THE EARLY PHOENIX – Oct 10 – 2023
Top 5 Headlines:
★ ACLS Research: Iran Portrays Israel as Weak, Nearing Its End.
★ Iran-Backed Militias Warn U.S. Against Involvement in Israel Conflict.
★ Iranian Militias in Syria Mobilize Support for Hamas, Increase Alert on Golan Front.
★ Idlib Suffers Relentless Bombardment and Turkish Offensive Cripples the Northeast, While World Watches Gaza.
★ Bouthaina Shaaban Hails Palestinian Resistance, Sees It as Assad’s Spirit.
Currencies:
USA
- 11 Americans Dead, Others Possibly Held Hostage in Hamas Attack: Biden. President Joe Biden confirmed that at least 11 U.S. citizens were killed in the ongoing Hamas attack on Israel, and others may be held hostage. Biden has directed his team to collaborate with Israel on the hostage crisis. The situation is complicated by Hamas’ threat to execute hostages if Israel’s attacks harm civilians. With no precedent for the current number of hostages, experts say a resolution appears unlikely in the near term (Al Monitor).
- Key Insights from Hudson Institute Panel on Middle East Conflict: Unpacking Hamas, Iran, and U.S. Policy. The Hudson Institute discussion with Can Kasapoglu, Jonathan Schachter, and Mike Doran dissected the Middle East conflict, focusing on Hamas, Iran, and U.S. policy. Kasapoglu detailed Hamas’ planned attack on Israel, using drones and rockets to catch the Israeli military off guard. Schachter emphasized Iran’s role in empowering groups like Hamas and warned that U.S. policy should not overlook Iran’s destabilizing influence. Doran criticized U.S. policy for indirectly aiding Iran and called for a more targeted approach. The talk underscored the need for nuanced policies to address the complex dynamics in the region. *Special Note for Our Arabic Followers: ACLS has translated and burnt in Arabic subtitles for this important discussion. We hope that this will shed light on American perspectives of the Israeli events for our Arabic-speaking audience (ACLS YouTube).
- China’s Xi Urges US to Act Responsibly in Meeting with Senators. China’s President Xi Jinping met with a delegation of US senators led by Chuck Schumer, urging the US to act responsibly and with broadmindedness. The meeting focused on economic competition, security, and technology. Xi emphasized the global importance of China-US relations, while China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for a rational approach to differences. The delegation is also expected to visit Japan and South Korea (Anadolu Agency).
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THE EARLY PHOENIX – Oct 10 – 2023
IRAN
- Exclusive ACLS Research: Iranian Media Trends Revealed – ‘Weak and Servile Beings, Nearing Its End’. A multi-pronged Iranian media assault on Israel clearly acknowledges not only its current position and possible desires but further explains the extent of its involvement in Hamas’ terrorist operations and suggests a role for Hizballah. In what seems to be an orchestrated comprehensive anti-Israel narrative, Tehran Times glorified Hamas’ actions and implied Israel’s diminishing powers. The Iranian Ministry issued a stern warning against Israel in the case of aggression against Iran and called for support from the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation. Tasnim Agency goes a step further, alleging that elements within the Israeli military have been aiding Palestinian resistance groups, a claim aimed at sowing discord and questioning Israel’s internal security. These assaults culminated with the statement of Major General Salami, who asserted that Israel is a “weak and servile being” nearing its end and emphasizes that not even American support can save it.
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THE EARLY PHOENIX – Oct 10 – 2023
SYRIA
- Iranian Militias in Syria Mobilize Support for Hamas, Increase Alert on Golan Front. Iranian militias in Syria, linked to the Revolutionary Guard, have launched a campaign to garner support for Hamas’ “Al-Aqsa Flood” operation. Public relations efforts, seminars, and donation appeals have been initiated. Meanwhile, heightened military readiness is observed on the Golan front amid concerns of an Israeli response. Hezbollah and Iranian militias are reportedly relocating weaponry and equipment, including drones, in anticipation of potential Israeli action. Lebanese Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, has threatened to enter the battle alongside Hamas, further escalating tensions in the region (Sharq Awsat) .
- Idlib Faces Intense Bombing as World Watches Gaza and Turkey Targets SDF. While global attention is on Gaza, Idlib is under heavy attack from Syrian and Russian forces, leading to civilian casualties and displacement. Concurrently, Turkish forces have escalated artillery strikes in Raqqa and Al-Hasakah, causing both human and infrastructure losses. In response to the Assad regime’s increased military activity in Idlib, Turkey has deployed 18 new military vehicles equipped with tanks and machinery (Syria TV, SOHR, North Press).
- Bouthaina Shaaban Lauds Palestinian Resistance, Draws Parallels with Assad’s Struggle. After calling the recent events in Gaza, a “blessed revolution,” Assad’s senior advisor Bouthaina Shaaban emphasized the parallel between the unity in her government’s defeat of terrorism and the unchangeable nature of the Palestinian resilience, explaining that both are examples of the indomitable spirit of people fighting for what is right (Al Maydeen).
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THE EARLY PHOENIX – Oct 10 – 2023
TURKIYE
- Erdoğan Addresses Israel-Gaza Conflict and Turkey’s Anti-Terror Operations. President Erdoğan emphasized the need to protect civilians in the escalating Israel-Gaza conflict, calling for an end to bombings by both sides. He announced Turkey’s plans to send humanitarian aid to Gaza and reiterated the country’s support for a two-state solution. Erdoğan also reported that Turkey eliminated 162 PKK/YPG terrorists in recent operations in northern Iraq and Syria, following a thwarted attack in Ankara. (Daily Sabah).
- Turkish Foreign Minister to Attend ECO Meeting in Azerbaijan. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is set to visit Shusha, Azerbaijan, to participate in the 27th meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Council of Ministers. The meeting will review work done in 2023 under ECO and discuss current issues. Turkey aims to continue contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity in the ECO region, which includes member states like Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan (Anadolu Agency).
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THE EARLY PHOENIX – Oct 10 – 2023
ISRAEL & PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES
- Hamas Threatens to Execute Israeli Prisoners in Retaliation for Civilian Bombings. The Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ military wing, has declared its intent to execute an Israeli civilian prisoner in response to any new Israeli bombings of civilian homes without warning. Abu Ubaida, spokesman for the Martyr Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, warned that they would broadcast the executions with audio and video, emphasizing Israel’s responsibility for the situation (Al Arabiya).
- Netanyahu Threatens Hamas: “We Will Change the Middle East”. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the war on the Gaza Strip will be ongoing and vowed to “change the Middle East.” In a call with heads of Israeli local councils surrounding Gaza, he emphasized the need for a strong stance in the difficult days ahead and warned Hamas that they would face difficult and terrible consequences. The conflict began when Hamas and Palestinian factions launched the “Al-Aqsa Flood” military operation in response to Israeli attacks on Palestinians, leading to casualties on both sides (Anadolu Agency).
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THE EARLY PHOENIX – Oct 10 – 2023
IRAQ
- Iran-Backed Militias Warn U.S. Against Involvement in Israel Conflict. Following U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s show of force in support of Israel, Iran-backed militias in Iraq, including Sayyid Al-Shuhada’ Brigades, stated that any direct U.S. involvement would make American interests in the region “legitimate targets.” The militias emphasized that such an action would eliminate all “red lines,” promising a tenfold response to each U.S. strike (MEMRI).
- Iraqi Prime Minister Al-Sudani in Moscow for Talks with Putin. Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani has embarked on an official visit to Moscow, Russia. His visit includes meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, scheduled for October 10 and 11, with various working discussions during his stay (Baghdad Today).
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THE EARLY PHOENIX – Oct 10 – 2023
THE GULF REGION & YEMEN
- Gulf States Spearhead Efforts to De-escalate Israeli-Hamas Tensions. The Saudi Foreign Minister and Iraqi Prime Minister discussed strengthening bilateral relations. Qatar’s Emir engaged in diplomatic efforts, discussing Palestine with the Turkish President and Iraqi Prime Minister, emphasizing the need to stop the escalation and protect civilians amidst the Israeli-Hamas conflict. Qatar’s diplomacy aims to prevent further violence and instability (Ahram Online, Khaleej Online).
- Qatar Mediates Israel-Palestinian Prisoner Swap Talks, Says Source. Qatar is mediating talks between Palestinian groups and Israel for a potential prisoner exchange, according to an anonymous Palestinian source. Palestinian groups are demanding the release of all 36 female detainees in Israeli prisons. No details have been disclosed about Israeli captives in Gaza, estimated to be over 100 (Anadolu Agency).
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THE EARLY PHOENIX – Oct 10 – 2023
EGYPT & NORTH AFRICA
- Egypt Warns Israel Against Pushing Gazans to Egyptian Border. Egyptian sources have issued a stern warning against plans to push defenseless Palestinians toward the Egyptian border amid the ongoing Israeli bombing in Gaza. Egypt is actively engaging with international actors to stop the escalation and protect the Palestinian people, emphasizing the seriousness of calls for displacement and their potential impact on the Palestinian cause (Veto).
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THE EARLY PHOENIX – Oct 10 – 2023
LEBANON
- Hizballah Official Signals ‘Al-Aqsa Flood’ as Prelude to Larger Anti-Israel Operation. Hashem Salhab, a Hizbullah official, stated that “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood” is merely a precursor to a more extensive operation aimed at eliminating Israel. In his speech, Salhab warned that the U.S. and Arab nations normalizing relations with Israel would not be able to assist in averting the impending conflict (MEMRI).
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