Tag: Middle East
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Ship protects US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan
As the U.S. prepares to remove its last remaining 2,500 troops from Afghanistan, an aircraft carrier will provide protection along with two Air Force bombers. It is unknown what the Taliban will do when the troops start leaving. The Associated Press has the story: Aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower prepared to protect US troops…
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King of Jordan releases 16 alleged plotters
After an alleged coup was thwarted attempting to remove King Abdullah II of Jordan, the king has decided to offer some of those detained leniency. Some of the tribal leaders, former senior officials and others arrested have been released for the holidays, although they have yet to receive pardons. The Associated Press has the story:…
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Biden speeds up refugee admissions but doesn’t lift cap
Although Biden is changing some of the Trump-era policies toward refugees, he has not lifted Trump’s low cap of 15,000 per year. He is adjusting the allocation limits, providing more slots from certain regions and lifting restrictions on others. The Associated Press has the story: Biden’s emergency determination speeds up refugee admissions without lifting Trump’s…
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Israel-Morocco, historical richness and domestic challenges
Today, on Israel’s 73rd anniversary, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin hosted the traditional reception for the foreign heads of mission in Israel in his official residence in Jerusalem. This year’s event was different; as a senior representative of Morocco, the head of the Moroccan liaison mission in Tel Aviv, was in attendance, shaking the president’s hand…
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U.S. threatens Lebanese politicians with sanctions
After months of political deadlock in Lebanon, U.S. undersecretary of state for political affairs David Hale warned Lebanese officials that U.S. and its allies might impose sanctions against them if progress is not made setting up the new government. Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri was named to the post in October, but he has been unable…
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Lebanon claims another stretch of area with Israel
The dispute between Israel and Lebanon over maritime territory in order to gain access to oil and natural gas deposits just expanded. Both nations are claiming the same 330 square miles. This new decree by Lebanon would give the country another 550 square miles that Israel also claims. The Associated Press has the story: Lebanon…
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Emerging Security Issues in the Middle East
Introduction Emerging Security Issues in the Middle East American foreign policy in the Middle East has been adrift since the official end of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. The Bush administration pursued an interventionist policy that tried to bring democracy to Afghanistan and Iraq. The Obama administration tried to reduce the US military footprint in…
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Is Libya a U.S. national security issue?
President Joe Biden has an opportunity to learn from the experiences of former Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump in creating new policy stances in Libya and promoting Human Rights. Biden has stated that he intends to focus more US emphasis on the Asia-Pacific region vs. the Middle East. However, foreign fighters supported by countries…
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Iran releases South Korean ship detained since January
Iran finally freed a south Korean oil tanker held for months after seizing it in January. Iran said it had detained the ship because it was polluting the waters, but South Korea says it was done in retaliation for the country holding up $7 billion in Iranian assets related to U.S. sanctions on Iran. The…
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Jordan King’s half-brother may be under house arrest
A rift in the royal family that rules Jordan may involve putting King Abdullah II’s half-brother under house arrest. The regime denies the arrest, but admits Prince Hamzah has been asked to “stop some movements and activities that are being used to target Jordan’s security and stability.” Hamzah released a videotaped statement about it, criticizing…