The hottest Middle East Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

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.
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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.

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.

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.

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.

The Ceasefire Charade

The Chris Hedges Report • 591 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict Palestine Israel Diplomacy
  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.

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.

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.