MEF Dispatch: MEF Dispatch: Islamist Echoes in the U.K. and Israel's Kurdish Gambit

MEF Dispatch: Islamist Echoes in the U.K. and Israel's Kurdish Gambit

By Ahnaf Kalam ● Dec 23, 2024

Smart Brevity® count: 5 mins...1283 words

We kick off this edition with an insightful discussion with Adam S. Lovinger exploring how the misuse of security clearances within the U.S. bureaucracy not only threatens individual careers but also jeopardizes national defense and diplomatic efforts. Following this, we examine the persistence of Islamist extremism in the U.K. and analyze Iran's strategic vulnerabilities, pondering the potential nuclear implications. Additionally, we look at Israel's strategic engagement with Kurdish forces, the safety concerns for tourists in Istanbul, and the rise of the Houthis as a regional power.

ICYMI: "The Insider Threat: How America's Enemies Undermine It from Within" with Adam Lovinger

The abuse of security clearances as a political weapon within the U.S. national security bureaucracy threatens not just individual careers but the integrity of American defense and diplomacy, both in the Middle East and more broadly. What is the nature of the problem? How are security clearances used to silence dissent and eliminate adversaries? How does this affect U.S. responses to strategic challenges?

Adam S. Lovinger is vice president at the Gold Institute for International Strategy. He served in the Pentagon’s Office of Net Assessment during 2006-17 and as senior director for strategic assessments at the National Security Council in 2017. He is the author of The Insider Threat: How the Deep State Undermines America from Within (Encounter Books, 2024). Mr. Lovinger holds a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, an M.A. from Columbia University, and a J.D. from Georgetown University.

To watch the full podcast episode, click here.

Islamists Against the Union Jack: Reflections on Visiting 12 Islamic Institutions in 14 Days

The persistence of Islamist extremism in England highlights a troubling trend behind the closed doors of British Muslim communities.

Why it matters: Extremist ideologies undermine social cohesion and pose significant challenges – and threats – to British society.

The influence of radical imams and the presence of contentious figures in mosques is brazen and explicit across a number of mosques and religious centers in the U.K.

Driving the news: Dexter Van Zile’s recent visits to various Islamic centers across England reveal the continued veneration of controversial figures like Ayatollah Khomeini.

These visits underscore the lack of progress, and indeed, the complete lack of action, in addressing extremism in British Muslim communities.

What’s next: Addressing the growing problem of Islamist extremism requires proactive engagement from both within and without.

Challenging the extremist ideologies pervasive within the U.K.’s Muslim communities must begin with the members of those communities.

To read the full article, click here.

Its Proxies Pummeled, Iran Is Suddenly More Vulnerable Than Ever. Will It Go Nuclear?

Iran faces increased vulnerability and strategic decisions amid recent setbacks.

Why it matters: Iran's weakened proxies and air defenses have heightened its strategic dilemma, potentially pushing it towards nuclear advancement.

With Hezbollah and Assad's regime destabilized, Iran's regional influence is waning.

The destruction of its air defenses by Israel underscores Tehran's vulnerabilities.

Current developments: Western nations have raised alarms over Iran's escalating uranium stockpiles, questioning its intentions.

The stockpile now allows Iran to potentially produce multiple nuclear weapons.

Iran's rhetoric suggests a shift in nuclear doctrine could be considered if its survival is at stake.

What’s next: The international community faces pressure to negotiate as critical deadlines approach.

The expiration of key JCPOA provisions in 2025 adds urgency to diplomatic efforts.

Both Iran and Israel are closely watching potential policy shifts from the incoming U.S. administration.

To read the full article, click here.

Israel’s Kurdish Opportunity

In response to Turkey's Islamist agenda, Israel has a unique opportunity to strengthen ties with the Kurdish forces.

Why it matters: The Kurds stand as a bulwark against Islamist extremism in the region, aligning with Israel's security interests and democratic values.

Their commitment to secularism and minority rights offers a strategic and ideological ally.

Current dynamics: Turkey's support for Islamist proxies threatens regional stability and Israel’s security.

Ankara's backing of groups like Hamas highlights its disruptive role in Middle Eastern geopolitics.

What’s next: Israel should consider bolstering Kurdish forces through military and diplomatic support.

This partnership could counterbalance Turkish aggression and Iranian expansion, securing Israel's strategic interests in northern Syria.

To read the full article, click here.

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Western Tourists Should Leave Istanbul

Amid Turkey’s military actions in Syria, Istanbul's status as a safe tourist destination is under threat.

Why it matters: With a significant Kurdish population, Istanbul stands at the crossroads of potential unrest triggered by Turkey's aggressive policies against Kurds in Syria.

The city's tourist zones could become unintended battlegrounds, posing risks to visitors.

Current dynamics: President Erdoğan's military strategies may provoke spillover effects in Istanbul, a city with deep Kurdish ties.

The Kurdish community in Istanbul, feeling marginalized, might react to Ankara's actions, escalating tensions.

What’s next: Travelers should exercise heightened caution and stay informed about the evolving political climate in Turkey.

Embassies and consulates must prepare for potential unrest affecting their citizens in Istanbul.

To read the full article, click here.

WATCH: Michael Knights on the Houthis’ Rise from Local Gang to Global Menace

The Houthis have transformed from a local Yemeni faction into a significant regional power, posing challenges for global shipping and stability.

Why it matters: Their strategic location near critical maritime routes like the Suez Canal and Red Sea threatens international trade.

The Houthis' alignment with Iran and other resistance groups exacerbates regional tensions.

Current dynamics: Despite limited resources, the Houthis have effectively leveraged their position, forcing revenue-sharing deals amid Yemen's civil strife.

Their ability to disrupt through missile and drone technology showcases their growing influence.

What’s next: The West faces a complex challenge in countering the Houthi threat without escalating military conflicts.

Developing a robust strategy that includes diplomatic and military measures is essential to mitigate their effects on global security.

To watch the full podcast episode, click here.

Further reading:

“For Israel, the Rise of Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham Represents a Dangerous Development”
By: Amine Ayoub
HTS has been one of the most influential rebel factions in Syria, originally emerging from Jabhat al-Nusra, a group with close ties to al-Qaeda.

“Turkey’s Syrian Jihadists Take Over Syria: Kurds, Half a Million Christians Under Intolerable Threat”
By: Uzay Bulut
“Hayat Tahrir al-Sham” means “organization for the liberation of the Levant,” referring to much of the Middle East, including Israel, Lebanon, and Jordan.

“U.S. Operative of Turkish President Erdoğan Convicted of Trafficking, Sent to Federal Prison”
By: Abdullah Bozkurt
Erdoğan ally and former TASC deputy chair sentenced for counterfeit goods trafficking amid allegations of ties to Turkish intelligence.

“Turkey Seeks to Purge Pro-U.S. Kurdish Force That Helped Defeat Islamic State in Syria”
By: Benjamin Weinthal
In an apparent snub to the U.S., Turkish foreign minister says “elimination” of group is country’s “strategic goal.”

From vulnerabilities in U.S. security clearances, to a first-hand report Islamist extremism in the U.K., to Iran's nuclear crossroads and Israel's Kurdish alliances, we cover a wide range of critical issues. Additionally, we sound the alarm on visiting Istanbul today and detail a recent interview with Michael Knights on the Houthis' rise. Each piece delivers an informed analysis of our global security landscape. To stay abreast of these and other issues, stay tuned for the next edition of MEF Dispatch.

Sincerely,
Ahnaf Kalam
Digital Media Specialist
Middle East Forum

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