The Levant Files

Syria's Druze minority has appealed to Israel for protection amid growing instability following the collapse of the Assad regime, according to reports from Israel Hayom and Ynetnews . The plea coincides with a stark warning from Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi to Syria's new leadership. Israeli airstrikes were also carried out, reportedly aimed at thwarting attacks against the Druze community. Fears have escalated within the Druze population, concentrated mainly in the southern Sweida province, regarding their safety under the emergent authority dominated by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).  As detailed by Israel Hayom, community leaders have directly communicated their anxieties to Israeli officials, seeking intervention. Responding decisively, IDF Chief Halevi issued a public warning, signaling that harm to the Druze would not be tolerated by Israel.  Further demonstrating Israel's focus on Druzes, Ynetnews reported that the IDF conducted airs...

Dr. Nikolaos Stelya Son günlerde, bazı Türki cumhuriyetlerin Kıbrıs Cumhuriyeti'nde büyükelçilik açma kararı, hem Türkiye'de hem de Kıbrıs Türk tarafında alışıldık bir fırtına kopardı. Ankara ve Lefkoşa'daki milliyetçi çevreler, bu adımı Türkiye'nin ve Kıbrıs Türklerinin ulusal davasına bir darbe olarak yorumlarken, iktidarın milli meselelerdeki duruşundan pek de ayrışmayan ana muhalefet partisi ise bunu "dış politikanın iflası" olarak nitelendirdi. Ancak bu tanıdık kuru gürültüyü ve milliyetçi refleksleri bir kenara bırakıp, soğukkanlı bir analiz yapma zamanı gelmedi mi? Kıbrıs meselesinde, Türkiye ve Kıbrıslı Türkler olarak "ortak penceremizden" baktığımızda, tek derdimiz gerçekten de dışa açılma veya Ankara'ya yakın rejimler tarafından tanınma hedefi midir? Varsayalım ki, Avrupa Birliği'nin (muhtemel) yönlendirmesiyle atıldığı iddia edilen bu adımlar hiç atılmasaydı, Kıbrıs'ta her şey güllük gülistanlık mı olacaktı? Soruları biraz daha...

Iran and Armenia completed two days of joint military exercises last week focused on simulating responses to terrorist threats along their shared border. The drills underscore ongoing security cooperation between the neighboring countries amidst a complex regional geopolitical landscape involving multiple conflicts and shifting alliances. The exercises, spanning both sides of the 44-kilometer border, were conducted with the utmost professionalism and seriousness, involving elite forces. These forces included units from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) based in Tabriz, overseen by IRGC Ground Forces Deputy Commander General Valiollah Madani. According to Iranian state media, the maneuvers aimed to "consolidate the security of the borders based on the shared interests of the two countries." Armenia's Ministry of Defence confirmed the focus was on countering "attacks by simulated terrorist groups" on border crossings, utilizing light and heavy we...

Migrants and asylum seekers in Cyprus are currently in a precarious situation, living on minimal financial support. This urgent issue, highlighted by a leading human rights watchdog, leaves them vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. As highlighted by Reuters , the report underscores the inadequacy of the current level of state assistance, pushing many into desperate situations. The watchdog's findings paint a stark picture of the migrants' living conditions. Many receive allowances that fall significantly short of the actual cost of living, particularly concerning housing, food, and essential services. This forces individuals and families into substandard accommodation, often in overcrowded or unsafe conditions, severely restricting their access to adequate nutrition and healthcare. Living on such a 'shoestring' budget limits their ability to integrate, seek stable employment, or even afford transportation. This financial desperation creates a fertile ground for exploit...

You might ask: Why Kashmir? While The Levant Files remains dedicated to developments shaping the Levant, we recognize that crucial global events often reverberate within our core region. Our new podcast service expands our scope to explore these vital connections. As we discussed recently, Iran's active engagement brings the complex situation in Kashmir closer to the Levant's geopolitical landscape, with potential Turkish and Israeli dimensions also warranting future exploration. What's Inside?   Powered by Google's cutting-edge Gemini AI technology, this podcast delves into Kashmir's intricate modern history. We focus especially on the nationalist conflict and the pivotal developments that have shaped the region. Built on Scholarship We believe in rigorous analysis. This podcast was developed using carefully selected academic works. For listeners wanting to delve deeper, we highly recommend acquiring these invaluable resources: Rai, Mridu.  Hindu rulers, Muslim sub...

Speaking to Turkish media outlets, including Habertürk and CNN Türk, during the recent Antalya Diplomacy Forum, a significant platform for regional diplomacy, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan outlined Yerevan's commitment to normalizing relations with Turkey while detailing the obstacles hindering the signing of a finalized peace agreement with Azerbaijan. These issues were echoed days later by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who reiterated Baku's preconditions for the deal. In his interview, Mirzoyan described his meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan as positive, emphasizing the ongoing dialogue to mend ties between the two neighbors. "Our final goal, the aim, is to fully  normalize relations, including establishing diplomatic relations and opening the  whole border," Mirzoyan stated, highlighting the potential for significant trade, joint energy projects, and transit opportunities. He pointed to tangible steps already taken, such as mutual ...

The latest round of technical negotiations between Iran and the United States, held in Muscat, represents a cautious step forward in a long-stalled diplomatic process. However, as reported by Iranian Nournews, these expert-level talks, which began on Saturday, April 26, are fraught with potential conflict as both nations delve into deeply contentious issues such as uranium enrichment and the comprehensive lifting of sanctions. Now in their third consecutive week, the discussions have escalated in seriousness, with senior technical officials, including Iran’s Takht-Ravanchi and Gharibabadi, and the U.S.’s Michael Anton, shifting focus to intricate details that could ignite future tensions. The significance of these talks extends beyond technicalities into the realm of high-stakes politics. Key issues like uranium enrichment levels, inspection protocols, the role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and foreign fuel supply are intertwined with core national interests. The si...

Reports emerging from Damascus, cited by the Jinha Agency, reveal that the nascent interim government is implementing new regulations enforcing gender segregation, notably ordering the separation of male and female doctors' work areas within healthcare facilities. This development casts a stark light on the evolving social landscape under the new administration. It poses a critical question: faced with decisions and acts that fundamentally challenge gender equality, what actions will the 'democratic' West take, particularly those nations that have been hastening to develop relations and engage with the new authorities governing the Syrian capital? In a move signaling a potentially sharp turn towards social conservatism, the interim government authorities in Damascus have reportedly issued directives enforcing stricter gender segregation in the public sphere, beginning with the medical sector. According to information from the Jinha Agency , new rules mandate that male and f...

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has swiftly stepped into the fray of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, offering Tehran’s mediation following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India, as reported by the Tehran Times . The attack, claimed by a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot, has reignited hostilities over the disputed Kashmir region, prompting India to suspend the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty and revoke Pakistani visas while cross-border shelling intensifies along the Line of Control (LoC). In separate phone calls on Saturday, Pezeshkian expressed deep sorrow to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Pahalgam attack, which killed and injured dozens, condemning terrorism and emphasizing Iran’s solidarity with India. Modi appreciated Iran’s empathy and echoed the need for regional unity against terror, a potential beacon of hope in these troubled times. In discussions with Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Pezeshkian reiterated Iran’s readiness to facilitate dialog...

As fires continued to rage at Iran's largest commercial port following a catastrophic weekend explosion, an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team arrived in Tehran Monday for technical discussions ahead of crucial nuclear talks, reported Al Monitor on April 28. The high-stakes diplomatic activity unfolded against a backdrop of national mourning for at least 46 people killed in the blast at the strategic Shahid Rajaee port, with Iran simultaneously reiterating its "non-negotiable" demands regarding uranium enrichment and sanctions relief in upcoming negotiations with the United States. The devastating incident occurred Sunday at the Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas, near the vital Strait of Hormuz. According to Iranian outlets and local sources cited by Agence France-Presse, the explosion, believed to stem from hazardous chemicals, injured over 1,200 people. Two days later, firefighting efforts were still underway amidst thick smoke, while authorities remained ...

The Turkish Cypriot teacher unions KTÖS and KTOEÖS, along with approximately 100 supporting organizations, are standing united and proceeding with a general strike and mass mobilization in Northern Cyprus. This collective action is a powerful response to a new 'disciplinary regulation' that includes provisions for the use of headscarves by female students, which protesters characterize as 'reactionary impositions of political Islam. ' Selma Eylem, President of KTOEÖS, announced at a joint press conference that a general strike of all affiliated organizations will occur on Friday, May 2, 2025. The day's events will include a gathering at the old PEVAK area at 6:30 PM, followed by a march culminating in a rally in front of Kuğulu Park in northern part of Nicosia. Eylem emphasized that the struggle would continue until the controversial regulation was withdrawn. She stated that the regulation contradicts the "national education law" and "Atatürk's pr...

In a significant political development that has sent shockwaves through the Middle East, Jordan has officially banned the Muslim Brotherhood, the kingdom's largest opposition group. According to Middle East Eye , this decision may have come following coordinated pressure from regional powers, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Israel. Crackdown Follows Alleged Security Threats The Jordanian government announced the ban earlier this week after accusing the Muslim Brotherhood of planning attacks within the country. This announcement came shortly after security services reported the arrest of 16 individuals allegedly found in possession of weapons and explosives. State media broadcast what they described as confessions from eight suspects, six of whom reportedly identified themselves as Brotherhood members. "The interior ministry has implemented a blanket ban on the Muslim Brotherhood, citing accusations of manufacturing and stockpiling weapons with intent to d...

Hostilities continue along the Lebanese-Israeli border, with recent incidents reported by pro-Hezbollah Al-Manar News. The sources detail ongoing military actions involving both Israeli forces and Lebanese resistance group Hezbollah, which is considered a terrorist organization by Israel and the United States. This highlights the volatile situation prevailing in the region since clashes erupted last October. According to the reports cited, Israeli military operations targeted several locations in southern Lebanon. These actions reportedly included artillery shelling and drone activity directed towards border villages and open areas. Al-Manar described these as part of Israel's ongoing aggression against Lebanese territory, causing material damage and maintaining a high state of alert among residents in the south. Conversely, Al-Manar also reported on operations carried out by Hezbollah fighters targeting Israeli military positions and gatherings across the border. These actions wer...

Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has firmly rejected Kurdish political factions' demands for a decentralized system of government in post-Assad Syria, citing concerns over national unity, according to a report from LBC International. The stance underscores potential friction points as various groups seek to define the country's future political structure. In a statement released Sunday, Sharaa's office, representing the country's Islamist leadership, asserted that proposals for federalism or self-autonomy pose a threat to Syria's cohesion. "We reject any attempt to impose a partition or create separatist cantons under the terms of federalism or self-autonomy without a national consensus," the statement declared. It emphatically added, "The unity of Syrian territory and its people is a red line." This rejection follows a significant meeting of rival Syrian Kurdish parties held Saturday in the Kurdish-controlled city of Qamishli. Attended by U.S. off...

A coalition of individuals, organizations, and collectives has called for a protest outside the Presidential Palace this Friday evening, May 2nd, condemning President Nicos Christodoulides' scheduled visit to Israel. The demonstration, set for 7:00 PM, aims to voice strong opposition to the President's meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and protest Cyprus's stance on the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In their social media account organizers explicitly stated their "condemnation of the upcoming visit of Nicos Christodoulides to the wanted war criminal Netanyahu." They expressed "outrage at the continued support that the Christodoulides' government offers to the genocide of the Palestinian people." The protest announcement also affirms solidarity with "the just struggle of the Palestinian people for their right to freedom, self-determination and to remain on their land without colonial powers and occupying armies."...

The Levant Files is excited to announce the launch of its new video platform, TLF TV, debuting with its first in-depth documentary, "The Headscarf Controversy." This inaugural episode delves into the complex and escalating friction between the Turkish Cypriot community in Northern Cyprus and Ankara, a dynamic often overlooked in mainstream regional coverage. The documentary meticulously unpacks how a recent regulation allowing headscarves in secondary schools became a potent flashpoint. It explores the significant pushback from Turkish Cypriot civil society, including teachers' unions and various organizations, who view the move not merely as a matter of religious freedom but as an imposition by Turkey's ruling party that threatens the community's distinct secular identity and hard-won autonomy. Viewers will gain insight into the deep-seated concerns about political interference and the perceived erosion of self-governance. This production marks a significant step...

Investigation Underway as President Pezeshkian Monitors Rescue Operations A catastrophic explosion rocked Shahid Rajaee Port on Saturday, claiming 25 lives, leaving six individuals missing, and injuring 1,139 others. Amid the tragedy, Tehran has expressed doubts about the cause of the blast, prompting a thorough investigation to uncover the truth behind the incident. President Masoud Pezeshkian oversees the rescue and recovery operations, issuing urgent directives to mobilize all available resources to assist the injured and manage the crisis at one of Iran's most critical maritime hubs, as the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported. The explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port in Hormozgan Province sent shockwaves through the region, damaging infrastructure and igniting fires that have proven challenging to contain. President Pezeshkian has directly communicated with Minister of Interior Eskandar Momeni, who coordinates response efforts at the port. The president instructed the minis...

We're thrilled to launch a groundbreaking experiment with our brand-new podcast service powered by the next generation of Gemini AI. With cutting-edge features like Audio Overviews, Gemini enables us to transform content into engaging podcast-style conversations. Our mission is to bring you captivating topics from various areas every week. Our first episode starts this journey by exploring Somaliland and its prospects for independence—a story of resilience and geopolitical intrigue.  Ready to listen? Head over to our SoundCloud  or Spotify page for easy access. Join us as we explore the world through a fresh lens powered by innovative AI technology from Gemini. Don't miss out—tune in now!  If you are interested in our first podcast, you can find more information in these links: ONLY IN TLF: Somaliland: The Rising Strategic Key in Global Power Plays by the US, UK, and Israel Jendayi Frazer on the Search For Multilateral Consensus | Council on Foreign Relations Som...

Yunanistan'ın köklü gazetesi " Ta Nea " haberine göre, Türkiye 1987'de yaklaşık 1.100 gemilik filoya sahip Kıbrıs bayraklı gemilere limanlarını kapatmıştı. Bu yasağın kaldırılması, hem Kıbrıs denizcilik sektörü hem de AB için önem taşıyor. Geçtiğimiz dönemde Avrupa Birliği (AB) Zirve Sonuç Bildirgesi'nde Kıbrıs sorununun Türkiye'nin üyelik süreciyle ilişkilendirilmesi, Ankara'yı bu yönde adım atmaya teşvik eden etkenlerden biri olarak görülüyor. Lefkoşa'daki üst düzey bir hükûmet kaynağı, Rum lider Nikos Hristodulidis'in bu fikri bizzat Türk tarafına sunduğunu öne sürdü. Kaynağa göre, Türkiye'nin limanlarını açması hâlinde Lefkoşa, karşılık olarak Ankara için kritik konulardan biri olan Türkiyeli iş insanlarına yönelik AB vize kolaylığı sağlanması yönünde adım atabilir. Henüz belirli bir liman konuşulmasa da İstanbul, İzmir veya Mersin gibi büyük ticarî limanların gündeme gelebileceği belirtiliyor. Rum tarafı, Ankara'dan henüz resmî bir tey...

An incident at Iran's critical Shahid Rajaee port complex near Bandar Abbas has ignited debate and concern, with official reports remaining cautious. At the same time, the strategic implications fuel speculation about the cause. Was a reported fire and potential explosion at the country's busiest container port merely an industrial accident, or could it be a deliberate sabotage? Initial reports emerged from Iranian state-affiliated media earlier this week, including Tasnim News Agency , the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) , and Mehr News Agency , describing varying degrees of disruption and emergency response. The incident inevitably fuels speculation, occurring amid a complex geopolitical backdrop, particularly concerning the sensitive nature of US-Iran talks for the nuclear ambitions of the Islamic Republic. Details surrounding the event remain opaque. Early reports mentioned a fire, possibly followed by explosions, within a section of the port – a vital hub handling mos...

According to Hawar News Agency (ANHA), the final declaration of the "Kurdish Unity and Common Stance Conference," held in Rojava (Northern and Eastern Syria) with the participation of representatives from various Kurdish political parties, civil society organizations, intellectuals, and community leaders, has been shared with the public. The declaration, announced following the conference, underscored the profound historical importance of achieving Kurdish national unity and stated that significant decisions were made towards developing a common stance. ANHA reported that the conference was preceded by the arrival of a delegation from the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and a representative of Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Masoud Barzani in Rojava. Their participation, along with the broad representation of political party representatives, civil society activists, writers, intellectuals, and tribal leaders from the region, underscored the inclusive nature of the ...