President Trump signed an executive order declaring any attack on Qatar a threat to U.S. security. The order stipulates that the U.S. will respond to such an attack with a range of measures. These measures include diplomatic and economic actions, with military intervention as a potential last resort. The signing took place after a meeting with Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
The United Nations General Assembly voted to allow Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to address its annual meeting virtually after the United States revoked his visa last month. This decision came amid efforts by France, the U.K., and others to recognize a Palestinian state, which the U.S. opposes, citing concerns about emboldening Hamas and hindering ceasefire negotiations. The U.S. revoked the visas of around 80 Palestinian officials, including Abbas, which sparked international criticism, as the U.N. deemed this a violation of its Host Country agreement. France and Saudi Arabia are advancing a plan for Palestinian statehood, but the Israeli government and many Palestinians have concerns about the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to peace and leadership.
An Iranian lawmaker has urged Qatar to expel U.S. forces and allow the deployment of Iranian missiles, a move intended to counter Israel following an Israeli strike in Doha that killed Qatari and Hamas figures. This proposal, which Tehran views as a necessary response to U.S. complicity in the attack, signals Iran’s growing desire to expand its military influence in the Persian Gulf. The situation places Qatar in a difficult position, needing to balance its strong ties with the U.S., including hosting a significant American military base, and its developing relationship with Iran. These events highlight the ongoing friction in the Middle East, raising the risk of a broader conflict.
In response to the killing of their Prime Minister, Ahmed al-Rahawi, and other political leaders in a recent Israeli airstrike on Sanaa, Yemen, the Houthi rebels have vowed revenge. The strike, confirmed by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, targeted a gathering of Houthi officials, representing a strategic shift by Israel to eliminate key leaders of Iran-backed proxies. This action follows similar operations against Hamas and Hezbollah leaders in the past. The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen and have been targeting Red Sea shipping, are now prepared to confront the “US-backed Zionist enemy.”
In a recent Israeli strike on Nasser Hospital in Gaza, at least 20 people, including five journalists, were killed, according to Palestinian health officials. Reuters and the Associated Press confirmed that their contributors were among the casualties. Following the attack, the Foreign Press Association demanded an immediate explanation from the Israeli military, which confirmed the strike and initiated an inquiry. Witnesses reported a second strike occurring as rescue workers and others were evacuating the wounded.
Lebanon says it is beginning disarmament of Palestinian factions in refugee camps. This is the crux of the matter, and it’s a complex situation with a long history behind it. The fact that the Lebanese government is even *attempting* this is significant, and it speaks volumes about the shifting power dynamics in the region. For years, these refugee camps have essentially been extra-territorial zones, operating largely outside the control of the Lebanese state. The Lebanese security forces would maintain checkpoints at the entrances, but the camps themselves were governed by Palestinian factions.
Now, the Lebanese government is stepping in to change that, which includes attempting to disarm these factions within the camps.… Continue reading
Hezbollah’s leader issued a stark warning to Lebanon, stating there would be “no life” if the government confronted the group. This follows President Joseph Aoun’s statement to an Iranian official that no Lebanese group is allowed to possess weapons or depend on foreign support. The warning suggests a firm stance against any attempts to disarm or limit Hezbollah’s influence in the country. The group’s leader’s remarks highlight the ongoing tension regarding Hezbollah’s role in Lebanon.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s comments regarding his connection to the “Promised Land” and “Greater Israel” vision sparked widespread condemnation from several Arab countries. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, and the Arab League issued strong statements criticizing Netanyahu’s remarks, viewing them as a threat to regional stability and a violation of their sovereignty. These statements highlighted the expansionist nature of the “Greater Israel” concept, which encompasses expanded borders including parts of neighboring Arab countries and reflects a colonial mindset. The Palestinian Authority also condemned the statements, reiterating its commitment to a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has intensified calls for Hezbollah to disarm, emphasizing the need for the Lebanese government to have exclusive control over weapons. This stance comes after Hezbollah’s secretary-general declared the group would not relinquish its arms, deeming them crucial for Lebanon’s defense. The United States has reportedly linked Hezbollah’s disarmament to international aid and Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon, with a deadline set for November 2025. Meanwhile, France has also pressured Lebanon to consider Hezbollah’s disarmament, as the country also struggles to deal with internal conflict and international pressure.
Portugal is considering recognizing the State of Palestine at the United Nations, with a decision potentially being made during the UN General Assembly in September. This follows “multiple contacts” with international partners and is prompted by the escalating humanitarian crisis and concerns of annexation of Palestinian territories. The Portuguese government’s decision aligns with similar considerations from France, the United Kingdom, and Canada, all of which have expressed intentions to diplomatically recognize a Palestinian state amidst growing international concern. The move also comes as a result of a “worst-case famine scenario” being reported in Gaza.
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood