Middle Orient

Iranian Politics and Strategy Complicate Response to Haniyeh Killing

The July election of reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian and historic fears of conflict with the U.S. military have delayed or derailed an Iranian retaliatory attack on Israel. Iranian leaders appear willing to trade a military response to the killing in Tehran of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh for an indirect seat …

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The Impact of Syrian Labor Migration on the Turkish Economy: Challenges and Alternatives

In Istanbul and other major cities, industrial projects have been particularly affected by the departure of Syrians, according to al-Araby al-Jadeed. Turkey has recently experienced the departure of hundreds of thousands of Syrians who were a significant part of the country’s workforce. This mass migration has affected various economic sectors, …

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Akhras and Otari Instead of Makhlouf: Emirati-Iranian Rivalry for Influence in Syria

An Iranian newspaper expressed surprise at the repeated assassinations of leaders within the axis of resistance in Syria, according to Syria TV. An Iranian newspaper with reformist leanings has highlighted the intensifying internal conflict and competition among the ruling economic factions in Syria, particularly those connected to the Damascus regime. …

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Strategically Important Step: US Supplies SDF with Avenger Air Defense System

This development aligns with shifts in U.S. foreign policy, particularly as the United States aims to reduce its direct military involvement in the Middle East, Damas Post writes. The training of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on Avenger air defense systems by U.S. forces in northeastern Syria represents a significant …

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Turkey-Iraq Relations: A New Beginning Or A False Spring? – OpEd

Iraq is the fifth richest country in the world in terms of oil resources. Almost 10 percent of global reserves are located within the borders of this country. With approximately 5 percent of global oil production, it is a pivotal player in the global energy market. Moreover, although it does …

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Why are Palestinian armed groups in Gaza resuming ‘suicide operations’ against Israel?

“The Palestinian resistance resorted to suicide operations as a response to the US and international collusion with Israel…” one analyst said. The Palestinian armed resistance groups decided to resume “suicide operations” within Israeli territories, signalling a new phase in the fighting as Israel’s genocidal war continues past its tenth month. …

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Turkey’s Threat to Block NATO Cooperation with Israel

On July 12, at the NATO summit in Washington, Turkey threatened to take steps to exclude Israel from all cooperation with NATO. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said that “until comprehensive, sustainable peace is established in Palestine, attempts at cooperation with Israel within NATO will not be approved by Turkey.” This …

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Israel and the Axis of Resistance in the wake of the Gaza war

Nearly a year on from Hamas’ Oct. 7 offensive against Israel, Israel’s strategic environment — and indeed the strategic landscape of the wider Middle East — has changed profoundly. Hamas’ astounding surprise attack touched off a destructive war with Israel and a limited but fierce regional conflagration between Israel and …

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Iran’s Border Wall: A Shield Against Terror? – OpEd

Iran’s recent decision to construct a 295 km wall along its border with Afghanistan is a stark reminder of the regional and global anxieties surrounding the rise of terrorism under Taliban rule. This wall is not just a physical barrier but a symbol of Iran’s growing concerns about the spread …

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Revisionist Zionists Dare US To Pull Plug On Their Nakba Agenda – OpEd

Israelis have been deeply divided these last years, unable to coalesce around a government. After five general elections, they decided to dismiss the Lapid/Gantz team and to put a new coalition – formed around Netanyahu and small Jewish supremacist parties – into power. However, soon after the formation of the …

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