The conservative vision Project 2025, led by the Heritage Foundation, presents a detailed policy wish list for the US, anticipating a potential return of Donald Trump and the Republican Party to the White House. The 900-page Mandate for Leadership outlines a radical plan including slashing federal agencies and implementing extensive immigration reforms. While Trump has distanced himself from the document, many of its authors are connected to his previous administration, hinting at potential influence in the future. Project 2025’s foreign policy stance closely mirrors Trump’s decisions, particularly in the Middle East. The document emphasizes the need for US allies to…

Project 2025, the ambitious policy wishlist published by the Heritage Foundation, has been making waves among American voters. This conservative vision outlines drastic changes, including gutting federal agencies and implementing sweeping immigration reforms, if the Republican Party were to return to the White House. Despite distancing himself, former President Donald Trump has ties to authors who could influence future policies. One area of focus in Project 2025 is the Middle East. The document aligns with both Trump’s and Biden’s approaches to the region, advocating for more responsibility from US allies in defense while highlighting continued support for Israel. It also…

Tulsi Gabbard, a former 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, has made a significant political shift from endorsing Bernie Sanders to supporting Joe Biden and now, in 2024, endorsing Donald Trump. In her recent endorsement of Trump, she highlighted his understanding of the responsibility of the president and his pursuit of peace through diplomacy. Gabbard’s endorsement of Trump follows her focus on preventing nuclear war and criticism of the Democratic Party’s foreign policy stance. She commended Trump’s approach of meeting with various world leaders and promoting peace over war tactics. Having served in the military, Gabbard’s foreign policy focus has been prevalent…

The recent Israeli offensive in the occupied West Bank, the largest since the Second Intifada, has drawn concern from the US, urging clarity on Israel’s goals and emphasizing the need to minimize civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. Despite the significant scale of the operation, the Biden administration has refrained from public comment. With the offensive raising tensions, Jordan faces a delicate situation as Gaza ceasefire negotiations stall. The US and Arab allies fear the conflict could spread beyond Gaza to the West Bank. Israel’s expansion of military actions across the region, paired with threats of forced displacement, has sparked international…

Israel’s recent war on Gaza, supported by the US, has sparked outrage among Muslim and Arab Americans, leading to widespread protests and activism across the country. From massive rallies to student-led encampments and political initiatives, the response has been diverse and impactful. Two major groups, Abandon Harris and Uncommitted, have emerged from this movement. While initially aligned, they have taken distinct paths. Abandon Harris aims to steer voters away from the Democratic Party due to its support of the war, while Uncommitted initially sought to protest by choosing “uncommitted” during the Democratic primary. The groups have diverged significantly since then.…

A ceasefire deal and the release of Israeli captives in Gaza were discussed in Doha talks, with Hamas rejecting Netanyahu’s conditions. International mediators described the negotiations as serious and constructive, aiming for swift implementation of a deal. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters Gaza ceasefire talks continue with low expectations. Discover the obstacles hindering the deal. The talks focus on implementing the current ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, aiming for a prisoner exchange and an end to the conflict. However, negotiations face…

Two Palestinian Americans, Mustafa Zeidan and Osama Abu Irshaid, have taken legal action against the US government, alleging that the Biden administration targeted them for their activism against Israel’s actions in Gaza. Zeidan was placed on a “no-fly” list, while Abu Irshaid was put on a watchlist. Abu Irshaid discovered his watchlist status upon returning from a trip in June and faced additional questioning at the airport. He expressed concerns about politicizing security and targeting activists like himself and his family. Zeidan, banned from flying without explanation, learned of his status while trying to visit his sick mother in Jordan.…

Israeli forces injured an American citizen, Amado Sison, during a demonstration in Beita, a Palestinian village near Nablus, by shooting him in the back of his right thigh. Despite soft tissue damage, Sison survived and was treated successfully after delays at Israeli checkpoints. This incident occurred amidst ongoing tensions over an illegal settlement in Beita, where Palestinians have been protesting to stop the dispossession of their land. Amidst rising violence in the West Bank, 17 people have been killed in Beita since 2020. Palestinian groups have condemned the attacks, expressing solidarity with the resistance. Sison’s case is not isolated, with…

Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris’ team swiftly clarified that she does not support an arms embargo on Israel after progressive activists claimed she was open to discussing regulating military aid. The campaign emphasized Harris’ commitment to ensuring Israel’s defense against Iran and terrorist groups. Despite conflicting reports, Harris’ national security advisor reiterated her opposition to an arms embargo. This follows a statement from activists suggesting Harris was open to such discussions, which led to a confrontation during a campaign rally in Detroit. While Harris faced criticism for silencing protesters, many defended her, believing she may consider policy changes on Israel…

US Congresswoman Cori Bush, a prominent voice in the pro-Palestinian movement, has lost her primary election to Aipac-backed candidate Wesley Bell. Bush, known for her advocacy on Palestinian rights, housing, and labour issues, led a resolution for a ceasefire during the Gaza war and called for an end to US military aid to Israel. Bush’s defeat to Bell, heavily supported by Aipac’s campaign spending, highlights the influence of pro-Israel groups in US elections. Despite this setback, Bush remains committed to her causes, vowing to continue the fight against Aipac and other forces hindering progress on Palestinian rights. This loss is…