Israel calls up reservists as Gaza offensive escalates

The Israeli army is issuing call-up orders to tens of thousands of reservists as it prepares to expand its military operations in the Gaza Strip, further intensifying an already devastating conflict, reports Saudi Gazette.

The military said the reservists would begin reporting for duty in the coming week, without specifying the scale or focus of the planned escalation.

The decision comes as the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. Israel has barred the entry of aid, medicine, food, and commercial goods into the enclave since March 02, worsening conditions for the civilian population.

According to Palestinian health authorities, nearly 52,500 people — the majority women and children — have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza since the war began in October 2023.

Israel is currently facing multiple international legal proceedings over its actions in Gaza. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in November last year for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. The country is also on trial at the International Court of Justice in a genocide case brought by South Africa.

Gulf leaders to meet Trump in Riyadh

Leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states will hold a summit meeting with US President Donald Trump during his visit to Riyadh in the middle of this month, according to the American news website Axios.

"During his meeting with Gulf leaders, US President Trump will present his country's vision for engagement in the Middle East affairs in addition to clarifying his policy priorities in the region," the website reported.

There are also plans to invite leaders of other Arab countries to the summit scheduled to be held in Riyadh, Axios reported. The leaders could be invited to a broader meeting, it reported.

US officials confirmed that President Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates will focus on bilateral issues, particularly investments, arms sales, and cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence, Axios reported.

Trump is scheduled to arrive in Riyadh on May 13 on the first leg of his three-nation Gulf tour that will also take him to Qatar and the UAE.

After the Saudi visit, President Trump will travel to Doha to meet Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. He will then travel to Abu Dhabi on May 15 to meet with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed.

United States the deadliest opponent of Iran

It will not be wrong to say that the United States has emerged as the deadliest opponent of the Islamic Revolution in Iran. Analysts believe it is largely due to a combination of historical, political, ideological, and strategic conflicts that emerged before, during, and after the 1979 Iranian Revolution.

Here is a list of factors that have caused antagonism that is so deep:

Overthrow of the Shah

Before the revolution, the United States was a close ally of Iran under the Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who was seen as a secular, pro-Western ruler. The Islamic Revolution overthrew the Shah and replaced his regime with a theocratic government led by Ayatollah Khomeini. The new regime viewed the US as a symbol of imperialism and corruption, coining the term "Great Satan" to describe it.

Embassy Hostage Crisis

The US alleges that the Iranian revolutionaries stormed the Embassy in Tehran and took 52 American diplomats hostage for 444 days. This incident permanently damaged US-Iran relations and led to the severing of diplomatic ties. It entrenched the perception in the US that the Islamic Republic was hostile and dangerous.

Strategic Interests in the Middle East

The US has long-standing alliances with Israel and Arab Gulf states, which are regional rivals of Iran. Iran opposes US military presence in the Middle East. Iran is often accused of supporting groups that the US terms terrorist organizations. The US sees Iran’s regional influence and proxy network as a major threat to its hegemony in the region.

Iranian Nuclear Program

The US has led global efforts to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, fearing regional destabilization and proliferation. Iran insists its program is for peaceful purposes, but the US has imposed severe economic sanctions to curb it. The collapse of the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA) under the Trump administration worsened tensions.

Ideological Conflict

The Islamic Republic’s governance is based on the principle of Velayat-e Faqih (rule of the Islamic jurist), which is fundamentally opposed to Western secular democracy. Iran views the US as a moral and cultural threat, promoting values it sees as antithetical to Islam and Islamic governance. The US views Iran’s system as authoritarian, anti-democratic, and hostile to human rights.

US Support for Opposing Groups

The US supported Saddam Hussein during the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988), in which hundreds of thousands of Iranians died. The US has supported efforts to weaken or isolate Iran’s allies and proxies across the region. Iran is also termed supporter of anti-US groups and militias across the Middle East.

Conclusion

The US is termed as the deadliest opponent of the Islamic Revolution because: 1) US represents the global power the revolution aims to resist, 2) US actively work to contain, isolate, and punish Iran post-revolution, 2) US has had a direct role in military, economic, and covert actions against Iran and its allies.

Many of the questions remain unanswered because the western media tows the US foreign policy, for which the news agencies are paid handsome return.

 

Singapore: PAP secures 14th successive victory

Singapore's People's Action Party won its 14th successive election on Saturday to extend its unbroken six-decade rule, delivering a strong mandate to its new premier as the city-state braces for economic turbulence from a global trade war.

The PAP, which has ruled since before Singapore's 1965 independence, won 87 of the 97 parliamentary seats up for grabs, with victories by huge margins in many of the 33 constituencies as the opposition failed to extend gains in previous contests.

The election was a bellwether of the popularity of the PAP amid some signs of disenchantment with its tight grip on power in the Asian financial hub, whose six million people have known no other kind of government.

Though the PAP has consistently won about 90% of seats, its share of the popular vote is closely watched as a measure of the strength of its mandate, with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong eager to leave a mark on his first election in charge after one of the PAP's worst performances on record last time.

The PAP had yet to be formally declared winner but took 65.57% of the vote, according to local media, surpassing the 61.2% achieved in the 2020 contest.

 

Araghchi to visit Pakistan and India to mediate

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to visit Pakistan and India next week to discuss bilateral relations, regional developments, and international issues, according to a Foreign Ministry spokesman. 

Araghchi's trip begins in Pakistan on Monday, where he will meet with high-ranking officials to address ways to enhance cooperation between the two nations. The visit takes place against a backdrop of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, stemming from a recent terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.

India has accused Pakistan of involvement in the April 22 attack, which resulted in 26 fatalities, a claim Pakistan denies.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has already engaged with both Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif via telephone, expressing condolences for the terrorist attack and emphasizing the importance of a united front against terrorism.

In his call with Modi, Pezeshkian condemned the attack and offered support in combating terrorism. He expressed concern over escalating tensions in his call with Sharif, underlining Iran’s desire for regional stability.

Further emphasizing Iran’s role as a potential mediator, Foreign Minister Araghchi spoke with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Muhammad Ishaq Dar, expressing Tehran’s willingness to facilitate discussions between India and Pakistan to de-escalate the situation. 

Araghchi will continue his trip later in the week with an official visit to India, where he will further promote dialogue and explore avenues for cooperation in the region. 

 

Why should Saudi Arabia buy US arms?

US President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia within this month. Reportedly his biggest task will be to sell arms worth US$100 billion to the Kingdom. I suggest that Saudis should try to find reply to a basic question, does the Kingdom need arms?

The usual US manta is that Saudi Arabia should buys arm due to several strategic, security, and geopolitical reasons. The US says, it is not just about weapons—it’s about defense, deterrence, influence, and survival in a volatile region. Let us examine some of these points:

National Defense

Over the years United States have been brainwashing Saudis that the kingdom faces threats from its neighbors and across the gulf and the adversaries are Iran, Iraq and Yemen. The manta also include security of oil infrastructure, its cities and people and above all security of two holy cities.

Deterrence

Over the years, the United States has been say that a well-armed Saudi military acts as a deterrent against aggression from regional rivals, especially Iran. Over the years Saudis were told “Iran is a bigger threat as compared to Israel”. Historically, there is no evidence that Iran attacked Saudi Arabia.

Strategic Alliances

Saudis have been constantly told that buying arms—especially from the United States and its allies, Britain and France deepens strategic partnerships. Arms deals often come with training, maintenance, intelligence sharing, and political backing. These purchases help cement defense ties, especially with the US, which says Saudi Arabia is a key Gulf ally.

Proxy Conflicts and Regional Influence

It is said that Saudi Arabia is involved in regional conflicts that include Yemen, Lebanon, Syria, and Sudan. A strong military gives Saudi Arabia leverage to project power and influence outcomes.

Internal Stability

Saudis are told that a strong military plays a key role in ensuring domestic security, protecting against Terrorism and Uprisings or internal unrest. The rulers are also told that well-equipped forces help ensure regime stability and protect key infrastructure.

Modernization and Prestige

The latest manta is that Saudi Vision 2030 aims at diversifying the economy and localizing arms production. Buying advanced systems helps transfer technology, train personnel, and develop domestic defense industries. And on top of all Military Might boosts national prestige and international status.

This narrative can be summed up in a few words, “Saudi Arabia should buy arms not just to fight wars, but to prevent them, influence allies and enemies, and secure its long-term stability in one of the world’s most dangerous regions”.

It is necessary to mention that over the years United States has been brainwashing Saudis saying “Iran is a bigger threat to Saudi Arabia as compared to Israel” and also fanning animosity between Saudi Arabia and Iran. 

Singapore Election 2025

Singapore's 2025 general election concluded today, marking a pivotal moment for the nation's political landscape. This election is the first major test for Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who succeeded Lee Hsien Loong in 2024, ending the Lee family's long-standing leadership since the country's independence.

The ruling People's Action Party (PAP), in power for 66 years, aims to secure a strong mandate to address pressing economic challenges, including a potential recession linked to global trade tensions

Key Election Highlights

Voter Turnout: Over 2.76 million citizens were eligible to vote at more than 1,200 polling stations, with turnout reaching 82% by late afternoon.

PAP's Position: While the PAP is expected to maintain its majority, the election is closely watched for signs of growing support for the opposition amid public dissatisfaction with government control and a high cost of living.

Opposition's Performance: The Workers' Party (WP), the main opposition, is contesting 26 seats. Analysts are monitoring whether the WP can build on its previous gains, as the PAP received 60.1% of the vote in 2020—its worst result.

Election Dynamics: This election features the highest number of candidates in Singapore's history, with 211 individuals, including two independents, contesting. There are five multi-cornered contests, the most since 1991,

Major Campaign Issues

Economic Concerns: Voters are primarily concerned about the high cost of living, housing affordability, and employment opportunities. The PAP has pledged to address these issues through various support schemes, while opposition parties propose alternative solutions, such as reducing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and implementing affordable housing schemes.

Political Landscape: The PAP warns that increasing opposition presence in parliament could weaken the nation's government at a critical global juncture. Opposition parties, however, argue for a more balanced government to ensure accountability on constitutional changes and national policy.

Way Forward

Election results are expected early Sunday morning. Observers are keen to see whether the PAP can improve upon its previous performance and how the opposition fares in expanding its parliamentary presence. The outcome will have significant implications for Singapore's political future and its approach to addressing domestic and global challenges