Middle East

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

192 Dispatches

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
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
ISIS Killed Three Americans in Syria: Inside the Islamic State's Dangerous Resurgence
Conflicts & Crises

ISIS Killed Three Americans in Syria: Inside the Islamic State's Dangerous Resurgence

ISIS killed three Americans in Syria on December 13th. Inside the Islamic State's dangerous comeback across Syria and what it means for global security.

Simon Whistler · February 17, 2026
Israel's Airstrike on Qatar: Why the Middle East Crisis Just Escalated Dramatically
Conflicts & Crises

Israel's Airstrike on Qatar: Why the Middle East Crisis Just Escalated Dramatically

Israel strikes Hamas leaders in Qatar, killing 6. Ceasefire talks collapse, regional diplomacy shattered. NATO risks escalation if Turkey targeted next.

Simon Whistler · February 17, 2026
Israel and Hamas Ceasefire Explained: Key Terms, Sticking Points, and What Comes Next
Conflicts & Crises

Israel and Hamas Ceasefire Explained: Key Terms, Sticking Points, and What Comes Next

Breaking down the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement: hostage exchanges, territorial withdrawal, aid surge, and obstacles to lasting peace.

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
The Israel-Iran War Could Get Much Worse: Critical Red Lines and Escalation Scenarios
Conflicts & Crises

The Israel-Iran War Could Get Much Worse: Critical Red Lines and Escalation Scenarios

Analysis of Israel-Iran conflict escalation risks, from Strait of Hormuz blockades to nuclear weapons development and direct US involvement.

Simon Whistler · February 17, 2026
The Israel-Iran War Has Begun: Operation Rising Lion and the Path to Regional Conflict
Conflicts & Crises

The Israel-Iran War Has Begun: Operation Rising Lion and the Path to Regional Conflict

Israel launches Operation Rising Lion against Iran with massive airstrikes on nuclear facilities and military leadership. Iran prepares major retaliation.

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
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
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