The hottest Middle East Substack posts right now

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Re-Designating the Houthis Is a Major Error

Eunomia • 668 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy Conflict Humanitarian Crisis Middle East Diplomacy
  1. The Biden administration's decision to re-designate the Houthis as terrorist group is causing harm to the people of Yemen.
  2. The re-designation undermines efforts to prevent famine in Yemen and could strengthen the Houthis' power.
  3. Re-listing the Houthis as terrorists risks reigniting conflict and will have severe consequences for innocent Yemenis.

World roundup: January 19 2024

Foreign Exchanges • 628 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Israel-Palestine Middle East Latin America United States Asia
  1. Argentine rebel leader José de San Martín led his army across the Andes Mountains into Chile in 1817, marking a milestone in Latin American independence movement.
  2. Roselle in New Jersey was the first community to be lit entirely with electric lighting via overhead wires in 1883, designed by Thomas Edison.
  3. Israeli tensions surfaced as cabinet member Gadi Eizenkot prioritized hostage recovery and suggested a ceasefire deal with Hamas, contrasting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's approach.

No, Winning a War Isn't "Genocide"

American Dreaming • 318 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Genocide International relations Middle East
  1. Many young people hold misconceptions about Israel and the Holocaust, with a significant percentage believing in false narratives.
  2. There is a growing disconnect between the perception of 'genocide' and the reality of Israel's actions in the war with Hamas.
  3. Israel's military actions, while criticized as disproportionate by some, are viewed by many as necessary for self-defense and preserving their nation.

The truth about the Jews

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 1710 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict Middle East International relations Peace Geopolitics
  1. Jewish friends feel disconnected and hurt when others don't reach out or show support during difficult times
  2. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict brings complexities and challenges, making it hard to find a clear path to peace
  3. The struggle for safety and peace continues for Jews, highlighting the historical and ongoing challenges they face
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World roundup: January 9 2024

Foreign Exchanges • 687 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Asia Africa Europe Americas
  1. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is trying to convince Israeli leaders to stop killing Palestinian civilians, improve humanitarian situation in Gaza, and plan for a post-conflict scenario.
  2. US military carried out an airstrike in Iraq to foil a rocket attack on Ayn al-Asad airbase.
  3. Ecuador is facing a security crisis with violent incidents, including hostage situations, escalating across the country.

World roundup: January 24 2024

Foreign Exchanges • 530 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics International Middle East
  1. Groundwater depletion is accelerating in many parts of the world, especially in dry regions with extensive cropland.
  2. Some aquifers have shown a decline in depletion where governments have improved water management.
  3. Negotiations around the ceasefire plan for Israel-Palestine are progressing, with disagreements on the duration and terms of the ceasefire.

Autochthonous Wars

Yasha Levine • 648 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Identity Middle East Religion History
  1. The debate over Jewish autochthonous status to the Holy Land is complex and influenced by personal bias and politics.
  2. Genetic studies on Jewish ancestry can be interpreted in multiple ways, leading to conflicting conclusions.
  3. The issue of Jewish identity and origins is more of a cultural and political question than a scientific one.

Houthi and the Blown Ships

Murtaza Hussain • 511 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Conflicts International Law Global Economy Middle East Humanitarian Crisis
  1. Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea have significantly impacted global economy and shipping insurance rates.
  2. U.S. faces a challenge in dealing with the Houthis due to their adaptability and the potential need for a regime change operation in Yemen.
  3. Focus should be on addressing conditions that fuel violence and moving conflicts to the political realm, rather than moralizing about 'Good Guys' and 'Bad Guys.'

Children of Survivors

backstory • 242 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Religious history
  1. Children of survivors may feel pressure to live up to the expectations imposed by their parents, who endured significant trauma.
  2. Jerusalem is a complex city with deep historical and religious significance, where old and new elements constantly intertwine.
  3. Visiting places like the Holocaust Memorial can evoke intense emotional responses and reflections on past atrocities.

Talking With Elephants.

News Items • 491 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics US Russia Iran Middle East China
  1. Only a third of Americans are willing to accept the results of the 2024 US election regardless of the outcome.
  2. AI-powered fake-detection software struggles to keep up with improving AI technology.
  3. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is leading efforts to create artificial general intelligence (AGI).

Why the Jews of Khazaria, the Himyarites and GokTurk Empire are Keys to Universal History

Matt Ehret's Insights • 1297 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
💾 History Middle East
  1. The Khazar Kingdom in Central Europe had a significant role in uniting different faiths and cultures under one alliance for centuries.
  2. The GokTurk Empire played a major role in facilitating Silk Road trade routes between Asia and Europe.
  3. The ecumenical alliances between Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Confucian leaders in history helped maintain peace and preserve trade routes, but eventually faced challenges from Venetian and Byzantine powers.

Neighbor Tuesday: Israel, Gaza, Palestine

The Friendly Neighbors • 1002 implied HN points • 10 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict Middle East Humanitarian Crisis Religion Solidarity
  1. The conflict in Israel, Gaza, and Palestine is complex and involves multiple sides with long histories.
  2. It's important to show solidarity and compassion for both Israeli and Palestinian neighbors.
  3. As Christians, it's possible to support Israel while also praying for peace in Palestine and recognizing the humanity of all involved.

The Four Horsemen of Gaza’s Apocalypse

The Chris Hedges Report • 310 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Middle East Military Genocide
  1. Biden's policies towards Israel and the Middle East are influenced by advisors with a skewed view of the Muslim world.
  2. Biden and his inner circle are criticized for being incompetent and misguided in their approach to international affairs.
  3. The Biden administration's strategies in the Middle East ignore realities on the ground, perpetuating suffering and risking escalation.

Bearing Witness to Gaza (audio dispatch 14)

The Joyous Struggle • 355 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Human Rights International Law Conflict Geopolitics
  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.

World roundup: October 31 2023

Foreign Exchanges • 727 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Middle East Asia Africa Europe Americas
  1. Israeli air strikes in Gaza led to civilian casualties, raising questions about proportionality and civilian protection in conflict zones.
  2. Houthi rebels in Yemen fired missiles at Israel, raising concerns about escalating regional conflicts and involvement of other countries.
  3. UN reports show the dire need for humanitarian aid in Ukraine, highlighting the impact of conflict on civilian populations and infrastructure.

Why does the US support Israel? A geopolitical analysis with economist Michael Hudson

Geopolitical Economy Report • 617 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Middle East International relations Foreign Policy Global Economy
  1. US support for Israel is primarily driven by geopolitical strategies and control over the Middle East region.
  2. The US sees Israel as a military base to exert control over oil reserves in the Middle East and maintain dominance in the global economy.
  3. Historical parallels can be drawn between the Crusades and current US strategies in the Middle East, indicating power struggles for oil resources and global control.

The Yemen Strikes Are Mindless Do-Somethingism in Action

Eunomia • 275 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Yemen Military Action Conflict Middle East Foreign Policy
  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.

World roundup: October 26 2023

Foreign Exchanges • 668 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Middle East Asia Africa Europe Americas
  1. UN Secretary-General formed a new panel for AI concerns and a conference for rainforest protection was held in Congo.
  2. Israeli military conducted significant raids in northern Gaza, leading to numerous casualties and destruction.
  3. US announced new military aid for Ukraine and a secret US military operation in Lebanon is putting American personnel at risk.

World roundup: October 24 2023

Foreign Exchanges • 668 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Middle East Asia Africa Europe Americas
  1. A study suggests significant glacier melting in western Antarctica is likely unavoidable due to warming ocean water.
  2. Issues in the Israel-Palestine conflict continue, with Gazan casualties increasing and international calls for a ceasefire facing opposition.
  3. The Biden administration accuses Iran of facilitating recent attacks on US military personnel in Iraq and Syria, leading to increased surveillance activities.