Diyaruna

2021-03-19

'Little Iran': IRGC evicts locals in eastern Syria as militant enclave expands

An estimated 25,000 militants are in eastern Syria, and the IRGC has seized private property in order to accommodate new arrivals, kicking off a process of demographic change.

IRGC-dominated government in Tehran pushes threatening anti-GCC agenda

Analysis

2021-03-10

IRGC-dominated government in Tehran pushes threatening anti-GCC agenda

As the IRGC increases its influence across military, political and economic spheres of Iranian life, so too have increased the threats against members of the Gulf Co-operation Council.

Sanad employs local youth to protect Russian commercial interests in Syria

Analysis

2021-02-09

Sanad employs local youth to protect Russian commercial interests in Syria

The private security company has been actively recruiting Syrian youth in Aleppo, Homs, Deir Ezzor and al-Mayadeen under the pretext that it is a 'normal' company. It carries out Russia's bidding.

Russia exploits Syrian territory to advance its military involvement in Libya

Analysis

2021-02-08

Russia exploits Syrian territory to advance its military involvement in Libya

New trench work by Wagner mercenaries and secretive jet deployments suggest the Kremlin sees Libya as its latest shiny object.

Iran's missile programme: a long history of failure and mishap

Analysis

2021-02-02

Iran's missile programme: a long history of failure and mishap

The IRGC constantly downplays its failures and boasts about occasional successes, while the skyrocketing cost of its missile programme diverts key funds away from impoverished Iranians.

Iranian leaders face stark reality as collapsing economy inflames discontent

Analysis

2021-01-25

Iranian leaders face stark reality as collapsing economy inflames discontent

Iran risks sinking deeper into economic mire and fuelling more domestic unrest unless its leaders co-operate on its nuclear programme and curb funding regional proxy wars.

Peaceful transfer of power underscores resilience of US democracy

Analysis

2021-01-20

Peaceful transfer of power underscores resilience of US democracy

The United States continued its over 200-year-old tradition of handing over presidential power peacefully, as the US military remains steadfast in its commitments to allies around the world.

China, Russia pursue strategic gains with expiration of Iran's arms embargo

Analysis

2021-01-08

China, Russia pursue strategic gains with expiration of Iran's arms embargo

Moscow and Beijing are eyeing narrow interests with their support for the Iranian regime's access to the international arms market -- and are risking the future safety and security of the Middle East.

Intermittent access to internet suggests Tehran may fear new uprising

Analysis

2021-01-06

Intermittent access to internet suggests Tehran may fear new uprising

People in Iran have been reporting unusually slow internet traffic in the past weeks and months. If history serves as an example, this means the regime is trying to tamp down on civil unrest.

Activities of Iranian proxy militias show Tehran may not be in full control

Analysis

2021-01-04

Activities of Iranian proxy militias show Tehran may not be in full control

The seeming lack of control Tehran exerts over the militias it has created across the Middle East is made worse by the expiration of the UN arms embargo on Iran.