Middle East News
The Daily Signal provides coverage of Israel, Iran, and other regional players, with analysis on how Middle East events impact America’s security and global stability.
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- News
Trump Announces ‘Permanent’ Cease-Fire, End to Sanctions on Turkey
President Donald Trump announced what he called a “permanent” cease-fire between Turkey and the Kurds, as well as the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Turkey. The president acknowledged that permanence is unpredictable in the Middle East, saying, “We’re willing to take blame and we’re willing to take credit.” Trump also reiterated his desire to get…Fred Lucas -
- Opinion
No, We’re Not Selling Out the Syrian Kurds. But We Should Mediate Their Conflict With Turkey.
Caught up in a conflict between long-standing NATO ally Turkey and a recently engaged Kurdish tactical partner in Syria, the Trump administration has accommodated the legitimate security interests of Turkey by staging a partial pullback of U.S. special operations forces in northeastern Syria. It did so to get out of the way of a Turkish…James Phillips -
- Opinion
Podcast: Will Netanyahu Stay Leader of Israel?
The Israeli election last week resulted in a political stalemate, but Benjamin Netanyahu might still just eke out a coalition and retain his role as prime minister. Today, I’ll unpack the details of the election and what’s to come with Jim Phillips, a Middle East expert at The Heritage Foundation. Plus: Big cities used to…Daniel Davis -
- Opinion
What You Need to Know About the Attack on Saudi Arabia
A major attack on Saudi oil production is stoking tensions in the Middle East. Heritage Foundation expert Peter Brookes discusses what happened, and what it means for the region and the United States. Read the lightly edited interview, pasted below, or listen on the podcast: We also cover these stories: President Trump is defending Justice…Katrina Trinko -
- Opinion
Turkey’s Anti-Western Drift Ought to Be Repudiated
Turkey recently marked the three-year anniversary of the country’s failed July 15 coup attempt, which resulted in hundreds of deaths and almost succeeded in ousting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Since the coup’s failure, Erdogan has solidified his control over the country—most notably the military and the press—and has turned the anniversary of the coup…James Phillips -
- Opinion
Turkey’s Arms Deal With Russia Is an Affront to NATO
The Turkish government Tuesday reaffirmed its intention to complete the controversial purchase of a Russian S-400 surface-to-air missile defense system, a move appropriately drawing the ire of both parties in Washington. Both Congress and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have warned of punitive action should Turkey follow through on the purchase, which Turkey says could…Michael Johns Jr. -
- Opinion
Netanyahu’s Reelection Is a Win for Israel and the US
The dust has settled, the votes have been counted, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been reelected to serve Israel for a record-setting fifth term. The Jewish people have once again placed their trust in a prime minister who has guided their nation to unprecedented success while simultaneously defending it against a slew of powerful…Armstrong Williams -
- Opinion
Netanyahu Scored a Historic Win. Here’s What to Expect Next.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clinched yet another victory in Israel’s elections on Tuesday, winning a historic fifth term in office that could soon make him the longest-serving prime minister in Israel’s history. Netanyahu withstood a major challenge from political newcomer Benny Gantz, a retired general who had served as chief of the general staff of…James Phillips -
- News
Trump Recognizes Israel’s Right to Golan Heights During Netanyahu Visit
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday praised President Donald Trump as the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the Oval Office. Netanyahu’s comments at the White House came moments before the president signed a proclamation for the United States to recognize Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights, territory seized from Syria in a…Fred Lucas -
- Opinion
Ending US Military Support for Saudi Arabia in Yemen Would Trigger Dangerous Consequences
In a new resolution, a bipartisan group of senators is calling for the United States to end its involvement—specifically its support of Saudi Arabia—in the Yemen conflict. On Wednesday, the Senate voted 63-37 to pass a procedural measure that will clear the way for a floor debate on the issue next week. The push comes…Madyson Hutchinson Posey -
- News
Pastor Freed by Turkey Kisses American Flag, Prays for Trump
Andrew Brunson’s first stop en route to the U.S. after being freed from house arrest in Turkey was Ramstein Air Base in Germany. There, the pastor from North Carolina was greeted by U.S. Ambassador Richard Grenell and a folded American flag. Fresh off of the airplane and with his wife Norine by his side, Brunson…Chuck Ross -
- News
Trump Seeks Answers in Saudi Journalist’s ‘Terrible’ Disappearance in Turkey
Saudi Arabia’s government has some explaining to do to the United States about a missing Washington Post columnist, foreign policy experts say, but the Trump administration shouldn’t make a rush to judgment. Jamal Khashoggi, 59, a Saudi journalist and columnist for the Post, was last seen Oct. 2 going into the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul,…Fred Lucas -
- News
‘This Innocent Man of Faith Will Soon Be Home!’: Turkey Releases Jailed Pastor
An American pastor who was held for two years in Turkey for alleged terror and treason charges was released Friday. “Pastor Andrew Brunson is coming home! Thanks to the strong leadership of [President Donald] Trump and the steadfast prayers of millions of Americans, this innocent man of faith will soon be home!” tweeted Vice President…Rachel del Guidice -
- Opinion
US Pastor’s House Arrest in Turkey Puts Religious Freedom in the Spotlight
After significant international pressure from the United States and other nations, American pastor Andrew Brunson was finally released from prison to house arrest after a Turkish court ruling last Wednesday. That’s a step forward—but it’s not enough. Brunson, originally from North Carolina, had previously lived with his family in Turkey for 23 years while leading…Olivia Enos -
- Opinion
American Pastor Back Behind Bars in Turkey
They may not have had any evidence against American pastor Andrew Brunson, but that didn’t stop Turkish officials from holding a 13-hour hearing. For the North Carolina father, who’s spent the last 500 days in jail, it was another grueling chapter in the persecution of an innocent man. Facing up to 35 years in prison,…Tony Perkins -
- Opinion
What Saudi Arabia’s Reformer Prince Hopes to Achieve in US Visit
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is an ambitious young man in a hurry who is trying to reform his own country and secure the leading role of his wing of the ruling family. He came to Washington this week seeking American help in modernizing the Saudi economy, defending its interests in Yemen, and cooperating…James Phillips -
- Opinion
Q&A: How the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia’s Views on Islam, Economy Could Change Country
Jim Phillips, senior research fellow for Middle Eastern affairs at The Heritage Foundation, gave his insight into the recent events related to succession that have taken place in Saudi Arabia in an interview Tuesday with The Heritage Foundation’s Genevieve Wood. Here is an edited transcript of the interview. Wood: So people understand, so currently the…Genevieve Wood -
- Opinion
Turkey Has Imprisoned an American Pastor for a Year. It’s Time We Take a Stand.
It’s been almost one year since Andrew Brunson, an American pastor, was unjustly imprisoned without charges in Turkey. Imagine spending a whole year in a Turkish prison as a hostage. Unfortunately, most Americans have no idea what is really happening in Turkey. Turkey has traditionally been a strong ally of the United States, but has chosen…Sen. James Lankford -
- News
Women’s March Stays Silent on Saudi Arabia Allowing Women to Drive
King Salman bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia finally decided to end one of the world’s most oppressive policies against women, issuing a decree on Tuesday allowing women to drive. In 2017, this is an incredibly big deal for women’s equality. In Saudi Arabia, women still need a male guardian’s permission to marry, divorce, travel, open…Paul Runko -
- Opinion
How Saudi Arabia Is Laying the Foundation for Improved Relations With Iraq
The Iraq-Saudi Arabia relationship, while historically rocky, appears to be on the mend. Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990 prompted Saudi Arabia to close its border with Iraq. Since then, only Iraqi religious pilgrims have been allowed to cross once a year during the hajj season. After 27 years, the two nations are now…Madyson Hutchinson Posey