Middle Orient

Syrians north of Aleppo prepare for Turkish military operation

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s pledge to carry out a new military operation on Turkey’s southern border sparked speculations as to the possible targets, which could include towns such as Tel Rifaat, Manbij and Kobani. Two days after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced a plan for a military operation, …

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The stumbling blocks facing Turkey’s new operation plan in Syria

Kobani, Manbij and Tel Rifaat stand out as the main targets in a prospective new Turkish operation in northern Syria, but Erdogan might narrow his objectives to avoid tensions with the United States. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has raised the prospect of a fresh military operation in Syria, trying …

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The ball is in court of Sweden and Finland on terrorism

Russia’s attempt to invade Ukraine turned Europe’s perception of security upside down. Countries that have pursued a pacifist and neutral foreign policy for years are on the alert now. Among them are Sweden and Finland. These two countries quickly found a solution against Russian aggression by entering under the umbrella …

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Defying US, Turkey says doesn’t need ‘permission’ to launch new offensive in Syria

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has defied a warning from the United States about launching a new offensive into northern Syria. Erdogan said on Monday Turkey will not wait for Washington’s “permission” to launch a new military operation inside the Arab country. “One cannot fight terrorism while waiting for the …

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Top cmdr. visits new secret underground base as Iran displays new drone, missile

Iran’s most senior military commander visits one of the Army’s secret underground bases, which houses a huge fleet of cutting-edge Iranian drones. During his visit on Saturday, Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri got a first-hand account of the Iranian Army’s …

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UN Resolution 181 must be repealed: The creation of Israel and the partition of Palestine was a terrible mistake

It was understandable why, on 29 November, 1947, the United Nations (UN) passed Resolution 181, partitioning Palestine and creating a Jewish state. In the wake of the Holocaust, there was a widespread sentiment that there should be some form of recompense to the Jews, even if it came at the …

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Iran Expands its Diplomatic Options

Iranian leaders are exchanging a wide range of visits with regional leaders to break Tehran out of its isolation. Syrian President Bashar Al Assad’s visit to Iran represents his attempt to consolidate outside support amid Russia’s distraction with its war against Ukraine. Gulf state leaders are pressing Tehran to compromise …

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Iranian Protesters Are Angry About More Than Just Food Prices

Since early May, Iran has been rocked by protests over a precipitous rise in food prices, triggered by the government’s decision to cut existing subsidies on food products. Since then, prices have gone up dramatically, with staples such as imported wheat increasing by up to 300 percent and cooking oil …

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Sweden and Finland’s NATO Bids Hit a Roadblock Named Erdogan

As of last week, NATO seemed well on its way to expanding, when Finland and Sweden formally submitted their applications for membership. When they officially join, becoming the 31st and 32nd member of the alliance, it could potentially mark the fastest accession process in the alliance’s history. This is reflective …

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Playing Games In NATO, Turkey Eyes Its Role In A New World Order

NATO’s spat over Turkish opposition to Swedish and Finnish membership is about more than expanding the North Atlantic military alliance. It’s as much about Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s immediate political goals as Turkey’s positioning itself in a new 21st-century world order. On its surface, the spat is about Turkish …

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