The hottest Middle East Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Report: Israeli drones lure Palestinians with crying children recordings, then shoot them

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 120 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict International relations Human Rights Middle East Military Strategy
  1. Israeli drones are reportedly using recordings of crying children to trick Palestinians into coming out of hiding. This tactic has led to serious injuries and deaths when the drones then fire on them.
  2. A recent UN report highlights that a significant number of casualties from the Israeli assault in Gaza are women and children, with many of the victims being young kids.
  3. The actions being described are viewed by many as deeply immoral, and there is a strong sentiment that those who support or enable this violence are complicit in the harm done.

Finally, a Cease-Fire

Gideon's Substack • 9 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Conflict resolution Middle East Political Dynamics Foreign Policy
  1. A new cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas is in place, but it's hard to believe it will last long. There are doubts about whether all sides will honor it.
  2. Both sides are claiming victory despite significant losses, but neither has achieved meaningful goals for lasting peace. The situation remains tense and complicated.
  3. The incoming president could influence future negotiations, but there are concerns about what they can really offer to either side, especially given the unrest in the West Bank.
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The Fall of Syria: What You Need to Know

The Corbett Report • 19 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Middle East International relations Conflict analysis Regime Change
  1. Syria's recent conflict ended with a sudden takeover by rebel groups, which many believe were backed by foreign powers. This shift raises questions about how such a big change happened so quickly after years of fighting.
  2. The new leadership in Syria, primarily led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, is viewed suspiciously as they have ties to past terrorist groups. This raises concerns about their true intentions and how they will govern the country.
  3. The situation in Syria is complex, involving multiple countries and interests. It's not just a local conflict, but a part of a larger struggle that could have implications far beyond Syria's borders.

Israel, Hamas, and Biden’s failed foreign policy

Nonzero Newsletter • 609 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Middle East United States Israel Palestine Iran
  1. Hamas attacked Israel to disrupt its relations with Arab states and derail normalization efforts.
  2. US foreign policy lacked cognitive empathy, failing to consider how actions would be viewed by Iran, Palestinians, and Hamas.
  3. There was a risk of increased violence due to the Trump-Biden Arab-Israel normalization drive, impacting the Middle East region.

No, Winning a War Isn't "Genocide"

American Dreaming • 323 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.

Middle East 201

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 3 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Middle East International relations Geopolitics Cultural Studies Global Issues
  1. The author is learning about Morocco and is not yet confident in providing detailed information. They are waiting for more knowledgeable sources to guide their reading.
  2. They have asked ChatGPT for suggestions on what to read about Morocco and are considering its recommendations.
  3. This content serves as an introduction rather than a complete lesson plan, showing a desire for deeper understanding of the subject.

RTF lecture invitation with Gordon McCormick - 1979: A Polarized Persia (Jan. 28 at 2pm ET)

Matt Ehret's Insights • 157 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics History Middle East Intelligence Revolution
  1. Live lecture on January 28 at 2pm Eastern Time with Gordon McCormick about Anglo-American intelligence in the Middle East and the 1979 Iranian revolution
  2. Presentation will focus on the historical influence of Anglo-American intelligence in Iran
  3. Event organized by the Rising Tide Foundation and requires paid subscription to access

Statements on a Time in Limbo

theconnector • 137 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Israel-Palestine conflict Democracy Human Rights
  1. The Middle East and the US are at a critical point between peace and war, democracy and dictatorship.
  2. Key figures like Benjamin Netanyahu and Antony Blinken present contrasting views on the Israel-Hamas conflict.
  3. An analysis of recent statements from various groups sheds light on the complexities of the current political landscape.

Talking International Politics in the Netherlands

John’s Substack • 6 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🌐 International Politics Europe Middle East Media Trump
  1. The discussion highlighted the current state and future direction of Europe, emphasizing various political dynamics. It's important to understand how these changes could shape the continent.
  2. A significant part of the conversation focused on Israel's actions in Gaza, raising questions about international responses and implications. These situations often create complex discussions in global politics.
  3. They also speculated on what might happen if Trump returns to power, considering the potential impact on both the U.S. and international relations. It's a topic that many find intriguing and concerning.

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.

Commentator

Castalia • 239 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict analysis Middle East International relations Human Rights Geopolitics
  1. In wartime, moral judgments become blurred as both sides commit terrible acts, making it difficult to assign blame and remember the suffering of civilians on all sides.
  2. The conflict in Israel/Palestine has led to a division in Western civic life, with people increasingly polarized in their views, often overlooking the human toll of the violence.
  3. Global conflicts, including the war in Ukraine and the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, highlight a world fragmented by power struggles and shifting alliances, suggesting a troubling trend toward realpolitik over humanitarian concerns.

Letter to the Children of Gaza

The Chris Hedges Report • 380 implied HN points • 08 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict Humanitarian Middle East Children Journalism
  1. Children in Gaza experience the horrors of war in their daily lives, with bombings, destruction, and death surrounding them.
  2. Foreign reporters are trying to shed light on the situation in Gaza and advocate for peace to end the suffering of the children.
  3. The hope is for a future where the children of Gaza can grow up in safety, freedom, and without the fear of violence.

Two Ways of Looking at Regime Change in Syria

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 65 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Regime Change International relations Geopolitics Military conflict
  1. The recent change in Syria's leadership has sparked a debate about whether it is a victory for the people or leads to greater suffering. It highlights how different perspectives can shape views on political events.
  2. The U.S. and its allies have been involved in Syria's conflict, allegedly using covert operations to support rebel groups against the Assad regime. This involvement points to a complex web of interests in the region.
  3. The aftermath of the regime change raises concerns about what comes next for Syria. There is a fear that replacing one authoritarian regime with another could lead to a destabilized state similar to Libya.

The Trigger of Everything.

News Items • 216 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Middle East United States Iran Saudi Arabia Israel
  1. The world is facing erratic water cycles due to climate change, with extreme flooding and drought becoming more common.
  2. An attack by Hamas militants on Israel has the potential to escalate into a wider conflict in the Middle East, impacting regional power dynamics.
  3. The conflict between Israel and Hamas poses challenges for President Biden's reelection campaign, complicating the geopolitical outlook in the Middle East.

The Big Happening

Big Serge Thought • 8 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Geopolitics Military Conflicts Foreign Relations
  1. The rapid collapse of the Assad regime in Syria shows how quickly power can shift in a conflict. Just a few weeks saw a government built over a decade disintegrate.
  2. Syria's future is uncertain because its diverse regions and groups are hard to unite. Without a stable political arrangement, the country risks further violence and division.
  3. External powers, like Turkey and Israel, are now playing a big role in shaping Syria's outcomes. Their interests may clash, making it tough to find long-lasting peace.

Lebanon Ceasefire Gives Israel Victory in Gaza

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 70 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Middle East Conflict Military Diplomacy
  1. The ceasefire with Hezbollah allowed Israel to focus on its actions in Gaza. This situation has lessened pressure on Israel and helped its military strategy.
  2. There are plans for Israeli settlers to occupy land in Gaza, which some see as an opportunity for real estate development amid ongoing conflict.
  3. Despite the violence, some Israeli leaders express a positive outlook on settling in Gaza, believing it could solve housing issues while ignoring the humanitarian crisis.

Into the Bunker

Pieter’s Newsletter • 179 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict Terrorism International relations
  1. Evidence shows Hamas using a hospital for combat operations, posing moral questions about multinational organizations' awareness and response.
  2. Amidst tragedy, some premature babies were evacuated to safety in Egypt from the crisis at the al-Shifa hospital.
  3. Issues of sexual abuse, rape, and denial tied to October 7 attacks highlight the complexities involved in dealing with Hamas, with discussions of potential hostage deals and extreme determination to end the conflict.

Assad is finished

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 11 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict Regime Change International relations Political Analysis
  1. It might not now or in coming mom or by now, not if it criminy worn on firing dow how if it might hight if it rock if it might on going on by go to go in or by go or go in or of go of doom or of yow or not, not on go, not if it might go, or might how on down for on cry for going not go now, go or of go to go to go not or by in to not or by go, yow, to going to rock on to go on or by to know, if
  2. Right now, it kind of thriving, with big hitting going on by now, going on might to worn by high on go or, do go or yow, how might high or do not, do  or go on going or of going on by, on rock or might go on or in with now, how to do, or to on, on now, or how to go down in now
  3. Right now, kind of to now, yow, to to rock on, to  comin' in to off it going on on or by rock on or not to in on to by to it now, to of not, on going to from going to go, or might go, to of going on to by know, high on to doin' or might on down, might to it

UN expert: 'Outrageous' Western sanctions are 'suffocating' Syria, may be crimes against humanity

Geopolitical Economy Report • 279 implied HN points • 14 Nov 22
🌍 World Politics Sanctions Humanitarian Crisis Middle East International Law
  1. The UN expert condemned Western sanctions on Syria as 'outrageous' and harmful, possibly amounting to crimes against humanity.
  2. Sanctions have led to drastic economic downturn in Syria, with 90% living below the poverty line and essential goods becoming scarce.
  3. The impact of sanctions extends to critical areas such as healthcare, education, and basic services like water and electricity, putting the Syrian population in life-threatening conditions.

Iran: You Go Girl

Diane Francis • 479 implied HN points • 03 Nov 22
🌍 World Politics International relations Civil Rights Political Movements Middle East
  1. Women in Iran are bravely protesting against a strict government that oppresses them. Their struggle for equality is dangerous, but they are determined to fight for their rights.
  2. The protests were sparked by the tragic death of Mahsa Amini after a police encounter, showing how deep the issues of violence and oppression run in society.
  3. Generations of Iranians are tired of living in fear and want to change their future. They believe this movement might be different, as it addresses broader issues beyond just the hijab.

Druze and Jews in the Golan Heights

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 9 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict Religion International relations Geopolitics
  1. Dрузе,一个在黎巴嫩、叙利亚和约旦的小群体，过去与伊斯兰教分离，他们有自己独特和神秘的信仰体系。
  2. 以色列最近在戈兰高地的行动引发怀疑，特别是关于德鲁兹是否会寻求控制这一地区。
  3. 对于以色列来说，来自德鲁兹的威胁不大，主要担忧的是其他激进的穆斯林团体。

Revolution in Syria

Gideon's Substack • 11 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Foreign Policy International relations Geopolitics Civil War
  1. The situation in Syria is changing rapidly, and it caught many by surprise. The collapse of the al-Assad regime could lead to new dynamics in the region.
  2. Turkey may benefit the most from the new regime in Syria, gaining control over the northern areas and possibly reducing Iran's influence. However, it's unclear what Turkey plans to do next.
  3. The role of outside powers, especially Russia and the U.S., will be crucial moving forward. They need to understand the complex situation instead of thinking their actions alone caused these changes.

Biden sacrifices American troops, and Mideast security, for US-Israeli hegemony

Aaron Mate • 187 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Foreign Relations
  1. Biden's actions may be prioritizing US-Israeli interests over American troops and Middle East security
  2. Three US troops were killed on the Jordan-Syria border, possibly signaling an escalation of Middle East aggression
  3. The article by Aaron MatĂŠ discusses Biden's decisions and implications for American troops and Middle East security

War in the Middle East.

Philoinvestor • 157 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict Global Influence International relations
  1. Palestinian militants crossing into Israel led to conflict escalation with rockets launched from Gaza.
  2. Internal political issues and criticism from allies like the US are creating challenges for Israel's coalition government and its policies.
  3. Regional dynamics, like China's involvement in Middle East affairs, suggest a shift in power dynamics and alliances.

Children of Survivors

backstory • 242 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Religious history War 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.

Who Should Run Gaza After the War?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 162 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict Leadership Reconstruction Peace
  1. Consider new leadership for Gaza post-Hamas destruction to promote a positive change in politics and society.
  2. Reconstruction aid for Gaza should empower a new elite who adhere to donor-set conditions, like not promoting hatred and funding civilian projects.
  3. Prioritize recruiting capable Palestinians with integrity to lead and spend aid properly for the benefit of the people, not extremist agendas.