Feb 14 β€’ 07:30 UTC πŸ‡―πŸ‡΅ Japan Asahi Shimbun (JP)

US-led reconstruction of Gaza and pressure on Iran - 'peace through strength' advancing in the Middle East

The article discusses the shifting dynamics of the Middle East influenced by the US and Israel's military actions aimed at stabilizing the region through force, questioning the humanitarian aspects of this approach.

The article outlines the evolving political landscape in the Middle East, particularly the increasing use of military power by the US and Israel to address perceived threats from hostile nations and organizations. This strategy centers around efforts to stabilize the region while raising concerns about the disregard for international law and humanitarian principles. The ongoing conflicts involving Israel and Palestinian groups, especially after Hamas's surprise attack in October 2023, have significantly altered the regional conflict dynamics. Israel's military incursion into Gaza, along with targeted strikes against leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah, exemplifies its aggressive stance aimed at eliminating opposition and ensuring regional dominance.

Amid these tensions, the article points out the geopolitical shifts surrounding Iran and its allies. The Syrian regime, which had been an ally of Iran, faced collapse by late 2024, leading to negotiations between the US and Lebanese and Syrian factions to normalize relations with Israel. These negotiations have stirred concerns about the potential sidelining of territorial disputes, such as Israel's annexation of the Golan Heights. Furthermore, the article highlights Israel's ongoing military actions against Iranian facilities, driven by fears of Iran's nuclear capabilities. This push for military resolution poses a challenge to the longstanding vision of peace represented by the Oslo Accords, which aim for a two-state solution based on mutual recognition and territorial rights.

The article concludes that the framework established by the Oslo Accords is now fundamentally broken, as US and Israeli strategies focus on exerting power rather than fostering negotiation and coexistence. Developments regarding Iran's regime will be crucial, and aligning with US policies in the region necessitates a cautious approach from Japan, distinct from simply strengthening the US-Japan alliance. This situation underscores the complex interplay of military intervention, diplomatic negotiations, and the overarching quest for or rejection of peace in the Middle East.

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