syria

UAE exits Opec, impacting global oil dynamics amid regional tensions. Ukraine escalates attacks on Russia, forcing Moscow to scale back Victory Day parades. King Charles' US trip strengthens UK-US ties. syria begins its first transitional justice trial. China pressures African nations, forcing Taiwan's President to cancel a trip.

Disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein cultivated Middle Eastern connections and acquired rare Islamic artifacts, including pieces from the Kaaba, for a building on his private island he called a 'mosque.' Documents reveal his interest in Islamic architecture and his pursuit of Saudi Arabian business opportunities before his arrest and death.

Saudi Arabia has executed several Iraqi nationals. They were convicted of attempting to smuggle narcotics into the kingdom. The executions followed a thorough legal process. Saudi authorities are intensifying their crackdown on drug trafficking. This campaign targets organized criminal networks. The kingdom vows to impose strict punishments against smugglers.

Israel's defense ministry has approved a multi-billion dollar deal to purchase two new combat squadrons of advanced F-35 and F-15IA fighter jets from Lockheed Martin and Boeing. This significant expansion of air power aims to bolster the country's long-term military capability and air superiority, with a focus on domestic production and technological advancement.

Cites Israel’s ‘Op Grim Beepers’ Pager Blasts

Country needs time to build up domestic capacities, till then reduce dependence on those ‘perfect’ imports

An Israeli soldier allegedly damaged a statue of Jesus Christ in southern Lebanon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly condemned the act. He stated that military authorities are investigating and will take disciplinary action. Israel respects all religions and their symbols. The incident has caused hurt to believers worldwide. Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa'ar also called the act grave and disgraceful.

During the celebrations of St George's Day, a Nottingham councillor sparked a lively discussion by questioning the English heritage of the saint, which led to a spirited disagreement with a former MP. While St George has been celebrated in England for centuries, his narrative is intertwined with Middle Eastern history, a nuance often eclipsed by modern-day nationalism and tensions.

Immigration arrests have risen to about 1,300 a day, up from a daily average of 350 prior to Trump’s second term, while detentions of non-criminal cases jumped from roughly 860 to 24,500. Here’s how the US president is pushing through his anti-immigrant agenda despite legal hurdles

Helicopters have revolutionized military mobility, enabling swift troop deployment and extraction directly at targets. From early raids like Son Tay to modern operations against ISIS and the rescue of Osama Bin Laden, these versatile aircraft offer unparalleled flexibility. Despite their vulnerabilities, helicopters remain crucial for precise insertions and extractions, providing commanders with a unique tactical advantage.

As the United States Navy is tasked to blockade Iranian ports, it is likely to look towards the work horse of its surface fleet, the Arleigh Burke-Class destroyers. These ships have been in US naval service since they entered service in 1991. The ships if this class were at the forefront of offensive operations against Iraq and syria. The ships were also in the thick of the action during the missile and drone offensive against international shipping and against Israel.

The Middle East's conflicts are analyzed through the lens of 'proxies and levers,' where state actors use non-state groups to project power and achieve strategic goals. This approach, while avoiding direct military costs, often results in prolonged violence, instability, and humanitarian crises, complicating peace efforts in the region.