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Iran's Deadly Crackdown Fuels Expanding Resistance

By Winfield Myers ● Jan 30, 2026

Smart Brevity^® count: 7.5 mins...2012 words

Mardo Soghom reports that Iranians, after what is likely the largest mass killing of civilians by a country's military in modern history, are stepping up their activism against the Islamic government. Many social media posts openly encourage an American military response, and public figures—including professionals and previously non-aligned citizens—increasingly support political change and accountability for officials implicated in the mass killings. Despite the massive and growing U.S. military presence in the area, many believe this is a fight Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei will accept.

Michael Rubin argues that the Syrian Kurds need a no-fly, no-drive zone in the face of attacks by the regime of Syria's Islamist president Ahmed al-Sharaa, who is taking advantage of his acceptance in Western capitals to allow the slaughter of Syria's minorities.

We follow with articles on recent developments in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank by Aaron J. Shuster, Jules Gomes, Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi, and Amine Ayoub. Offerings from Abdullah Bozkurt and more from Amine Ayoub close out this issue.

Iran's Deadly Crackdown Fuels Expanding Resistance at Home and Abroad

People burn photos of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on January 10, 2026, in Milan, Italy, in support of Iranians suffering under the Islamic Republic. Shutterstock

By: Mardo Soghom

The European Union has officially designated Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization on January 29, 2026.

EU's stance on Iran's IRGC: The EU's designation of the IRGC as terrorists aims to send a clear message to Tehran.

Affect: This move aligns with growing resistance both within Iran and among the diaspora, showcasing widespread discontent and calls for accountability.

Human rights concerns: Iran is under global scrutiny for its severe crackdown on protestors, raising alarm over human rights violations.

Details: Reports indicate mass detentions and executions, with death toll estimates between 20,000 and 50,000, while the government reports far fewer casualties.
Public figures—including professionals and previously non-aligned citizens—increasingly support political change and accountability for officials implicated in the mass killings.

International response: The U.S. has increased its military presence in the Middle East, reflecting readiness for potential escalations.

Implications: While the U.S. remains prepared to respond militarily, Tehran shows no willingness to make concessions on its nuclear and missile programs.

To read the full article, click here.

U.S. Plans for Venezuela's Transition Offers a Cautionary Tale for Iran

Venezuela's vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, was installed as president on January 5, 2026. Shutterstock

By: Mardo Soghom

The dramatic shift in Venezuela's leadership earlier this month, with Vice President Delcy Rodriguez replacing the captured Nicolás Maduro, reflects broader geopolitical dynamics involving Iran. The United States, which carried out the change, aims to maintain order without deploying thousands of troops, aligning with its broader foreign policy objectives.

Iran's influence in Venezuela's transition: Iran's strategic interests in Venezuela persist, with Qatar potentially mediating leadership changes.

Insight: Qatar's mediation, possibly influenced by its ties to Iran, raises concerns about the perpetuation of regimes that align with Tehran's interests.

U.S. strategy in the region: The Trump administration's support for Rodriguez reflects a calculated approach to counter Iran's influence.

Context: By endorsing a leadership transition without direct intervention, the U.S. hopes to curtail Iran's reach and stabilize Venezuela under a more cooperative regime.

Implications for Iran's future: The situation in Venezuela could set a precedent for U.S. strategies involving Iran and its allies.

Concern: If Qatar's involvement in Venezuela is any indication, similar tactics could emerge in Iran, challenging U.S. efforts to promote democratic governance in the region.

To read the full article, click here.

Syrian Kurds Need a No-Fly, No-Drive Zone

Syrian Kurds who fled to a refugee camp during the country's civil war. Shutterstock

By: Michael Rubin

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's rise to power has drawn sharp criticism from the U.S., particularly given his controversial past and ongoing actions. The Trump administration, while wary of foreign interventions, faces pressure to address the escalating violence and its broader implications.

Al-Sharaa's questionable reforms: Al-Sharaa's rhetoric of reform contrasts starkly with reports of violence against civilians.

Reality check: Despite claims of a peaceful transition, evidence of ethnic cleansing and brutality persist, undermining his credibility on the international stage.

U.S. policy challenges: President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio grapple with a strategic dilemma in Syria, balancing ideology and geopolitical interests.

Strategic insight: The administration must decide whether to impose a no-fly zone to protect minorities or risk further instability by allowing Al-Sharaa's forces to advance.

Regional dynamics: The Kurdish situation in Syria could reignite broader regional conflicts if not addressed.

Concern: Without intervention, Kurdish displacement could destabilize neighboring countries, complicating U.S. relations in the Middle East.

To read the full article, click here.

Is the Palestinian Authority Still a Legal Entity?

Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority, in a file photo. Shutterstock

By: Aaron J. Shuster

The emergence of the Board of Peace marks a significant shift in the assumptions surrounding Palestinian governance, challenging the longstanding view of the Palestinian Authority as a stable political entity.

Erosion of Palestinian Authority's legitimacy: The Palestinian Authority's failure to prevent or condemn the October 7, 2023, assault highlights its declining governance credibility.

Context: This failure reflects an abandonment of original commitments to renounce violence and maintain security cooperation, undermining its legal recognition.

International response and implications: The Board of Peace's creation signals a global recognition of the Palestinian Authority's diminishing role.

Insight: This development underscores a shift away from a defunct framework, as donor states reassess their support for an entity unable to fulfill its foundational obligations.

Future of Palestinian governance: The transition to a post-authority landscape raises questions about the region's stability and governance.

Concern: Without addressing the structural issues, reliance on the Palestinian Authority may be seen as a legal fiction, delaying necessary clarity and credibility.

To read the full article, click here.

Arab State Fatigue with the Palestinian Cause

Arab governments are signaling they have interests more urgent than the Palestinian issue. Shutterstock

By: Aaron J. Shuster

In the aftermath of October 7, 2023, the Arab world's response to the Palestinian issue reveals a strategic shift, as rhetoric diverges from action, highlighting "Arab state fatigue."

Shift in priorities: Despite public anger, major Arab states have shown reluctance to absorb Gazan refugees, signaling a shift in priorities.

Context: Wealthy nations fear instability and demographic burdens, indicating a preference for regime stability over addressing the Palestinian cause.

Continued cooperation with Israel: Behind closed doors, military coordination between Israel and Arab states persists, driven by shared threats like Iran.

Insight: Public denunciations contrast with ongoing strategic cooperation, underscoring a nuanced approach to regional alliances.

Complex public opinion: Arab Barometer data reveals that while support for normalization with Israel is low, governance issues often take precedence.

Details: Policymakers must navigate a landscape where the Palestinian issue competes with economic and political challenges.

To read the full article, click here.

Israel Bars Hamas-Controlled NGOs, Clears Top Christian Charities For Gaza

The Geneva headquarters of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), an international medical humanitarian nongovernmental organization, which Israel banned from Gaza. Shutterstock

By: Jules Gomes

Israel has barred 37 international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) from operating in Gaza, citing concerns over transparency and links to terrorism, while approving 23 charities, including prominent Christian and Jewish aid agencies.

NGO restrictions and accusations: Israel's Foreign Ministry claims the banned organizations refused to disclose personnel and funding details, raising suspicions of collusion with Hamas.

Insight: Documents suggest that Hamas forced NGOs to accept its operatives in senior roles, undermining humanitarian efforts and prompting Israel's crackdown.

International backlash: The UN criticized Israel's actions, labeling them as unlawful restrictions on humanitarian access.

Response: Organizations like Doctors Without Borders express concerns over the registration requirements, highlighting the tension between security and humanitarian aid.

Approved aid agencies: Israel has cleared several high-profile Christian and Jewish organizations to operate in Gaza, emphasizing support for those aligned with its policies.

Details: Groups like Samaritan's Purse and United Bible Societies are among those approved, reflecting a shift towards agencies perceived as politically aligned with Israel.

To read the full article, click here.

Anti-Hamas Armed Groups in Gaza: Interview with Hussam al-Astl

The wreckage of buildings in Gaza. Shutterstock

By: Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi

The author conducted an interview with Hussam al-Astl, who commands one such anti-Hamas group that calls itself the "Counter-Terrorism Strike Force." The following is drawn from that interview.

Amid the ceasefire, Gaza remains divided between Hamas-controlled territories and areas where Israeli-backed anti-Hamas factions operate, challenging the region's stability and future.

Anti-Hamas factions' motivations: These groups, often labeled as opportunistic or linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), genuinely oppose Hamas' rule, viewing it as disastrous for Palestinians.

Insight: Despite accusations, these factions reject Hamas' violent approach, seeking a pragmatic path toward Israeli cooperation and regional stability.

Challenges facing Gaza: The humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens as anti-Hamas groups provide refuge and aid to those persecuted by Hamas.

Concern: Hamas' oppressive tactics and refusal to disarm exacerbate the dire living conditions, pushing more Palestinians to seek alternatives.

Path forward for peace: The region's future hinges on dismantling Hamas' influence and establishing a peaceful, stable governance framework.

Vision: Anti-Hamas factions advocate for a Gaza built on peace and development, emphasizing the need for international support and recognition.

To read the full interview, click here.

Israel Cannot Afford a Hamas 'Victory Picture' During Ramadan

Control of symbolic spaces in Jerusalem plays an outsized role in shaping deterrence and postwar outcomes. Shutterstock

By: Amine Ayoub

As Ramadan approaches, Israel stands firm against any potential "victory display" by Hamas on Jerusalem's Temple Mount, emphasizing security and sovereignty.

Security measures: Israel's plan to limit access to the Temple Mount during Ramadan aims to prevent provocations and maintain order.

Details: Restrictions target demographics prone to incitement, separating religious observance from potential conflict instigators.

Regional implications: The IDF reinforces security along the Seam Line to prevent terrorist infiltrations during the holiday.

Context: Security measures are crucial to protect central Israel from potential attacks, ensuring the state's stability.

Strategic perspective: Israel's stance sends a message that peace requires recognizing the impossibility of Hamas' violent ambitions.

Outlook: By preventing symbolic victories for Hamas, Israel asserts its sovereignty and commitment to long-term security.

To read the full article, click here.

Egypt's Supreme Court Just Gave the State Unlimited Power to Define 'Terrorism'

Egypt's Supreme Constitutional Court (SCC) delivered a ruling on Saturday, January 3, that effectively closes the door on judicial independence in the Arab world's most populous nation. Supreme Const...

By: Amine Ayoub

In a landmark decision on January 3, Egypt's Supreme Constitutional Court has cemented its role as a tool for repression, upholding the 2015 Anti-Terrorism Law and effectively ending judicial independence.

Judicial transformation: The ruling empowers President Sisi's regime to label dissent as terrorism, using broad definitions that criminalize political expression.

Insight: By conflating political activism with organized crime, the Court validates the regime's crackdown, setting a dangerous precedent for authoritarianism.

U.S. and international implications: The ruling complicates U.S.-Egypt relations, challenging the notion of rule of law and human rights improvements.

Context: Egypt's stability is questioned as the regime eliminates political expression avenues, turning laws into repressive tools.

Economic and social consequences: The law's vague definitions enable asset seizures, impacting businesses and individuals accused of minor support for banned entities.

Details: With the judiciary endorsing these measures, Egypt faces an economic crisis exacerbated by state-sanctioned wealth extraction.

To read the full article, click here.

U.N. Clash on Libya Maritime Lines Reveals Persistent Tensions Between Egypt and Turkey

Maritime disputes in the eastern Mediterranean continue to shape regional power politics, as competing legal claims and offshore energy interests keep tensions between Egypt, Libya, and Turkey unresol...

By: Abdullah Bozkurt

Despite a facade of reconciliation, Turkey and Egypt remain at loggerheads over Libya, revealing deeper strategic tensions in the eastern Mediterranean.

Egypt's counteroffensive at the U.N.: Cairo has forcefully rejected Libya's maritime claims, viewing them as encroachments on Egyptian waters and a challenge to its sovereignty.

Context: The dispute underscores Libya's growing cooperation with Turkey, further complicating regional dynamics.

Strategic triangulation: The alignment of Egypt and Greece against Libya and Turkey highlights the interconnected nature of Mediterranean geopolitics.

Details: Ongoing tensions are fueled by Libya's offshore partnership with Turkey, exacerbating Egypt's security concerns.

Geopolitical implications: The maritime dispute serves as a proxy for larger strategic rivalries, where normalization efforts between Ankara and Cairo remain insufficient.

Outlook: With lucrative hydrocarbon prospects at stake, the contest is set to continue, with each side entrenching its position in a prolonged diplomatic standoff.

To read the full article, click here.