For many years now, Hezbollah has served as a major instrument of Iran to take over Lebanon, not only as a territory but as a sovereign state. Many Western countries would like to avoid that and invest in the former “Pearl of the Middle East”, led by France. These efforts …

Bottom Line Up Front Iran and its allies in the “Axis of Resistance” likely perceive recent Israeli attacks as an escalation designed to provoke a broader regional confrontation on Israel’s terms.Iran is likely to launch missiles and armed drones at Israel, aiming to cause extensive damage, in contrast to its …

Bottom Line up Front Hamas faces pivotal strategic choices as it chooses a replacement for Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated in Tehran last week, presumably by covert Israeli agents.Haniyeh’s successor will undoubtedly encounter friction from Hamas political and military leaders inside Gaza, as well as political competitors living outside the …