Middle Orient

An important story that could have implications for Middle East security is not getting the attention it deserves: the future of the US military presence in Iraq, where about 2,500 American troops are stationed. They are part of an international operation to prevent the resurgence of Daesh. A significant portion …

Hamas has continued to exploit Israeli hostages in an information operation likely in order to increase pressure on Israel to accept a ceasefire-hostage agreement. Hamas likely calculates that this effort could create more favorable terms for Hamas in such an agreement while weakening the Israeli state. Hamas continued to insist …

American and Iraqi commandos raided several Islamic State hide-outs in western Iraq last week, killing at least 14 ISIS fighters in one of the most sweeping counterterrorism missions in the country in recent years. Seven U.S. soldiers were injured as more than 200 troops from both countries, including backup forces, …

Three decades have passed since Hassan Nasrallah came into power as the general secretary of Hezbollah, shortly after the elimination of Abbas al-Musawi. Over the years there have been several attempts to outline his personality, all of which clearly missed the true story behind this infamous terrorist, and in some …

On August 30, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Finance Samir Sharifov participated in a panel discussion titled “Middle Corridor: Reshaping the Euro-Asia Connectivity,” as part of the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) annual meetings in Tbilisi, Georgia. This indeed highlights a significant economic development initiative poised to enhance regional connectivity and energy efficiency. …

Elections aren’t until Oct. 20, but disinformation campaigns are in full swing. Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region will hold elections on Oct. 20. Although the formal campaign has not yet begun, the so-called “shadow media” is already in full swing spreading disinformation, promoting political spin, and attacking rivals. One post claims …

Ankara signed a long-term LNG deal with ExxonMobil in May, as it looks to buy alternative gas supplies to Russia amid rising domestic demand. State-owned Turkish energy company the Turkish Petroleum Pipeline Corporation (BOTAS) and Shell signed a 10-year supply agreement for 4 billion cubic meters of liquefied natural gas …

It Is Time for Netanyahu to Take Yes for an Answer As U.S. negotiators press for an agreement between Israel and Hamas that would exchange hostages for a cease-fire before events ignite a wider war, will Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accept what could be a historic strategic victory for …

The Masoud Pezeshkian administration is continuing to signal its willingness to pursue nuclear negotiations with the West. Iranian media reported on September 2 that Foreign Affairs Minister Abbas Araghchi appointed Majid Takht Ravanchi as deputy foreign affairs minister for political affairs.[1] Araghchi has not officially announced Ravanchi’s appointment at the …

Since the outbreak of the Gaza war, the Assad regime has seen measured advances in its situation that fall well short of real success. The war in Gaza has had a paradoxical effect on Syria and the Assad regime in Damascus. Escalating tensions between Iran and Israel in the shadow …