allies including the United States, the United Kingdom, France and neighbouring Jordan were able to organise a coordinated defence using fighter jets, …

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The Economic Implications Of Turkey’s Trade Boycott On Israel And Beyond – OpEd

In a surprising turn of events, the Turkish economy has delivered a significant blow to its Israeli counterpart, sending shockwaves through the region and global markets. The escalating tensions between the two nations fueled by political and diplomatic disputes have now manifested in the economic realm with far-reaching consequences. Deteriorating …

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Spotlight on Terrorism: Hezbollah, Lebanon and Syria (May 6-12, 2024)

This past week Hezbollah claimed responsibility for 46 attacks on military and civilian targets in northern Israel. In two of the attacks, three IDF soldiers were killed. Following the beginning of the IDF operation in Rafah, Hezbollah escalated its attacks, including the use of heavy Burkan rockets (whose warheads weigh …

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Syrians in Lebanon Confirm Cancellation of Temporary Residency Under “Sponsorship” System

According to statements provided to Athr Press by multiple tourist agencies in Beirut, the issuance and renewal of temporary personal residencies for Syrians, under sponsorship, have been halted Numerous Syrians residing in Lebanon and various tourist agencies have corroborated reports that temporary residences, commonly known as personal sponsorships for Syrians …

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Escalating Bread, Electricity, and Fuel Crises in SDF-Controlled Areas: The Latter Justifies

Residents of the governorates are voicing grievances, particularly regarding the exorbitant pricing of bread, according to the Eye of Euphrates Network. The dire living conditions and soaring prices in eastern Deir-ez-Zor have reached critical levels, exacerbated by apparent deliberate cuts in essential services, including healthcare, education, and public utilities, coupled …

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Syria Today – Damascus Tehran Ties Under Test; Rare Moments of Joy in al-Hol

Asharq al-Awsat has published a long report on the possibility of deterioration in the Syrian-Iranian relationship. It appears, according to the report, that the war on Gaza has impacted Iran’s military deployment in Syria. Local sources said Tehran has started to put in place plans for the relocation of Iranian …

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Who is Behind the Postponement of Arab Liaison Committee Meeting on Syria?

Al-Modon reported, citing a reliable source, that Jordan played an important role in the postponement of the Arab Liaison Committee on Syria Al-Modon reported, citing a reliable source, that Jordan played an important role in the postponement of the Arab Liaison Committee on Syria, originally scheduled for Wednesday. The source …

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