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In the Same Trench: An American Reflection for Yom Hazikaron, 5786 By Winfield Myers ● Apr 21, 2026
Smart Brevity® count: 7.5 mins...1981 words
Gregg Roman reflects on Yom HaZikaron, Israel Memorial Day, when Israelis commemorate those who have died in military service and in acts of terrorism. Since last year, 174 soldiers of the IDF and 79 Israeli civilians have been added to the roll of the murdered. But this year, he writes, the commemorative silence also marked the deaths of 13 American service members killed in action in Operation Epic Fury. While they did not die in Israel’s uniform, they died in Israel’s war, which had become, by February 28, America’s war too. We should not forget, he says, that Americans have always been in this fight, from the shores of Tripoli in 1805 to today.
Also in this issue: Erfan Fard, Khaled Alyemany, and Mardo Soghom on Iran; Giulio Meotti on the U.N.’s perfidy; Jonathan Spyer on the IDF in Lebanon; Aaron J. Shuster on disarming terrorist groups; and Michael Rubin on the U.S. Africa Command’s correct moves in Libya.
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In the Same Trench: An American Reflection for Yom Hazikaron, 5786
By: Gregg Roman
Amidst the sirens of Yom HaZikaron, the shared sacrifices of Israeli and American soldiers reveal a poignant unity against common threats.
A year of profound loss: This year saw 174 IDF soldiers and 79 civilians lost, with sirens signaling real threats over Israeli cities like Tel Aviv and Haifa.
American lives intertwined: Thirteen U.S. service members were killed in Operation Epic Fury, cementing America’s involvement in Israel’s conflict.
Historical ties and new realities: They are in it together now. They have been in it together, in one form or another, since Tripoli.
In a few hours the flags at Mount Herzl will climb back up the poles, and the country will pivot into its independence, and another year will begin on the long clock that Yom HaZikaron keeps.
By the time that clock comes around again, the silence will have to be long enough to say so. One minute, once a year, is not much to ask.
To read the full article, click here.
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The Revolutionary Guard Factions Now Competing to Rule Iran
By: Erfan Fard
The war involving the U.S. and Israel has left Iran’s leadership fragmented, with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei’s whereabouts and condition unknown.
Why it matters: The absence of clear leadership has plunged Iran into uncertainty, affecting both regional stability and global diplomatic efforts.
Power dynamics within the Guard: Analysts mostly agree that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) now holds sway, but internal factions complicate their control.
Factional rivalries intensify: As leadership uncertainty grows, factions vie for influence, impacting Iran’s strategic direction.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, leading one faction, positions himself as a key negotiator with the U.S., while others, like Zolghadr and Vahidi, lean towards hardline stances.
This raises doubt as to whether Washington’s partners in engagement can deliver and also should raise concerns about spoiler factions targeting the United States, Israel, and rival Iranians even if those regime officials negotiating with Trump are sincere.
To read the full article, click here.
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ICYMI: Iran’s Decentralized Military Doctrine with Alexander Greenberg
Iran’s “mosaic defense” doctrine disperses authority across autonomous units that can continue operating and launching attacks even if central command collapses, prioritizing endurance over decisive victory. This decentralization complicates coordination, weakens overall effectiveness, and creates persistent but limited threats, including missile strikes, regional instability, and proxy or terrorist activity. Leadership fragmentation, operational improvisation, and lack of strategic coherence further undermine the regime, while sustained military pressure combined with other tools offers the most viable path to degrading its capabilities.
Alexander Greenberg is a historian of Iran and a geopolitical and intelligence analyst who served in the research department of the IDF intelligence branch (Aman) between 2005 and 2010 and remains a major in the IDF reserves. He is a research fellow at the Jerusalem Institute for Security and Strategy, where he manages the research program on Iran’s regional policies. He holds a B.A. and an M.A. in Arabic language and literature & Middle East and Islamic studies from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
To watch the full podcast, click here.
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How Iran Remapped the Arab Political Mind
By: Khaled Alyemany
For decades, the Palestinian cause has served as Iran’s tool to spread influence, positioning itself as a defender while undermining Arab sovereignty.
Hezbollah’s grip on Lebanon: Iran has equipped Hezbollah to act as a state within a state, manipulating Lebanon’s political framework.
Militia power in Iraq and Yemen: Iran-trained militias like Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq and the Houthis destabilize governments, loyal to Tehran’s directives.
Shifting allegiances in the Gulf: Gulf nations, tired of Iran’s ideological façade, are forging new paths to protect their sovereignty.
To read the full article, click here.
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Iran Warns on Hormuz as Ghalibaf Says Major Gaps Remain
By: Mardo Soghom
Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf highlighted ongoing divisions with the U.S., citing “significant gaps” as negotiations continue amidst heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Negotiation hurdles: Ghalibaf admits to persisting disagreements on nuclear issues and regional security, maintaining Iran’s firm stance.
Domestic reactions: Hardliners criticize the negotiating team, accusing them of treason, while factions within Iran’s leadership show varied responses.
Tactical posturing: Ghalibaf’s comments signal readiness to confront U.S. actions, including naval maneuvers, as part of a broader strategic narrative.
To read the full article, click here.
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Strait of Hormuz Tensions Escalate Despite Trump’s Upbeat Tone
By: Mardo Soghom
President Trump’s optimistic remarks about Iran contrasted sharply with tensions when merchant vessels came under fire in the Strait of Hormuz.
Ceasefire collapse: Iran reinstated military control over the Strait, reversing an earlier reopening amidst U.S. blockades.
Uranium deal backlash: Trump’s hint at Iran surrendering enriched uranium sparked outrage among Iranian hardliners.
Strategic messaging tactics: Iran’s familiar “good cop/bad cop” approach balances diplomacy with hardliner posturing.
To read the full article, click here.
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The United Nations and Western Relativists Are Natural Allies of Iran’s Executioners
By: Giulio Meotti
The United Nation’s decision to appoint Iran, a regime notorious for human rights violations, to committees on human rights and counter-terrorism is nothing short of scandalous.
Iran’s shocking influence: A regime that brutally oppresses dissidents and finances terrorism now has a say in global human rights policies.
Western hypocrisy exposed: While the U.S. called out Iran’s atrocities, countries like Canada and the U.K. shamefully backed its appointment, ignoring Tehran’s blood-stained record.
Silencing dissent at the U.N.: Authoritarian regimes now control the U.N.‘s Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO), threatening to stifle voices that expose abuses.
To read the full article, click here.
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In Lebanon, Israel Defense Forces Set Position in Ait a Shaab
By: Jonathan Spyer
The IDF’s 162nd Division is actively engaged in a newly established buffer zone in southern Lebanon, aiming to protect Israeli border communities from Hezbollah threats.
Buffer zone dynamics: Positioned 15 kilometers north of Israel’s border, the zone seeks to prevent Hezbollah’s anti-tank missile attacks.
Historical echoes and new tactics: The buffer zone recalls Israel’s previous “security zone” but employs depopulation and lighter military presence to deter guerrilla warfare.
Ongoing tactical race: Few believe that the fighting in March and April will be the last round.
The tactical race for advantage between the sides continues in the rubble-strewn border villages and further north.
The larger strategic issue, meanwhile, remains far from resolution.
To read the full article, click here.
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Disarmament Without Enforcement
By: Aaron J. Shuster
Recent proposals for Gaza demand Hamas disarmament, yet the group refuses to comply, questioning to whom they should surrender weapons.
Hamas’s firm refusal: Despite formal demands, Hamas openly rejects disarmament, maintaining its military capabilities without enforcement.
Lebanon’s disarmament dilemma: U.N. Resolution 1701 calls for Hezbollah’s disarmament, yet the group remains a powerful non-state actor.
Policy of wishful thinking: International disarmament demands survive on paper, but armed groups retain power, increasing conflict risk.
To read the full article, click here.
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Africa Command Shows the Way in Libya
By: Michael Rubin
While headlines focus on diplomatic stumbles, the Pentagon quietly advances global military collaboration through exercises like Flintlock in Africa.
Flintlock in Ivory Coast and Libya: This year’s Flintlock exercise highlights Ivory Coast’s stability and Libya’s shift from chaos to opportunity.
Sirte, Libya, symbolizes a new reality, contrary to past propaganda, showcasing a balanced alignment away from Russian influence.
The Haftar dilemma: While the U.S. State Department supports the Tripoli government, Flintlock’s inclusion of both Libyan militaries suggests a more pragmatic approach.
A call for strategic alignment: Trump envoy Massad Boulos is urged to engage both Libyan military chiefs, moving beyond expired political mandates.
To read the full article, click here.
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If you found this issue of the MEF Dispatch interesting and informative, please forward it to a friend. The Middle East Forum provides a steady stream of analyses and updates at https://www.meforum.org/. Please share your thoughts on our coverage in the comments.
Thank you,
Winfield Myers
Managing Editor, Middle East Forum
Director, Campus Watch
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