About
The Middle East Forum Observer

The Middle East Forum Observer was founded in 2024 and provides rapid analysis on leading Middle East developments, from Marrakech to Mashhad and the Bab el-Mandeb to the Black Sea.

More than just an outlet for opinion and opeds, the Observer explores topics in greater depth than American newspapers or opinion essays, often drawing upon primary language research or technical expertise on topics like shipping, aircraft leasing, or counter-terrorism finance. Policymakers and intelligence analysts not only in the United States and Europe, but also across the Middle East regularly read Observer articles. Newspapers and policy journals from Israel to Iran excerpt and debate the Observer’s takes.

As with the Middle East Quarterly, Middle East Forum Observer is open access. All content is available without charge. The Middle East Forum Observer allows reposts of its articles as an integral whole with a citation that includes author, date, title, publication and original URL.

More from MEF
A sampling of Turkish daily local newspapers.
Middle East Forum Observer
Turkey’s Propaganda Campaign to Tar Syrian Kurds as Iranian Allies
Policymakers, Think-Tankers, and the Media Should Critically Assess and Withhold Unverified Turkish Reports
January 19, 2025
 · 
Babak Taghvaee
Happier times: Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu on the White House balcony at the signing ceremony for the Abraham Accords, Sept. 15, 2020.
Middle East Forum Online
The Momentous, ‘Horrific’ Hamas-Israel Deal
Netanyahu Came Under Enormous Pressure to Negotiate with Hamas for the Release of Israeli Hostages, and Thereby Implicitly to Permit the Jihadi Organization to Survive
January 18, 2025
 · 
Daniel Pipes
The parliament house in Beirut, Lebanon.
Middle East Forum Observer
What Does the Election of President Joseph Aoun Mean for Lebanon?
With Military Credentials, Full Army Support, and International Backing, Aoun Should Succeed in Delivering Security
January 18, 2025
 · 
Hilal Khashan
President Trump with Samraa Luqman, co-chair of the Islamist-aligned Abandon Biden campaign
FWI News
Michigan Islamists Applaud Trump’s Pressure on Israel, Meet With FBI Director Nominee
The same day the ceasefire was announced, figures behind the CAIR-backed Abandon Biden campaign met with Kash Patel, Trump’s pick for FBI Director.
January 17, 2025
 · 
Sam Westrop
Violent battles have taken place between Houthi rebels and Yemeni government forces.
Middle East Forum Observer
Eliminating the Houthi Threat Is Imperative for U.S. Policy
The United States Can Rally Action by Pointing to the Global Challenge with Economic, Security, and Humanitarian Aspects
January 17, 2025
 · 
Eric Navarro
Middle East Forum Online
India Needs to Consolidate Its Control in the Western Indian Ocean
The First in a Two-Part Series on The Evolving Security Architecture in the Indian Ocean and How I2U2 Countries (India, Israel, UAE, U.S.) Can Further Security Cooperation
January 16, 2025
 · 
Michael Rubin
A sword claimed by some to have belonged to Muhammad the prophet of Islam in an exhibit at the Jakarta Islamic Center, Jakarta, Indonesia, April 2021.
Middle East Forum Online
When — and Why — Christians First ‘Demonized’ Muhammad
Former Nun Karen Armstrong’s Revisionist History Whitewashes Centuries of Muslim Conquests
January 16, 2025
 · 
Raymond Ibrahim
Palestinians storm Israeli territory, east of the city of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip, on October 7, 2023.
Middle East Forum Observer
It’s Not Just Gaza. After the Ceasefire, Hamas Will Win the West Bank Too
The Terrorist Group’s October 7 Attack on Israel Was the Opening Salvo in a Move for Broader Palestinian Leadership
January 16, 2025
 · 
Michael Rubin
Middle East Forum Online
Israel and Hamas Have a Peace Deal? Not So Fast.
MEF Chief Editor Jim Hanson Explains This Deal Will Almost Certainly Fall Apart
January 16, 2025
 · 
Jim Hanson
The Islamic Center of Federal Way has sent funds to Baitulmaal, a Texas-based aid charity that has distributed funds in Hamas-controlled Gaza. It has also sent funds to the Islamic Center of Tacoma (ICT), which is led by Abdul Hakim Mohamed, former director of the Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA), pictured above. The Muslim Brotherhood named IMANA as a potential ally in its efforts to subvert Western democracies in a 1991 document.
FWI News
Media Ignores Islamist Ties of Puget Sound Mosque Targeted by Rock Thrower
Federal Way Mosque Supported Charity that Spent Funds in Hamas-Controlled Gaza
January 16, 2025
 · 
Larry Estavan