MiddleEast
Trump’s ability to counter Netanyahu’s spoiler tactics in public may have been key to advancing a ceasefire in Gaza
Trump’s ability to counter Netanyahu’s spoiler tactics in public may have been key to advancing a ceasefire in Gaza President Donald Trump’s ability to counter Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s “spoiler” tactics in public may have been key to advancing a ceasefire in Gaza, which was declared on October 14, 2025. Netanyahu employed “public spoiling” […]
🏛️ Politics
Hamas has run out of options – survival now rests on accepting Trump’s plan and political reform
Hamas has run out of options – survival now rests on accepting Trump’s plan and political reform Hamas has accepted some aspects of President Donald Trump’s peace plan, including handing over administration of the Gaza Strip to a body of independent Palestinian technocrats and releasing all remaining Israeli hostages. Hamas’ military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, […]
🏛️ Politics
UK, France and other Western nations recognize Palestinian state ahead of UN meetings – but symbolic action won’t make statehood happen
UK, France and other Western nations recognize Palestinian state ahead of UN meetings – but symbolic action won’t make statehood happen Western nations such as UK, France, Canada, and Australia have recognized Palestine as a state ahead of UN meetings, marking a significant diplomatic win for the Palestinian cause. The recognition comes despite Israel’s opposition […]
🏛️ Politics
Israel’s attack in Doha underscores a stark reality for Gulf states looking for stability and growth: They remain hostage to events
Israel’s attack in Doha underscores a stark reality for Gulf states looking for stability and growth: They remain hostage to events Gulf states like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are facing challenges to their stability and growth due to events beyond their control, including Israel’s attack on Doha. The Gulf states have invested heavily […]
🏛️ Politics
Israeli strike in Doha crosses a new line from which relations with Gulf may not recover
Israeli strike in Doha crosses a new line from which relations with Gulf may not recover The Israeli airstrike on Doha on September 9, 2025, represents a major escalation in the region and may irreparably damage Israel’s relations with Gulf Arab states. The strike, which killed six people but failed to kill any senior Hamas […]
📰 News
A weakened Iran and Hezbollah gives Lebanon an opening to chart path away from the region’s conflicts − will it be enough?
A weakened Iran and Hezbollah gives Lebanon an opening to chart path away from the region’s conflicts − will it be enough? Lebanon has an opportunity to chart a new path away from regional conflicts due to Iran’s weakened state and Hezbollah’s losses against Israel, which could lead to Lebanon’s increased neutrality. The weakening of […]
🏛️ Politics
Iran emerged weakened and vulnerable after war with Israel − and that could mean trouble for country’s ethnic minorities
Iran emerged weakened and vulnerable after war with Israel − and that could mean trouble for country’s ethnic minorities Iran’s recent war with Israel has left the country weakened and vulnerable, potentially threatening its ethnic minorities. The Islamic Republic’s military power has been significantly diminished, with its soft power also eroding due to a loss […]
🏛️ Politics
What happens next in US-Iran relations will be informed by the two countries’ shared history
What happens next in US-Iran relations will be informed by the two countries’ shared history The US-Iran relationship has been marked by nearly half a century of hostility, starting from Iran’s takeover of the US Embassy in Tehran in 1979 and the taking of 52 diplomatic hostages. The 1979 hostage crisis had a lasting impact […]
🏛️ Politics
Israel-Iran war recalls the 2003 US invasion of Iraq – a war my undergraduate students see as a relic of the past
Israel-Iran war recalls the 2003 US invasion of Iraq – a war my undergraduate students see as a relic of the past The Israel-Iran war has sparked concerns that it may be reminiscent of the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, a war that many young people today see as a relic of the past. The […]
🏛️ Politics
US and Iran have a long, complicated history, spanning decades before US strikes on nuclear sites
US and Iran have a long, complicated history, spanning decades before US strikes on nuclear sites **1953: The Beginning of Hostility** The US overthrew democratically-elected Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadegh in 1953, leading to decades of tension and hostility between the two countries. **1979: Embassy Takeover and Sanctions** Iranian students stormed the US Embassy in Tehran […]
🏛️ Politics