Confrontation

Iran and Israel long fought in the shadows — through intelligence operations, cyberattacks, covert sabotage and proxy warfare — calibrating pressure without crossing into direct war. That balance is faltering. The shadow conflict is tilting toward open confrontation, reshaping the Middle East’s security architecture and rippling through energy markets, shipping lanes and fragile regional politics from the Strait of Hormuz to the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa. For decades, Tehran relied on partners such as Hezbollah in…

In the intense tapestry of Somalia's ongoing struggle against al-Shabab, recent clashes have painted a stark picture of both victories and the persisting threat of this militant group. It's reported that over 20 al-Shabab fighters fell during a skirmish, marking another chapter in this lengthy conflict. A regional official remarked on the encounter, hinting at its pivotal outcomes: "This was a significant blow to the militants." Let's rewind to last year, when Somali forces orchestrated a high-stakes operation in the…