1000 баксов за месяц: MEF Dispatch: Telling the Truth About Gaza, USAID Redux, and Vanquishing the Houthi Threat

вторник, 18 марта 2025 г.

Telling the Truth About Gaza, USAID Redux, and Vanquishing the Houthi Threat

By Winfield Myers ● Mar 18, 2025

Smart Brevity^® count: 5.5 mins...1440 words

Misinformation about Israel's war in Gaza has long since been the norm in many media reports. Two articles dissect the most common distortions: accusing Israelis of wanton genocide and presenting Gazans as innocent victims of Hamas.

We continue our coverage of Gregg Roman's recent congressional testimony on USAID's grants to terrorist-friendly organizations—a story that continues to reverberate on Capitol Hill.

Finally, we feature three analyses for dealing with Yemen's Houthi terrorists. In two articles, Eric Navarro argues that U.S. bombing of the Houthis is a necessary but insufficient strategy and suggests steps to end their threat once and for all. Michael Rubin argues that Oman's role in supplying the terrorists can't be overlooked.

ICYMI: "Red Sea Security and the Houthi Threat to the West" with Eric Navarro

The Iran-backed Ansar Allah (Houthis) recently renewed their attacks on American ships in the vicinity of Yemen. The organization's ongoing campaign of aggression in the Red Sea/Gulf of Aden area severely disrupts supply chains and fuels regional instability. The Middle East Forum last week launched the Red Sea Security Initiative (RSSI) to advocate for and support a determined western strategy to counter Houthi aggression and protect global trade routes.

The RSSI aims to mobilize U.S. policymakers, global shipping leaders, and security experts to forge a coordinated response. Eric Navarro, director of RSSI, will explain why decisive action is needed, what steps are being taken, and what's at stake if the world fails to respond. What impact have Houthi attacks had on global trade? How can this threat be stopped? What must be done to restore stability in the Red Sea?

To watch the podcast, click here.

Misinformation Strategy and Media Bias in the Gaza War

By: Andrew Fox and Tatiana Glezer

The media often amplify unfounded accusations against Israel, shaping public perception of the Gaza conflict as being primarily against civilians rather than Hamas.

Why it matters: The portrayal of the conflict affects global understanding and policy decisions.

Media narratives frequently omit the combatant status of casualties, emphasizing civilian suffering.

Strategic misinformation: Hamas manipulates casualty data, obscuring its combatant role to sway media narratives.

Reports often fail to differentiate between civilian and combatant deaths, creating anti-Israel bias in international perceptions.

Patterns of media bias: Major outlets frequently rely on data from Hamas uncritically.

A study found that only 3 percent of publications acknowledged terrorists among the casualties, contributing to biased narratives.

The stakes: Accurate reporting and critical analysis play a vital role in fostering an informed global discourse on the Gaza conflict.

To address these issues, it is crucial to ensure rigorous evaluation of data, balanced media representation, and adherence to journalistic standards.

To read the full article, click here.

Unspoken Truths About Gaza

For the Gazans and for all Palestinians, the war against Israel and the Jews is a religious war. Hamas has enshrined this objective in its founding charter, where it promises to kill all Jews in the w...

By: Philip Carl Salzman

The idea that Hamas suppresses a peaceful Gazan populace is a dangerous myth.

Why it matters: This misconception undermines efforts to address the real threats emanating from Gaza.

Gazans elected Hamas, and polls show their overwhelming support for attacks on Israel, revealing a society complicit in extremism.

Cultural indoctrination: From a young age, Gazans are taught to hate Jews, a belief system deeply ingrained in their culture.

This pervasive ideology fuels violence and makes peace an elusive goal.

Religious extremism: The conflict is driven by deep-seated religious dogma and historical grievances.

The unwavering aim to destroy Israel leaves no room for compromise, rendering "land for peace" strategies futile.

To read the full article, click here.

Gregg Roman on Ynet News: U.S. Taxpayers Gave Hamas Millions

Middle East Forum executive director Gregg Roman reveals in interview with Ynetnews that U.S. taxpayer money was being funneled to organizations with ties to Hamas, Al-Qaida and other terror groups; f...

In an interview with Ynet News, the Middle East Forum's Gregg Roman discusses how U.S. taxpayer money is funding organizations tied to Hamas and Al-Qaeda.

Why it matters: This disclosure has sparked immediate congressional action to curb such funding and hold accountable those responsible.

The revelations date back to the Obama administration, with over $122 million channeled to groups linked to terrorism.

Driving the news: Roman's testimony, backed by data obtained through research, FOIA requests, and lawsuits, highlights systemic issues within U.S. aid distribution.

This has prompted lawmakers to pursue permanent policy changes and enforce secondary sanctions.

What's next: Congress is working to codify restrictions into law, aiming for lasting change in U.S. foreign aid policies.

Efforts include creating a "do not support" list for organizations tied to terrorist activities.

To read or watch the full interview, click here.

Bombing the Houthis Is a Good Start, but a Successful Strategy Must Be Broader

The United States launched air strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen in March 2025. Shutterstock

By: Eric Navarro

The U.S. conducted strikes against the Houthi terrorists in Yemen, acknowledging the group's threat to regional security, but a sustained strategy is needed.

Why it matters: The Houthis, backed by Iran, undermine U.S. interests and pose a threat to Israel.

Recent operations are a long-overdue correction to previous policies and degrade the Houthis' capabilities, but a comprehensive campaign is essential to eliminate the threat.

Military strategy: A persistent and coordinated undertaking beyond airstrikes is crucial.

Special operations should target Houthi infrastructure and disrupt communications to achieve lasting effect.

Economic and diplomatic efforts: Strengthening sanctions and redirecting trade will further weaken the Houthis.

Enhanced global cooperation is necessary to isolate this proxy group effectively.

To read the full article, click here.

Middle East Forum 2025 Policy Conference – additional speakers announced, discounted tickets!

Join us at the Middle East Forum's 2025 Policy Conference, taking place May 19–21 in Washington, D.C. Statecraft Reimagined will gather leading experts, diplomats, 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 are also pleased to announce that, thanks to a generous contribution from an anonymous donor, we are able to offer a select number of general admission tickets at a discounted rate of $550. These tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Be sure to get yours now.

To register, click here.

The United States Should Use Letters of Marque & Reprisal in the Red Sea

A container ship heads north up the Red Sea toward the Suez Canal. Shutterstock

By: Eric Navarro

Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) have proposed reviving a 19th-century strategy to counter 21st-century threats: using Letters of Marque & Reprisal to disrupt cartel operations.

Why it matters: This same strategy could be used against the Houthi terrorists in Yemen to enhance maritime security without direct military engagement.

By empowering private entities, the U.S. can disrupt Houthi threats and protect shipping lanes more effectively.

Strategic advantages: Private maritime security forces provide a scalable defense against Houthi attacks.

These forces can act offensively, seizing enemy assets and reducing pressure on U.S. Navy resources.

Implementation: From a Joint Operations perspective, Letters of Marque could help the Pentagon employ a task-organized force structure to align specific capabilities with mission objectives.

Strict guidelines, legal oversight, and coordination with CENTCOM and allies are needed to prevent escalation and maintain credibility.

To read the rest of this article, click here.

Oman Remains the Weak Link in the Counter-Houthi Fight

By: Michael Rubin

Apart from Yemen's Houthis, Iran's "resistance front" is crumbling as regional allies falter. Yet Oman uses Al-Mazyunah, near the Yemen border, as a staging ground for weaponry to smuggle inland to Houthi forces.

Why it matters: With Hezbollah and Hamas weakened and Assad exiled, Iran's grip on proxy forces is slipping.

Iraqi leadership further isolates Iranian-backed militias, distancing Iraq from Iran-Israel tensions.

Supply routes under scrutiny: The Houthis receive Iranian arms through air, sea, and desert routes.

Oman plays a controversial role, with Al-Mazyunah serving as a vital smuggling hub that needs international attention.

Strategic implications: Holding Oman accountable for its actions is crucial to curtailing Houthi armament.

The U.S. Navy by no means should bomb Oman, but it should maintain 24/7 satellite and drone surveillance over Al-Mazyunah and target any Houthis or tribal groups on the Yemeni side of the border.

To read the rest of this article, click here.