Trump and Netanyahu disagree on whether to use military force to stop Iran's nuclear programme, and Israel's punishing attack on Iran places the region on a worrisome trajectory
While Israel's attack dealt a severe blow to Iran's military and nuclear infrastructure, the long-term impact remains uncertain as Tehran's potential for retaliation introduces new risks
Each side's actions carry risks of misjudgment, miscalculation, and the possibility that the conflict could escalate beyond the planned declared limits
Tensions reach a boiling point as an IAEA report finds Tehran in breach of its nuclear obligations. Meanwhile, US personnel are ordered out of the region in a sign that escalation may be imminent.
The bonds between Japan and the Middle East are based on trust and respect, since both seek peace and stability in the region. In these newly dangerous times, that bond is even more important.
Israel's commandeering of aid distribution in Gaza forces starving Palestinians to run the gauntlet at centres with biometric monitoring systems, armed security, and life-or-death hazards