The hottest Middle East Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics

The Tag Team Fails in Iran

John’s Substack • 28 implied HN points • 20 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Middle East
  1. The US and Israel ran a coordinated campaign — sanctions, covert agents, Starlink support, and plans for military action — intended to produce regime change in Iran. That effort failed when Iran suppressed the protests and cut off the communications that sustained them.
  2. Western and Israeli media presented the protests as mainly an internal popular uprising and downplayed foreign interference, which helped legitimize the campaign and shape public perception. This framing obscured the reported role of outside backing and violent agitators.
  3. The 12-Day war and the US strike on Iran’s nuclear sites did not deliver a clear, lasting victory for Israel or the US, and Iran still retains missile capabilities and the ability to rebuild parts of its nuclear program. The failed campaign may increase Iran’s incentive to seek a stronger deterrent.

A Deep Dive on Iran

John’s Substack • 11 implied HN points • 14 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Middle East
  1. A recent Netanyahu–Trump meeting disappointed Israeli expectations and revealed tensions between allies.
  2. There is no clear or credible military strategy to win a war against Iran, making any such plan highly risky and uncertain.
  3. Many experts are overconfident, claiming the US can easily solve the Iran problem by force and that Ukraine has the upper hand against Russia, despite evidence to the contrary.

Israel's 9/11

Castalia • 619 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Middle East
  1. The attack on Israel is being compared to 9/11, marking a significant and tragic shift in the region's dynamics. This event signals a move away from a long-term cease-fire and the hopes for better relations in the Middle East.
  2. As a result of the attack, there is a global understanding that the world might be entering a new era of chaos, where traditional power structures are challenged. Countries are reacting to events like these in ways that break from established norms.
  3. It’s important for Israel to handle the aftermath wisely, avoiding the mistakes made by the U.S. after 9/11. Maintaining perspective and understanding the complexity of politics will be key in navigating this new reality.
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Another War for Israel?

John’s Substack • 11 implied HN points • 13 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Middle East
  1. Trump appears to be seeking a negotiated deal with Iran to avoid using military force, focusing on limits to Iran's nuclear program rather than its full dismantlement.
  2. Israel, led by Netanyahu, demands total elimination of Iran's enrichment, long-range missiles, and support for proxies. It rejects limited agreements like the JCPOA, creating sharp friction with the U.S. approach.
  3. Pro-Israel forces in the U.S. are likely to push Trump toward military action despite it not being in American national interest, while Trump lacks a realistic way to force Israel's maximal demands on Iran.

Bearing Witness to Gaza (audio dispatch 14)

The Joyous Struggle • 355 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East
  1. When discussing complex issues like the situation in Israel and Gaza, it's important to move beyond simplistic notions of 'goodies and baddies' and approach conversations from a more mature and nuanced perspective.
  2. Understanding different perspectives and historical contexts is crucial in comprehending complex conflicts like the one in Israel and Gaza, and it can help in fostering empathy and effective communication.
  3. Engaging in continual learning, having epistemic humility, and staying politically engaged are essential for the health of open societies and for citizens to understand complex global issues like the situation in Gaza and The Hague.

"Islamic Terrorists" on the Rio Grande? Truth and Myths.

CrashOut by Ioan Grillo • 511 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Middle East
  1. Exaggerated claims exist about jihadists crossing the border, but history shows Islamic terrorist groups in Latin America cannot be ignored.
  2. There have been confirmed cases of members of designated Islamic terrorist groups successfully crossing the southern border with credible links between drug traffickers and jihadists.
  3. While most terror attacks on U.S. soil since 9/11 have been by Americans, there is still a real history of incidents involving terrorists in Latin America and potential threats from jihadist connections in Mexico.

The Stone Rejected By the Builders

Gideon's Substack • 9 implied HN points • 17 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Middle East
  1. Arab parties now hold the balance of power and can be the deciding votes for any government that wants to exclude the far right. Without their participation, centrist and left blocs often can’t reach a majority.
  2. Including Arab parties is politically risky because many Jewish voters distrust Palestinian representatives after recent violence and security failures, and embracing them could provoke a backlash. Still, refusing to engage them makes it much harder to dislodge the extreme right and risks cementing harmful policies.
  3. Genuine political integration of Palestinian citizens is both a democratic necessity and the most realistic path toward resolving the wider conflict. Their non‑Zionist identity shouldn’t disqualify them, because inclusion would model coexistence and block exclusionary visions.

Gaza’s Hunger Games

The Chris Hedges Report • 316 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Middle East
  1. Starvation is being used as a weapon against Palestinians. This tactic aims to destroy their ability to sustain themselves and force them to leave their homes.
  2. People are facing extreme dangers while trying to access food. Many risk their lives to reach aid hubs, often facing gunfire and trampling in desperate crowds.
  3. The current situation in Gaza is pushing people into a state of extreme dependence and humiliation, as aid is tightly controlled and often withheld.

What happened to the Gaza peace plan?

Comment is Freed • 62 implied HN points • 06 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Middle East
  1. The peace plan is moving toward a second stage with an International Stabilisation Force meant to demilitarize Gaza, secure borders, and protect civilians, and detailed planning is already happening at a US-led coordination center.
  2. Political problems are blocking progress — the unrecovered remains of an Israeli and a dispute over whether the Rafah crossing should be two‑way are stalling implementation and complicating the return of Palestinian governance.
  3. Practical preparations (military specialists, NGOs, and EU oversight of crossings) exist, but growing violence, Israeli political disunity, and doubts about the ISF’s mandate threaten the plan’s momentum.

Saudi, Islam, Russia

Diane Francis • 799 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🌍 World Politics Middle East
  1. Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince MBS is a powerful player in global politics. He manages relationships with many major countries while balancing conflicts and alliances.
  2. MBS invited Ukraine's President Zelensky to speak about the struggles of Muslims under Russian control. This could change how Arab nations view their ties with Russia.
  3. MBS has increased Saudi wealth due to rising oil prices from the Ukraine conflict. His ambitious projects and power make him a key figure to watch in international affairs.

The UN’s Terrorism Teachers

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2109 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East
  1. The United States and other nations have halted funding for UNRWA due to accusations of staff involvement in attacks, supported by evidence provided by organizations like UN Watch.
  2. There are concerns about the escalating conflict with Hezbollah in northern Israel, potentially surpassing the intensity of the current conflict with Hamas.
  3. There are conflicting policies in the U.S. government regarding Iran, with diplomatic efforts for a nuclear deal while military tensions rise in regions like Iraq, Syria, and Yemen.

Antony Blinken, Undertaker for the Empire

History's Parrot • 294 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East
  1. Antony Blinken is facing challenges as the Secretary of State during the decline of the Empire.
  2. Blinken's actions have ignited conflicts with countries like Russia and are worsening the situation in the Middle East.
  3. The narrative suggests that the Empire is in trouble, and Blinken's role is criticized as contributing to its demise.

Sabra and Shatila Still Live

Séamus Malekafzali • 555 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Middle East
  1. 41 years after the Israel-aided massacre, Sabra and Shatila residents still live on.
  2. The neighborhoods of Sabra and Shatila are synonymous with senseless death.
  3. Palestinian refugees faced challenges in Sabra and Shatila, living in a small space restricted by the Lebanese state.

It's Now or Never

Séamus Malekafzali • 495 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Middle East
  1. Hezbollah and other allies in the Axis of Resistance faced a major test of their purpose amidst conflict in Gaza and Israel.
  2. Significant escalation in tensions was seen with the involvement of various groups and nations, including threats of military action from the Houthis.
  3. The absence of a prompt response from Nasrallah raised questions and anticipation of further actions from Hezbollah.

Iran Will Strike Back Hard

John’s Substack • 16 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Middle East
  1. Peace talks over Ukraine are mostly kabuki theater, and the conflict is likely to be settled on the battlefield.
  2. A US attack on Iran seems doubtful because military force can’t reliably produce regime change, and Iran could retaliate in ways that would be hugely costly for Israel, the US, and the global economy.
  3. There’s real uncertainty about what the US will do next, especially under Trump, and that uncertainty ties into a bigger question about whether the US is entering a Cold War 2.0 with China and Russia.

The United Nations Colonized Palestine

JoeWrote • 67 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Middle East
  1. Israel has repeatedly violated ceasefires, resulting in many civilian casualties, while the situation for Palestinians remains extremely dangerous.
  2. The recent U.N. resolution backed a plan that essentially allows foreign oversight and control over Gaza without recognizing Palestinian rights or statehood.
  3. The ongoing discourse around the two-state solution often ignores the reality of Palestinian suffering and appears to favor maintaining the status quo rather than promoting genuine peace.

The Yemen Strikes Are Mindless Do-Somethingism in Action

Eunomia • 275 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East
  1. There's always a choice when deciding whether to use force or not, and usually, there are better options than resorting to force.
  2. The U.S. won't likely compel Houthi compliance through force; attacking Iranian targets would worsen the conflict.
  3. Taking military action that you expect will make things worse is both stupid and wrong.

Failing Upward at the State Department

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1896 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East
  1. The U.S. diplomatic pullout from Afghanistan left many allies stranded, showing a failure in leadership.
  2. The Biden administration faces challenges in responding to attacks in Jordan by Iranian proxies, highlighting the complexity of foreign policy decisions.
  3. Farmers across Europe, like the French farmers in Paris, are protesting over issues like rising costs and green regulations, showcasing a trend of rural discontent.

When The Slaughter Stops In Gaza

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1769 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East
  1. The author reflects on hopeful plans for peaceful times after the violence in Gaza stops, like caring for plants and learning new things.
  2. The piece vividly describes a future post-conflict scene of normal, joyful activities with loved ones, contrasting it with the current distressing situation in Gaza.
  3. The writing emphasizes the longing for peace, normalcy, and connection amidst the ongoing violence and chaos in Gaza.

What You Should Know

Yasha Levine • 471 implied HN points • 24 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Middle East
  1. Prigozhin criticizes Putin's military leadership and corruption, highlighting issues in Russia's military structure.
  2. Czech president suggests monitoring Russians abroad, drawing parallels to Japanese internment during WWII.
  3. Discussion on forgotten history, liberal bigotry, and a new book revealing Israel's secret service attacks in Baghdad to trigger Jewish migration.

The Western Press Are Just Printing Straight Up Nazi Propaganda About Middle Easterners Now

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1792 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East
  1. Some Western media outlets have been criticized for publishing racist content about Middle Easterners, reminiscent of Nazi propaganda.
  2. The comparison made between Muslim populations and insects by a New York Times columnist sparked controversy and accusations of dehumanization.
  3. The Wall Street Journal faced backlash for articles demonizing Muslim populations, coinciding with Western military actions in Muslim-majority countries.

The Ceasefire Charade

The Chris Hedges Report • 591 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Middle East
  1. Israel often makes agreements with the Palestinians that it does not keep. This leads to renewed violence after initial phases.
  2. There is ongoing suspicion and blame between Israel and Hamas over who is breaking ceasefire terms. Both sides have different interpretations of the deals.
  3. Historically, peace agreements have often not been fulfilled, leading to continued conflict and suffering for the people involved.

Is there a 'Godzilla' of 9/11?

Read Max • 1791 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Middle East
  1. The idea of a 'Godzilla' of 9/11 movies is explored through a taxonomy of movie categories
  2. Movies specifically about 9/11 or its aftermath may not necessarily capture the essence of a 'Godzilla' 9/11 movie
  3. Movies about the Global War on Terror may offer better candidates for 'Godzilla' 9/11 movies

Syria’s Christians: ‘We Have No Reason to Trust Al-Jolani’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 667 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East
  1. Syria's Christians feel uncertain about their future, especially after a new rebel group took control. They are worried about persecution due to the rebels' past actions.
  2. Many Christians in Syria have experienced violence and loss, which has left them fearful for their safety. They worry about what will happen next under the new leadership.
  3. Trust in the new rebel leader, Al-Jolani, is very low among the Christian community. They see him as a threat rather than a protector.

Five Things Liberals Say To Avoid Taking A Real Position On Gaza

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1606 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East
  1. Liberals often use emotional expressions like 'It's heartbreaking!' to avoid taking a real political stand on Gaza.
  2. The 'It's complicated!' excuse is often used by liberals to downplay the clear oppression happening in Gaza.
  3. Many liberals deflect criticism of their support for Israel's actions in Gaza by bringing up 'BUT TRUMP!' or expressing vague hopes for peace without committing to actionable solutions.

Land Grab.

News Items • 216 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East
  1. Former President Trump won the New Hampshire primary, leading in GOP base support
  2. Despite consecutive defeats, Nikki Haley vows to continue fighting for the Republican nomination
  3. President Biden dominated New Hampshire Democratic primary without being on the ballot

Biden Says The US "Does Not Seek Conflict In The Middle East" While Actively Dropping Bombs There

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1522 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East
  1. The US administration is actively dropping bombs in the Middle East while claiming not to seek conflict there.
  2. The US military strikes have been described as 'retaliatory' despite lacking evidence linking Iran to the attacks.
  3. The US empire continuously engages in conflict in the Middle East, despite claiming to not seek conflict and painting itself as a victim.

The Nazi of Damascus

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 575 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East
  1. Alois Brunner, a top Nazi war criminal, lived in Syria for many years and advised the Assad regime.
  2. Brunner helped develop the oppressive police state in Syria, using advanced interrogation and torture methods.
  3. His involvement shows a dark connection between past and present atrocities committed by the Assad regime.