Blinken meets with Qatari officials to address Gaza and Lebanon conflicts

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a meeting on Thursday with Qatar’s ruling emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as part of his regional tour aimed at addressing the ongoing conflicts in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon. On the same day, Blinken is scheduled to meet with Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed Al Thani, prior to engaging in discussions with Arab officials in London … Continue reading Blinken meets with Qatari officials to address Gaza and Lebanon conflicts

The Osirak research reactor site in Iraq after it was bombed by Israel in 1981.

An Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear installations may have unintended consequences

Since Iran‘s missile strike on Israel on October 1, which was a reaction to the assassinations of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, there has been considerable speculation regarding Israel’s potential retaliation. Some analysts propose that Israel might target Iranian oil facilities, while others suggest strikes on its nuclear sites. The Biden administration appears to be against both … Continue reading An Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear installations may have unintended consequences

Israel-Lebanon conflict: Can France help stop the violence?

For many years, France has regarded Lebanon as a “brotherly country,” fostering robust relations since the conclusion of the French mandate in 1946. Paris has made numerous efforts to address the various crises that Lebanon has encountered, all while navigating its colonial legacy in the region. Following the onset of Israel’s military actions against Lebanon in September, France has taken steps to facilitate a resolution, … Continue reading Israel-Lebanon conflict: Can France help stop the violence?

France says primary adversary at present is Russia

France‘s primary adversary at present is Russia, according to French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu in a recent interview with Le Point magazine. In the discussion published on Wednesday, coinciding with the launch of his new book, Lecornu addressed the security challenges currently confronting Paris. When asked which nation or entity represented “the greatest threat to France,” Lecornu stated, “Aside from terrorist organizations, it is undoubtedly … Continue reading France says primary adversary at present is Russia

The flags of the European Union, Hungary and Germany fly outside Berlin's chancellery in Berlin, Germany

Hungary called the German ambassador to express discontent

Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto called in the German ambassador on Thursday to express his discontent regarding her recent remarks, in which she encouraged Hungarian public figures to denounce actions she claimed were undermining the trust of Hungary’s NATO and EU partners. In her speech, delivered to diplomats, NGOs, and Hungarian officials to commemorate German Unity Day on Wednesday, Ambassador Julia Gross stated, “Hungary is … Continue reading Hungary called the German ambassador to express discontent

France deployed additional military assets to the Middle East

France announced on Wednesday that it is deploying additional military assets to the Middle East in response to the Iranian threat and has called for a United Nations Security Council meeting later in the day following Iran’s missile strikes on Israel. Iran declared early Wednesday that its missile assault on Israel had concluded, unless provoked further, while both Israel and the United States vowed to … Continue reading France deployed additional military assets to the Middle East

Israeli airstrikes hit Hezbollah command center in Beirut

A series of airstrikes targeted Beirut’s southern suburbs early Saturday as Israel intensified its offensive against Hezbollah, following a significant attack on the command center of the Iran-aligned group, which seemingly aimed at leader Hassan Nasrallah. Witnesses reported hearing over 20 airstrikes before dawn. In response to the violence, thousands of Lebanese fled their homes in the southern suburbs, gathering in public squares, parks, and … Continue reading Israeli airstrikes hit Hezbollah command center in Beirut

Smoke billows over southern Lebanon following Israeli strikes.

What actions are countries taking to evacuate their citizens from Lebanon?

A significant increase in border conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon has prompted Western nations to urgently revise their evacuation contingency plans for the area. Cyprus, being the nearest EU member to the Middle East, is expected to serve as a primary hub, having previously facilitated the escape of approximately 60,000 individuals during the Hezbollah-Israel conflict in 2006. Additionally, neighboring Turkey has extended its … Continue reading What actions are countries taking to evacuate their citizens from Lebanon?

The United Nations Security Council meets on the escalation in fighting in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah during the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters in New York.

U.S. and allies are pushing for a 21-day ceasefire along Israel-Lebanon border

The United States, France, and several allied nations have urged for an immediate 21-day ceasefire along the Israel–Lebanon border, while also advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza, following extensive discussions at the United Nations on Wednesday. This ceasefire would pertain to the “Blue Line,” the boundary separating Lebanon and Israel, facilitating negotiations towards a possible diplomatic resolution of the ongoing conflict, as stated by a … Continue reading U.S. and allies are pushing for a 21-day ceasefire along Israel-Lebanon border

Greece intends to acquire a fourth frigate along with cruise missiles from France

Greece is set to initiate discussions for the procurement of a fourth Belharra frigate from France, aiming to enhance its naval capabilities as the nation emerges from a prolonged debt crisis, according to the country’s defense minister on Thursday. In 2021, Greece committed to acquiring three Belharra frigates for a total of 3.0 billion euros ($3.34 billion), with an option for an additional vessel, as … Continue reading Greece intends to acquire a fourth frigate along with cruise missiles from France