Despite incendiary rhetoric, Iran walks tightrope to avoid direct Israel war Three weeks into the Israel-Hamas war, Iran has adhered to a strategy of caution to avoid direct engagement, translating its threats into limited attacks on US bases through its proxies. Iran
Erdogan’s dreams of eclipsing Ataturk unfulfilled as Turkish republic turns 100 On the centennial of the Turkish Republic, its citizens are debating the country's evolution and how it measures up to the vision of modern Turkey's deeply secular founder. Turkey
Turkey ends unpopular bond scheme in latest fiscal policy change Turkey’s fiscal policy has reversed since President Erdogan won reelection in May, most notably with regards to interest rates. Turkey
Israeli invasion of Gaza threatens to collapse Washington's Middle East strategy The Biden administration thought painstaking diplomacy could contain Iran and, by extension, its proxies in Yemen, Syria, Iraq and Lebanon. But by papering over the Palestinian question, Washington handed its adversary a strategic opportunity. Israel
Analysis Israel's Gaza ground operation delayed over US preparations, possible hostage deal Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must wait for the Americans to complete military preparations in the region and for the Qataris to broker a deal for the liberation of hostages before a ground operation in Gaza. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Tunisia’s parliament to consider bill criminalizing relations with Israel The draft law criminalizes economic, cultural and military ties with Israel and comes amid growing unrest in the region as Israel intensifies its military campaign in Gaza. North Africa Pulse
Blasts in Egypt near Israeli border as Gaza war rages on The Israeli military blamed two explosions in Egypt, resulted in injuries, on an “aerial threat” from the Red Sea, a possible reference to the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, but some details are unclear. Egypt
US imposes sanctions on Hamas' envoy to Iran, IRGC trainers The sanctions targeting Hamas and its benefactors in Iran followed the Pentagon's announcement of airstrikes targeting Iran-linked facilities in eastern Syria. Iran
Official boycott, sit-ins target Starbucks in Turkey amid protests against Israel The decision by Turkey’s state-run rail company to stop selling Starbucks products in its dining cars marked the first official boycott targeting an international brand over the Israel-Hamas war. Turkey
US launches airstrikes on Iran militia facilities in Syria President Joe Biden authorized the F-16 strikes in a bid to put a halt to nearly 20 drone attacks targeting US bases in Iraq and Syria over the past week as Washington and Iran trade warnings amid Israel's impending invasion of Gaza. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
