MEF Dispatch: Israel's Seven-Front War, South Asian Security, and Sectarianism in Syria

MEF Dispatch: Israel's Seven-Front War, South Asian Security, and Sectarianism in Syria

By Ahnaf Kalam ● May 02, 2025

Smart Brevity® count: 6 mins...1599 words

As Israel fights a relentless multi-front war, its strategy is reshaping the Middle East’s volatile landscape. Jonathan Spyer reveals how Hamas and Hezbollah are battered by severe losses at Israel’s hands even as a critical window to thwart Iran’s nuclear ambitions is rapidly closing. Meanwhile, Abdullah Bozkurt examines Turkey’s ongoing embrace of Hamas, where senior leaders, backed by Erdoğan’s regime, rally for arms at the risk of destabilizing the region and further straining NATO ties.

In Syria, Aymenn Jawad al-Tamimi explores the Syrian presidency’s sharp rebuke of the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Force’s federalist dreams and his warning against foreign meddling, while escalating sectarian attacks on the Druze expose the fiction of Syrian national unity.

Across the Mediterranean, Amine Ayoub spotlights Morocco’s emergence as a vital U.S. partner, leveraging its advanced ports to disrupt terror networks. Michael Rubin calls on President Trump to visit India in the wake of a brutal Kashmir attack, urging a strengthened U.S.-India alliance to counter Pakistan’s jihadist proxies.

Finally, Potkin Azarmehr decries the U.K.’s failure to shut down a pro-Iran charity, further revealing a troubling leniency that emboldens extremist agendas.

Israel’s Multi-Front War—and What Comes Next

Why it matters: Israel's aggressive strategy has inflicted substantial damage on adversaries, demonstrating military prowess and strategic insight.

Hamas in Gaza has suffered great losses, with key leaders eliminated, yet securing the remaining hostages remains a significant limiting factor.

Hezbollah weakened: Once a formidable non-state military force, Hezbollah is now a mere shadow of its former self.

With major leaders killed and missile capacity reduced by 80 percent, Hezbollah has been forced into a ceasefire, unable to sustain further conflict against Israel.

The stakes: Israel stands at a pivotal moment to dismantle the Iranian regime's ambitions.

A swift and decisive strike against Iran is crucial to prevent Iran from obtaining functional nuclear capabilities and destabilizing the entire region.

Ongoing negotiations: Diplomatic discussions in Rome offer Iran a potential reprieve.

There is a looming threat of a nuclear deal reminiscent of the 2015 JCPOA, which would only enable the Islamic Republic to rearm and strengthen its now-weakened proxies.

Bottom line: The window to act decisively is narrowing. Maintaining maximum pressure on Iran—and potential military action—is essential to secure regional stability and protect Israel's sovereignty.

To read the full article, click here.

Turkey Hosts Hamas Official Calling for Israel’s Destruction, Arming of Qassam Brigades

Hamas rallies for arms in Turkey: A senior Hamas leader, Marwan Muhammad Abu Ras, is openly rallying for military and financial support in Turkey, with the blessings of President Erdoğan's Islamist regime.

Why it matters: Turkey's backing of Hamas emboldens jihadist ambitions against Israel, threatening regional stability and undermining its so-called Western allies.

Providing state platforms for Hamas leaders to acquire material supports further demonstrates Erdoğan’s overt support for terrorist organizations.

Deepening ties with Turkey: Hamas leaders find refuge, support, and a warm welcome in Turkey.

Many have gained Turkish citizenship and have launched lucrative, multi-million dollar endeavors there.

Strategic implications: Erdoğan's alliance with terrorist organizations signals a departure from alliances and obligations to NATO and the West, posing challenges for U.S. and Israeli interests.

Turkey's alignment with Hamas and Hezbollah complicates regional dynamics, and necessitates a thorough and long-overdue reevaluation of the West’s relationship with Ankara.

To read the full article, click here.

Syrian Presidency Statement on the SDF and the March Agreement

Why it matters: Despite having reached an agreement, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)'s deal with Syrian president Ahmed al-Sharaa has raised disputes about sovereignty, federalism, and the SDF’s relationship with the United States.

The central government rejects any moves towards partition and any notions of federalism, emphasizing its desire for national unity in Syria.

Federalism vs. unity: The presidency's statement highlights the tension between the SDF's ambitions and Syria's territorial integrity.

The SDF's actions are seen by al-Sharaa as a step towards demographic change, which he sees as a threat to the social fabric of Syria.

Warning against foreign influence: The Syrian government warns against foreign intervention and stresses the need for a Syrian-led solution.

The presidency calls on the SDF to adhere to the agreement and has criticized them for continuing to rely on American troops to stay and guarantee its security and existence.

To read the full article, click here.

The Recent Violence Against Druze in Syria

Sunni militants target Druze: Recent violence in the Damascus suburbs highlights sectarian tensions, with Druze communities facing regular assaults from Sunni Muslim gunmen.

Why it matters: The attacks reveal a deep-seated animosity against the Druze, fueled by an alleged “blasphemous” audio clip and exacerbated by the Islamist sectarian assertion that Druze are infidels.

The violence highlights the fragile sectarian fabric in Syria, challenging the new government's attempts at national unity across the country.

Root causes ignored: Blaming suburban planning or Assad's sectarian policies distracts from the real issue—violent Sunni Islamist extremism and long-standing animosity against the Druze.

The Druze's perceived ties with Israel further complicate their position, significantly increasing the hostility against them.

A broader issue: Sectarian violence is not unique to Syria; it reflects a wider problem in the Islamic world regarding freedom of thought, religion, and expression.

Calls for de-escalation and dialogue between the Syrian government and Druze leaders are crucial to prevent further bloodshed and sectarian chaos.

To read the full article, click here.

Statecraft Reimagined 2025 - Registration Deadline May 11!

The last day to register for MEF’s 2025 Statecraft Reimagined policy conference is Sunday, May 11. Register now to reserve your spot!

Statecraft Reimagined will gather leading experts and policymakers to discuss the most urgent and complex issues shaping the future of the Middle East. This extraordinary event is poised to be the premier Middle East policy gathering in D.C. this year, offering unparalleled insights, networking, and strategic guidance.

We also invite you to participate in ‘The Strait,’ an immersive and interactive war game simulation on May 22. Navigate a crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, facing cyber threats and diplomatic challenges. Sharpen your strategic skills, network with experts, and shape the outcome.

To register for the conference, click here.

Atlantic Lifeline: Morocco’s Ports as America’s Shield Against Sahel Terror

Strategic pivot to Morocco's ports: States in the Sahel (the North-Central African semi-arid region between the Sahara Desert and savanna region) shift trade routes to Morocco, enhancing U.S. ability to combat jihadist smuggling networks across Africa.

Why it matters: This move strengthens America's hand in disrupting terrorism financing and arms flow by leveraging Morocco's advanced port infrastructure.

Algeria's compromised ports have long been a weak link, enabling jihadists to exploit porous borders and the country’s corrupt officials.

Morocco's leadership: The U.S. should prioritize Morocco as a key partner, strengthening joint counterterrorism efforts.

Morocco's modern infrastructure and alignment with U.S. interests make it an indispensable ally in securing West Africa.

Actionable strategy: The U.S. must deepen coordination with Morocco to secure Atlantic trade routes and disrupt terrorist smuggling networks.

This would include the expansion of joint training, providing advanced surveillance technologies, and formalizing Morocco's role as a primary regional security leader.

To read the full article, click here.

Biden Flew to Israel After Hamas Attacked. Trump Should Fly to India Now

Call for action: Following a brutal terrorist attack by Islamists in the Kashmir region, President Trump is urged to strengthen ties with India, mirroring Biden’s solidarity with Israel following the October 7 Hamas attacks.

Why it matters: Cementing U.S.-India relations is crucial to countering terrorism in South Asia and promoting shared democratic values.

The attack, carried out by Pakistan-based jihadist terrorists, highlights the urgent need for decisive U.S. support—both political and material.

Strategic move: Trump should fly to New Delhi and declare unwavering support for India in its fight against terrorism.

This includes designating Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism and offering intelligence capabilities to help India eliminate the ongoing jihadist threat.

The bottom line: A proactive U.S. stance will reinforce the alliance with India, ensuring a partnership based on action rather than rhetoric, and sending a clear message against terrorism in South Asia.

To read the full article, click here.

When Will U.K. Charity Commission Act Against Pro-Iran Charity?

Regulatory inaction: The U.K. Charity Commission's failure to shut down Labaik Ya Zahra (LYZ) exposes a dangerous leniency towards extremist Islamist entities.

Why it matters: Despite clear ties to the Iranian regime, LYZ operates with impunity, undermining British national security and exploiting charitable status for extremist agendas.

Iranian state media's praise of LYZ trustee Syeda Umme Farwa as a "Jihadi Lioness" only further illustrates the extent of the threat.

Legal loopholes: The Commission's tepid response contradicts the U.K.'s National Security Act, intended to curb foreign interference and extremism.

As Iran-aligned entities mock U.K. legislation, the need for decisive security and counter-terror enforcement grows increasingly urgent.

To read the full article, click here.

Further Reading:

Turkey’s Involvement in Global Drug and Illegal Betting Rings Exposed
By: Abdullah Bozkurt
Turkish opposition exposes alleged ties between Erdoğan’s government and northern Cyprus-based crime syndicate involved in drug trafficking and illegal betting.

What’s Next for Middle East Studies?
By: Asaf Romirowsky and Alex Joffe
Students must be encouraged to enter Middle East studies for self-enlightenment, not a missionary desire to help.

How Iran Circumvents Sanctions via Indonesia
By: Babak Taghvaee
Iranian airlines use Indonesian companies to smuggle passenger and cargo aircraft for commercial and military use.

We’re grateful for your readership and support of the Dispatch. If this issue resonated with you, please share it with a friend, encourage them to subscribe to the Middle East Forum’s mailing list, and feel free to share your feedback with us. Stay tuned for more updates soon.

All the best,
Ahnaf Kalam
Digital Media Specialist
Middle East Forum

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