(2026-01-16). Chosen People, Unchosen Allies: Israel's Manipulation of MENA "Minorities" Lebanon's Maronites. muslimskeptic.com It has become common for people to assert that Israel strategically engages with ethnic or religious minorities across the Middle East as a way of managing, fragmenting, or containing the Arab-Muslim political majority. Contemporary discussions often point to Israeli outreach toward Kurds or, more recently, toward the Druze in southern Syria. The underlying question is …
(2026-01-16). Iran warns of 'decisive response' to any military aggression at UNSC. tribune.com.pk 
Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Iran to the United Nations, Gholamhossein Darzi, has issued a stern warning that any military or political aggression against Tehran will be met with a full and decisive response, while condemning international sanctions as a violation of international law. | Speaking at the UN Security Council, Darzi criticised the United States for convening a meeting on Iran's internal situation, calling it shameful and an example of political hypocrisy. | Darzi accused Western human rights organisations of advancing an Israeli agenda and claimed that years of sanctions have…
(2026-01-16). Pakistan pushes for inclusive Yemen talks. tribune.com.pk 
Pakistan has called for an "inclusive" political settlement of the "protracted" conflict in Yemen, warning that millions of people are suffering due to the collapse of basic services, and demanded the release of detained UN and relief personnel. | "We encourage all Yemeni stakeholders and regional partners to engage constructively towards an inclusive and durable political settlement that reflects the aspiration of all the Yemeni people and safeguards regional peace and stability," Ambassador Asim Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, told the UN Security Council on Wednesday. | Sp…
(2026-01-15). US envoy to UN: US stands by Iranian people, all options on table. al-monitor.com By Michelle NicholsUNITED NATIONS, Jan 15 (Reuters) – The United States stands by the "brave people of Iran," and President Donald Trump "has made it clear all options are on the table to stop the slaughter," U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz told the U.N. Security Council on Thursday.Trump has repeatedly threatened to intervene in support of protesters in Iran, where thousands of people have been reported killed in a crackdown on the unrest against clerical rule.