Author: M Barbu

In Odesa’s Shadows: What Is Russia’s Strategy in Moldova?

Moscow’s approach to Moldova is to play for time and keep the country in geopolitical limbo by stoking internal divisions, stalling reforms, and fueling disenchantment with the pro-European course.

An old Moldovan joke goes that the best sight to visit in Moldova is Odesa: a legendary Ukrainian port city on the Black Sea, just a few dozen kilometers from the Moldovan border, that has been publicly coveted by Russian President Vladimir Putin. In February 2022, the joke acquired sinister undertones when that proximity turned Moldova into another potential victim of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Throughout the war, there have been intermittent worries that Russian forces fighting inside Ukraine might seek to join up with the approximately 1,500 Russian troops stationed in Moldova’s breakaway region of Transnistria to open a new front against Ukraine, destabilizing Moldova’s pro-Western course in the process.

Treasury Targets Hezbollah Financiers, Syrian Narcotraffickers with Fresh Sanctions

The United States imposed sanctions on Wednesday against a Hezbollah financing network and three individuals who generate revenue for Hezbollah by trafficking illicit narcotics. As hostilities escalate in south Lebanon, the sanctions indicate renewed efforts from the Biden administration to “expose and disrupt the illicit schemes that underpin Hizballah’s ability to continue its violent attacks.”

Jordan in ‘balancing act’ between Palestinian majority and key allies US, Israel

Caught between Hamas-supporting population and strategic partnerships with US and Israel, Jordanian King Abdullah to try to bring weight to bear this week in DC, says expert

On Sunday, Jordan’s official news agency Al Mamlaka published a video filmed inside a Jordanian Air Force aircraft that was dropping medical supplies to field hospitals inside the Gaza Strip. On board the flight was a special guest: King Abdullah, decked in military gear.

Blood of Sinwar will draw map of freedom for future generations: Anas Haqqani

Anas Haqqani, a prominent member of the Islamic Emirate, said Friday in response to the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar that his blood will draw the map of freedom for future generations.

“The blood of the hero al-Aqsa martyr will determine the true meaning of life for many future generations and will draw the road map of freedom for many,” Haqqani said in a post on X.

“Yahya Sinwar was one of the greatest fighters in the history of the Islamic Ummah, whose life and manner of martyrdom were special,” he added.

Meanwhile, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was killed during an operation by Israeli soldiers in the Palestinian enclave on Wednesday.

Is a Full-Scale Middle East War Already Here?

Iran and Israel Face Limitations That Make Massive Escalation Unlikely

Many analysts watching the conflict in the Middle East have warned that the present fighting could escalate further. At the moment, such fears are concentrated on the prospect of a war between Iran and Israel.

“They Are Liars”

Israel’s attacks in Beirut, and American complicity in them, has confirmed for many Lebanese how little they matter to the United States.

On September 29, Houssein Al Kadi, a soldier in the Lebanese army, left his brother’s house in Zboud, in northeastern Lebanon, at 8:15 a.m. to report to his military barracks three hours away.

This isn’t Lebanon’s war

Despite being caught in the cross fire, the Lebanese people overwhelmingly reject both Iran’s imposition of conflict and Israel’s bombardment. They stand abandoned by a caretaker government beholden to Hezbollah.

Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Parliamentary Speaker Nabih Berri are calling for a cease-fire between Hezbollah and Israel. This is a ruse.

Photos appear to show body of slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar

Graphic photos show Hamas leader and Oct. 7 mastermind Yahya Sinwar lying lifeless in a pile of rubble after he was killed in a routine raid that caught him by chance and surprised soldiers.

Sinwar, the architect of the single deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust, was among three militants killed Wednesday during a military operation in southern Gaza caught on dramatic video.