The hottest Middle East Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Failing Upward at the State Department

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1896 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Afghanistan Middle East Social media Canada United States
  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.

The Israel Lobby's Awesome Power

John’s Substack • 7 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Lobbying Foreign Policy Middle East Political Influence
  1. The Israel lobby has a significant impact on US policy in the Middle East, often prioritizing Israeli interests over American ones.
  2. President Trump's plans for Gaza have been criticized as morally wrong and potentially harmful.
  3. The Trump administration is also making bold moves to settle conflicts in Ukraine and reduce US involvement in Europe.

The Moral Bankruptcy of the West

John’s Substack • 84 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Human Rights Geopolitics International Law Middle East Conflict
  1. Recent reports accuse Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. Organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have highlighted these issues.
  2. Countries like the United States, Britain, and Germany, which claim to care about human rights, are seen as supporting these actions rather than stopping them.
  3. Many human rights advocates and the media in the West have been unusually silent about the situation in Gaza, raising questions about their moral stance.
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Proxy wars in Syria, Lebanon, Ukraine overlap and explode

Aaron Mate • 136 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Proxy wars Middle East Eastern Europe Terrorism
  1. Proxy wars in places like Syria, Lebanon, and Ukraine are connected and worsen each other. This means that fighting in one area can spill over into another and create more chaos.
  2. As a result of these conflicts, groups like Al Qaeda can take advantage and gain control of more areas, leading to new crises. This shows how interconnected these wars can be.
  3. The actions of major powers, like the CIA and Israel, are often behind these conflicts, showing how international interests can shape local battles and instability.

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 Media Middle East Propaganda Racism
  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.

World roundup: February 8 2024

Foreign Exchanges • 766 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Europe Middle East Asia Africa Americas
  1. Global temperatures have been rising, nearing the 1.5 degree Celsius threshold set in the Paris Climate Agreement.
  2. Ceasefire hopes in Israel-Palestine appear to be fading, with increased military focus and potential for a ground invasion in Gaza.
  3. Political tensions and armed conflicts in various African countries, including Guinea-Bissau, Niger, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

World roundup: February 3-4 2024

Foreign Exchanges • 786 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Israel-Palestine Yemen Asia Pakistan Philippines Africa Nigeria Europe Russia Ukraine Americas United States
  1. The United States conducted airstrikes on Iranian-linked targets in Iraq and Syria, resulting in casualties and tension with the governments of those countries.
  2. In the Israel-Palestine conflict, Hamas is considering a ceasefire proposal while the Israeli military expands its operations in Gaza.
  3. President Macky Sall of Senegal postponed the country's presidential election, sparking protests and concerns about a potential self coup.

Is there a 'Godzilla' of 9/11?

Read Max • 1791 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Movies 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

World roundup: February 6 2024

Foreign Exchanges • 707 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Asia Africa Europe Americas
  1. Hamas responds to ceasefire proposal in Gaza, but concerns remain about the potential for a complete derailment of the peace talks
  2. Colombian government and ELN rebels extend ceasefire for six months, with agreements to halt kidnapping and recruit underage individuals
  3. US Senate confirms Kurt Campbell as the new deputy secretary of state, showing the administration's focus on China as a primary foreign policy concern

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 Ideology Conflict Humanitarianism International relations
  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.

An Israel-Palestine Reading List

Glenn Loury • 793 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
📚 Literature Conflicts History Politics Middle East Books Israel-Palestine conflict History Colonialism Politics Middle East
  1. The reading list on Israel-Palestine conflict includes diverse perspectives and historical accounts from authors like Norman Finkelstein, Rashid Khalidi, and Benny Morris.
  2. The list delves into topics such as the historical roots of conflict, political dimensions, peace efforts, and the impact on Palestinian society.
  3. Authors like Avi Shlaim and Michael Oren provide insights into strategies, regional context, and key personalities during significant events like the Six-Day War.

KILLING FOR KILLING’S SAKE IN GAZA

Seymour Hersh • 47 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Middle East Conflict Military Policy Human Rights
  1. Gaza has become a dangerous place with extreme violence, largely due to the actions of the Israeli military. Many civilians are suffering as a result of the ongoing conflict.
  2. The leadership within the Israeli Defense Forces is shifting, with many officers coming from settlements and carrying strong religious beliefs. They often view all Palestinians as threats.
  3. There are alarming reports of military orders to kill Palestinians indiscriminately. This situation reflects a severe breakdown in morality and has turned into what some see as a chaotic and fanatical effort.

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 US government Warfare Conflicts Geopolitics
  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.

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.

World roundup: January 11 2024

Foreign Exchanges • 786 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Asia Africa Europe Americas
  1. South Africa has brought genocide charges against Israel at the International Court of Justice, seeking to halt the assault on Gaza.
  2. The Israeli government's response to the South African filing indicates they understand the significance of a potential ruling demanding a halt to their military campaign.
  3. US and UK have carried out strikes against Houthi-linked targets in Yemen in response to attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

World roundup: January 22 2024

Foreign Exchanges • 727 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Israel-Palestine Ukraine
  1. There is movement towards a potential hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, with the involvement of the US administration and potential ceasefire and prisoner exchange offers from Israel.
  2. Today in history includes significant events such as the Ottomans defeating the remnants of the Mamluk army in 1517, the start of the 1905 Russian Revolution with the Bloody Sunday massacre, and the birth of the Republic of Mahabad in 1946.
  3. The Israeli government's offer to Hamas for a ceasefire and phased prisoner exchange may not meet all of Hamas's demands but could open up possibilities for improving the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

World roundup: January 17 2024

Foreign Exchanges • 746 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Global events Conflict Climate change Middle East History
  1. A new study reveals that Greenland has lost more ice than previously thought, making the remaining ice sheet more vulnerable to melting.
  2. The Jordanian government accuses the Israeli military of damaging field hospitals in Gaza, prompting concerns about ongoing attacks on medical facilities.
  3. Historical events from January 17 include the decisive Russian victory at the Battle of Sarikamish, the execution of Patrice Lumumba in 1961, and the start of Operation Desert Storm in 1991.

Israel, Iran, and Russia

Diane Francis • 1298 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Conflict International relations Middle East Terrorism
  1. The relationship between Russia and Iran is dangerous as they support each other's military activities and share resources. This partnership can worsen conflicts in the Middle East and pose threats globally.
  2. Russia has been using the situation in Israel to distract from its own actions in Ukraine. The narratives pushed by Russia aim to weaken Western support for Ukraine while exploiting the violence in Israel.
  3. To find peace, it's important for both Russia to be stopped in Ukraine and for Hamas and Hezbollah to be dealt with. A united effort from wealthy Arab nations, alongside the U.S. and Europe, is needed to negotiate a two-state solution for Palestinians.

World roundup: January 6-7 2024

Foreign Exchanges • 786 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Asia Africa Europe Americas
  1. This weekend in history had notable events like a joint attack on French Guiana, Galileo's discovery of Jupiter's moons, and the start of the Bataan Death March.
  2. The situation in Israel-Palestine continues to worsen, with talks of further military operations, humanitarian crises, and diplomatic tensions.
  3. There is escalating conflict in regions like Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen, with concerns about airstrikes, military actions, and potential regional wars.

The Wrong Sort of Power

Comment is Freed • 73 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Autocracies Foreign Policy Geopolitics
  1. The 1979 Iranian Revolution set off events that may lead to more revolutions in the region. People are wondering if the current Iranian government could be next to face a challenge.
  2. The fall of the Assad regime in Syria seemed surprising but was also expected by some. The future of Syria is uncertain, and things will definitely change from now on.
  3. Iran and Russia are major losers after their support for Assad. They invested a lot of time and resources but are now facing setbacks in their influence over the Middle East.

UAE 25 Years Ago

Bet On It • 155 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🌐 International Middle East Travel Culture Economics History
  1. The UAE has provided good economic opportunities to many, including foreign workers who appreciate living there, despite any restrictions.
  2. Visitors face strict security measures to enter the UAE, showing the government's serious approach to control drugs and other prohibited materials.
  3. There can be a big difference between public rules and private behaviors, like how people might act differently in private despite strict laws.

World roundup: January 25 2024

Foreign Exchanges • 648 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Asia Africa Europe Americas
  1. Negotiations in Israel-Palestine are facing challenges due to leaked recordings and mediation issues with Qatar and Egypt.
  2. Gaza is experiencing a severe risk of malnutrition, with aid agencies struggling to provide for the population.
  3. Mali's ruling junta has announced the scrapping of a 2015 peace deal with separatist rebels in a move involving Algeria.