The hottest Middle East Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

Trump's farcical Gaza plan masks ongoing Israeli-made disaster

Aaron Mate • 160 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Middle East Conflict Political Analysis Trump administration
  1. Trump's Gaza plan is seen as unrealistic and not genuine. It seems to hide the real problems happening in Gaza.
  2. The issues in Gaza are often linked to actions taken by Israel, making life hard for its people.
  3. Some believe that Trump's plan supports Netanyahu's goals, which could make the situation in Gaza worse.

Gaza, Inc.

Gray Mirror • 158 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Middle East Foreign Policy International relations Conflict resolution Political strategy
  1. Gaza is currently unlivable, but its land could be valuable if properly managed. The idea is that without residents, the land could be developed into a profitable venture.
  2. The concept of Gaza, Inc. suggests creating a corporation that could turn this area into a charter city, attracting wealth and potentially turning each former resident into a shareholder.
  3. There are complex considerations about rights and governance in this new setup, including how to manage the exit of current residents and the implications of past conflicts.

October Surprise

Doomberg • 7068 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Middle East Military Strategy Energy markets Conflict analysis
  1. Iran launched a significant missile attack on Israel that successfully hit multiple military bases, which surprised many observers.
  2. This attack is causing a lot of concern in the energy markets, as there are fears Israel might retaliate by targeting Iranian oil facilities, potentially disrupting global oil supplies.
  3. Interestingly, the potential for major escalation seems lower now, as the situation might lead to a steady state of tensions rather than outright conflict.

A three-state solution is the only viable future for Israel and the Palestinians

Noahpinion • 27882 implied HN points • 08 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Middle East Israel-Palestine conflict Global relations Territorial disputes Peace negotiations
  1. A three-state solution with Israel and two independent Palestinian states is proposed as a realistic solution.
  2. Large-scale ethnic cleansing is minimized, and non-contiguous states are deemed unviable.
  3. The current situation on the ground should be formalized with minor modifications for a lasting resolution.

Psalm 137 On My Mind

Gideon's Substack • 21 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Middle East International Conflict Political Commentary Human Rights
  1. The film 'No Other Land' focuses on the struggles of villagers facing eviction in Masafer Yatta. It shows how they resist demolitions and try to maintain their community despite the challenges.
  2. The film presents a local view of the conflict and highlights feelings of injustice, but lacks broader political context. This can shift viewers' sympathies without understanding all sides.
  3. In conflicts like this, it's common to see only your own perspective. Broader understanding can be hard to achieve, but it's necessary for lasting peace.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Conflict Acceleration

Pieter’s Newsletter • 159 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Terrorism International relations Conflict Geopolitics
  1. Iran launched a missile attack against Israel, but it was mostly stopped, showing the reckless nature of their actions. The attack could've hit important places, highlighting the dangers in the region.
  2. There was a recent terrorist attack in Jaffa where seven Israelis were killed. This violence adds to the ongoing struggles and tensions, and it seems to strengthen Israel's resolve to fight back.
  3. Amid these dark events, there was a positive story of a victim from ISIS being rescued in Gaza. This offers hope that, despite the violence, there are people working for good and a chance for better days.

The Air In Gaza Smells Like Corpses

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1606 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict Human Rights International relations News
  1. Gaza has a strong smell of death from the destruction and loss of life happening there. This image is powerful and haunting.
  2. The suffering in Gaza is connected to the wider state of the world, where we cannot escape the pain and consequences of war.
  3. Even as we try to move on in our daily lives, the horrors happening in places like Gaza stick with us, shaping our thoughts and feelings.

Uncle Sam as the Hegelian Hammer

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 4071 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Civil War U.S. foreign policy Terrorism
  1. The Assad regime in Syria collapsed after years of civil war, leading to uncertainty about the country's future. There are concerns that power vacuums can cause chaos and that extremist groups might still pursue their goals.
  2. Bashar al-Assad's rule was marked by hereditary leadership and lack of legitimacy, which led to his government's reliance on fear and violence to maintain control. This situation was not sustainable in the long run.
  3. Despite the difficulties ahead, the fall of the Assad regime allows for the possibility of new governance. The U.S. can play a role in guiding Syria towards better prospects by applying pressure on illiberal forces.

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 Religion Conflict Human Rights International relations
  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.

Will America Abandon the Kurds—Again?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 533 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Middle East Security Issues Diplomacy Human Rights
  1. The Kurds in Syria are worried about a possible invasion by Turkish-backed forces and feel betrayed by the lack of support from the U.S.
  2. Despite efforts to negotiate with Turkey, Kurdish leaders believe all diplomatic talks have failed, leaving them in a desperate situation.
  3. Kurdish leaders have reached out to the U.S. for help, emphasizing their role as loyal allies and pleading for protection against the looming threat.

Moscow's Syria

Diane Francis • 1179 implied HN points • 20 Jun 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Military Strategy Terrorism Middle East
  1. Ukrainian forces, with help from Syrian rebels, recently attacked Russian mercenaries in Syria. This move aimed to stop Russia from building its military presence there.
  2. Syria has turned into a messy situation for Moscow, acting as a training ground for various militants. Russian involvement in Syria has escalated conflicts in other regions too.
  3. There is a shared enemy among Syrians, Ukrainians, and the West regarding Russian aggression. This common goal has sparked cooperation between these groups against Russia.

They Tortured Him for Years. Now They Rule Syria.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 454 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict International relations Terrorism Human Rights
  1. The new rulers of Syria, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have a history of violence and were once the captors of a journalist who endured severe torture at their hands.
  2. The group claims to have changed for the better and promises not to persecute anyone, but many are skeptical about their true intentions.
  3. Despite the regime's fall being celebrated by many, there are concerns about the brutal tactics of the rebel forces that now hold power.

WATCH: Inside Assad’s ‘Human Slaughterhouse’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 477 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Authoritarianism Human Rights
  1. Sednaya prison is known for its extreme brutality and has become a symbol of the Assad regime's terror. Many Syrians are now searching for their loved ones who were imprisoned there.
  2. Survivor testimonies reveal horrific practices, like executions and inhumane treatment of prisoners. One former inmate describes hearing names called out before people were taken away never to return.
  3. Exclusive footage from inside Sednaya highlights the dark conditions and the emotional impact on those who survived and their families. The prison is often referred to as a human slaughterhouse.

Be Careful What You Wish For: Gaza Edition

Gideon's Substack • 38 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Foreign Policy Middle East Elections Public Opinion
  1. Trump may be setting a trap for Israel by proposing a plan for Gaza that seems appealing but is unrealistic. It suggests removing a population without addressing how to actually do it.
  2. Many Israelis seem to support Trump's plan, thinking it will lead to a solution for Gaza. But this belief might backfire if they realize the plan can't actually happen.
  3. This situation could create a political mess for Israel in the future. If Trump's promises go unfulfilled, the Israeli people may seek someone to blame, leading to more instability.

What Has Been Lost In Israel/Gaza

Castalia • 1019 implied HN points • 11 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Conflict resolution Middle East Public Opinion Human Rights
  1. The narrative of Jewish victimhood is changing, as Israel's actions in the conflict have started to challenge the idea of Jewish innocence and justification. Many are struggling with the moral implications of these actions, feeling a sense of grief and complicity.
  2. Hope for reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians is fading. Past optimism around peace agreements now feels unlikely, as historical grievances on both sides make a peaceful resolution seem more distant.
  3. The international community's role as a mediator is diminishing. Israel feels increasingly isolated and perceived as a pariah state, making diplomatic efforts less effective in the face of ongoing violence.

Tipping Point Quick Hits (01.18.24)

Tipping Point Prophecy Update by Jimmy Evans • 3773 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Iran Israel United Nations Pakistan
  1. Recent events in the Middle East are causing tensions to rise and fears of a larger regional war are growing.
  2. Iran and its allies are engaging in attacks on various fronts, escalating military conflicts in the region.
  3. The situation is complex and could potentially involve Israel, the US, the UK, and spread globally.

Tipping Point Quick Hits (02.01.24)

Tipping Point Prophecy Update by Jimmy Evans • 3341 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Iran Neuralink United States Geopolitics
  1. The Middle East situation is extremely dangerous and volatile, with potential for wider conflict.
  2. Neuralink, the brain-computer interface company, has implanted its device in a human brain for the first time.
  3. The world is more divided than ever, with geopolitical and economic tensions reminiscent of pivotal historic conflicts.

Who Can Claim the Palestine Region?

Uncharted Territories • 5110 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Israel-Palestine conflict Middle East Peace process Geopolitics International relations
  1. The conflict between Israel and Palestine revolves around the question of who can legitimately claim the land.
  2. The history of the region involves various populations ruling over the land, with complex dynamics of religion, ethnicity, and governance.
  3. Ultimately, both Israelis and Palestinians have strong claims to the land, but the resolution should focus on factors like self-determination, international recognition, and adherence to legal norms.

Tipping Point Quick Hits (10.12.23): Israel

Tipping Point Prophecy Update by Jimmy Evans • 4795 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict Terrorism International relations Religion
  1. Israel is Ground Zero for the end times with recent conflict and escalating tensions.
  2. Hamas attack on Israel leads to significant casualties and hostages, with Israel declaring war in response.
  3. Global leaders, including the US, Russia, and Turkey, are involved in the conflict, raising concerns of a regional war.

Bari Weiss: The Holiday from History Is Over

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4196 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Israel Middle East Conflict War
  1. The ordinary citizens of Israel demonstrated remarkable heroism and courage during times of tragedy and conflict, embodying a spirit of resilience and sacrifice.
  2. The harrowing events of October 7 in Israel served as a wake-up call about the reality of war and the importance of defending a free society.
  3. The experience in Israel prompts reflection on the universal themes of courage, sacrifice, and readiness to defend one's home and values, posing important questions about individual and societal responses to crisis.

In Syria dirty war, “our side” has won

Aaron Mate • 311 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy War Intervention Government Middle East
  1. The US led a campaign to remove Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, funding and training various groups, including those with ties to Al Qaeda. This involvement has led to significant changes in Syria's political landscape.
  2. After over a decade of conflict, a group once part of Al Qaeda has now taken over in Syria, raising concerns about their intentions and the future for minority groups in the country.
  3. The aftermath of this regime change has left Syria in devastation, with many people suffering from the consequences of both Assad's rule and the conflicts fueled by outside powers.

Commentator

Castalia • 639 implied HN points • 04 Jun 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict analysis International relations Humanitarian Issues Geopolitics Middle East
  1. The situation in Gaza is extremely dire, with a collapsed economy and high unemployment. Reporting restrictions make it hard to fully understand the devastation there.
  2. In Ukraine, the conflict seems to be at a breaking point, with varying reports about military actions. The U.S. is now allowing Ukraine to respond to attacks in Russia, marking a significant escalation.
  3. Sudan faces a severe humanitarian crisis, yet it's largely ignored in the media. Thousands are being killed and displaced, reminiscent of past atrocities, but international intervention seems unlikely.

WATCH: Douglas Murray Meets the Son of Hamas

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4187 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Terrorism Religion Radicalization Middle East
  1. Mosab Hassan Yousef, son of one of Hamas's founders, became an Israeli informant and helped prevent terror attacks, later converting to Christianity.
  2. Yousef has been vocal about the damage Hamas has caused to Palestinian society and the extreme hate-filled beliefs that fuel radical Islamic terrorism.
  3. Yousef's unique perspective, moral clarity, and firsthand experience make his insights important in understanding and combatting terrorist groups.

The Captagon Edition

Why is this interesting? • 361 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Sanctions Middle East
  1. Syria has turned to producing Captagon, a powerful amphetamine, as a primary way to sustain its economy under heavy sanctions. This drug trade is now crucial for the country's finances.
  2. The Captagon business is very profitable, with low production costs and high selling prices in the Middle East. It brings in billions of dollars each year, making it one of Syria's top exports.
  3. The spread of Captagon is causing serious problems for neighboring countries, like rising addiction rates and increased smuggling. This has led to tensions and stricter border controls in those areas.

Jake Sullivan’s Iranian Swirly

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 2278 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Terrorism Foreign Relations Diplomacy Conflict resolution
  1. Yemen's unification posed a threat to Iran due to close ties with the US and Saudi Arabia.
  2. The Biden Administration reversed the terrorist designation for the Houthi, leading to increased attacks and conflicts.
  3. Weak responses from the Biden Administration to Iran's aggressions signal American weakness.

A Requiem For Ba'athism (Part 1 of 2)

Fisted by Foucault • 128 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Middle East International relations Historical context Political Philosophy
  1. The Syrian government quickly collapsed, with major cities falling to opposition forces in a matter of weeks. This rapid change marked the end of Ba'athism and the Assad family's rule.
  2. The regime's failure was due to a mix of internal issues like demoralization among troops and lack of support from allies like Iran and Hezbollah. It wasn't a heroic battle but rather a series of local surrenders.
  3. The collapse of the Assad regime shows how much the political landscape in the Arab world has changed. It's also seen as a broader consequence of historical grievances and foreign interventions in the Middle East.