We begin this issue with Hamas, which squandered its opportunities against Israel. Yet, Netanyahu needn’t return the favor, as he and the West must deal with not only Hamas in Gaza but with the terror group’s supporters in Malaysia and Turkey if they hope to prevent further Islamist encroachment and war.

We then present an in-depth look at Iran, beginning with the first episode of The Forum Roundtable, featuring an informed, lively discussion on Iranian influence you won’t want to miss. Next we offer Michael Rubin’s thoughts on what a potential war with Iran would look like—and what signs might mean a conflict is immanent.

We end with two pieces on Islamism in the West: one on the U.K., and another from Washington State. Both offer warnings we ignore at our own peril.

Hamas Squandered the Few Chances It Had Left. Will Netanyahu Do the Same?

Hamas finds its strategic position compromised as Iran, Hezbollah, and most allies show reluctance to support it, leaving the group increasingly isolated.

Why it matters: The U.S., under President Trump, is focused on other global issues, offering Hamas little leverage to influence Israeli actions in Gaza.

What's next: Despite opportunities to improve its position, Hamas's missteps and propaganda tactics have further isolated it, weakening its position in hostage negotiations.

What it means: Paradoxically, Netanyahu, who for decades has eloquently presented a vision of where he wants to lead Israel, has been oddly passive in the face of these opportunities.

To read the full article, click here.

Israel and India Must Address Hamas Strongholds in Malaysia

Hamas leaders are using Malaysia as a sanctuary, further demonstrating the country's support for terrorism.

Why it matters: Malaysia's decades-long embrace of Hamas as "legitimate" emboldens terrorist networks, posing a direct threat to regional and global security.

The big picture: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has emerged as one of the harshest critics of Israel after the October 7, 2023, attacks, calling Jerusalem’s military action the “height of barbarism.”

What's next: Allowing terrorists safe haven has undermined Lebanese, Iranian, and Pakistani security, and led investors to flee, fearing instability, violence, or sanctions.

To read the full article, click here.

Is It Possible to Be Both Pro-Turkey and Anti-Hamas?

Turkey, under Erdoğan, emerges as a supporter of terrorism, challenging its position as a U.S. ally.

Why it matters: Turkey's backing of Hamas and other Islamist groups threatens regional stability and contradicts American anti-terrorism efforts.

The big picture: Trump's consideration of Turkey as a possible partner overlooks Erdoğan's Islamist agenda, which undermines traditional alliances and empowers extremist factions.

Reality check: Supporting Turkey while opposing Hamas is a contradiction, as Erdoğan's policies link the two.

To read the full article, click here.

The Forum Roundtable, Episode 1: Iranian Power and Influence in the Middle East

Prior to October 7, 2023, Iranian-sponsored terrorism and influence in the Middle East was pervasive and insidious, growing ever more dangerous as it inched its way to nuclear weapons and threatened Israeli and U.S. interests in the region. While Iran continues to pose an existential threat to Israel and edges closer to producing nuclear weapons, Israel’s military achievements post-10/7, along with Donald Trump’s win and foreign policy objectives, have significantly diminished the Islamic Republic’s ability to project power. The targeted assassinations of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, the destruction of much of both terrorist organizations’ infrastructure in Gaza and Lebanon, and Israel’s direct attacks on Iran have all significantly reduced the Mullahs’ ability to achieve their goal of establishing an Islamic hegemon and Shia crescent from Iran to the Mediterranean Sea, including a “ring of fire” surrounding Israel.

Iran’s capacity to threaten Israel and the West in light of these setbacks will be our topic for discussion on the Middle East Forum’s premier episode of a new monthly webinar series featuring internationally-recognized experts and hosted by Lauri Regan. This all-star panel featured Behnam Ben Taleblu, Gabriel Noronha, and Michael Rubin.

To watch the full Forum Roundtable, click here.

What the Iran War of 2025 Might Look Like

The U.S. has positioned advanced B-2 bombers in Diego Garcia, signaling a potential military move against Iran amid escalating tensions.

Why it matters: For over four decades, Iran has acted with impunity in the region, contributing to the deaths of thousands of Americans. The repositioning of bombers indicates a shift in U.S. policy under President Trump.

The big picture: While past administrations hesitated, the current U.S. stance reflects a readiness to confront Iran militarily, redefining the region's geopolitical dynamics.

What's next: The repositioning of U.S. aircraft carriers outside the Persian Gulf will be a strong indicator of imminent military action.

To read the full article, click here.

England Could Become an Islamist State with Nuclear Weapons

The appointment of Hamid Patel, a mufti, as head of the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted), has ignited concerns over the Islamization of the U.K.'s educational oversight.

Why it matters: This decision is seen as a step towards embedding Islamist ideals within British institutions, challenging the country's traditional liberal values.

The big picture: The ongoing demographic shift, evidenced by rising Muslim populations in major cities, underscores the growing influence of Islam in the U.K.

Reality check: As the Muslim population surges to 6.5 percent, predominantly younger, the U.K.'s future governance and cultural identity hang in the balance.

To read the full article, click here.

Register for "Statecraft Reimagined" and Receive a Complimentary Book!

Participants in MEF's 2025 policy conference, "Statecraft Reimagined," will receive a complimentary copy of one the following books* at the conference:

**Limit one per household, first come first serve basis.

For more information or to register for the conference, click here.

Puget Sounders Give Thousands to Terror-Linked Charity

A Reach Educational Fund (REF) fundraising event on Mercer Island, Washington State, masked as a charity fundraiser, exposed its deep ties to Hamas and anti-Israel activism.

Why it matters: REF's alignment with Hamas-linked entities and its promotion of anti-Israel propaganda seek to undermine American and Western democratic ideals.

The big picture: Leaders like Bothell, WA, Deputy Mayor Rami Al-Kabra used the platform to attack Israel, revealing the infiltration of antisemitic ideologies into local governance.

Reality check: This event was more than a fundraiser: it was a strategic move to influence political discourse and promote a worldview hostile to Western democracies.

To read the full article, click here.

Further Reading:

The Middle East may be headed toward a wider war to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. We will follow developments there closely and keep you in-the-know with analyses that turn complex issues into compelling reading. We’ll return soon.

Sincerely,

Winfield Myers
Managing Editor, Middle East Forum
Director, Campus Watch