By: Rania Kisar Headlines:  ===================== GAZA CITY, November 20, 2023 – The Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s military wing, claimed responsibility for killing [six] Israeli soldiers in close combat in the Juhr al-Dik area. Employing anti-personnel missiles and machine guns, the militants engaged the IDF forces, as stated in a release by the group. However, the IDF …

The Region: In-Depth Analysis of Key Events and Emerging Trends Read More »

  Veterans Day ReflectionRising Stakes in the Middle East as Israel-Hamas Conflict Hits Day 38 By: Rania Kisar Co Founder & COO As we observe Veterans Day, we at the American Center for Levant Studies extend our deepest gratitude to all our veteran readers. We thank you for your courage, your sacrifices, and your invaluable …

The Region November 13 – 2023 Read More »

Rania Kisar The Region October 30-2023 Executive Summary:  The Middle East remains a volatile geopolitical landscape, with escalating tensions and complexities since last week’s analysis. Israel’s domestic and international scrutiny is intensifying due to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Iran is increasingly assertive, challenging Western alliances and indicating readiness for escalated conflict. Saudi Arabia …

The Region October 30-2023 Read More »

The Region October 23-2023 Rania Kisar USA In The Region Analysis: The U.S. is recalibrating its Middle East strategy, as evidenced by the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s diversion to Israel and a bipartisan Senate delegation’s regional tour. The Marine unit, known for rapid deployment and high-impact capabilities, enhances U.S. readiness against potential threats, particularly from …

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The Region October 23-2023 Rania Kisar Turkiye Analysis: Türkiye’s recent diplomatic activities reveal a nation adept at balancing its relationships with both regional and global powers. The recalibration of its stance on Hamas, under pressure from the United States, indicates a strategic shift aimed at maintaining balanced ties with key players like Israel. Türkiye’s call …

The Region – Turkiye, The Gulf, and Egypt Situation Analysis Read More »

IRAN & Proxies’ Report Rania Kisar IRAN & Proxies’ Report Analysis:  Iranian officials appear to be parroting a unified confrontational rhetoric of defiance, threats, and criticism while showcasing alleged military advancements to imply their preparedness for any regional escalations. Iran, however, is not just trying to make vocal noises, rather it is preparing and strategizing …

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The Region October 23-2023 Rania Kisar Executive Summary: In today’s edition of the Region, we offer an in-depth analysis that navigates the complex geopolitical terrain of the MENA region, a subject of critical importance to U.S. foreign policy. The report focuses on pivotal actors such as Iran, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, providing a multi-faceted …

The Region October 23-2023 Read More »

The Region October 16, 2023 Expert Analysis: Today’s edition of the Region highlights a series of events that could potentially impact American interests and national security. The suspension of Saudi-Israeli normalization talks and the unity of Gulf states could signal a shift in regional alliances, affecting U.S. diplomatic leverage. Iran’s actions, from supplying drones to …

The Region October 16, 2023 Read More »

Joel Rayburn and Rania Kisar Hamas’s unprecedented attack on Saturday morning into Israeli territory has changed the security balance in the Middle East, probably permanently.  Not since 1973 has Israeli territory been invaded in such a significant way.  As of Sunday evening, the attack has resulted in over 700 Israeli deaths and 2,000 wounded, with …

The Region October 9, 2023 Read More »

The Region October 2- 2023 By: Rania Kisar ★ IRAN, ISRAEL, AND THE U.S.: From Satellites to Satire, Espionage to Oppression and Aggression, Iran Persists as the Region’s Foremost Critical Threat.  ★ TURKIYE, IRAQ, SYRIA, AND THE U.S.: Ankara Bombing: A Critical Juncture in U.S.-Turkiye Relations and Global Geopolitics.  IRAN ★ From Satellites to Satire, …

The Region October 2, 2023 Read More »