FDD Morning Brief

IS VENEZUELA CHINA'S REALITY CHECK? HEADLINE 1: Israel banned 29 Turkish individuals from entering the country.HEADLINE 2: Iran is reportedly turning to cryptocurrency to resuscitate its economy.HEADLINE 3: The Treasury Department slapped sanctions on a network of nonprofits tied to Hamas.HEADLINE 4: Israel is still schwacking Hezbollah in Lebanon.-- FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Craig Singleton, senior director of FDD’s China Program.Learn more at: fdd.org/fddmorningbrief-- Featured FDD Pieces: "Over the Barrel of a Gun: Syria’s Deal With the SDF" - Ahmad Sharawi, Real Clear World"The mission behind Trump’s Board of Peace is simple — and critics keep getting it wrong" - Jonathan Schanzer, New York Post"Assessing the China-Russia Threat Nexus in Technology and Information Warfare" - Craig Singleton, David Shedd, Ivana Stradner, and William Evanina, FDD Event

HEADLINE 1: Israel began demolishing UNRWA’s headquarters in East Jerusalem.HEADLINE 2:  U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack, who also serves as Trump’s Syria envoy, thinks that things are going well in Damascus. HEADLINE 3: The IDF began a sweeping counterterrorism operation in the West Bank city of Hebron.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Israeli American journalist Emily Schrader.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/--Featured FDD Pieces:"Persian Puzzles" - FDD's Foreign Podicy"As Iran’s uprising intensifies, Israel cannot afford to sit this one out" - Saeed Ghasseminejad and Navid Mohebbi, Ynetnews"Canada’s Bet on Beijing Puts USMCA at Risk" - Elaine Dezenski and Susan Soh

Steven A. Cook, a Senior Fellow for Middle East Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, delves into Iran's ongoing revolution, discussing its brutal crackdown and the potential for a prolonged uprising. He sheds light on the complexities of U.S. policy towards Syria amid recent clashes involving the Kurds and ISIS. Additionally, Cook analyzes Turkey's expanding influence and its implications for the region, particularly in Gaza, while exploring the rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE over regional strategies.

Join Jonathan Hessen, an Israeli senior fellow and advisor on Syrian affairs at the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security, as he delves into pressing security issues. Hessen discusses the U.S. naval deployments in response to regional tensions and analyzes Israel's missile defense strategies. He highlights Syria's military posturing and the significant role of Turkey in shaping the conflict. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by minority groups like the Druze and Kurds. Prepare for an engaging deep dive into Middle Eastern dynamics!

In a compelling discussion, Cliff May, Founder and President of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, shares insights on geopolitical challenges. He analyzes the implications of Maduro's capture for U.S. strategy, warning of the interim government's instability. The conversation shifts to Ukraine, where May elaborates on Putin's ambitions and ongoing resistance. He also highlights the Iranian protests and discusses the intricate ties between Cuba and Venezuela, emphasizing the potential fallout on regional politics. May's expert commentary sheds light on a shifting global landscape.

Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior director at FDD's Iran Program, dives deep into the current wave of protests in Iran, labeling them as the most significant anti-regime movement in decades. He highlights the struggle during the internet blackout and the stark rise in casualties. Discussing the unique demographic shift, Ben identifies this uprising's evolution from a call for reform to demands for revolution. He emphasizes the importance of international support and the risks associated with negotiating with the regime, calling for strategic measures to empower the protesters.

Gadeer Kamal Mreeh, a former Knesset member and prominent Druze public figure, offers valuable insights into Israel's national security landscape. She shares her journey as the first Druze woman in the Knesset and the delicate balance of representing diverse communities. Gadeer highlights the growing pressures on Druze populations in the region and Israel's strategic interests in southern Syria. She also discusses the implications of Turkish and Qatari influence, as well as the current political climate and the likelihood of Netanyahu's return to power.

Carine Hajjar, an opinion journalist at The Washington Post with a focus on the Middle East and Venezuela, discusses the impact of Venezuelan politics on Hezbollah's operations. She explores the implications of a potential Maduro downfall for Iran, given their strategic alliance. The conversation also delves into U.S. policies targeting illicit oil shipments and aiding Iranian protesters. Additionally, Hajjar reflects on domestic protests in the U.S. and the fragile stability in Lebanon, highlighting risks of civil conflict related to Hezbollah.

Retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery, now a senior director at FDD’s Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation, shares insights on the complexities of the Maduro operation. He discusses the rare planning for long-range capture missions and the involvement of U.S. special forces. Montgomery highlights the operation's mixed motives, touching on issues like drug trafficking and energy leverage. He emphasizes the critical need for stabilization and legitimate elections in Venezuela while addressing regional impacts on China and the broader axis of aggressors.

FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Ambassador Jeff Bartos, who serves as the U.S. Representative for UN Management and Reform.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief