10 Jun

The clashes on May 27, 2023, between Taliban and Iranian forces along the Afghanistan-Iran border raise regional tensions. Stemming from a water treaty dispute, these clashes represent the first major violence between Iran and the Taliban since 2021. The article explores the events leading up to the clashes, the clashes themselves, and assesses whether they hold greater significance than initially portrayed.

01 May

In this article, we explore the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, a regional power struggle involving Armenia, Azerbaijan, and major powers like Iran, Israel, Turkey, Russia, and the United States. We examine the complex strategic interests, alliances, and rivalries that shape this ongoing dispute and its far-reaching implications.

08 Nov

A few days ago, Midstone Centre associate Vineet reached out to the spokesperson of Jaish al-ʿAdl, Hossein Baloch, via an encrypted messaging app, and requested an interview. Our request was granted by the group’s spokesperson and a short interview was conducted in Persian. The views and opinions expressed by the individual interviewed are solely his own and are based on his own perspective and opinions. The views expressed in the publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the author or Midstone Centre. In light of the ongoing protests in Iran and the subsequent crackdown by the regime, Jaish al-’Adl announced support for the protesters. The intention behind this interview is to explore and understand the views and stances of Jaish al-’Adl.

09 Jul

The precarious security situation within Iraq continues to garner interest without a major crisis yet, but still manages to provide ample commentary while maintaining the same cast of characters: Shia militias that act as proxies for Iran, Mustafa al-Kadhimi the former head of the National Intelligence Service and current Prime Minister and the National Intelligence Service itself. The moves that the Shia groups are making can be interpreted as part of a power play.

14 Jun

In the latest incident of its kind, two men working in Iran’s aerospace industry have died in separate incidents while on active duty, according to Iranian state media. The Markazi province branch of the sanctioned Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp’s (IRGC) announced in a statement on Sunday that Ali…