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 Predicts Truce in Oil Price War Between Russia and Saudi Arabia
President Donald Trump said Thursday evening that the oil price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia may end soon. Trump said he had just had a 90-minute conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud about their oil price war, on the same day that the Organization of the… -
opinion
A Government-Managed Alliance With Saudi Arabia Isn’t the Solution for Low Oil Prices
As the world collectively battles with the coronavirus pandemic, leaders on the world stage also are grappling with how to address the oil price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia. As prices plummeted, one idea floated is for the U.S. to form an alliance with Saudi Arabia to stabilize prices. Although it’s not clear what… -
opinion
Netanyahu Faces Hurdles to Building Governing Coalition After Narrow Israeli Election Win
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did better than expected in Israel’s March 2 elections, but nevertheless still might lose his job. Netanyahu is seeking a record fifth term in office, after serving as prime minister from 1996 to 1999, and since 2009. He may be blocked from forming a governing coalition once again, however, as… -
news
Rebuking Russia, Turkey Pledges to Fund Ukraine’s Military
KYIV, Ukraine—Turkish President Recep Erdogan joined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday outside Kyiv’s 18th-century Mariyinsky Palace to review an honor guard of Ukrainian troops. A band played the anthems of both countries. Along the nearby streets, Turkish and Ukrainian flags hung side-by-side on light poles. The Mariyinsky Palace originally was built as a residence… -
opinion
After Her Husband Joined ISIS, She Started Fighting Islamic Extremism
For Tania Joya, who was raised Muslim in London, it was a long journey to life in the United States. “I wanted to be in America, but my husband … thought that was bad for my religion and he thought that I would teach my children the wrong values,” recalls Joya. “So he took us… -
opinion
Problematic Women: Talking Turkey, Career, and Feminism
In our Thanksgiving week special, we interview Problematic Woman Maria Sousa, digital director of The Heritage Foundation, who also is a wife and mother to four children. Sousa is a native of Washington, D.C., a conservative, and a devout Catholic. She candidly shares life lessons, from her college days to more recent balancing of career… -
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… -
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… -
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… -
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… -
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… -
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… -
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… -
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… -
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… -
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… -
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… -
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,… -
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… -
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…