Larger Than Usual Number of Articles
Along with the usual fare from RANE and Soufan, I've collated a larger-than-usual number of articles over the past few days that I thought may be of interest.
This first article is an excellent overview of the situation in the Middle East and how close things are to a general conflict. Some say that the war has already begun, but I thought, if you wanted a "Cliff Notes" version of that situation, you might find this CNN article of interest.
I've also included an informative article from WaPo on some causes political psychologists are finding for the increasing political polarization of our country: "Science is revealing why American politics are so intensely polarized."
Also included:
An excellent NY Times OpEd that gives a thoughtful summary of the major word flash points: "A Titanic Geopolitical Struggle Is Underway."
A WSJ piece on what will be a surprise to some on the intel we gave the Iranians on the ISIS-K attack at the Qassem Solemani grave site: "U.S. Secretly Alerted Iran Ahead of Islamic State Terrorist Attack."
A Reuters article on the extension of Taiwan's conscription program in response to thereat from PRC: "Taiwan Begins Extended One-Year Conscription in Response to China Threat."
A CNN piece from their excellent coverage in "Meanwhile in the Middle East" on the ruling by UN's Court of Justice in the Hague on the issue of Israeli genocide in Gaza: "Why both South Africa and Israel are welcoming the UN court’s ruling in a landmark genocide case."
Growing Farmer Protests Add to the EU's Political Woes
Iran Demonstrates Strength to Keep Adversaries at Bay
While Iran’s Recent Strikes Show Weakness, Its Threat of Escalation Is Working
Why Iran Is Sending Drones to the Sudanese Armed Forces
Despite the Terrorism Designation, the Houthis Remain Undeterred
Violence Amplifies in Ukraine and Russia, Even as Battle Lines Remain Static