The hottest Middle East Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

The Extremely Moderate Al Qaeda Splinter Group That Seized Power in Syria Is Interesting

I Might Be Wrong • 8 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Terrorism Governance International relations
  1. There is a surprising moderate faction within Al Qaeda that has gained power in Syria. This group seems to focus on practical issues rather than extreme ideology.
  2. The group's leader, Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, embraces a more liberal and pragmatic approach, which is unusual for someone from this background.
  3. Many people are skeptical about this change, as past efforts at reform in the Middle East often ended poorly, but some believe there is a chance for genuine progress this time.

The Assad Regime has failed

Theory Matters • 12 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Governance Geopolitics Conflict Sovereignty
  1. The Assad regime in Syria is losing control and authority. It relies heavily on foreign support from countries like Iran and Russia and hasn't regained full control of the country since the conflict started.
  2. The regime's tactics have led to a rise in extremist groups, which they initially released to undermine the rebellion. This strategy backfired and contributed to the ongoing violence and chaos.
  3. Despite appearances of strength, the Assad regime is weakening internally. It struggles to maintain power and legitimacy, leaving its future uncertain as it faces mounting challenges from within and outside.

Palestine

David Friedman’s Substack • 233 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict Refugees
  1. Individual rights should be considered in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with property rights for those affected by land seizures
  2. Considerations of intentions and actions guide the rights of immigration and use of force for both Israelis and Palestinians
  3. The conflict is fueled by perceptions of group rights over individual rights, hindering resolution

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 29.12.2024

steigan.no • 6 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict International relations Human Rights Geopolitics Middle East
  1. A lot of people believe that advancements in AI technology might replace many jobs, making some workers feel unnecessary. Yuval Noah Harari mentioned that we might not need the majority of the population in the future.
  2. There are concerns about how media, including major outlets like the BBC, cover conflicts. Some journalists feel that their stories can be altered to make Israel look better, downplaying the severity of certain actions.
  3. Germany is facing economic troubles, with many companies considering moving their production elsewhere due to high costs. This situation has led to fears that Germany could lose its status as Europe's economic leader.
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"Going Underground" on Syria

John’s Substack • 7 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East International relations Conflict Studies Political Analysis Geopolitics
  1. Syria is in a chaotic state, and understanding its situation is complex. The podcast discusses the past events and potential future of the country.
  2. The conversation focuses on the impact of the fall of Assad and what that means for the region. It's important to consider how this could change politics and stability.
  3. Experts are trying to analyze the broader implications of the Syrian conflict. This includes looking at how the situation affects neighboring countries and global politics.

Hamas attacks Israel

Comment is Freed • 204 implied HN points • 08 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict Diplomacy Middle East Military International relations
  1. Hamas attacks on Israel were well planned and orchestrated, not impulsive responses to recent events.
  2. Israel is facing political backlash and may form an emergency unity government with opposition parties for support.
  3. The conflict with Hamas poses challenges for Israel in terms of security, containment, and potential involvement of other groups like Hezbollah.

Israel/Gaza: Retrospect and Prospect

Comment is Freed • 130 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East International relations Peace process
  1. The conflict between Israel and Hamas remains unresolved, with challenges in reaching lasting peace deals.
  2. There are divisions within the Israeli government on how to handle the situation, including differing views on the future of Gaza and the Palestinian Authority's role.
  3. Efforts from external parties, like the US, Europeans, and Arab states, are crucial in addressing the complexities of the Israel-Gaza conflict and finding potential solutions.

Three Different Articles on the War Between Israel and Hamas

Fisted by Foucault • 104 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East International relations Conflict Diplomacy Geopolitics
  1. The article discusses South Africa's personal connection to defending Palestine and its efforts at the International Court of Justice, seeking to address the Israel-Palestine conflict.
  2. Germany's commitment to Israel's security as a 'reason of state' is explored, reflecting on the historical context and political decisions made by Angela Merkel.
  3. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's take on the Gaza conflict and his perspective on the root cause behind the terrorist attacks in Israel.

Middle East 201

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 3 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict Ethnicity Nationalism International relations
  1. The PKK is a key group in the Kurdish independence movement, and understanding its history is important for grasping the Kurdish struggle. A book called 'Blood and Belief' provides a detailed look at this topic.
  2. There are many resources available about the Kurds, including books and articles. Some are required reading, while others are good references you can look up when you have questions.
  3. The conflict between Turks and Kurds has a long history and is still relevant today. Keeping up with current assessments can help understand the ongoing issues in this region.

THE SEALS AND THE DHOW

Seymour Hersh • 94 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Military Intelligence Middle East Conflict Secrecy
  1. A Navy SEAL mission in the Gulf of Aden went wrong, resulting in two deaths and one critical injury due to a risky boarding attempt on a dhow suspected of carrying weaponry.
  2. The decision to proceed with the mission in rough seas, despite safety concerns, led to tragedy and prompted questions about the reasoning behind it.
  3. The outcome of the mission revealed outdated cargo not matching the initial intelligence, sparking criticism and calls for accountability within the SEAL community.

‼️ 🔜 ME201 SCHEDULE CHANGE 👏

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 4 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Middle East Syria Political Analysis Geopolitics
  1. There's a schedule change for a discussion on the Middle East, now set for 6:15 PM Paris time. It's important to note this so everyone can join on time.
  2. The upcoming talk will include Gabi Mitchell, an expert on the Middle East, who will share insights about the recent news in the region.
  3. Reading about what happened in Syrian prisons is crucial to understanding the depth of the conflict and its history, highlighting serious human rights violations.

Violence in the Middle East

Comment is Freed • 85 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict Leadership Military tactics International relations
  1. Violence in the Middle East continues to persist with targeted killings and tit-for-tat exchanges between various factions.
  2. Both Israel and the US believe in weakening their adversaries by targeting and eliminating their leaders, but this strategy may not result in long-term success as groups have sufficient support and structures to carry on.
  3. The situation in the Middle East, particularly in relation to Iran, involves complex dynamics with concerns about nuclear capabilities, succession planning, and the influence of proxies in ongoing conflicts.

As Arab states seek peace, US insists that Syrians suffer

Aaron Mate • 208 implied HN points • 14 May 23
🌍 World Politics Syria Reconstruction Middle East
  1. Syria's re-admission to the Arab League signifies a rejection of U.S. interests in the region and highlights Arab states' independence.
  2. The U.S. is imposing sanctions to hinder Syria's reconstruction efforts, showing displeasure with the Arab League's move.
  3. U.S. sanctions on Syria are causing mass suffering for civilians, despite claims to help the Syrian people.

Jared's Billions

Diane Francis • 299 implied HN points • 18 Apr 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Ethics Investment Government Power Middle East
  1. Jared Kushner received a $2 billion investment from Saudi Arabia, raising concerns about potential favoritism and ethical issues, especially given his past role in the Trump administration.
  2. The relationship between Kushner and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman involves complex political maneuvers, including attempts to alter U.S. foreign policy and discussions about nuclear technology in the region.
  3. Critics worry that Kushner's business dealings could undermine U.S. democracy and allow foreign interests to influence American politics, especially with close ties to controversial figures.

A proposal for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

America in Crisis • 59 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict resolution Middle East Diplomacy Foreign Policy
  1. US could strategically withdraw from parts of the world where its involvement is no longer needed, like Europe and the Middle East, and focus resources on other priorities.
  2. Separating Palestinians and Israelis could be a potential solution to the conflict, with options for Palestinians to emigrate in exchange for compensation.
  3. Involving Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in the solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict could be achieved through leveraging American hegemonic power.

Global Eyes: Middle East Edition

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 3 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East International relations Conflict Studies Political Analysis Current Events
  1. There's a lot of important news happening in the Middle East right now, but not all of it is reliable.
  2. Sometimes, it's okay to stay silent and not share an opinion about something you don't know much about, especially in complex situations like Syria.
  3. Social media can spread misinformation, so it's often better to find trustworthy news sources rather than relying on random online opinions.

Sordid Arabia and Jared

Diane Francis • 459 implied HN points • 06 May 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Human Rights Middle East Geopolitics Political Scandals
  1. Jamal Khashoggi was a journalist who was killed gruesomely in a Saudi consulate, which raised international outcry. His death highlighted serious issues with human rights in Saudi Arabia.
  2. Jared Kushner and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman worked together closely, reshaping alliances in the Middle East. Their relationship had significant implications for U.S. foreign policy and the potential sale of nuclear technology.
  3. Despite controversies and ethical questions surrounding Kushner's dealings during the Trump administration, he has continued to amass wealth and influence in the region, showing how personal and political interests can intertwine.

"As Israel-Gaza war drags on, China could rise as a peacemaker," Henry Huiyao Wang writes in South China Morning Post

Pekingnology • 94 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics China Middle East Conflict resolution International relations
  1. China has the potential to be a peacemaker in the Israel-Gaza conflict due to its lack of historical baggage and economic influence.
  2. China's neutral stance and economic partnerships in the Middle East make it a trustworthy mediator.
  3. Dialogue, negotiation, and a two-state solution are emphasized as key steps for achieving peace in the region.

Israel's Hidden War

Diane Francis • 359 implied HN points • 03 Jun 21
🌍 World Politics Middle East Diplomacy Demographics Political parties
  1. Israel faces a major internal conflict between those wanting a democratic society and ultra-orthodox Jews who prefer a theocracy. This clash is growing due to the increasing Haredi population, which could soon dominate.
  2. A new coalition government in Israel is formed to remove the current Prime Minister, but the alliance is fragile. It's a reflection of the deep divisions in Israeli society, where Arabs and ultra-orthodox citizens feel marginalized.
  3. The education system in Israel is failing many children, especially among Haredim and Arab Israelis. Without reforms, many kids will not be prepared for today’s job market, threatening Israel's future as a technological leader.

IT'S BIBI'S WAR

Seymour Hersh • 44 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Israel Middle East Conflict National Security
  1. The post discusses the concept of 'Bibi's War' in a broader context beyond just one individual's agenda.
  2. The importance of Israeli Air Force generals in providing insights and understanding the truth behind various issues in Israel.
  3. The post highlights the value of seeking information from reliable sources, even if it means going off the record for background information.

October 7

72 Degrees North • 39 implied HN points • 11 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Middle East Religion Conflict Peace Human Rights
  1. The recent massacre in Israel was fueled by hatred towards Jews, not government actions.
  2. Ultimate fault is pinned on the capitalist world system, leading to poverty, miseducation, and violence.
  3. A global political realignment is happening, and it's crucial for the Left to prioritize support for vulnerable minorities like Jews.

Middle East 201

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 3 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Middle East Government Leadership
  1. The Middle East is affected by US elections, and many are eager to see how Trump's second term might change things in the region.
  2. There's a mix of hope and concern about Trump's leadership affecting peace talks and alliances in the Middle East.
  3. Important issues, like Iran's nuclear program and Israel's military strategies, are likely to be central in discussions during Trump's presidency.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 05.11.2024

steigan.no • 5 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East International relations Conflict Studies Human Rights Government Policy
  1. Israeli settlers have been attacking Palestinian towns, burning homes and stealing land with protection from military forces. This ongoing violence highlights the severe risks faced by Palestinian communities.
  2. A Jewish professor in the UK was arrested after giving a speech critical of Israel, reflecting concerns about suppressing free speech around pro-Palestinian views. This incident raises questions about academic freedom and political expression.
  3. The Swedish government has rejected multiple wind power projects in the Baltic Sea due to security concerns. This decision shows the tension between pursuing renewable energy and maintaining national defense priorities.