Across the Middle East, there were relatively few events compared to the weeks prior. Key developments include: continued fighting despite calls for a ceasefire in Yemen; increased Islamic State (IS) clashes in Iraq, as well as the formation of Adnan Al Zurfi’s cabinet; and, coronavirus-related demonstrations in Iran, particularly prison riots. Despite the UN Security…
Last week in the Middle East, key developments include: unrest around a major outbreak of the coronavirus in Iran and a majority win by the principlist camp in the Iranian parliamentary elections; a series of bombings in Baghdad amidst ongoing demonstrations in Iraq; and major fighting in Syria and Yemen. Last week in Iran, the…
Last week in the Middle East, key developments include: increased Islamic State (IS) activity in Yemen and Iraq; ongoing protests in Iraq and Lebanon; demonstrations around political anniversaries in Iraqi Kurdistan and Bahrain; and continued fighting in Syria and Yemen, taking a heavy toll on civilians. In Yemen, major clashes continued between pro-Houthi and anti-Houthi…
Last week in the Middle East, violence escalated in Yemen, Iraq, and Palestine. In Syria, regime and allied forces continued their advance in the Greater Idleb area, while Turkey warned that it will retaliate against further attacks on Turkish forces. Demonstration events remained high across the region, particularly in Lebanon, Iran, Palestine, and Turkey, although…
The main highlights from the Middle East last week were the widespread demonstrations in Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon. In Syria, Operation Peace Spring (OPS) continued in the northeast and Israeli airstrikes were reported in Damascus. Important political developments also took place in Israel and in Yemen, where the ‘Riyadh Agreement’ began to go into effect.…
Last week in the Middle East, developments occurred throughout most of the region, including an escalation between Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and Israel, as well as the outbreak of major demonstrations in Iran. Other developments were also reported in Syria, Turkey, Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen. Israeli forces launched dual assassination attempts on PIJ leadership in…
Last week in the Middle East, the ‘Riyadh Agreement’ was signed in Saudi Arabia uniting the Southern Transitional Council (STC) and pro-Hadi forces against pro-Houthi forces in Yemen. Pro-Houthi forces appear to be preparing for major attacks in response. In Syria, the Sochi-ceasefire largely held despite continuing territorial exchanges. Following the death of Islamic State…
Last week in the Middle East, the ceasefire agreement for Operation Peace Spring reduced the number of events reported on the Turkey-Syria border. The Islamic State (IS) continued its recent string of attacks in Iraq. In Iraq and Lebanon, anti-government demonstrations were widespread. Finally, in Yemen, clashes between pro-Houthi and pro-Hadi forces continued, but in…
Last week in the Middle East, Operation Peace Spring in northern Syria dominated the news. Security vacuums in the area have allowed the Islamic State (IS) to launch renewed attacks in both Syria and Iraq. Widespread anti-government demonstrations also spread across Lebanon. In Saudi Arabia and Yemen, there has been a general decrease in political…
Last week, demonstrations over deteriorating economic conditions occurred in several countries across the Middle East. In Iraq, violent demonstrations turned deadly, plunging the country into renewed instability; in Lebanon, demonstrators blocked roads and clashed with security forces while in Jordan the nationwide teachers’ strike turned into the longest public-sector strike in the country’s history. Furthermore,…