The Battle over Hormuz, the UAE, and Why Hamas and Hezbollah Endure
The Middle East continues to face multiple interconnected conflicts, including ongoing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, Israel's military engagements with Hezbollah, and Hamas maintaining control in Gaza. The United Arab Emirates has exited OPEC, signaling a shift in regional energy politics, while U.S. efforts under Trump's 'Project Freedom' aim to secure vital shipping lanes. Settler violence in the West Bank and international attention on figures like UN rapporteur Francesca Albanese further highlight the region's instability.
- ▪The United States is conducting 'Project Freedom' to reopen the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing conflict with Iran.
- ▪The United Arab Emirates has officially left OPEC, marking a significant shift in its energy policy and regional alliances.
- ▪Israel continues to fight Hezbollah along its northern border, while Hamas retains control over Gaza.
- ▪Settler violence in the West Bank has increased, contributing to the broader instability in the region.
- ▪UN human rights expert Francesca Albanese has gained international attention, including a feature in Vogue, for her reporting on the Palestinian territories.
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Playback speed×Share postShare post at current timeShare from 0:000:00/PreviewView all episodesThe Battle over Hormuz, the UAE, and Why Hamas and Hezbollah EndureMay 5, 2026Rafaela Siewert57MAlso: Settler violence in the West Bank, Trump’s ‘Project Freedom,’ UAE leaving OPEC, and Francesca Albanese on VogueGet NotifiedThe Middle East remains in turmoil. Trump is waging “Project Freedom” to reopen the Strait of Hormuz; the war with Iran continues; the United Arab Emirates just dramatically departed from OPEC; Israel is still fighting on its northern border with Lebanon; and Hamas’s grip on Gaza persists.It can be hard to keep track of this—much less make sense of it.
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