Middle East - RajjeViyu

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 6 months ago | neutral

Syria: Bashar al-Assad’s Fall and Its Impact on the Region

Bashar al-Assad fled Syria on December 8 after a rebel offensive that began November 27. Russia granted him asylum. His fall is expected to weaken Iran and Russia while strengthening Israel. Internal factional fighting is anticipated, with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) likely to take power, though the US considers it a terrorist group. Assad's 24-year rule was marked by brutal suppression, including a 2013 chemical weapons attack that killed over 1,000. The civil war displaced 50% of Syria's 23 million people. Assad was supported by Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah. Post-Assad, factionalism and radical groups threaten stability.

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 10 months ago | urgent

Israel’s Assassinations Fuel Escalation in Middle East

Israeli assassinations of Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr, Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh, and Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif have escalated tensions. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah declared a 'new phase' of war. Haniyeh's funeral in Tehran, led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, featured vows of revenge. Iranian officials reportedly ordered direct strikes on Israel. The Gaza war has drawn in Iran-backed groups from Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. The ceasefire talks are now complicated. Israel has killed over 39,000 Palestinians since October 7, including 15 in a school airstrike.

Maldives Republic | 2 years ago | tense

Hamas Accuses Israel of Obstructing Ceasefire Amid Blinken’s Trip to Middle East

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh accused Israel of obstructing ceasefire efforts. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Egypt to urge regional governments to pressure Hamas into accepting a ceasefire. US Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood announced Israel accepted a US three-phase deal, calling for international pressure on Hamas. A Hamas official criticized Blinken's bias. An attack on Nuseirat refugee camp killed 274 Palestinians. The World Food Programme paused aid through a US-built pier. Hospitals in Gaza struggle with overcrowding. Since 7 October, over 37,000 Palestinians have been killed.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 8 months ago | concerned

Israel-Hamas War Sparks Concerns Over Middle East Oil Output

Concerns over potential oil disruptions due to the Israel-Gaza conflict caused Brent crude to surge 2.25% to $86.83. Israeli airstrikes killed 830 and wounded 4,250 in Gaza. Israel ordered Chevron to halt production at the Tamar gas field due to vulnerability to rocket attacks. Energy analyst Saul Kavonic warned that if the conflict escalates, up to 3% of global oil supply could be at risk, and disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz could jeopardize one-fifth of world oil supply. Caroline Bain of Capital Economics predicted oil demand would outstrip supply in Q4. Saudi Arabia announced plans to cut production by one million barrels per day in July.