Author: M Barbu

New Year, New Intrigue

The secret services of Israel, Turkey, China, the U.S. and UAE vie for influence in Somaliland

Since October 7, 2023, a rivalry has been unfolding between Israel and Turkey that evokes the “Great Game,” the 19th-century struggle between Czarist Russia and Britain for control and influence in Afghanistan, Iran, and Central Asia. Then, as now, this rivalry involves espionage and intelligence gathering, diplomatic intrigue, proxy warfare, and military missions. The U.S. is on the verge of getting more involved.

Israeli army deploys ultra-Orthodox Haredi brigade in southern Syria

The Israeli army announced today, Thursday 1 January, the deployment of forces from the “Hasmonean Brigade” in the security zone in southern Syria, marking the first time the brigade has been stationed in the area.

The Israeli army said the brigade’s infantry forces carried out field activities after a series of military drills in the area. These included “targeted searches” during which intelligence was collected, with the stated aim of “removing threats and ensuring the security of civilians in Israel, especially Golan residents.”

Face à la crise, une autre Europe

La crise est en Europe, l’Europe est en crise. Nous l’analysions en 2012. Si les choses se sont aggravées, les origines de la crise économique restent les mêmes : la crise des économies et des sociétés européennes est avant tout une crise de la domination d’une certaine économie, financiarisée au détriment des producteurs européens.

Somalie : Le président accuse Israël de vouloir installer de force des Palestiniens sur son territoire

«Après 34 ans, voir Israël surgir soudainement pour reconnaître le Somaliland est extrêmement inattendu et très étrange», déclare Hassan Cheikh Mohamud.

Le président somalien Hassan Cheikh Mohamud a mis en garde contre les ambitions d’Israël, qu’il accuse de vouloir installer de force des Palestiniens en Somalie et d’étendre son accès stratégique au golfe d’Aden et à la mer Rouge.

Iran’s Protests Reach Day Four. Washington Should Heed the Streets.

Swelling waves of dissatisfaction are sweeping the Islamic Republic of Iran into the new year. What began on December 28 as demonstrations in downtown Tehran has crossed the country to Malard, Isfahan, Hamedan, Kerman, Ahvaz, Qeshm, and several other cities. They have been joined by coordinated strikes held by merchants and business owners, who have traditionally held great influence. Nationwide protests and strikes have persisted through a fourth day, despite the fact that there have been arrests and even cases of authorities firing on protesters.

Trump bombarde trois pays pour Noël en faveur d’Israël

Donald Trump, le président soi-disant défenseur de « l’Amérique d’abord », a été élu par des électeurs exaspérés par les guerres absurdes, surtout celles menées par Israël. Cette semaine, il a trahi ces électeurs en offrant à Israël un cadeau de Noël : le bombardement de trois pays qu’Israël souhaitait voir bombardés. Curieusement, aucun de ces pays ne se situe au Moyen-Orient.

Scenarios for the Middle East to 2026: Worse Before It’s Better

The Stimson Center recently convened a meeting of U.S. regional experts to discuss three scenarios for the Middle East over the next 18 months: a continuation of low-level fighting in Gaza; an “all-hell-breaks-loose” nightmare of increased war and violence; and a “keep-hope-alive” vision entailing a long-term cease fire in Gaza and a plan for physical and political reconstruction. Throughout the discussion it became apparent that some variation of the first scenario is most likely with the second scenario having some plausibility; the third scenario, however, was seen as unlikely by 2026. The meeting was held under the Chatham House Rule to foster an atmosphere conducive to frankness.