Iran, the second-largest country in the Middle East, is a multi-ethnic Islamic theocracy with the ultimate decision maker being the country's prime religious authority, its Supreme Leader. It infuses elements of democracy, such as an elected president. With one of the longest and storied histories of civilization, the current Islamic Republic of Iran was established by Ruhollah Khomeini in 1979 following the Islamic Revolution. Kohmeini became Iran's first Supreme Leader.
Iran is considered authoritarian in its suppression of rights for women and children and the violent squandering of opposing political protests.
Strategically located between the water bodies of the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the Caspian sea, it is bordered by key middle-eastern players, such as Turkey, Afghanistan and Iraq.
Iran holds the world's second-largest natural gas supply as well as a massive oil reserve, a key element often discussed in its role in international relations and political leverage.
Before 1979, Iran maintained friendly relations with Israel via pro-Western leader Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. However, after the Islamic Revolution, Iran severed all ties with Israel and by the 1990s relations turned hostile.
Iran has escalated its nuclear technology development over the years while also funding and supporting Islamic-extremist proxy groups much closer to Israel, such as Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and Hezbollah.
Some Seders will be hosted by families who lost loved ones on October 7 or in battle with Hamas or Hezbollah. Others will be held by those whose relatives are held hostage.
Israeli deterrence in Iran is absent, while Iranian deterrence in Israel is strong. This is what Netanyahu might say as an opposition leader.
As a part of the Iran-backed ‘Axis of Resistance,’ the Zainebiyoun Brigade can emerge as an active threat to Israel and pro-Israel countries, including the United States, analyst says.
Terror attack in Jerusalem • IDF intelligence head resigns •Kataib Hezbollah fire rockets at US military base • Fatah admits Hamas kills aid workers to steal food
Reflecting on Passover's protection, a father mourns the loss of his family to terrorism. He finds solace in faith, Torah, prayer, and women's resilience.
A total of 80% of Jewish Israelis surveyed reported supporting the strike as “the right thing to do.” However, the majority of Arab-Israelis (67%) felt it was “the wrong course of action.”
"Long live the resistance. Long live freedom. Long live the indomitable brave women of Iran," said Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi.
Iran must be held accountable for its exceptional attack. The Israeli response, immediate but also intended to have a lasting impact, was based on Iran's intention to cause destruction.
"Throughout this damned campaign, Israel has demonstrated once again that it never misses an opportunity to miss an opportunity," writes the author.
This is a new dimension of any potential conflict that needs to be taken into consideration - the conflict with Iran is no longer in the shadows.
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