Reminding that elections are pivotal in justifying Iranian religious leadership and sustaining political legitimacy, Professor Shahram Akbarzadeh emphasizes that the recent turnout data from Iran’s elections serves as a stark wake-up call for authorities. He argues that the low turnout raised serious concerns for the regime’s legitimacy and underscores that the Iranian regime has come to recognize that its legitimacy is significantly at risk, perhaps even non-existent. Read Interview
TRT – Blinken: US submits draft Gaza ceasefire resolution to UNSC
The US is asking for a UN Security Council vote on an ‘immediate ceasefire’ in Gaza. The announcement was made by the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Saudi Arabia. Shahram Akbarzadeh from Deakin University has more. Watch Now
MESF 2023 Annual Report Released
In 2022, we moved from stength to strength. Deakin University was listed for a second time as Australia’s top institution for Middle East and Islamic Studies. We celebrate Dr Arif Saba receiving his PhD and Prof Ben Isakhan being named Australia’s Leading Researcher in Middle East and Islamic Studies. View online
“Iran, Energy Security, and the War on Gaza”
Explainer: what is the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
While Netanyahu has never been in favour of a two-state solution, it has had significant support from governments around the world for decades, including the United States, the United Kingdom, European nations, Australia, Canada, Egypt and others. However, the two-state solution is now further away than it has ever been, with some even proclaiming it “dead”. But what actually is the two-state solution and why do so many see this as the only resolution to the conflict? Read Article
Al Jazeera – Netanyahu dismisses a ceasefire proposal by Hamas and orders troops to push further into Rafah
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says there’s still room for an agreement after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed a ceasefire proposal. The deal was put forth by Hamas after mediation by the Qatar and Egypt. Shahram Akbarzadeh, a professor of Middle East and Central Asian politics at Deakin University, says Israel’s leader is averse to signing a truce deal as it would give Hamas credibility and recognition. Watch Now
Why Biden’s Sanctions on West Bank Settlers Could Escalate Into Total Cutoff of Arms Aid to Israel
Joe Biden signed an executive order Thursday leveling sanctions against four Israeli settlers accused of violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank after weeks of warnings to Tel Aviv. Sputnik asked a pair of leading observers of regional politics what the unprecedented move will mean for US-Israeli relations going forward. Read Article
TRT World – Biden says a two-state solution is still possible with Netanyahu in power
Biden said Netanyahu is not opposed to all two-state solutions, after Biden and Netanyahu spoke for the first time in weeks amid tensions over the war on Gaza. His comment comes after, Netanyahu said he had told US officials in plain terms that he will not support a Palestinian state as part of any post-war plan. Watch Now
How Israel’s ruthless military campaign against civilians in Gaza fractured the space for reflection
Israel’s indiscriminate bombing of Gaza has fractured families and ruptured research, with unconscious bias hindering communication and delivery in academia. Article by Michelle Pace. Read Article
Social Media, Surveillance, and Societies of Control
Amin Naeni, our PhD scholar, will present his paper at the fifth International Winter School 2024 (IWS) organized by the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies. The 2024 IWS, themed “Social Media, Surveillance, and Societies of Control,” will take place from January 6 to 11, in Doha, Qatar. Amin’s paper will discuss the process of securitization of public protests in Iran through state-led online campaigns.