Security

If history is any indication, the latest ISIL attack in Iran may serve to rally Iranians around the flag against a terrorist enemy and even strengthen the regime.

Israel might try to kill Hamas leaders in Qatar, leave them alone, or even use them to help craft a postconflict order in Gaza.

The United States has not developed adequate responses for dealing with hybrid groups like the Houthis.

Brigadier General Ismail Qaani’s public remarks offer some insights into the fundamental tenets of his thinking and ability to deal with delicate political problems, however they do not reveal Suleimani-style coded messages to the United States and Israel.

The United States, the Gulf Arab states, and Israel face escalated threats, both rhetorical and real.

Iran and its allies appear to be engaged in symbolic actions against Israeli and U.S. forces rather than openly provoking a war, but these theatrics still risk igniting a regional war all involved parties want to avoid.

Israel’s devastating war in Gaza may change the political dynamics not only in the Middle East but in the United States, too.

If the Houthis are attacking Israel, their local rivals will be less inclined to attack them.