Hamas
Big celebration in Gaza noting anniversary of the organization. Meanwhile in the West Bank PA authorities have arrested Hamas political organizers. The West Bank/PA is trying to deal with resurgence of Hamas as a political power. The PA has announced plans for new elections and Hamas wants their say.
Lebanon
Large protests near Beirut broke out with greater violence as Hezbollah fighters/supporters attacked the protestors. Continuation of the pushback Iran and backed elements have received of late.
Iraq
RUMINT - rumors of a more direct Iranian intervention in Iraq. This as protestors object to the proposed new Iraqi PM who like his predecessor is seen as an Iranian puppet and corrupt.
Turkey/Israel
Turkey forced an Israeli vessel out of recently declared economic zone waters near cypress. The Israeli vessel was believed to have been there surveying a route for a natural gas pipeline to Europe. Turkish spokesman on the incident essentially demanded Israel route the pipeline through turkey. Natural gas and other petroleum resources are becoming a greater potential flash point in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.
N Korea watch
Continued speculation of the nature of the “present” coming by the end of the year.
Photos allegedly of the recent rocket test seem to appear to be liquid fuel nozzles - but source of photo is questionable and unverified (from what I’ve read). Yesterday I was pretty sure the test involved a solid fuel engine, todays info and discussion with AmericanInTokoyo have shifted my thought to 50/50.
Tweaking interest today comes from a statement by North Korean Army Chief Pak Jon Chons hinting at ‘Another’ Strategic Weapon in Statement today. Speculation is ranging from the potential development of a MIRV warhead to a SLBM launch. OSINT folks have noted some “minor” activity at a submersible test stand barge at Nampo Naval Shipyard. FWIW, NK is holding its cards pretty close at the moment.
Turkey
Turkey is involved in projecting power in four directions.
1 - continued operations in Syria, still haven’t secured their desired ‘buffer’ zone
2 - chasing out other vessels and beginning explorations of ocean they have just recently declared as theirs.
3 - Evaluating sending troops to help the beleaguered government in Libya
4 - THIS IS THE BIGGIE. Turkey is threatening to ban US from two key bases in retaliation for any sanctions and unfavorable measures (Armenian Massacre) taken by the US. Key is the Incirlik Airbase, known for the storage of nuclear weapons. Also the Kürecik Radar Station - provides early warning for NATO against ballistic missile attacks from the east. Either one of these actions would not only affect America, but the rest of NATO/Europe.
Turkey has over the past 10+ years been going more and more rogue and more radically Islamic. It is doubtful that it can retain NATO membership much longer.