Middle Orient

Iran-Backed Militias Continue to Roil Iraq

Attacks by Iraqi militia, backed by Iran, on protesters and activists are destabilizing Iraq in the run-up to October 2021 national elections. The government of Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi is attempting to marginalize the Iran-backed militias, but only enjoying mixed success. The militias suppress any challenge to their autonomy, their …

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Foreign Ministry: Israel as Dangerous as Daesh or al-Nusra

Syria has renewed its call on the Security Council to assume its responsibilities within the framework of the United Nations Charter and to force the Israeli occupation entity to respect its decisions related to the Separation of Forces Agreement and hold all parties that support terrorism and launch attacks on …

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Outgoing Mossad Chief Hints At Israeli Role In Attacks On Iranian Nuclear Targets

The departing head of Israel’s Mossad intelligence service has hinted at possible Israeli involvement in recent attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities and on an Iranian scientist, though he stopped short of directly claiming responsibility. The statements to Israel’s Channel 12 by Yossi Cohen, broadcast late on June 10, included phrasing …

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Iran, Russia Negotiators Play Down Chances For Quick Nuclear Deal

The Iranian and Russian negotiators meeting in Vienna with global powers played down the hopes for a quick settlement in the talks to revive the 2015 landmark deal that curtailed Tehran’s nuclear programs. Abbas Araqchi, Tehran’s chief negotiator, said late on June 12 that he did not think they could …

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Iranian Militias Arrest Authority Officer and “Nujaba” Militants in Aleppo Countryside

Iran-backed militias have arrested militants from the Nujaba movement near Aleppo, reports Etihad Press. Iranian militias arrested a Damascus regime officer, as well as civilians and several members of the Iraqi “Nujaba” movement, in rural Aleppo. According to the local website Ain Al-Furat, drivers were arrested at a checkpoint held …

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The Syrian Badia Returns to the Forefront: Did ISIS Rebuild its Forces?

The resurgence of the terrorist group in the Syrian desert puts the region again at the forefront of the conflict, according to Baladi News. The Syrian Badia (desert) reclaimed its position at the forefront of hostilities in Syria following the recent return of activities by ISIS’ cells and increased military …

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Another Iraqi intelligence officer killed in Baghdad

The most recent killing is likely meant to undercut Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi’s efforts to curb militias outside the control of the state. For the second time this year, a senior officer of the Iraqi intelligence service has been killed by unidentified gunmen. On June 7, Nibras Farman al-Fayli, assistant …

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Syria rejects US secretary of state’s comments on Golan Heights

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told a House of Representatives committee Monday that Israel “has control” over the territory. The Syrian government criticized US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday for comments the diplomat made about the Golan Heights. Blinken spoke before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on …

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Palestinian officers killed in West Bank firefight with undercover Israeli forces

The two Palestinian officers opened fire on the undercover Israeli forces, reportedly unaware they were conducting a terrorism raid. Three Palestinians, including two members of the Palestinian Authority’s security service, were shot dead in an exchange with Israeli special forces in the early hours of Thursday in the northern West …

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