Author: Alex MacDonald

Israel’s invasion of Lebanon – the Update: Israel’s reported ground invasion of Lebanon on Monday evening sparked concerns of escalating tensions. Despite Israel claiming the operation was limited, there were doubts about its scale. However, the incursion seemed small with troops returning to Israel after making short forays into Lebanon. Lebanon reported raids by Israeli troops only reaching a short distance into the country, avoiding direct clashes with Hezbollah fighters. While fears of a broader operation loom, there is no imminent threat. The international community, including the UN, voiced concerns over a large-scale ground invasion, highlighting the humanitarian consequences. Multiple…

Lebanon, a home to Palestinian refugees, has been a frequent target of Israeli invasions since 1948. Recent clashes have led to over 650 deaths, prompting talks of a ground invasion. Hezbollah, formed during the Israeli occupation from 1982 to 2000, has retaliated with rocket attacks, intensifying tensions. Israel’s increased operations in Lebanon, including fatal bombings, hint at a possible invasion. Israeli General Herzi Halevi hinted at preparing for a ground invasion. The history of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah stems from Lebanon hosting Palestinian refugees and Hezbollah’s opposition to Israeli occupation. The 2006 war saw heavy losses and destruction, with…

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian embarked on his first trip abroad to Iraq since assuming office in July. The reformist leader, elected following the death of his predecessor, aimed to bolster security and economic ties between the two nations. Discussion topics included mitigating the impact of US sanctions on Iran, addressing Israel’s actions in Gaza, and tackling the presence of Iranian Kurdish separatist groups in Iraq. A security agreement signed between the two countries in March 2023 aimed to address this issue by pushing armed factions away from the Iranian border. In an interview, an Iranian judiciary official highlighted the extradition…

Israeli forces have recently ended a 10-day assault in Jenin, resulting in at least 39 Palestinian casualties. Despite the withdrawal, the military has stated that the operation in the occupied West Bank is not yet over. The offensive involved soldiers, armoured vehicles, and bulldozers targeting the city and its refugee camp, leading to the displacement of many residents. Tensions peaked when a US citizen was reportedly shot dead by Israeli troops near Nablus. Residents of Jenin have begun to return home, describing the aftermath as a scene of destruction. The assault left them without basic necessities like electricity and water…

The Rise of Allahiyah: A Disturbing Trend Among Iraq’s Youth Iraq’s youth face a bleak reality – a country marred by instability, war, and corruption, leaving many with little hope for the future. The emergence of the Allahiyah movement, a group promoting lottery-based suicide, has shocked the nation. Believing in sacrificial offerings to Imam Ali, this group has drawn in disaffected youths who see suicide as a means to meet the divine. Despite its extremist nature, some sympathizers have emerged within security forces, posing challenges to crackdown efforts. With high levels of unemployment and social neglect, young Iraqis are vulnerable…

Two Kurdish journalists, Gulistan Tara and Hero Bahadin, were tragically killed in a Turkish drone strike in northern Iraq while on assignment for Sterk TV. The incident, which took place in the Seyidsadiq district of Sulaymaniyah province, has sparked outrage and condemnation from various quarters. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) counter-terrorism service reported the deaths of a senior PKK member, his driver, and a guard in the attack. However, Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani disputed this, calling it an “unjustifiable crime” and a violation of Iraqi sovereignty. Increased Hostility Towards Journalists Reporters Without Borders (RSF) highlighted the growing danger journalists…

Protests Erupt in Iraq Against Controversial Changes to Family Law Amid concerns of enshrining sectarianism in family relationships and allowing child marriage, women’s rights campaigners in Iraq organized protests against amendments to the Personal Status Law. The Coalition 188 led demonstrations across various cities in Iraq, opposing changes heavily promoted by conservative Shia parties. The protesters in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square voiced their opposition to the amendments, advocating for custody rights for mothers and against the marriage of minors. However, protesters in Najaf faced violence from hardline groups supporting the amendments. Amendments Threaten Women’s Rights The proposed changes would require Muslim…

Women and children’s rights campaigners in Iraq are fighting against proposed amendments to the Personal Status Law that could reinforce sectarianism, empower clerics in family matters, and potentially legalize child marriage. The amendments, promoted by conservative Shia Islamist parties, aim to give more power to choose between Sunni and Shia sects in marriages and potentially allow marriages for children as young as nine years old. Despite previous attempts being stalled due to political backlash, the amendment bill is gaining traction. It seeks to delegate marriage finalization to religious endowments and could lead to legitimizing unregistered marriages, 22% involving girls under…

Turkey has made the decision to ban Instagram, reportedly due to the platform’s alleged crackdown on users sharing condolences for late Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. The ban was announced by the country’s Information Technologies and Communication Authority on its website, without providing an official reason. Turkish officials, including President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, expressed their condolences for Haniyeh’s death and declared a national day of mourning. The ban sparked criticism from Turkish officials, with the presidency’s director of communications condemning Instagram for restricting messages of condolence as censorship. Turkey has a history of blocking social media platforms in response to national…

The recent shocking assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran has sparked widespread condemnation and threats of revenge across the Middle East. Members of the “Axis of Resistance,” including Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iraqi paramilitaries, are vowing retribution for the killing, with Iran also promising to retaliate against the apparent Israeli attack. Hezbollah has been engaging in escalating clashes along the border with Israel, while Ansar Allah and Iraqi paramilitaries have targeted Israeli interests. Iran previously launched a drone and missile attack on Israel in April. The coordinated response from Iran and its allies remains uncertain, with speculation about…