The hottest Middle East Substack posts right now

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Thirteen Thoughts on Saddam Hussein

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1097 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
💾 History Geopolitics Iraq Family Middle East
  1. Saddam Hussein was a remarkable figure who rose to power through hard work and intelligence, despite his brutal actions.
  2. Saddam's past as a teenager foreshadowed his future behavior as a leader, showing the impact of his upbringing on his decisions.
  3. The Middle East faced limited ideological paths, with Saddam's choices influenced by this environment and his conspiratorial worldview.

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.

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.
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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.

Israel Admits Failure in Gaza

John’s Substack • 16 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Middle East International relations Conflict resolution Geopolitics
  1. Israel has recognized that it has not defeated Hamas in Gaza. This shows a shift in the country's position and strategy.
  2. The recent ceasefire agreement allows Palestinians to return home and includes aid for Gaza, indicating a significant concession from Israel.
  3. Despite the agreement, there's uncertainty about whether the ceasefire will last, and Israel still lacks a clear plan to win the conflict in Gaza.

Gaza: Where Is Hezbollah?

Kevin’s Newsletter • 589 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Middle East Resistance Conflict Palestine Israel
  1. The Axis of Resistance, led by Hezbollah and others, is monitoring the situation in Gaza closely.
  2. Hezbollah is maintaining its presence and readiness on the Lebanese border, influencing and supporting the Palestinian Resistance in Gaza.
  3. Hezbollah's ultimate goal is the liberation of Palestine, and decisions are strategically planned to achieve this in the most effective way.

Israel's 9/11

Castalia • 619 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Middle East Global Affairs Security Issues Policy Analysis Historical comparisons
  1. The attack on Israel is being compared to 9/11, marking a significant and tragic shift in the region's dynamics. This event signals a move away from a long-term cease-fire and the hopes for better relations in the Middle East.
  2. As a result of the attack, there is a global understanding that the world might be entering a new era of chaos, where traditional power structures are challenged. Countries are reacting to events like these in ways that break from established norms.
  3. It’s important for Israel to handle the aftermath wisely, avoiding the mistakes made by the U.S. after 9/11. Maintaining perspective and understanding the complexity of politics will be key in navigating this new reality.

I Guess I'll Be the Asshole to Point Out that the Gaza War Isn't Over

I Might Be Wrong • 10 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict International relations Human Rights Middle East Geopolitics
  1. The Gaza War isn't officially over, even with a ceasefire in place. People need to understand what a ceasefire really means; it's just a break, not a permanent solution.
  2. Many protesters use strong words like 'genocide' and 'apartheid' without really knowing their meanings. It’s important to know what these terms actually define.
  3. Negotiations for the future are set to start soon, but there are still many complex issues to deal with. This means that fighting could easily resume once the ceasefire ends.

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.

"Islamic Terrorists" on the Rio Grande? Truth and Myths.

CrashOut by Ioan Grillo • 511 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Terrorism Latin America Middle East United States Mexico
  1. Exaggerated claims exist about jihadists crossing the border, but history shows Islamic terrorist groups in Latin America cannot be ignored.
  2. There have been confirmed cases of members of designated Islamic terrorist groups successfully crossing the southern border with credible links between drug traffickers and jihadists.
  3. While most terror attacks on U.S. soil since 9/11 have been by Americans, there is still a real history of incidents involving terrorists in Latin America and potential threats from jihadist connections in Mexico.

The Death of Yahya Sinwar

Unpopular Front • 80 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict Terrorism International relations Human Rights
  1. Yahya Sinwar's death has sparked mixed reactions, highlighting the ongoing cycle of violence in the region. While some celebrate his death, it won't bring lasting victory to Israel.
  2. Sinwar's legacy is marked by violence and suffering, particularly among the Palestinians he claimed to fight for. His methods often led to more harm than good for his people.
  3. The killing of Sinwar and others like him does not justify the widespread loss of innocent lives. It's crucial to remember that all individuals affected by this conflict have their own stories and humanity.

Saudi, Islam, Russia

Diane Francis • 799 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🌍 World Politics Middle East Geopolitics Energy Diplomacy Conflict
  1. Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince MBS is a powerful player in global politics. He manages relationships with many major countries while balancing conflicts and alliances.
  2. MBS invited Ukraine's President Zelensky to speak about the struggles of Muslims under Russian control. This could change how Arab nations view their ties with Russia.
  3. MBS has increased Saudi wealth due to rising oil prices from the Ukraine conflict. His ambitious projects and power make him a key figure to watch in international affairs.

It's Now or Never

Séamus Malekafzali • 495 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict Military Global Alliances International relations
  1. Hezbollah and other allies in the Axis of Resistance faced a major test of their purpose amidst conflict in Gaza and Israel.
  2. Significant escalation in tensions was seen with the involvement of various groups and nations, including threats of military action from the Houthis.
  3. The absence of a prompt response from Nasrallah raised questions and anticipation of further actions from Hezbollah.

Israel & the Threat to Free Speech

John’s Substack • 8 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Israel Lobbying Middle East Trump administration
  1. The Israel lobby can silence voices that criticize Israel in the US. This limits open discussion about important issues.
  2. The relationship between the US and Israel is complicated and affects the situation in the Middle East.
  3. Concerns about free speech are rising as more people feel pressured to avoid discussing Israel's policies.

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.

THE NEW CEASEFIRE EQUATION

Seymour Hersh • 29 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East International relations Conflict resolution Geopolitics Peace negotiations
  1. Saudi Arabia is getting involved in talks between Israel and Hamas, which could change how Gaza is rebuilt in the future. This is a new factor that hasn't been part of earlier negotiations.
  2. In exchange for support in rebuilding Gaza, Saudi Arabia might get defense deals with the U.S. to protect against Iran's nuclear threats. This includes the possibility of the U.S. providing a defense shield for Saudi Arabia.
  3. The talks involve the potential for a two-state solution, which Israel's leadership has generally rejected. However, there's cautious optimism about creating new political leadership for the Palestinians in Gaza.

What You Should Know

Yasha Levine • 471 implied HN points • 24 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Russian Politics Warfare Espionage Middle East Immigration
  1. Prigozhin criticizes Putin's military leadership and corruption, highlighting issues in Russia's military structure.
  2. Czech president suggests monitoring Russians abroad, drawing parallels to Japanese internment during WWII.
  3. Discussion on forgotten history, liberal bigotry, and a new book revealing Israel's secret service attacks in Baghdad to trigger Jewish migration.

Why Can't We Solve the Arab-Israeli Conflict?

Fake Noûs • 483 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East
  1. The Arab-Israeli conflict has been ongoing for decades and has garnered significant attention, especially after specific events.
  2. Following the October 7 attacks, there seems to be an increased level of sympathy for the cause of Hamas from left-leaning observers in the West.
  3. The post requires a paid subscription to access additional content.

The Hostage Deal

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 7 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Middle East Diplomacy Conflict analysis Political strategy
  1. The recent hostage deal includes a 42-day ceasefire, during which Israel will withdraw from specific areas of Gaza while facilitating the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
  2. Trump's involvement seems to have pressured Netanyahu into accepting terms he initially rejected, leading to criticism from both Israeli right and left about the potential ramifications of the deal.
  3. While the deal allows for the safe return of hostages, there are concerns that it may strengthen Hamas's position and capability to wage further attacks in the future.

BIBI UNBOWED

Seymour Hersh • 36 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East International relations Political Leadership Military Strategy Conflict analysis
  1. Netanyahu remains popular among the extreme religious right in Israel despite facing corruption charges. His political support appears strong even after significant military actions in Gaza and Lebanon.
  2. Israel has seen increased military and financial backing from the U.S., which helps bolster Netanyahu's government amid a struggling economy.
  3. Netanyahu's family life seems complicated, with his sons living comfortably abroad while many peers serve in the military during ongoing conflicts.

‘I WOULD HAVE DROPPED THREE NUCLEAR BOMBS’

Seymour Hersh • 43 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Middle East Military Strategy Political Commentary International relations
  1. The history of genocide influences current Israeli actions, leading to justification for extreme measures. Many Israeli leaders do not question this past influence.
  2. Some Israelis are unhappy with their government's actions, particularly Prime Minister Netanyahu, and believe he should face consequences for his corruption.
  3. The ongoing conflict impacts families directly, with many having served in the military and living under constant tension.