The hottest Middle East Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics

Enduring the Trauma of Genocide (w/ Gabor Maté) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 171 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Human Rights Middle East Social justice
  1. Trauma affects everyone, not just the victims. It's important to recognize how painful experiences can impact our hearts and minds.
  2. People can lose their moral compass when they're hurt. Understanding and compassion can help heal these wounds and improve how we treat others.
  3. It's vital to connect with others and take care of ourselves. Sharing feelings and practicing self-care can help us cope with the pain we see in the world.

Chris Hedges on MOATS: Catastrophe for the Palestinians and the Region

The Chris Hedges Report • 137 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Middle East Human Rights Political Analysis
  1. The situation for the Palestinians is dire, leading to increased suffering and instability in the region.
  2. There are significant consequences for neighboring countries as the conflict escalates, potentially affecting their security and politics.
  3. Understanding this issue requires recognizing the historical context and ongoing impact on people's lives in the affected areas.

Aaron Bushnell Burned Himself Alive To Make You Turn Your Eyes To Gaza

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 3096 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Gaza Protest Activism Middle East Propaganda
  1. Aaron Bushnell's action of self-immolation aimed to draw attention to the situation in Gaza and shake people out of their distracted state.
  2. The sounds in the video of the self-immolation, like his screams and the reactions around him, were impactful in conveying the gravity of the incident.
  3. The response to Bushnell's act highlights the efforts of some to manipulate the narrative and distract from the message he sought to convey about the plight of Gaza.

Israel and Iran: "Don't"

Diane Francis • 819 implied HN points • 15 Apr 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Diplomacy Conflict Geopolitics Security
  1. Iran recently launched an attack on Israel using missiles and drones, but it was unsuccessful and failed to hit any targets. This shows a weakness in Iran's military capabilities.
  2. The attack was a response to an Israeli bombing in Damascus, which Iran views as a violation of its sovereignty. This highlights ongoing tensions between the two countries.
  3. Both nations seem to be stuck in a cycle of retaliation, where one action prompts a reaction, but the effectiveness of these responses is questionable. It raises concerns about the escalation of conflict in the region.

The Free Press in Israel: A Special Limited Series

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2796 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Israel Middle East Conflict Journalism Civilization
  1. The decision to go to a place of conflict can be a mix of practical concerns and emotional ties, but the desire to witness and understand can be a driving force.
  2. Meeting people face-to-face and being on the ground for reporting provides a depth and understanding that remote communication cannot match.
  3. Experiencing a war-torn region firsthand brings a deeper perspective on the impact and realities faced by those living in conflict zones.
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The Fall of Assad & What it Means for The Middle East (w/ Alastair Crooke) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 173 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Geopolitics International relations Conflict analysis Political Dynamics
  1. The fall of Assad in Syria changes the political landscape of the Middle East. It might lead to power struggles among various groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and increase tensions involving Turkey and Israel.
  2. Syria's economy is heavily damaged, with lost oil resources and widespread poverty. Without recovering these resources, the country will struggle to rebuild and provide for its people.
  3. The situation has potential global implications as conflicts may spread, involving neighboring countries like Lebanon and Iraq, and could even lead to a war with Iran which would have serious consequences for the entire region.

WATCH: This Muslim Israeli Woman Is the Hope of the Middle East

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3111 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Media Israel Middle East Conflict Diversity
  1. Lucy Aharish is the first Arab Muslim news presenter on mainstream, Hebrew-language Israeli television.
  2. She is an iconoclast who challenges societal norms by being an Arab, a proud Israeli, and a Muslim married to a Jew.
  3. Lucy Aharish has been vocal in her criticism of far-right voices, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Arab violence, emphasizing unity between Israelis and Arabs.

Will Trump’s Election Unleash Bibi?

Nonzero Newsletter • 327 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Middle East Political alliances Security
  1. Netanyahu is excited about Trump's re-election, hoping for a better relationship after past tensions. He believes this could strengthen the US-Israel alliance.
  2. There are concerns that Netanyahu might use Trump's win to escalate actions against Iran's nuclear program. Reports suggest he has plans for increased military action now that Trump is back in office.
  3. Israeli officials think Trump's administration will be more supportive than Biden's when it comes to military strategies, especially regarding Iran. They see a big difference in how each president handles Israel's goals.

Touting ceasefire in Lebanon, Biden shares “vision” for permanent US-Israeli aggression

Aaron Mate • 251 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Middle East Military conflict Diplomacy
  1. Biden announced a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, but it's believed to not really solve the ongoing conflict. Many think that the truce will just lead to more violence later.
  2. Biden's plan for peace in the Middle East seems to focus heavily on supporting Israel, while many are skeptical about the future for a Palestinian state. Many global leaders believe the US stance blocks real solutions.
  3. Despite claims of wanting peace, Biden's actions have often ended up supporting Israeli aggression and neglecting Palestinian rights. Critics argue this harms overall peace efforts in the region.

The Struggle for the Soul of Israel

Uncharted Territories • 2338 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Israel Middle East Peace
  1. Israel is torn by three conflicting visions - the Peace Camp, Nationalist Bloc, and Religious Bloc.
  2. The Religious Bloc wants to establish the biblical Land of Israel, including the West Bank, which conflicts with the Peace Camp's goal of peace with Palestine.
  3. The Nationalist Bloc prioritizes security and undermines Palestinian leadership, making peace seem unlikely as long as they are in power.

Tower 22's White Swan

CDR Salamander • 1297 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Iran Middle East Military Foreign Relations Conflict resolution
  1. Iranian proxies conducted a successful attack at 'Tower 22' base in NE Jordan near the borders of Jordan, Iraq, and Syria.
  2. Over 170 attacks on US forces in the area by Iranian proxies have occurred, leading to casualties and injuries.
  3. There is a need for a strategic response to deter Iranian proxies and prevent escalation in the region.

Will US collect its $10 million bounty on former AQ leader in Syria?

Aaron Mate • 150 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Middle East Military Human Rights International relations
  1. The US has a $10 million bounty on a former Al Qaeda leader in Syria, raising questions about whether they will collect it. This situation highlights the troubles of the ongoing conflict in the region.
  2. Israel has faced criticism for denying Palestinians their right to self-determination and has been accused of causing a high civilian toll in its military actions in Gaza.
  3. There is debate around Iran's involvement in the Middle East, as some view it as a more reasonable actor compared to Israel, particularly regarding peace proposals that include a Palestinian state.

Genocidal Scorecard

The Chris Hedges Report • 311 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Human Rights International Law Middle East Political Commentary
  1. A recent U.N. report describes Israel's actions in Gaza as a systematic genocide against Palestinians, warning that this violence is expanding to the West Bank.
  2. The report emphasizes a need for international action, including a full arms embargo on Israel, to stop the ongoing atrocities and assist Palestinian communities.
  3. Israel's current tactics, which include forced displacements and attacks on aid, are creating dire humanitarian conditions, threatening the survival of the Palestinian people.

Two Groups At War, and Both Are Marginalized People

Design Mom • 2358 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict Middle East Genocide
  1. The conflict in Israel involves two marginalized groups: Hamas is not all Palestinians, Israeli government is not all Israelis.
  2. Support for Israel doesn't mean wanting genocide, support for Free Palestine doesn't mean supporting Hamas' goal of destroying Israel through jihad.
  3. Understanding and discussing the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict involves considering marginalized perspectives and calling for peace.

Blood Feud

imetatronink • 1926 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict Middle East Military Religion
  1. The conflict in the Holy Land is deeply rooted and complex, potentially leading to a 'Blood Feud.'
  2. Proposed solutions like a Two-State Solution and Pre-1967 Borders are widely debated.
  3. Israel's military strength may face challenges in a significant conflict involving global powers.

Imminent Bomber Attack

Black Mountain Analysis • 1159 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Tensions Military Middle East
  1. American B1 Lancer bombers en route to Middle East for strike missions against militias linked to Iran.
  2. Public announcement of bombers' departure and objectives implies a desire to minimize escalation by allowing Iranians time to prepare.
  3. Discussion thread open to share thoughts on anticipated attack, potential targets, and possible consequences.

The Hamas Mafia

Diane Francis • 1738 implied HN points • 27 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Terrorism Corruption International relations Middle East
  1. Hamas leaders live a lavish lifestyle far from the conflict, while they exploit the people of Gaza for their own wealth. They collect taxes on smuggled goods and skim donations meant for the needy.
  2. The unemployment rate in Gaza is extremely high, and most people live in poverty. Despite winning elections in 2007, Hamas has not delivered on promises of better living conditions, but instead, they persist in conflict.
  3. Hamas operates like a criminal organization, focusing on financial gain through warfare and corruption. Their actions harm the very people they claim to represent, and the global community needs to take action against these corrupt regimes.

"Blind Imperial Arrogance," by Edward Said

Pen>Sword • 1278 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Colonialism Imperialism Middle East US Foreign Policy
  1. Imperial power is not just about military might, but also about imposing a perspective on distant lands and people, leading to conflicts between rulers and the ruled.
  2. American strategic interests in the Middle East have historically focused on securing oil supplies and supporting Israel, shaping its policies and perspectives in the region.
  3. The Orientalist view has perpetuated a denial of Arab self-determination, portraying them as incapable and fundamentally violent, contributing to ongoing turmoil in the Middle East.

al-Qaida-led Jihadis Enter Aleppo (Again)

Fisted by Foucault • 165 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Terrorism Middle East International relations Government
  1. al-Qaida-led fighters are attacking Aleppo and have already gained control of many towns. This is creating a serious problem for the Syrian government.
  2. The fighting has resulted in many casualties, including both combatants and civilians, with reports of air strikes causing deaths.
  3. The current regional tensions, especially with Hezbollah occupied in Lebanon, have left Syria vulnerable to these new attacks.

Biden and Netanyahu’s endless war for US-Israeli supremacy

Aaron Mate • 392 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Middle East Military Strategy International relations Political alliances
  1. The US and Israeli governments are working together to maintain their power in the Middle East. They support actions that weaken groups like Hezbollah and Iran to keep control.
  2. Recent conflicts, like the violence in Gaza and Lebanon, are being used by Israel to push forward aggressive policies. The US backs Israel's military actions, seeing it as a way to reshape the region.
  3. There are signs of internal disagreement within the US government about the strategy in the Middle East. Some officials worry that the current approach could lead to more overall conflict.

Israel Assassination Backfires (and Other Mideast Updates)

Nonzero Newsletter • 384 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East International relations Conflict analysis Foreign Policy Political Leadership
  1. Israel's assassination of a Hamas leader led to a more radical leadership taking over, resulting in a rise in suicide attacks against Israel again.
  2. Kamala Harris called Iran the biggest threat to the U.S., which some experts worry could lead to more conflict between the U.S. and Iran.
  3. Geoffrey Hinton, known as the 'Godfather of AI,' recently won a Nobel Prize for his work in AI, highlighting concerns about uncontrolled AI development.

Nation Building is Back!

Nonzero Newsletter • 304 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Regime Change Military Strategy Middle East Political Rhetoric
  1. The U.S. is returning to a nation-building approach in the Middle East, especially after the recent conflict involving Israel and Hamas. They seem more focused on changing regimes and rebuilding countries than in the past.
  2. Policymakers now view Israel’s actions as an opportunity to reshape the political landscape in the Middle East, similar to the mindset seen during the early 2000s. This brings back memories of previous military interventions.
  3. Rhetoric around recent events has intensified, framing them similarly to significant past tragedies. Leaders are using strong comparisons, which fuels a renewed push for military and political actions in the region.

Is It Possible To Stay Sane on Israel/Gaza?

Castalia • 419 implied HN points • 10 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Middle East International relations Conflict resolution Political Rhetoric Public Opinion
  1. It's tough to find a balanced view on the Israel-Palestine conflict with so much chaos happening. Both sides have strong feelings, but finding common ground is really important.
  2. Terms like 'colonialism' and 'genocide' are used differently by different people, which can confuse discussions. Understanding the exact meanings behind these words is key to clearer conversations.
  3. Thinking about all the suffering in Gaza and the political arguments can be really overwhelming. It's important to take a step back, breathe, and try to view things from all sides to stay sane.

The Long Shadow of Nakba – Part 2

Heterodox STEM • 170 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Middle East Conflict Political Identity Debate
  1. The Nakba has affected scientific communities and education by promoting self-censorship and political influences, which can hinder rational debate and progress.
  2. The main issue for Palestinians in achieving statehood lies in their insistence on Israel losing its state, rather than just fighting for their own identity and rights.
  3. Many phrases related to the conflict carry different meanings than they seem to suggest, often masking deeper political agendas or historical inaccuracies.

End of Year Review: the Middle East

Comment is Freed • 56 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict Diplomacy International relations Security
  1. The Middle East situation has been changing rapidly, especially with Iran's influence weakening and challenges faced by groups like Hamas and the Assad regime in Syria.
  2. Israel's strategy in the Gaza conflict has faced many criticisms, particularly for not clearly defining what victory looks like and for the high civilian casualty rates due to its military approaches.
  3. With leadership changes expected, particularly with Trump returning, the future of Israel-Palestine relations and Iran's stability could shift, bringing new challenges and potential for conflict.

Syria after Assad

In My Tribe • 577 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Diplomacy Sovereignty Geopolitics Middle East
  1. Syria isn't ready for democracy yet. The country lacks the necessary conditions and institutions to support a democratic system.
  2. After Assad's fall, the rebel groups may struggle to unite due to their different ethnic and political backgrounds. Their divisions could lead to conflict among themselves.
  3. Syria has significant strategic importance to neighboring countries like Turkey, Iran, and Israel. These powers may influence Syria's future to protect their own interests.

A Requiem For Ba'athism (Part 2 of 3)

Fisted by Foucault • 64 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Middle East Political Movements Nationalism Authoritarianism
  1. Ba'athism emerged as a political movement in Syria after some early Arab intellectuals, who were influenced by their time in the West, wanted to unite Arabs through secular ideas rather than Islam.
  2. The Ba'ath party faced many internal splits and rivalries, highlighting the difficulties of creating a united political ideology in a traditionally conservative society.
  3. Throughout the mid-20th century, Syria experienced a series of coups and political instability, with influential figures who rallied for social change and land reform, further complicating the Ba'athist agenda.

The UN’s Terrorism Teachers

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2109 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Israel Iran UN 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.

When The Slaughter Stops In Gaza

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1769 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Middle East Peace Humanitarian Crisis Social Issues
  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.

King Netanyahu

Diane Francis • 819 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict International relations Governance Human Rights
  1. Tensions are rising in Israel because of its actions in Gaza. Many worry about the impact on civilians and refugee situations.
  2. There is a significant disagreement between Israelis and global opinion on the future peace solution. Most Israelis oppose a two-state solution.
  3. Many Israelis feel disillusioned with Netanyahu's leadership and are leaving the country. Some feel unsafe or unrepresented due to his government’s actions and policies.

Why Palestine Can't Deliver Peace

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3096 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict Peace Extremism Diplomacy
  1. Most Palestinians hold extreme views on the conflict with Israel, hindering the possibility of peace.
  2. For peace to be achievable, Palestinian society needs to be less hostile towards Jews and able to prevent extremists from derailing negotiations.
  3. Israel must be confident in the stability of a new Palestinian state and its ability to address internal opposition to ensure lasting peace.

Niccolo on Patrick Casey's Restoring Order: Syria and the Fall of the Assad Regime

Fisted by Foucault • 75 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Middle East Political Analysis Geopolitics
  1. The discussion focuses on the recent events in Syria, specifically looking at the fall of the Assad regime and the roles of various players like Iran and Russia. It's important to understand who gained and who lost from this situation.
  2. The conversation also covers the concept of 'wishcasting' and the idea that the U.S. is unlikely to repeat previous military actions like in Iraq. This highlights changing perspectives on American intervention.
  3. The speaker is experimenting with audio content for their platform, planning to create short historical episodes. This shows a shift towards exploring history in a new, engaging format.