Voices from the Arab Press: Iran's October surprise, US-China tensions, and AI
A weekly selection of opinions and analyses from the Arab media around the world.
Middle East
'We shouldn't worry': Trump claims he stopped Iran having nukes, US issues Mideast travel warning
'We shouldn't worry': Trump assures US prevented Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon
UAE Attorney-General: Omani flydubai pilot targeted Ben-Gurion Airport in attempted suicide attack
Hezbollah building Christian ‘independent’ support base in Lebanon - Alma
Delegations from the Christian Independents for Lebanon previously met with Hezbollah’s secretary-general in 2024 and received a Hezbollah delegation at its headquarters last year.
Gerald Posner analyzes whether Hamas actions on October 7 meets the legal standard for genocide
Gerald Posner's new analysis, titled "The Genocide Case Against Hamas," investigates whether Hamas's October 7 massacre meets the legal standard for genocide under the 1948 Genocide Convention.
Iran plans to expand missile range to reach ‘enemy located at greater distance’, spokesperson says
The IRGC spokesperson shared that “during this war, we reached the conclusion that we definitely need to increase the range of our missiles, and we have now moved in this direction.”
‘Alive and kicking’: Al-Qaeda still holds sway in Arabian Peninsula, Israeli expert tells 'Post'
Yoram Schweitzer, an expert on international terrorism, said that the attempted flydubai hijacking was likely inspired by the September 11 attacks and by Osama Bin Laden.
Iran executes two men arrested over January 2026 protests, Mizan reports
Mizan said Alireza Sepahi and Alireza Raeisi were sentenced to death on charges including "membership in an armed rebel group, and waging war against God through carrying weapons."
Mecca defense signees converging to discuss Houthi threat after Baghaei warns of escalation
The meeting comes a day after Iranian FM Esmail Baghaei said he hoped a “rumor” that Pakistan had deployed troops to Saudi Arabia was untrue, warning that intervention would complicate the situation.
Will Yemen's massive new anti-Houthi offensive succeed in bid to reclaim lost territory? - analysis
The Yemen government is trying to rally its numerous disconnected frontlines to fight the Houthis. The problem is that the government forces are not well united.
After meeting in Turkey, can Syria's new government manage tensions with Hezbollah? - analysis
“Hezbollah is not the decision maker,” said Syrian politician Fawaz Tello. “In the end, it implements Iranian policy, and therefore there is no interest in opening any dialogue with it.”
Saudi-led coalition, Yemeni government forces launch massive three-pronged assault on Houthis
The Saudi-led coalition said that it is providing air cover for Yemeni armed forces on the ground, with 100 fighter jets reported to have taken part in the operation.
Seeking to prevent crisis, Iraq condemns desecration of US flag by pro-Iranian militias - analysis
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi made it clear he had given orders to arrest the perpetrators who drove over a US flag.
