Middle East & North Africa
Lebanon’s Hezbollah Announces Naim Qassem as New Leader
Lebanese militant group Hezbollah recently announced the election of 71-year-old Naim Qassem — Hezbollah’s long-time deputy secretary general — as the group’s new chief leader last week.
US-Led Coalition in Iraq to Enter Transition Period in Fall of 2025
Discussions of a transition period for the anti-ISIS US-led coalition in Iraq have been underway. If given the green light, this anticipated transitional period would introduce reductions in the 2,500 troops stationed in Iraq between September 2025 and the winter of 2026.
Leaked Documents Reveal Israel's Intentions for Retaliation Against Iran Amid Rising Tensions
US investigators are inspecting how a pair of highly classified intelligence documents leaked online. The two documents that surfaced on the messaging platform Telegram last Friday purportedly detail a US assessment of Israel's plans to strike Iran.
Yahya Sinwar’s Death and the United States’ Push to End the Middle East Crisis
On Oct. 16, 2024, Yahya Sinwar, the leader of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), was killed by the Israeli military.
Israel and UN at Odds After Peacekeepers Targeted
Israel has targeted United Nations (UN) peacekeepers in Southern Lebanon in recent attacks, injuring several and forcing entry into UN bases.
Opinion: Iran’s Response to Israel was Expected, Preventable, Retaliatory
On Tuesday, October 1, Iran launched around 180 missiles into Israel. These strikes are a direct response to escalations between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah, one of Iran’s regional proxies. Iran stated that the missile attacks were a result of a string of recent killings by Israel, particularly Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran this July.
Diplomacy and Division: The US Role in the Middle East Conflict and Its Political Fallout
Conflict in the Middle East has thrust the United States into a diplomatic and strategic high-wire act that is becoming increasingly central to the 2024 presidential election.
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.”