Middle East

Regional security, proxy networks, escalation risk, and conflict diplomacy across the Middle East.

181 Dispatches

Life After Assad: Syria's Uncertain Path to Reconstruction and Peace
Conflicts & Crises

Life After Assad: Syria's Uncertain Path to Reconstruction and Peace

Explore Syria's path forward after Assad's fall: territorial control, HTS leadership, Kurdish tensions, reconstruction costs, and international involvement

Simon Whistler · February 17, 2026
The Fall of the Syrian Regime: How Bashar al-Assad Was Finally Overthrown
Conflicts & Crises

The Fall of the Syrian Regime: How Bashar al-Assad Was Finally Overthrown

Comprehensive analysis of Assad regime's collapse in December 2024. Explore HTS offensive, Aleppo's fall, and nationwide rebel advances that ended 50 years

Simon Whistler · February 17, 2026
Aleppo Has Fallen in 2024: How HTS Rebels Captured Syria's Largest City in Days
Conflicts & Crises

Aleppo Has Fallen in 2024: How HTS Rebels Captured Syria's Largest City in Days

HTS-led rebel offensive captures Aleppo in four days, November 2024. Regime forces retreat as Operation Deterrence of Aggression advances toward Damascus.

Simon Whistler · February 17, 2026
Israel and Lebanon Have a Ceasefire: What Happens Next
Conflicts & Crises

Israel and Lebanon Have a Ceasefire: What Happens Next

Israel and Lebanon agree to ceasefire on Nov 27, 2024. Hezbollah withdraws from southern Lebanon over 60 days. Details on enforcement and what's next.

Simon Whistler · February 17, 2026
Tulsi Gabbard's DNI Nomination: Why the Global Intelligence Community Is in Crisis
Geopolitics & Strategy

Tulsi Gabbard's DNI Nomination: Why the Global Intelligence Community Is in Crisis

Why Tulsi Gabbard's nomination as Director of National Intelligence has alarmed the global intelligence community and threatens Five Eyes alliance.

Simon Whistler · February 17, 2026
Inside Israel's Merkava Tank: Combat Performance Analysis in Gaza Urban Warfare
Military & Defense

Inside Israel's Merkava Tank: Combat Performance Analysis in Gaza Urban Warfare

Analysis of Merkava tank combat performance in Gaza. 35 damaged, zero destroyed since invasion began. Trophy system effectiveness examined.

Simon Whistler · February 17, 2026
The Highway of Death: The Most Controversial Event of the Gulf War Explained
Conflicts & Crises

The Highway of Death: The Most Controversial Event of the Gulf War Explained

Explore the Highway of Death, the Gulf War's most controversial bombing. Examine casualties, civilian impact, and lasting consequences.

Simon Whistler · February 17, 2026
B-2 Stealth Bombers Strike Yemen as US and Russia Escalate Operations in Syria
Conflicts & Crises

B-2 Stealth Bombers Strike Yemen as US and Russia Escalate Operations in Syria

US deploys B-2 stealth bombers against Houthi targets in Yemen while Russia intensifies bombing in Syria. Multi-front escalation raises conflict risks.

Simon Whistler · February 17, 2026
The Iranian Military Is Better Than You Think, and Israel Shouldn't Underestimate It
Military & Defense

The Iranian Military Is Better Than You Think, and Israel Shouldn't Underestimate It

Analysis of Iran's military strengths including 610k personnel, missile arsenals, and asymmetric capabilities that pose genuine strategic challenges.

Simon Whistler · February 17, 2026
Iran Wants to Go Nuclear: Which Other States Might Get the Bomb?
Geopolitics & Strategy

Iran Wants to Go Nuclear: Which Other States Might Get the Bomb?

Iran is closest to nuclear weapons with days of breakout time. South Korea and Saudi Arabia also weigh nuclear options amid shifting geopolitical threats.

Simon Whistler · February 17, 2026
Iran's Promised Retaliation Against Israel: Understanding the Eerie Silence and What Comes Next
Conflicts & Crises

Iran's Promised Retaliation Against Israel: Understanding the Eerie Silence and What Comes Next

Iran vowed direct retaliation after Hamas leader's assassination in Tehran. Analysis of military preparations, ceasefire talks, and escalation risks.

Simon Whistler · February 17, 2026
Israel-Hezbollah War Appears Imminent Following Deadly Majdal Shams Strike
Conflicts & Crises

Israel-Hezbollah War Appears Imminent Following Deadly Majdal Shams Strike

July 27 rocket attack kills 12 children in Golan Heights. Israel authorizes major retaliation against Hezbollah, pushing region toward full-scale war.

Simon Whistler · February 17, 2026