Middle East & North Africa
Analysis: Israel Marks One Year Since Oct. 7 Hamas Attack — Larger Implications
On the one-year anniversary of the attacks on October 7, 2023, the ongoing conflict in Gaza continues to shape political dynamics and international advocacy.
Turkish Government Detains Kurdistan Workers’ Party Protesters — Ongoing Tensions
On Oct. 13, Turkish authorities detained 269 individuals suspected to be members of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) across Diyarbakır province in Türkiye.
Growing Conflict Across the Middle East Causes Global Uncertainty in Oil Markets
Speculation of attacks on Iranian oil supplies have caused global oil prices to spike. Fears of disrupted supply have led to sharp price fluctuations, raising concerns of a direct impact on supply and consumer prices.
Israel Assassinates Hezbollah Leader, Iran Responds — Conflict Spreads
Tensions have skyrocketed after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike last week. Hezbollah and its allies vow retaliation, raising fears of a wider conflict as sides exchange strikes, threatening regional stability.
The United States and its Growing Involvement in the Middle East Crisis
As of early October 2024, the United States had approximately 40,000 US military troops stationed throughout the Middle East, with thousands more set to be deployed. This increased US military presence in the region showcases the seriousness of rising tensions from the Israel-Palestine conflict and signals US intentions to become more involve
Getting Warmer... Iran and Israel Tensions Inch Closer to Hot Attacks
Tensions between Israel and Iran finally reached a tipping point on Tuesday Oct. 1, when the latter initiated a missile attack into Israeli territory. There has only been one confirmed death and a handful of minor injuries reported.
Israel Marks One Year Since Oct. 7 Hamas Attack — Larger Implications
On the one-year anniversary of the attacks on October 7, 2023, the ongoing conflict in Gaza continues to shape political dynamics and international advocacy.
Saudi Arabia Launches Global Effort for Israel-Palestine Peace Deal
ISaudi Arabia has led a new global initiative backed by both European and Middle Eastern countries in support of a two-state solution for the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Israel Assassinates Hezbollah Leader, Iran Responds — Conflict Spreads
Tensions have skyrocketed after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike last week. Hezbollah and its allies vow retaliation, raising fears of a wider conflict as sides exchange strikes, threatening regional stability.
Israeli Bulldozers Silently Tear Through the West Bank
Over the past two weeks, bulldozers have been tearing through Tulkarm and Jenin, two cities in the occupied West Bank. This has been silently ongoing, with media coverage being overshadowed by Israel’s clashes with Hezbollah and Hamas.
Houthi Strikes on Israel: Iran's Role in Regional Escalation
Iran is claimed to be negotiating with Russia to supply Yemen’s Houthi rebels with anti-ship missiles, enabling continued attacks on Red Sea shipping and Israel, escalating tensions in the region.
Pager explosions reign in "new era" for Israel’s war against Hezbollah
Pagers exploded simultaneously throughout Lebanon last week on September 17th in a shocking and coordinated attack on the Lebanese group Hezbollah. Though Israel has yet to claim responsibility for the attacks, the country’s involvement has been confirmed by multiple intelligence officials within Israel, including Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who proclaimed that Israel is “at the beginning of a new era in this war.”
US-Egypt Relations Strengthen During Uncertain Times
The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, held a joint press availability with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on Sept. 18, 2024, in Cairo, Egypt to announce the new US-Egypt Strategic Dialogue program. This was Blinken’s 10th visit to the Middle East since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, but unlike other trips to the region, he did not make a stop in Israel. Instead, the main purpose of the visit was to strengthen the long-standing relationship between the US and Egypt.
Pro-Palestine Protests Test Jordan’s Shaky Relationship with Israel
Protests in Jordan against the Israeli war on Gaza have escalated in recent weeks, particularly around the Israeli embassy in the Middle Eastern country’s capital of Amman. Hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists have been arrested, despite the largely peaceful nature of the ongoing demonstrations.
Iran Vows Revenge Against Israel After Embassy strike, Regional Tensions Reach Catastrophic Levels
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei of Iran promised revenge against Israel on Tuesday after an apparent Israeli airstrike on the Iranian embassy complex in the Syrian capital of Damascus. The attack killed 13 people, including General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a top commander in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Hamas-Israel War: Risks of Escalation and Impact on Lebanon
The initial attack launched on Israel on Oct. 7 has affected citizens greatly, involving the deaths of Palestinians and Israelis as well as the brutalization of the environment in both countries. Further escalation is a cause for concern for associations such as the UN and the international community.
US Airstrikes Target Iranian-Backed Groups in Syria
On Nov. 12, the United States carried out two airstrikes in Syria, targeting a training facility near the city of Albu Kamal and a safe house near the city of Mayadeen. The US military said that the strikes were in retaliation for a series of over 50 rocket and drone attacks that left at least 56 US personnel with a “combination of traumatic brain injury and minor injuries.”
Pro-Palestinian Protesters Clash with Police Outside US Military Base in Turkey
On Nov. 5, 2023, thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the Incirlik Air Base in the Adana province of southern Turkey to express disapproval of Israeli attacks harming Gazan civilians and US support for Israel.
Death of Migrant Worker Vergie Tamfungan Raised UAE Labor Law Concerns
The United Arab Emirates government has launched an investigation in response to a report by the Guardian on the suspicious death of Filipina migrant worker Vergie Tamfungan’s death.
Egypt’s Diplomatic Role in Addressing the Israel-Hamas Conflict
As the Israel-Hamas conflict continues, the spotlight has shifted towards Egypt, a country historically significant to the Gaza Strip. While Egypt has had a tumultuous relationship with both Israel and Hamas, it is a key player in addressing the ongoing conflict.