MEF Dispatch: The Sinking of Europe

воскресенье, 29 марта 2026 г.

With the war continuing to dominate our coverage, this issue of the Dispatch includes several articl ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

View on web  |  Read what you missed The Sinking of Europe By Winfield Myers ● Mar 29, 2026 Smart Brevity® count: 7.5 mins...1992 words With the war continuing to dominate our coverage, this issue of the Dispatch includes several articles on Islamism in the West—bracketed by analyses of the diplomatic and cultural fallout of the war. We begin with Rafael Bardaji's lament that Europe is now strategically disarmed and—worse—morally disoriented, vices that play into its vulnerabilities to Islamism. Articles by Jules Gomes, Hannah Baldock, Potkin Azarmehr, Abdullah Bozkurt, and Nicoletta Kouroushi round out today's Dispatch. The Sinking of Europe By: Rafael Bardaji The recent joint military action by Israel and the U.S. against Iran highlights Europe's slow bureaucratic response. Why it matters: In a world that moves at military speed, Europe answers at bureaucratic pace, showing a lack of strategic readiness and moral clarity. Europe is strategically unarmed and morally disoriented, with many preferring negotiation over force. Europe's strategic dilemma: The EU's refusal to support U.S. efforts in the Strait of Hormuz reveals deeper issues of dependency and strategic irrelevance. European leaders, like Kaja Kallas, emphasize diplomacy as a placeholder for inaction, distancing from American expectations. The bottom line: Europe's pacifist impulse has become a doctrinal blindness, leaving it unprepared for modern warfare's demands. The continent's reluctance to adapt to new military realities risks its relevance on the global stage. To read the full article, click here. Islamists Helped Turn U.K. Higher Education into Hotbeds of Jew-Hatred By: Jules Gomes A revealing investigation by the Union of Jewish Students highlights a significant increase in Islamist-driven antisemitism across British universities, following the Hamas-led massacre on October 7, 2023. Why it matters: The normalization of antisemitism affects nearly 10,000 Jewish university students in Britain, with many facing hostility and unsafe campus environments. A UJS poll shows twenty percent of non-Jewish students are reluctant to share housing with Jewish peers. Elite universities under scrutiny: Institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, and Bristol report a rise in protests and antisemitic incidents. The UJS report documents harassment and intimidation directed at Jewish students during campus events and exams. The bottom line: The persistent antisemitism linked to Islamist activism poses a serious threat to student safety and campus harmony. British universities must address these issues to ensure a secure and inclusive educational environment for all students. To read the full article, click here. ICYMI: The Forum Roundtable: An Ascendant Turkey in a Reordered Middle East While it is as yet impossible to predict the results of the current war under way in the Middle East, it is clear the region is passing through a moment of profound change. One of the rising forces in the Middle East is the Sunni Islamist axis of Turkey and Qatar. As Ankara and Doha build this regional alliance, questions remain about just how Turkey's President Erdoğan intends to pursue his expansive Neo-Ottoman ambitions, what the implications are for Israel given Erdoğan's aggressive and hostile stance toward the Jewish state, and what we can expect from the Trump administration as events continue to unfold in this ever-evolving region of the world. Joining us to discuss these important and timely matters on March 27, 2026, were Sinan Ciddi, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and director of its Turkey program, and Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak, a Turkey expert at the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies at Tel Aviv University and the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security. To watch the entire podcast, click here. Al Quds Protest in London: A Rally for Ayatollahs—Not Palestinians By: Hannah Baldock The Al-Quds Day rally in London, orchestrated by the Islamic Human Rights Commission, revealed a disturbing alignment with extremist ideologies through slogans and visuals that incite violence against the U.S. and Israel. Al-Quds Day is an annual, Iran-initiated event held at the end of Ramadan to mobilize global opposition to Israel. Why it matters: This rally is a stark reminder of the extremist rhetoric infiltrating public spaces in the U.K., posing risks to community safety and national security. Chants of "Death to America, death to Israel" and support for banned groups highlight a dangerous provocation at the heart of the capital. Security concerns: Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley warned of serious violence risks, deploying 1,000 officers to mitigate potential threats. Despite strict warnings, protesters displayed signs inciting violence, leading to multiple arrests for public disorder and support for proscribed organizations. The bottom line: The event underscores the deep-seated influence of Iran's regime and its ability to mobilize supporters in the U.K., challenging the nation's commitment to counter-extremism. Such rallies are not just public demonstrations but reflect a broader geopolitical strategy aimed at destabilizing social harmony and security. To read the full article, click here. Lord Walney Confronts U.K.'s Blind Spot: Iranian Influence By: Potkin Azarmehr A damning report by U.K. peer John Woodcock—Lord Walney—reveals how Iran exploits Britain's charity system, turning openness into vulnerability. Why it matters: The manipulation of U.K. charities by the Iranian regime poses a national security threat, allowing Tehran to spread its influence under the guise of charity. Successive governments and the Charity Commission have failed to tackle Iran's soft-power networks, leaving the U.K. exposed to foreign influence and radicalization. Strategic oversight failure: The report highlights how charities linked to Iran promote extremist ideologies and anti-Israel rhetoric, with minimal regulatory intervention. Investigations often result in superficial changes, ignoring the deeper issue of foreign state influence and security threats. The bottom line: Without political will to reform and confront these threats, the U.K. remains vulnerable to exploitation by hostile states like Iran. Walney calls for stronger regulatory powers and closer coordination with national security agencies to safeguard civic spaces. To read the full article, click here. Red-Green Alliance on the March in Northwest England By: Jules Gomes The electoral success of an Islamo-Leftist coalition in Gorton and Denton has sparked concerns over sectarianism and foreign influence in British politics. Why it matters: The victory signals a shift towards identity-driven politics, with implications for national unity and democratic values. Hannah Spencer's campaign, heavily focused on Muslim voters and conducted in Urdu and Bengali, highlights the potential for foreign policy issues to sway local elections. Sectarian voting concerns: Reports of family voting and NGO manipulation raise questions about electoral integrity and the influence of transnational networks. Critics warn of a growing divide, with accusations of sectarian loyalty to foreign interests, overshadowing domestic policy issues. The bottom line: As the U.K. navigates this new political landscape, there's a need for vigilance to ensure that sectarian politics do not undermine democratic principles. The emergence of identity-based parties could lead to increased polarization and challenge the cohesion of British society. To read the full article, click here. Special Report: U.K. Mint Donates Gold Sales Profits to Charity Banned by UAE By: Jules Gomes The Royal Mint's decision to channel profits from Kaaba gold bars to Islamic Relief UK has sparked outrage, as the charity is labeled a terrorist organization by the UAE. Why it matters: Critics accuse The Royal Mint of aiding an organization with alleged ties to extremism and antisemitic rhetoric, compromising U.K.'s integrity and security. Islamic Relief UK is linked to Islamic Relief Worldwide, which faces accusations of supporting Hamas and inciting violence against Israel. Backlash from public figures: Politicians and intellectuals slam The Royal Mint for favoring a charity with controversial affiliations, while ignoring similar initiatives for Christian or Jewish organizations. The partnership is seen as a dangerous precedent, signaling potential Islamization and sectarian bias within U.K. institutions. The bottom line: The Royal Mint's controversial alliance highlights significant lapses in charity oversight and raises urgent questions about the influence of foreign-linked organizations. Calls for transparency and rigorous scrutiny are mounting to prevent similar missteps that threaten national security and societal harmony. To read the full article, click here. U.K. Officials Warn Schools: Student Artwork Could Run Afoul of Sharia By: Jules Gomes New guidelines from councils in northern England ban schoolchildren from drawing figures like Jesus, sparking accusations of covert Shariah law enforcement. Why it matters: The directive is seen as an Islamic imposition in secular schools, threatening Christian artistic traditions and fostering religious conformity. Historian Tom Holland questions the ban on illustrating biblical figures, highlighting a clash with Christian traditions of depicting religious scenes in art. Public figures react: Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott demands the retraction of these guidelines, labeling them a dangerous precedent of religious favoritism. Adrian Hilton warns that the guidance effectively enforces Shariah censorship, elevating Islamic practices over others. The bottom line: These actions place Christianity and Judaism on a lower rung, subordinating Christian students to Islamic practices. The educational system risks alienating non-Muslim students by prioritizing one religion's sensitivities over others, challenging the balance of faith representation. To read the full article, click here. Erdoğan Advisor Linked to IRGC Quds Force Spent Several Years at World Bank in Washington By: Abdullah Bozkurt Confidential documents from a terrorism probe reveal that Hayrettin Demircan, an economic advisor to President Erdoğan, was involved with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp's Quds Force network in Turkey. Why it matters: Demircan, a former World Bank official, is identified as a key suspect in fostering Iranian influence within Turkey's bureaucracy. Demircan served at the World Bank in Washington, D.C., from November 2020 to November 2024 as one of 25 executive directors on the institution's board. His ties to Quds Force operatives and involvement in covert meetings underline a significant security breach. Uncovered connections: Surveillance shows Demircan's regular contacts with Iranian operatives, including meetings at a tea house in Istanbul where they exchanged information. Despite denying involvement, wiretaps and surveillance indicate his role in advancing Iran's strategic interests. The bottom line: The investigation highlights the deep infiltration of Iranian networks within Turkey, raising questions about national security and political integrity. Demircan's continued rise in Turkey's political landscape signals potential vulnerabilities in Erdogan's administration. To read the full article, click here. France's Strategic Turn in the Eastern Mediterranean By: Nicoletta Kouroushi The ongoing Iran conflict highlights France's proactive military role in the Eastern Mediterranean, contrasting with Britain's more passive stance despite having bases in Cyprus. Why it matters: France's deployment of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and supporting forces strengthens regional security, directly impacting European interests. President Macron's visit to Cyprus underscores France's commitment to protecting maritime routes and allied assets, enhancing its strategic influence. Comparative dynamics: While the U.K. focuses on base defense, France's broader engagement includes robust defense partnerships with Greece and Cyprus. The Franco-Greek defense agreement exemplifies operational coordination, with joint maritime security activities reinforcing regional stability. The bottom line: France's leadership in the region aligns with U.S. interests, bolstering Western security frameworks amid rising tensions. As a strategic actor, France reinforces stability, signaling a shift from diplomatic presence to active military engagement. To read the full article, click here. Further Reading: France and Greece Move Toward Nuclear Cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean By: Nicoletta Kouroushi Nuclear infrastructure would depend less on contested offshore resources and be less exposed to geopolitical friction at sea. It Is Not Europe's War Even When Iran Hangs Europeans By: Giulio Meotti Until Europeans grasp that weakness is not a virtue but a slow suicide, they will continue to take blows while responding with useless diplomatic notes. How Much Longer Will the Entire West Be Defended by the United States and Israel? By: Giulio Meotti Defeatism is the worn-out garment of decadent Western ruling classes. Not so the U.S. and Israel. Erdoğan-Owned Outlet Portrays All Jews as Mossad Spies Controlling Wars, Finance, and Media By: Abdullah Bozkurt Turkuvaz Media Group promotes conspiracy theories portraying Jews as criminals, intelligence operatives, and members of a global cabal. New U.S. Filing Adds Evidence of Islamic State Suspect's Planned Turkish Route, Domestic Attack Links By: Abdullah Bozkurt A U.S. Justice Department brief adds fresh details to a terrorism case that already cast Turkey as a key transit corridor for Islamic state in Iraq and Syria operatives. We hope you enjoyed this coverage of issues beyond Iran enlightening. If you enjoyed it, please forward it to a friend. We invite you to use the comments feature to let us know your thoughts on the Dispatch and the issues we cover. Sincerely, Winfield Myers Managing Editor, Middle East Forum Director, Campus Watch Was this edition useful? Your email will be recorded and shared with the sender MEF, an activist think tank, deals with the Middle East, Islamism, U.S. foreign policy, and related topics, urging bold measures to protect Americans and their allies. Pursuing its goals via intellectual and operational means, the Forum recurrently has policy ideas adopted by the U.S. government. 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