Latest Articles about Middle East
Brief: Attacks on Israelis Abroad Spike After Start of War in Gaza
Since the launch of Israel’s invasion of Gaza after Hamas’s massacre of Israelis living in nearby towns on October 7, various Muslim and pro-Palestinian left-wing groups have rallied to support the Palestinian side. These rallies have seen some clashes with police and property damage alongside... MORE
Brief: Rising Risk of Radicalization in Indonesia Following Outbreak of Israel-Hamas War
In January 2016, then-vice president of Indonesia, Jusuf Kalla, held a press conference in Jakarta to announce the opening of the Indonesian Hospital in Gaza. The hospital was intended to be a symbol of “Muslim unity” between the world’s most populous Muslim country, Indonesia, and... MORE
Kidnapping of Elizabeth Tsurkov Opens Window into Iraqi Shia Militia Politics
Months after she was kidnapped in Baghdad, Russian-Israeli researcher and activist Elizabeth Tsurkov appeared in a video released on Iranian-backed Iraqi Shia militias’ media platforms. In the video she spoke in Hebrew and stated she was an agent of both the US’s Central Intelligence Agency... MORE
Hezbollah’s Balancing Act: Between Hamas’s Ambitions and Strategic Reality
Hamas has claimed responsibility for two rocket attacks on northern Israel from Lebanon this year, one of which occurred after the group’s massacre of Israelis on October 7. These were launched from bases in southern Lebanon under the control of Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah (Anadolu... MORE
Expiration of UN Missile Sanctions Has Limited Effect on Iran’s Arms Trade
While much of the world’s attention was focused on the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, the UN Security Council’s sanctions on the development and export of Iranian missiles quietly expired on October 18 (Amwaj.media, October 22). The sanctions were part of UN Security Council Resolution... MORE
Russian Influence Diminished in Remaking the Middle East
The Kremlin has welcomed the Israel-Hamas truce in Gaza that began on November 24. The pause, however, does not fit into Russia’s larger designs for the Middle East. From Moscow's perspective, further escalation would have been a much better option in disrupting the US-led world... MORE
Chinese PSCs: Achievements, Prospects, and Future Endeavors
Executive Summary Along with their clear internal (domestic) needs, Chinese private security companies (PSCs) have been spotted operating in virtually all major regions around the world. These entities currently play a marginal role in the promotion and protection of Chinese interests abroad, though they will... MORE
Brief: Western Far-Right Aligns with Pro-Palestinian Activists After Hamas’ 10/7 Attacks
Since the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israeli military bases, towns, and kibbutzim near the Gaza Strip, Israel has responded with massive air and ground campaigns in Gaza to eliminate Hamas members and uncover their underground hideouts (Al Jazeera, October 7). The resulting deaths of... MORE
Hezbollah’s Calculations in the Israel-Hamas War in Gaza
When the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out in October, one of the questions asked was whether Lebanese Hezbollah would open a second front against Israel. Like Hamas, Hezbollah is a member of the Iran-led “Axis of Resistance,” which includes several non-state militant actors and governments, including... MORE
Regime Change in Gaza: Trajectories for a Post-Hamas Future
The deadly October 7 Hamas operation was designed to use shock and terror to force a change in the status and future of Gaza’s Palestinian population. In this regard, the operation has been successful—life in Gaza will never be the same. According to Israeli authorities,... MORE