Biden’s Withdrawal Adds Uncertainty to US-Israel Relations at a Pivotal Moment

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s arrival in Washington on Monday night coincided with a bombshell announcement from President Joe Biden: he’s stepping out of the 2024 presidential race. This unexpected turn of events injects a fresh dose of uncertainty into the already tense US-Israel relationship, particularly as the Gaza conflict rages on without a cease-fire in sight.

Netanyahu’s visit, announced back in June, raised eyebrows given the ongoing violence. But now, with American politics in flux, the Israeli leader’s mission is clear: lay the groundwork for strong ties with the next US administration, whoever leads it.

A senior US official confirmed that Biden and Netanyahu are slated to meet at the White House on Thursday. “I will seek to anchor the bipartisan support that is so important for Israel,” Netanyahu stated as he left Israel, underscoring his intent to maintain robust ties regardless of the upcoming presidential outcome.

Though Netanyahu publicly maintains a stance of neutrality between the likely candidates—Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump—insiders suggest his true preference is clear. Jonathan Rynhold, head of Political Studies at Israel’s Bar-Ilan University, notes, “Republicans generally align more with Israel’s security agenda and show greater leniency towards its right-wing policies.”

Trump’s administration set a high bar with its pro-Israel moves: the groundbreaking Abraham Accords, relocating the US Embassy to Jerusalem, and recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. Netanyahu is reportedly eager to meet with Trump to quash rumors of tension following Netanyahu’s congratulations to Biden in 2020, which soured their relationship. Trump’s blunt warning to Israel to “get back to peace and stop killing people” hasn’t helped matters.

Meanwhile, Vice President Harris, set to meet Netanyahu separately from Biden, has emphasized her commitment to Israel’s security. Her Jewish connections—her husband, Doug Emhoff, is Jewish—have been instrumental in combating antisemitism. Yet, Harris will skip Netanyahu’s congressional speech, heading instead to Indianapolis to address a historically Black sorority, a move likely influenced by progressive and Muslim voters’ discontent over Gaza.

Despite Harris’ expected alignment with Biden’s Middle East policies, she may adopt a tougher rhetoric on Israeli settlements and show greater empathy towards Palestinian issues. Aaron David Miller of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace predicts her administration would remain “mainstream” in supporting US-Israel relations but with sharper critiques of certain Israeli actions.

Domestically, Netanyahu is navigating a critical period as the Israeli Knesset nears recess. He aims to advance his political agenda, potentially leveraging a cease-fire deal. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken hinted at a possible agreement, though analysts are skeptical it will last beyond an initial six-week pause.

In essence, Netanyahu’s DC visit is a high-stakes maneuver amid a rapidly changing political landscape. As he seeks to cement bipartisan support and prepare for potential shifts in US leadership, the outcomes of his discussions in Washington could have far-reaching implications for Israel and the broader Middle East.

Mandatory Military Service Sparks Controversy Amid War and Political Strains

The Israeli military has issued call-up notices to 1,000 members of the ultra-Orthodox community, a controversial move set to stoke the fires of an already volatile relationship between religious and secular Israelis. This new policy, a significant shift mandated by a recent Supreme Court ruling, eliminates the long-standing blanket exemptions for Jewish seminary students—a practice dating back to Israel’s founding in 1948, when the ultra-Orthodox population was minuscule.

The timing of this decision, as the war in Gaza rages on, adds fuel to the fire within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition. The religious parties in his government vehemently oppose the draft, arguing that forcing seminary students to serve alongside secular Israelis, including women, threatens the core identity of their religious lifestyle. In a dramatic act of defiance, some rabbis have called on their followers to burn the draft notices they receive.

Despite the uproar, not all ultra-Orthodox Jews, or Haredim, refuse military service. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have established specialized units to accommodate ultra-Orthodox recruits, recognizing the need for a more inclusive approach. Some new recruits, who had not sought exemptions, reported for duty on Sunday. Netsach Cohen, a 19-year-old recruit, emphasized the importance of defending the country while advocating for a more natural and considerate approach to recruitment.

On the other hand, staunch opposition remains within the more devout Haredi communities. David Mizrahi, a 22-year-old seminary student from Jerusalem, argued that those who do not understand the value of religious study cannot grasp why the Haredim resist conscription. He warned that forcing this issue would only exacerbate the conflict.

This initial wave of call-ups is just the beginning, with further notices expected for a total of 3,000 ultra-Orthodox conscripts in the coming weeks. The government is scrambling to pass a conscription law that might strike a delicate balance and prevent the collapse of the fragile coalition. Yet, as Israeli troops continue their prolonged engagement in Gaza, and with rising threats of conflict in Lebanon, the pressure from the military and secular Israelis to share the burden of national defense has intensified.

In Israel, military service is a legal obligation for all citizens starting at age 18, with terms ranging from 24 to 32 months. However, members of Israel’s 21% Arab minority are mostly exempt, although some do choose to serve.

The mandatory draft for ultra-Orthodox Jews is not just a matter of national security but a flashpoint in the broader cultural and religious rift within Israeli society. As the government navigates this contentious terrain, the future of Israel’s social fabric hangs in the balance, with each side deeply entrenched in its beliefs and values. The outcome of this policy shift could redefine the nation’s identity and its approach to balancing religious traditions with modern statehood.

Tensions Soar as Israel Responds to Deadly Tel Aviv Attack with Devastating Yemen Strike

In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Israeli warplanes bombarded the Houthi-controlled Yemeni port of Hodeidah on Saturday, killing three and wounding more than 80. This marks the first Israeli strike in Yemen, signaling a bold response to a deadly drone attack in Tel Aviv by the Iran-backed Houthis.

“The toll of victims from the Israeli attack on Hodeidah has risen to three martyrs and 87 wounded,” reported the Houthi-run Saba news agency on Sunday, citing the health ministry.

This strike follows a drone attack by the Houthis that killed a civilian in Tel Aviv on Friday. “The blood of Israeli citizens has a price,” declared Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, hinting at more operations against the Houthis if further attacks occur. Gallant emphasized that the Hodeidah strike was also a stark warning to other Iran-backed armed groups in the region that have targeted Israel during the Gaza conflict. “The fire currently burning in Hodeidah is seen across the Middle East and its significance is clear,” he stated.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed these sentiments in a televised address, warning, “Anyone who harms us will pay a very heavy price for their aggression.”

Shortly after the Tel Aviv attack, Gallant promised retaliation. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, an Israeli military spokesman, confirmed that F-15 jets executed the strike, all returning safely to base. He accused the Houthis of using Hodeidah as a key supply route for transferring Iranian weapons, including the drone used in the Tel Aviv attack.

The Houthi response was swift and defiant. Top Houthi official Mohammed Abdulsalam condemned the “brutal Israeli aggression against Yemen,” claiming the attack targeted “fuel storage facilities and a power plant” in Hodeidah to pressure Yemen into withdrawing support for Palestinians in the Gaza war. The Houthi health ministry reported 80 wounded, most with severe burns.

An AFP correspondent in Hodeidah described several large explosions and smoke plumes over the port, adding that the city was plunged into darkness with closed petrol stations and long queues. “The city is dark, people are on the streets, petrol stations are closed and seeing long queues,” a resident said anonymously for safety reasons.

Maritime security firm Ambrey reported four merchant vessels in the port at the time of the airstrike and another eight in the anchorage, noting that no damage to merchant vessels had been reported.

The United States distanced itself from the strikes, with a National Security Council spokesman stating, “The United States was not involved in today’s strikes in Yemen, and we did not coordinate or assist Israel with the strikes.” However, the spokesman reaffirmed Israel’s right to self-defense.

U.N. chief Antonio Guterres appealed for “maximum restraint” following the Tel Aviv drone strike to prevent “further escalation in the region.”

Hodeidah port, a crucial entry point for imports and international aid to Yemen’s rebel-held areas, had remained largely untouched through the decade-long conflict between the Houthis and the internationally recognized government supported by Saudi Arabia. This port is vital for millions of Yemenis dependent on aid.

“Traders now fear that this will exacerbate the already critical food security and humanitarian situation in northern Yemen, as the majority of trade flows through this port,” said Mohammed Albasha, a senior Middle East analyst for the U.S.-based Navanti Group.

As the fires rage and the plumes of smoke darken the skies over Hodeidah, the significance of Israel’s bold strike reverberates across the Middle East. The message is unmistakable: Israel is willing to cross borders and escalate conflicts to defend its citizens, leaving the Houthis and their Iranian backers to grapple with the aftermath. The political and humanitarian consequences of this daring move remain to be seen, but one thing is clear—this is a new chapter in the volatile saga of Middle Eastern geopolitics.

Missiles Hit Singapore-Flagged Cargo Ship, Intensifying Threats to International Trade

In a dramatic escalation of their maritime campaign, Yemen’s Houthi rebels struck a Singapore-flagged container ship with two missiles on Friday, ramping up attacks on global shipping as the conflict in Gaza rages on. The overnight assault on the Lobivia cargo ship follows a fiery drone strike in Tel Aviv, indicating a new level of sophistication and audacity in Houthi operations.

The Lobivia, hit while navigating the perilous waters of the Gulf of Aden, marks the latest target in the Houthis’ aggressive campaign to disrupt international trade routes. This campaign, intensifying since November, has already claimed lives, sunk ships, and forced global shipping to reconsider the use of crucial shortcuts like the Suez Canal.

Yahya Saree, a Houthi military spokesman, took to the airwaves on Friday to claim responsibility for the Lobivia attack, which included both missile strikes and drones. The ship was 83 nautical miles southeast of Yemen’s port city of Aden when the missiles struck its port side. Despite the damage, all crew members were reported safe, and the ship is now heading back to its last port of call, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations.

The incident report from the Joint Maritime Information Center detailed that the Lobivia, en route northeast along the Gulf of Aden, was observed by a nearby merchant vessel to be performing evasive maneuvers following the attack, even switching off its automatic identification system shortly afterward. This tactical response underscores the growing threat posed by the Houthis’ enhanced military capabilities.

Recent months have seen the Houthis’ ability to inflict damage on maritime targets grow alarmingly. In June, they successfully sunk the Greek-owned Tutor coal carrier using missiles and an explosive-laden remote-controlled boat, marking the second vessel lost to their campaign. This sustained assault on commercial shipping has not only disrupted global trade but has also highlighted the group’s access to increasingly sophisticated weaponry.

“Their capacity, their access to more sophisticated weapons, has only increased over the course of this conflict,” said Gerald Feierstein, director of the Arabian Peninsula Affairs Program at the Middle East Institute in Washington. Feierstein, who served as the U.S. ambassador to Yemen from 2010 to 2013, expressed concerns about the broader implications of these advancements.

The recent attack on the Lobivia is part of a broader pattern of Houthi aggression. On Tuesday, they targeted the Liberia-flagged oil tanker Chios Lion with a drone boat, causing significant damage and an oil spill that experts identified as fuel. This pattern of increasingly daring assaults poses a grave threat to maritime security and global commerce.

In response to these provocations, Britain and the U.S. have conducted retaliatory strikes, targeting drone and missile sites in Yemen. However, these efforts come at a high cost. “We’re basically spending a million dollars every time we shoot down a Radio Shack drone. That’s wearing on the Navy and wearing on our supplies,” Feierstein noted, highlighting the strategic and economic toll of countering these attacks.

The Houthis’ bold tactics have not only challenged military defenses but have also forced a reevaluation of global shipping routes and security protocols. The sinking of the Tutor and the damage to the Lobivia and Chios Lion are stark reminders of the risks faced by commercial vessels in the region.

As the Houthis continue to demonstrate their growing capabilities, the international community faces mounting pressure to address the underlying issues driving this conflict. The attacks on global shipping serve as a stark reminder of the far-reaching impacts of regional conflicts and the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to restore stability.

For the youth of Somaliland and beyond, the unfolding events underscore the importance of education and critical thinking. Embracing reading and writing can empower them to understand and engage with the complex world around them, fostering a generation capable of articulating their perspectives and driving positive change. In a world where communication is key, honing these skills is not just an academic exercise but a vital tool for personal and societal transformation.

US, Israel Discuss Drone Strike by Iran-Backed Rebels on Tel Aviv

In a shocking escalation of regional tensions, Iranian-backed Houthi rebels launched a devastating drone attack on Tel Aviv, killing one and injuring at least ten others. The predawn strike, which damaged buildings near the U.S. Embassy, has prompted a fierce response from both Israel and the United States, underscoring the volatile security situation in the Middle East.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin swiftly reached out to his Israeli counterpart, expressing heartfelt condolences and reiterating Washington’s “ironclad commitment to Israel’s security and Israel’s right to self-defense.” This firm stance highlights the deep strategic partnership between the two nations, especially in the face of growing threats from Iranian proxies.

In a dramatic televised address, Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari revealed that the drone, identified as an Iranian Samad-3, had likely been upgraded to extend its range, making the 1,600-kilometer journey from Yemen. This revelation underscores the evolving threat posed by Iran’s technological advancements in unmanned aerial vehicles.

Compounding the gravity of the situation, an Israeli military official admitted that the drone was detected but not intercepted due to “human error,” a stark reminder of the fallibility of even the most sophisticated defense systems. “The defense is not impenetrable,” Hagari candidly told reporters, vowing to bolster air patrols and refine defense capabilities to better protect Israeli citizens.

Adding to the intrigue, Israel is investigating a potential connection to another drone attack. Officials suspect this second drone, intercepted near the Israeli border, might signal a coordinated effort to destabilize the region.

President Joe Biden, briefed on the attack, has renewed concerns about Houthi capabilities. The Houthis, asserting solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, claimed responsibility, a move U.S. officials dismiss as a cover for their broader disruptive agenda, which has already impacted humanitarian efforts in Yemen and Sudan and raised global shipping costs.

Despite multiple U.S. airstrikes aimed at curbing Houthi aggression, these attacks have persisted. Joint Chiefs Chairman General CQ Brown acknowledged the challenge, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive strategy beyond military action. “It’s going to take more than just a military campaign to take the Houthis off track,” he asserted, hinting at the complex geopolitical maneuvers at play.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking at the Aspen Security Forum, hinted at a breakthrough in negotiations for a Gaza cease-fire, tantalizingly close yet fraught with last-minute hurdles. “We’re inside the 10-yard line,” Blinken quipped, though he warned that the final stretch is often the hardest.

The stakes are high, with U.S. officials adamant that any deal must prevent Hamas from regaining power and avoid prolonging Israel’s military operations. The ongoing conflict, ignited by Hamas’s brutal October 7 attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and captured 250 hostages, has seen Israel’s counteroffensive result in over 38,200 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, also speaking at Aspen, stressed the complexities of achieving a cease-fire, balancing the political, psychological, and practical challenges. Yet, he remained cautiously optimistic, looking ahead to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s upcoming visit to Washington as a potential turning point.

As the world watches, the drone strike on Tel Aviv and the subsequent diplomatic maneuvers underscore the fragile, high-stakes nature of Middle Eastern geopolitics. The relentless march of technology, the shadow of Iranian influence, and the enduring human cost of conflict paint a sobering picture of a region on the edge. The U.S. and Israel’s response will be crucial in shaping the next chapter of this unfolding drama, as global powers grapple with the ever-present specter of instability.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Rising to Global Prominence

In an awe-inspiring leap, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has once again dazzled the world. According to TripAdvisor’s 2024 report, this majestic edifice has secured its place among the globe’s most revered cultural and historical landmarks. Garnering insights from over 8 million traveler data points, the mosque’s allure is undeniable.

The mosque’s unique blend of cultural and historical richness has catapulted it to the 10th position globally and crowned it as the Middle East’s top attraction. This is not just a regional triumph but a global endorsement of its universal appeal. It also secured the 17th spot globally for travel experiences, thanks to the mesmerizing journey from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, encompassing the mosque, Qasr Al Watan, and Etihad Towers. Furthermore, it clinched third place globally for cultural and historical experiences, showing a remarkable leap from previous rankings.

Dr. Yousif Alobaidli, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, attributes this monumental success to visionary leadership and a meticulous five-year strategic plan. This achievement underscores the center’s commitment to excellence, manifested in the training of over 250 young nationals as cultural tour guides. These guides, graduates of the ‘Ibn Al Dar’ program, lead more than 5,000 tours annually, serving over 7 million worshippers and visitors from around the world.

The mosque isn’t just resting on its laurels; it’s evolving. Expanded facilities and a plethora of high-standard services invite visitors to immerse themselves for an entire day. The Visitor Center, with its exhibition halls, auditorium, and library, offers a unique environment for cultural engagement. The Souq Al Jami, filled with shops, entertainment areas, and restaurants, caters to all age groups, while a jogging track provides a scenic spot for sports enthusiasts against the mosque’s spectacular backdrop.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre’s strategic plan is a well-oiled machine, with specialized teams dedicated to delivering exceptional visitor experiences. These efforts have positioned the mosque as a leading global cultural and religious edifice. Innovative offerings like the “Hidden Glimpses” tours in electric vehicles and the nighttime “Sura” tours provide visitors with exclusive insights and rare views of the mosque’s intricate beauty.

Moreover, the ‘El-Delleel’ service enhances the experience with virtual cultural tours available in 14 languages, making the mosque accessible around the clock. These services enrich visitors’ understanding and appreciation of one of the world’s most prominent religious and cultural landmarks.

As Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque continues to captivate global audiences, it sparks curiosity and controversy. Its rise challenges preconceived notions of cultural dominance, positioning a small nation on the grand stage of global tourism and cultural diplomacy. This narrative is not just about a building but about the UAE’s strategic prowess in using cultural heritage as a powerful tool of soft power, projecting an image of modernity intertwined with tradition.

This sensational ascent of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque raises questions about the future of cultural landmarks in global tourism. Will other nations follow suit, leveraging their historical sites to gain international clout? As the mosque basks in its newfound glory, it sets a provocative precedent for cultural and historical recognition on a global scale.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum appointed as UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence amid significant cabinet reshuffles to bolster operational efficiency.

The UAE’s latest cabinet reshuffle has seen Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum appointed as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan also assumes the role of Deputy Prime Minister, retaining his position as Minister of Foreign Affairs. These changes, initiated by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum after consultations with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, aim to enhance operational efficiency across various sectors. Additionally, Sarah Al Amiri is now Minister of Education, and Alia Abdullah Al Mazroui takes on the role of Minister of State for Entrepreneurship.

Sheikh Mohammed praised Sheikh Hamdan’s leadership qualities, expressing confidence in his contribution to the UAE’s future. Sheikh Hamdan thanked UAE leaders for their trust, pledging to work towards a better future for the country and its people.

In the education sector, the Education and Human Resources Council has expanded, now including the Ministry of Community Development. This council, chaired by Sheikh Abdullah, with Sheikha Maryam bint Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as Vice-Chairperson, aims to formulate a comprehensive educational strategy at the federal level. The council’s expanded mandate covers early childhood education to employment, ensuring the continuity of education plans and strategies.

These strategic appointments and structural changes reflect the UAE’s commitment to fostering national development and stability, ensuring that the nation’s educational and human capital initiatives align with future scientific and technical advancements.

Bahrain’s Potential Rapprochement with Iran Reflects Broader Geopolitical Shifts and Challenges U.S. Hegemony

The recent announcement that Bahrain and Iran will commence talks to reestablish diplomatic relations marks a seemingly minor but symbolically significant event in the Persian Gulf. This development, while surprising to some, is a reflection of broader geopolitical shifts and a potential challenge to U.S. hegemony in the region.

Bahrain, a small island nation closely aligned with Saudi Arabia, hosts the American Fifth Fleet, responsible for securing the Gulf, the Red Sea, and the Arabian Sea. Any rapprochement with Iran is likely to be unsettling for Washington, which has historically viewed Iran as a key adversary in the region.

For decades, Bahrain’s Sunni minority government has oppressed its Shi’ite majority, a policy supported by Saudi Arabia’s anti-Iran stance. The reestablishment of diplomatic ties between Bahrain and Iran could ease some of this internal tension, offering a new dynamic in Bahrain’s domestic and foreign policy landscape.

This diplomatic move follows a significant shift in the region’s geopolitical landscape, underscored by the Beijing-brokered rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran in 2022. This landmark agreement challenged the long-held notion that Sunni and Shi’ite states in the region are inherently adversarial. The Bahrain-Iran talks are another step towards greater regional cooperation, possibly influenced by increasing Chinese and Russian involvement in the Gulf.

Historically, the U.S. has maintained its influence in the Persian Gulf through military presence and strategic alliances, aimed at ensuring the “free flow of oil” and countering perceived threats, particularly from Iran. However, the evolving diplomatic landscape suggests a potential decline in U.S. influence as regional players seek new alignments.

This shift recalls the diplomatic strategies of Turkey under former Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, who promoted a “zero enemies” policy aimed at reducing regional tensions and fostering cooperation. Such an approach, though initially met with skepticism in Washington, offers a model for how states can exercise agency to alter adversarial relationships.

The potential Bahrain-Iran rapprochement highlights a broader questioning of American foreign policy, which has often relied on identifying and countering regional “enemies” to justify military engagement and maintain strategic dominance. The current geopolitical changes challenge this paradigm, suggesting that regional stability might be achievable through diplomacy and cooperation rather than conflict.

Moreover, this development aligns with Iran’s growing legitimacy as a regional actor, bolstered by its new membership in the BRICS bloc alongside Saudi Arabia. The inclusion of both nations in BRICS underscores their significant roles in the emerging Global South, further shifting the balance of power away from Western dominance.

While the prospect of a complete regional harmony remains unlikely, the Bahrain-Iran talks signify that hostility is not an inevitable outcome of regional politics. States possess the agency to pursue peaceful relations, a lesson that could be valuable for the U.S. in its interactions with global powers like Russia and China.

In conclusion, Bahrain’s diplomatic initiative with Iran symbolizes a potential sunset on U.S. hegemony in the Persian Gulf. This move not only reflects changing regional dynamics but also challenges the longstanding American policy of enemy identification. As Bahrain navigates this new diplomatic terrain, the implications for regional stability and international relations will be closely