FinPol Digest

  The Inhuman Reality of a Gruesome Video There is a very disturbing video possibly shot in Syria, that clearly show the enemies of mankind in war crimes. It shows Al Julani’s group killing injured soldiers in a hospital – soldiers who are on the ground, strapped to bandages and wires, powerless to fight back. Such a calculated violence in a structure that is intended for healing resonates violence that has become part and parcel of this conflict. Such gruesome footage raises critical questions: At what point can a faction go in order to subdue another faction and where does the line between war and simple manslaughter lie? A Violation of Moral and Ethical Boundaries Hospitals are always seen as a safe place universally, even when there is war going on. According to the Syrian Observatory of Human Rights (SOHR), such acts took place during the Dawn of Freedom military operation conducted by Turkish-backed groups against the SDF. These fighters are wrong on so many levels – indeed t...

 Israel’s relentless assault on Syria, with more than 400 strikes following Bashar al-Assad’s dramatic flight to Russia, signals an unprecedented shift in regional dynamics. These actions include military incursions into the demilitarized buffer zone and targeted strikes on Syrian infrastructure. Despite UN protests, Israel has continued its campaign, citing self-defense. However, the scale and intensity of these operations demand a closer examination of Israel’s true motives. For decades, Israel has justified its actions in Syria as a means to counter Iranian influence. Yet Iran’s denial of a military presence in Syria has undermined this narrative. Israel now claims to target Syrian military infrastructure to prevent weapons from falling into the hands of groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). This justification reflects a broader pattern of labeling opposition forces as extremists to legitimize military actions. Critics argue that these shifting explanations obscure Israel’s st...

  A Programme of Empty Promises Canada’s Gaza visa programme was introduced with high hopes, offering a lifeline to Palestinian families trapped in the war-torn enclave. However, what began as a beacon of hope quickly turned into a source of frustration and heartbreak. Families like Omar Omar’s, who have been advocating tirelessly for over a year, feel let down by the programme’s inefficiencies. “We have lost so much back in Gaza, and this struggle is tearing apart our lives here,” Omar lamented. With the bombings showing no signs of abating, families are left grappling with an overwhelming sense of betrayal. Navigating an Overcomplicated Process From its launch, the Gaza visa scheme faced criticism for its complex and invasive application requirements. Applicants were asked to provide information far beyond what is typical for visa processes, including detailed work histories and descriptions of scars or injuries. Many families struggled to navigate these additional hurdles, which...

  Israel's military continues its heavy bombardment of southern Beirut, hitting the city's southern suburbs for the second consecutive day. These air strikes have devastated key areas, including the Dahiyeh district, where several buildings were levelled. The ongoing attacks have resulted in significant casualties, including at least eight people killed in the village of Dawhit Aramoun, just south of Beirut. Among the victims were three women and three children, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. The region is bracing for further violence as Israel's air force intensifies its strikes, while the Lebanese government awaits a ceasefire proposal from international powers, particularly Washington. Casualties Mount as Israel and Hezbollah Exchange Fire The deadly exchange between Israeli forces and Hezbollah has escalated since early October, with both sides ramping up their offensive operations. The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health reports that, since October...

  In a sharp escalation of hostilities, US forces conducted targeted strikes on Iranian-backed groups in Syria. CENTCOM reported that these strikes were a direct response to recent attacks on US personnel, emphasizing the US’s intention to deter such groups from further aggression. General Michael Erik Kurilla stressed that any attack on US forces would be met with decisive action. The US has maintained a presence in Syria and Iraq to prevent the resurgence of ISIS, with around 900 troops stationed in Syria and another 2,500 in Iraq. The region, however, remains a powder keg, with multiple groups vying for power, and recent clashes with Iranian-aligned forces reveal the complex dynamics that challenge US operations. CENTCOM announced that the strikes were aimed at degrading the capabilities of these Iranian-backed groups, hitting nine targets across two locations. By focusing on strategic sites, the US hopes to limit the operational reach of these factions and prevent future assaul...

  On a tense Sunday afternoon in Amsterdam’s Dam Square, police detained over 100 pro-Palestine demonstrators who had gathered in defiance of a newly enacted protest ban. The ban was upheld by an Amsterdam court earlier that day in response to escalating tensions involving Israeli football fans and counter-protesters. While the demonstrators maintained a peaceful stance, chanting slogans like “Free Palestine,” they were swiftly met by police in riot gear. For a city like Amsterdam, known for embracing public demonstrations, the ban was an unexpected development. Just three days prior, violent confrontations broke out between Maccabi Tel Aviv fans and local residents. The scenes on Dam Square seemed surreal to many, as police engaged with demonstrators, leaving tourists and onlookers shocked. Al Jazeera’s Step Vaessen reported seeing tourists from India wearing the keffiyeh, who were questioned by police despite their lack of involvement in the rally, underscoring the tense atmosphe...

  In recent weeks, Israel's air forces have launched a series of aggressive strikes on Lebanon, marking a dramatic escalation in tensions in the region. This offensive has resulted in the loss of dozens of lives, mainly targeting areas in the southern part of Lebanon and its eastern border. Health authorities have reported that the toll has surpassed 29, many of whom were Syrians residing in the Bekaa valley. Despite the international community's growing demands for a ceasefire, Israel has expanded its bombardments for a fourth consecutive day, demonstrating a staunch commitment to its military objectives. The town of Younine in the Bekaa valley, close to the Syrian border, has been one of the hardest-hit areas in this relentless offensive. Several villages in southern Lebanon, including the well-known city of Tyre, have also been targeted by Israeli air raids. Beirut’s suburbs were not spared either, where at least two individuals lost their lives and 15 more were injured. The...

  In the past week, the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East has been dramatically altered by a series of coordinated attacks between Israel and Hezbollah, the latter being an ally of Hamas in Lebanon. As tensions escalate, the conflict, which began in Gaza, now threatens to spread across the region, pulling in neighboring states and further destabilizing an already volatile area. The roots of Hezbollah's current position lie in its origins during the Lebanese Civil War in the 1980s when Israel occupied southern Lebanon. Initially, Hezbollah was viewed as a resistance movement representing Lebanon’s Shia community. However, following Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000, Hezbollah retained its weapons, defying a UN resolution that called for its disarmament. Over the years, it has evolved into a powerful political and military entity, heavily supported by Iran, and has played a pivotal role in shaping Lebanon’s domestic and foreign policies. Last week’s unexpected targ...

  If Trump returns to the White House, he will inherit a region more volatile than ever, with Israel in the center of his Middle East focus. During his first term, Trump championed Israel, solidifying ties and supporting its claims over disputed territories. This loyalty to Israel has earned him favor among certain voter groups, but it also raises questions about his commitment to broader regional peace. Trump’s vocal support of Israel aligns closely with the priorities of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who benefits politically from Trump’s endorsement. Netanyahu faces challenges at home, especially with his coalition pushing for a hardline stance on Gaza. A Trump presidency may embolden Netanyahu’s plans, possibly supporting Israel’s aggressive tactics against Hezbollah and Hamas. This alignment could strain relations with neighboring Arab countries that have warned against escalation in Gaza. One of Trump’s achievements was facilitating normalization agreements between Israel ...

The long-standing alliance between the United States and Israel faces a rare point of contention as the US government urges Israel to cease attacks on UN peacekeepers stationed in southern Lebanon. For decades, the two countries have enjoyed a strong military and strategic relationship, but this diplomatic request marks a significant moment of divergence. UN peacekeepers, serving as a stabilizing force in Lebanon since the late 1970s, have found themselves caught in the escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel’s recent military campaign in southern Lebanon has involved targeting Hezbollah positions, but also resulted in the endangerment of peacekeepers. The UN post in Naqoura, just 50 meters from a perceived threat identified by Israeli forces, was one of the incidents that led to the US appeal. While Israel argues that UNIFIL has not succeeded in stabilizing the region and has asked peacekeepers to relocate, the US has expressed concern about the broader implications o...

  In the West Bank, the US election is watched with deep apprehension and skepticism. Palestinians like Khaled Omran believe that Trump’s victory would lead to even greater bloodshed. Having experienced the previous administration, they worry that Trump’s return would encourage increased Israeli aggression. Palestinians see Trump’s policies as a direct threat, exacerbating the struggles and violence that they endure. The possibility of another Trump term fills many with fear and frustration, as they imagine an even more turbulent future. But for those in the West Bank, Biden is no savior either. Many Palestinians, such as Wafaa Abdel Rahman, view Biden and his vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris as bearers of the same, empty promises. Wafaa believes that Biden’s administration, while speaking of peace, hasn’t taken tangible actions to end the violence. Palestinians feel that both candidates are ultimately committed to a pro-Israel stance, which leaves their suffering unaddres...

 The Lebanese government has swiftly filed a complaint at the United Nations following the abduction of Lebanese civilian Imad Amhaz by Israeli forces. Prime Minister Najib Mikati, citing national security concerns, directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to file an urgent complaint to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). This move highlights the broader international implications of Israel’s operation deep within Lebanon’s borders, marking a significant moment in Lebanese-Israeli relations. Israeli officials claim that the abducted man is a high-ranking operative of Hezbollah, a stance that has not been confirmed by Hezbollah or the Lebanese government. Lebanon, on the other hand, identifies him as a civilian naval officer, with Minister of Public Works Ali Hamieh publicly contesting Israel’s claims. The abduction, carried out in the town of Batroun, has sparked national outrage and raised questions about the potential repercussions on regional stability and international ...

 The killing of Yahya Sinwar, a key Hamas leader, brought a momentary sense of victory for Israel. Yet, despite this event, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shows no signs of halting the military operations. This article explores how Israel’s expansionist ambitions under Netanyahu fuel the ongoing conflict. The Dream of a Greater Israel: Since its inception, Israel’s leadership has often held an expansionist vision, particularly regarding the West Bank. Ariel Sharon’s decision to withdraw Israeli settlers from Gaza in 2005 was more about security concerns than genuine progress toward peace. Under Netanyahu, the idea of further Israeli expansion persists, and he views military action as a means to secure more territory while keeping Palestinians in a state of displacement. Permanent Conflict Strategy: Netanyahu’s government has repeatedly rejected political solutions that would create a sovereign Palestinian state. Instead, Israel continues to employ military force, ensurin...

  With Naim Qassem now at the helm, Hezbollah may see a shift in strategy as it faces continued Israeli aggression. Known for his staunch resistance views, Qassem inherits the complex task of balancing Hezbollah’s military objectives with Lebanon’s growing humanitarian crisis. His three televised addresses since Nasrallah’s death reflect his dual approach of resistance and negotiation. The appointment of Qassem has raised questions about Hezbollah’s next steps in its long-standing conflict with Israel. Israeli air strikes have intensified, targeting Hezbollah’s infrastructure, and the group’s response has been significant, resulting in casualties on both sides. As a founding member of Hezbollah, Qassem may reinforce the group’s established strategies but could also bring new approaches to its resistance. Political analysts are watching closely to see how Qassem will navigate Hezbollah’s relationship with Iran, its primary ally, as well as with other regional powers. Israel’s Defens...

  As Kamala Harris contends for the U.S. presidency, her foreign policy stance in the Middle East could bring sweeping changes. Her approach to Israel contrasts sharply with Donald Trump’s, who favored policies that Israeli leaders openly appreciated, such as recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Harris, by comparison, has taken a humanitarian stance, evident in her calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, signaling a shift from Trump’s hardline tactics. Harris's views have raised concerns among Israelis who feel her administration may pressure Israel on contentious issues. Trump, who unilaterally supported Israel’s annexation of the Golan Heights, was lauded in Israel for recognizing their control. Residents in the Trump Heights settlement view Trump as a stalwart ally, fearing that Harris could adopt a more traditional approach, emphasizing diplomacy and humanitarian concerns. The Palestinian perspective on the election highlights their struggle under U.S. policies. Many Palestinians ...

  Iran’s 200% increase in military spending is a monumental shift that may change the Middle East’s security dynamics for years to come. This bold budget increase reflects Iran’s commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities amid what it perceives as growing external threats, including pressures from Israel and the United States. In this new era of escalating military budgets, many are wondering if Iran’s actions will spur a new Middle Eastern Cold War, complete with an arms race and heightened tensions. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, a powerful entity in Iran’s defense apparatus, is set to benefit greatly from this increase. With expanded resources, the IRGC could ramp up its support for proxies across the region, from Lebanon’s Hezbollah to Yemen’s Houthi rebels. This potential increase in proxy funding risks intensifying existing conflicts and fueling new ones, as these groups are often involved in direct confrontations with Iran’s adversaries. Neighboring countri...

  An Overnight Surge in Tensions Israel’s pre-dawn strikes shook Iran’s capital and left the region on high alert. Targeting missile and air defense systems, Israel demonstrated its ability to penetrate deep into Iranian territory. The strikes highlight a worsening situation between these adversaries and mark a new phase of overt military actions. Precision Strikes on Key Facilities The Israeli military focused on high-impact sites, including facilities linked to missile manufacturing. This approach aimed to neutralize Iran’s immediate strike capabilities and limit its ability to launch attacks on Israeli soil. By choosing missile defense sites, Israel achieved maximum impact with calculated risks. Sites Israel Chose to Ignore Notably, the strikes avoided Iran’s oil and nuclear sites, which could have provoked a severe response. The restraint shown here likely reflects U.S. diplomatic influence, as President Biden has actively discouraged targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure. The...

 Following Israel’s weekend air attack on Iranian military facilities, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei has declared that Iran will respond using “all available tools.” The statement, which he delivered at a televised news conference, hints at an intensified stance as Iran and Israel remain locked in a cycle of military exchanges. This escalation comes as Israel carried out three waves of strikes against Iranian missile production facilities and other sites. Although Iranian authorities initially minimized the damage from these attacks, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, later advised that Iran’s leadership should neither exaggerate nor downplay the severity of the situation. As Iran considers its response, regional and global implications come into focus. Iran has substantial influence in the Middle East, backing groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza, both of whom are already embroiled in intense conflicts with Israeli forces. This ...

  The Middle East witnessed a significant escalation on Saturday as Israeli strikes on Iran led to the deaths of four Iranian soldiers. The strikes targeted missile factories and other key sites, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), and come as a response to Iran's missile barrage earlier in October. The initial Iranian assault, reportedly launched to retaliate against the killing of a prominent Hamas leader in July, saw around 200 ballistic missiles fired toward Israel. Though most were intercepted, some hit southern and central parts of the country, sparking an expectation of an Israeli response. This escalation has been met with global concern. In a relatively conciliatory message, Iran’s Foreign Ministry acknowledged its duty to regional peace while also asserting its right to defend itself. The United States, briefed beforehand on Israel’s response, had urged a restrained approach, which officials say Israel adhered to by avoiding strikes on nuclear or oil infrastruct...

 The airstrike that resulted in the deaths of three journalists in southern Lebanon underscores the increasingly dangerous landscape for media professionals covering conflicts in the region. On a fateful morning, an Israeli raid specifically targeted a compound housing journalists in Hasbaiyya, leading to the tragic loss of life and raising questions about the safety of those dedicated to reporting the truth. Eyewitness accounts reveal that the bungalow where the journalists were sleeping was a direct target of the airstrike, which contradicts claims of an indiscriminate military campaign. Imran Khan, reporting from the site for Al Jazeera, pointed out the lack of evacuation orders for Hasbaiyya, suggesting that the area was not a legitimate target within the context of ongoing hostilities. The attack has been denounced by various media organizations and governments, with Lebanese Information Minister Ziad Makary labeling it as a “war crime.” He articulated that this was not merely...

  Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent remarks have sounded the alarm for the international community. During a BRICS+ meeting in Kazan, Putin issued a stark warning: the Middle East is dangerously close to a full-scale war. The sharp rise in tensions between Israel and Iran, along with the spread of fighting from Gaza to Lebanon, has created a volatile situation. Putin, seated beside Chinese President Xi Jinping, shared his concerns about the growing confrontation between Israel and Iran. This rivalry, fueled by long-standing geopolitical and religious tensions, has been exacerbated by recent developments in the region. What began as localized skirmishes in Gaza has now expanded to Lebanon, drawing in other countries and creating a broader regional conflict. The degree of confrontation between Israel and Iran has increased sharply, according to Putin, and this escalation has the potential to trigger a chain reaction throughout the Middle East. Such a scenario could lead to wi...

  On Tuesday, the US Department of Justice filed charges against Ruhollah Bazghandi, a senior Iranian official in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), for his alleged role in a 2022 assassination plot targeting Iranian American activist Masih Alinejad in New York. The charges, including murder-for-hire and money laundering, are a chilling reminder of the lengths authoritarian regimes are willing to go to silence critics abroad. Alinejad, a vocal critic of Iran’s mandatory hijab laws and the government’s treatment of women, was the focus of the assassination plot. US officials have revealed that the plot was orchestrated by Bazghandi, along with other Iranian officials, who allegedly contracted members of an Eastern European criminal network to kill Alinejad. The case took a serious turn in July 2022, when one of the suspects, Khalid Mehdiyev, was arrested outside Alinejad’s home in New York with a loaded rifle. This arrest led to further investigations that exposed Bazghan...

  On an otherwise routine mission in the war-torn streets of Rafah, Israeli soldiers from the Bislach Brigade training unit unknowingly stumbled upon one of Hamas’s most wanted men: Yahya Sinwar. The Hamas leader had evaded capture for years, despite Israel’s significant resources deployed to find him. Yet, on that fateful Wednesday afternoon, a chance encounter sealed his fate. The soldiers were conducting searches in the Tal as-Sultan neighborhood when they spotted a small group of fighters moving between buildings. Among them was Sinwar, although the soldiers didn’t realize it at the time. Armed with drones, the patrol engaged in combat, exchanging fire with the group, which included the 62-year-old Sinwar. In the end, three fighters were killed, including the Hamas leader. Sinwar’s defiance in his final moments — throwing a stick at an Israeli drone before the building he was hiding in was shelled by tanks and missiles — epitomized his lifelong commitment to Hamas’s cause. For ...

  Yahya Sinwar, the powerful leader of Hamas who masterminded the surprise attack on Israel earlier this year, has been killed in a surprise encounter with Israeli forces. For over a year, Israeli troops and intelligence units hunted Sinwar across the Gaza Strip, deploying state-of-the-art technology and human resources. However, in a strange twist of fate, it was a regular patrol unit, not a specialized team, that eliminated the man responsible for the bloodshed that plunged Israel and Gaza into deeper conflict. Sinwar's killing by chance adds an almost ironic end to his leadership. Known for surrounding himself with hostages to avoid capture, Sinwar appeared confident in his strategy of survival. However, as reports suggest, Israeli forces were simply on routine patrol when they came across Sinwar and two other militants hiding in a building. After shells were fired, the militants were buried under the rubble. It wasn’t until later that Israeli forces confirmed through DNA testin...

  For decades, Hezbollah has positioned itself as a defender of Lebanon, particularly among the Shia community. In Beirut, this influence is palpable. From neighborhoods like Mar Elias, where Shia support is strong, to mixed communities, Hezbollah’s presence is seen as a bulwark against Israeli aggression and foreign domination. Netanyahu’s recent plea to the Lebanese people to turn against Hezbollah was largely ignored or dismissed in these areas. Hezbollah’s stronghold is not just military; it is deeply ingrained in Lebanon’s political, social, and economic landscape. Shia residents like Fany Sharara see Hezbollah as the only entity standing between Lebanon and complete destruction, in contrast to Netanyahu, who they perceive as an external aggressor with no stake in the well-being of the Lebanese people. Hezbollah's fighters, whose rockets signal the group’s ongoing resistance against Israel, are viewed as local heroes. The destruction of homes, as voiced by residents like Fadi ...

 As the U.S. gears up for its next presidential election, President Joe Biden’s strong stance on supporting Israel could have significant political implications, not just for his administration but for Vice President Kamala Harris, who is running to succeed him. Biden’s call to Prime Minister Netanyahu, where he reaffirmed his “ironclad” support for Israel, comes at a delicate moment—both domestically and internationally. The escalation of violence in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran’s ballistic missile attacks on Israeli military sites have forced the Biden administration into a high-stakes diplomatic game. While reaffirming U.S. backing for Israel’s security, Biden has also been cautious, warning against striking Iranian oilfields—a move that could drastically raise global oil prices and have direct consequences on the American economy. Such an economic shock could also impact Harris’s campaign, given how economic stability often plays a decisive role in U.S. elections. This situation put...

  Netanyahu’s warning to Lebanon, referencing the destruction in Gaza, puts a spotlight on the humanitarian costs of war in the region. Gaza’s ongoing bombardment by Israeli forces has devastated its infrastructure and displaced nearly its entire population. The implications for Lebanon, a country still recovering from multiple crises, are dire. The humanitarian toll in Gaza offers a grim preview of what could happen in Lebanon. With over 41,965 people killed in Gaza, according to Palestinian health authorities, Netanyahu’s warning brings into focus the scale of destruction that Lebanon might face if it becomes a full-scale battleground once again. Israel’s military deployment and evacuation orders further raise concerns about the potential for large-scale civilian casualties in Lebanon. Lebanon’s healthcare system, already under strain due to political instability and economic collapse, would likely be overwhelmed by the consequences of an Israeli incursion. The situation in Gaza,...

 The renewed violence between Israel and Hezbollah has had devastating consequences for civilians on both sides of the border. Israel’s intensified bombing of southern Lebanon and Hezbollah’s missile attacks on northern Israel have resulted in significant civilian casualties and widespread displacement. Over one million people in Lebanon have been forced to flee their homes, according to local authorities, as Israeli airstrikes continue to target key infrastructure in the region. In the latest wave of airstrikes, Israel carried out more than 30 strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, marking the heaviest bombardment since late September. These attacks have damaged or destroyed essential infrastructure, including petrol stations and medical warehouses, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon. The destruction of these vital facilities has made it even more difficult for displaced civilians to access basic necessities like fuel and medical care. The United Nations has ex...