Middle Orient

Houthi attack on Bahrain’s soldiers tests Yemen’s fragile cease-fire, US defense pact

An alleged Houthi drone strike that killed three Bahraini soldiers in Saudi Arabia this week has underscored the limits of Washington’s commitment to Gulf states’ defense. Too close for comfort. Three Bahraini soldiers were killed and a number of others wounded in what Manama said was a Houthi drone attack …

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Does Ankara attack mark strategy shift for Turkey’s PKK?

The attack inside Turkey, the first since 2016 for the PKK, has prompted worries over Washington’s partnership with Syrian Kurds. The outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) carried out a suicide attack on the headquarters of Turkey’s national security directorate in Ankara on Sunday. Does the violence mark a shift in …

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Strategic Inflection Point: The Most Historically Significant And Fundamental Change In Character Of War Is Happening Now—While Future Is Clouded In Mist And Uncertainty – Analysis

Geostrategic competition and rapidly advancing technology are driving fundamental changes to the character of war. Our opportunity to ensure that we maintain an enduring competitive advantage is fleeting. We must modernize the Joint Force to deter our adversaries, defend the United States, ensure future military advantage, and, if necessary, prevail …

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Spotlight on Terrorism: Hezbollah, Lebanon and Syria (September 21-27, 2023)

Overview Tensions on the Israeli-Lebanese border: On September 23, 2023, a Lebanese tractor crossed the border into Israeli territory, in the Har Dov area, and took down a mound erected by the IDF. An IDF force drove it away by throwing stun grenades. According to the Lebanese army, the tractor …

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Saudi-Israel Normalization: Complex Dynamics – OpEd

The issue of normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel has been a hot topic in the Middle East and the world, especially after the speeches of their respective leaders at the UN General Assembly. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his address to UN General Assembly expressed his optimism about …

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Five Israelis, Palestinians charged in Iran spy plot, Shin Bet says

Israel’s security service said it had foiled a plot by five Israelis and Palestinians recruited for Iran to spy on Israeli politicians, including the far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Two Israelis and three Palestinians were charged Thursday for their involvement in a “terror cell” operated by a person living in Jordan …

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Turkey’s European Goals: Prospects and Impediments as Seen From Brussels

Summary:Turkey is pursuing an increasingly autonomous foreign policy while consolidating its centralized system of government. Amid a changing global order, Ankara will need to balance its geopolitical ambitions with its core economic interests and relations with the West. In rather bold fashion, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stole the show …

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Erdogan: Iran ‘views positively’ a land corridor linking Turkey to Azerbaijan

Turkish President Erdogan said Iran, which has opposed a land corridor linking Turkey to Azerbaijan, is now changing its tune. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday that Iran is now warming up to a joint Turkish-Azeri plans to set up a transport corridor connecting Turkey to Azerbaijan via Armenia. …

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Al-Sudani’s Iraq Looks Good Only On Paper – OpEd

During last week’s general debate at the UN General Assembly, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani eagerly outlined his government’s adoption of a meticulously designed program, earmarked with pivotal priorities for swift execution, all aimed at substantially bettering the lives of Iraqi citizens. Among the initiatives are the generation of …

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The India-Middle East-Europe Corridor: Challenges Ahead – Analysis

The India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC), announced during the 2023 G20 Summit, holds significant potential for enhancing economic integration, trade, investments, and fostering cooperation among the participating countries on multiple fronts. This ambitious project aims to establish a seamless trade route connecting India, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Kingdom of …

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