The Syrian-Iranian Military Deal Strengthens Russia’s “Balancing” Strategy

The Syrian-Iranian Military Deal Strengthens Russia’s “Balancing” Strategy

No real details were publicly revealed about the new military deal that was clinched after the Iranian Defense Minister’s trip to Damascus but the Islamic Republic’s top military representative earlier told reporters that “No third party can affect the presence of Iranian advisers in Syria”, in what was clearly a response to aggressive American and…

The Long Shadow of the Gulf Crisis: Qatar Emerges as Key Player in Gaza Crisis

The Long Shadow of the Gulf Crisis: Qatar Emerges as Key Player in Gaza Crisis

Dug in for the long haul in its increasingly bitter dispute with the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, Qatar is emerging as a key player in efforts to prevent tension between Israel and Hamas, the Islamist group that controls Gaza, from spinning out of control. Qatar’s increasing role counters Saudi and UAE efforts to…

The US Doesn’t Care about Idlib But Wants to Get Iran to the Negotiating Table

The US Doesn’t Care about Idlib But Wants to Get Iran to the Negotiating Table

Israeli Intelligence Minister Yisrael Katz didn’t wait for the ink to dry on the deal signed by the Iranian Defence Minister Amir Hatami and his Syrian counterpart Ali Ay’youb “to rebuild the Syrian Army” and warned that his country will attack Iranian forces inside Syria. Moreover, the US vowed to stay in Syria until Iran leaves….

Syria and Iran Sign Defense Agreement: Defying Outside Pressure

Syria and Iran Sign Defense Agreement: Defying Outside Pressure

Iranian Defense Minister Amir Hatami visited Damascus Aug. 26-27 in order to have a new military cooperation agreement signed. The move is evidently a response to US and Israeli demands to withdraw Iranian forces from Syria. No details have been provided about the document’s content but it’s logical to surmise it contains a list of mutual obligations…

When Illness is a ‘Death Sentence’: The Victimization of Gaza Women

When Illness is a ‘Death Sentence’: The Victimization of Gaza Women

Hanan al-Khoudari resorted to Facebook in a cry for help when Israeli authorities rejected her request to accompany her three-year-old son, Louay, to his chemotherapy treatment in East Jerusalem. The boy is suffering from an ‘aggressive soft tissue sarcoma’. Israeli authorities then justified their decision based on a vague claim that one of Hannan’s relatives…

The IHRA and Anti-Semitism: A Definition Designed to Silence Israel’s Critics

The IHRA and Anti-Semitism: A Definition Designed to Silence Israel’s Critics

“Anti-Semitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred towards Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism are directed towards Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, towards Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.” – The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism. Israeli politicians and the Diaspora-based Israel lobby…