Middle Orient

Israel must remove Iran’s nuclear insurance policy

There is now an understanding that in the post-October 7 realities that Israel must face, there is an imperative to deprive Iran of using its insurance policy as a shield. If the Islamic Republic of Iran decides to dash to a nuclear weapon, it will likely activate Tehran’s formidable insurance …

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The betrayal of British Kurds

This week, two activists are facing trial under the UK’s Terror Act for the “crime” of holding a flag at a demonstration. But this wasn’t a Palestinian flag, which former Home Secretary Suella Braverman has said could be a criminal offence. It was Kurdish. Though troubling, this assault on free …

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Iran’s Strikes Into Pakistan ‘Sent Strong Message’ to US, Israel and Their Terror Proxies

The IRGC bombarded bases belonging to the Jaish ul-Adl terrorist militia group in a remote area of Pakistan on Tuesday, with the strikes coming less than 24 hours after separate Iranian attacks on jihadist and Mossad targets in Syria and Iraq. Sputnik asked veteran political analyst Mohammad Marandi about the …

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Russia’s Outrage Over U.S. Strikes Against Houthis Is Just Bluster

Moscow has little to gain from a major flare-up in the Red Sea, which means Washington’s efforts to stop Houthi attacks on shipping are likely to be quietly welcomed. Predictably, Russia has been deeply critical of strikes by the United States and the United Kingdom against Yemen’s Houthi militia, which …

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The battle to save Jerusalem’s Armenian Quarter

In-depth: Armenian lawyers and the diaspora community in Jerusalem are uniting their efforts to push back against secretive Israeli land deals. Yerevan, Armenia – There are mounting concerns in Armenia regarding a controversial land lease agreement in East Jerusalem’s Armenian Quarter, with many fearing the issue goes well beyond just …

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Syria Insight: Captagon drug trade sees tense stand-off with Jordan

In a sign of mounting concern about the inflow of captagon into Jordan – a highly addictive amphetamine – Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi recently spoke with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian to find ways to tackle the trade, according to unofficial reports. The fact that Syria and Iran’s borders lie …

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After the Islamic State attack, how thick are Iran’s red lines?

The Kerman attack exposes gaping holes in Iran’s security policy, but leaders continue to fan regional flames with hollow threats, writes Ahmet Furkan Ozyakar. The suicidal terrorist attack that took place on 3rd January in Kerman, located in the southeast of Iran, was the most violent and deadly incident in …

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Experts react: What’s really going on with Pakistan and Iran exchanging attacks?

On Tuesday, Iran used missiles and drones to strike western Pakistan near Koh-e-Sabz. On Thursday, Pakistan conducted airstrikes in southeastern Iran near Saravan, then released a statement claiming that “Iran is a brotherly country.” More than a sibling squabble is going on here. Iran and Pakistan were apparently targeting hideouts …

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Turkey: bodyguard of Hamas leader suspected of being an Israeli agent

33 individuals suspected of working for the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad have recently been arrested in Turkey Turkish authorities have recently arrested 33 individuals suspected of being part of an espionage operation working for Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency. Media outlets in Turkey have suggesting that the spy network aimed to …

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Iran’s attacks on Kurdistan region and Pakistan escalate Tehran’s threats

The overall message of Iran is that it will continue to carry out attacks where it pleases. Iran doubled down on its decision to launch attacks against Iraq and Pakistan over the last few days. Iran’s Ministry of Defense said Iran has a right to protect itself, claiming the attacks …

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