Alex Langlois
@langloisajl.bsky.social
Contributing Fellow - Defense Priorities | Senior Editor - DAWN | Michigander in Colorado | Writing Words | MA AU-SIS | West Asia/Al-Sham/US Politics | Progressive Realism/Military Restraint/Civilian Protection | shares/likes≠endorsement
After #Israel's unilateral breaking of the Gaza ceasefire, the situation surrounding the deal is clear.
There is no ceasefire in Gaza.
That and more - including what US foreign policy should look like in this context - below:
nationalinterest.org/blog/middle-...
There is no ceasefire in Gaza.
That and more - including what US foreign policy should look like in this context - below:
nationalinterest.org/blog/middle-...
There is No Ceasefire in Gaza
The Trump administration must be ready to apply pressure to Benjamin Netanyahu if it wants to save its peace plan.
nationalinterest.org
October 31, 2025 at 3:48 PM
After #Israel's unilateral breaking of the Gaza ceasefire, the situation surrounding the deal is clear.
There is no ceasefire in Gaza.
That and more - including what US foreign policy should look like in this context - below:
nationalinterest.org/blog/middle-...
There is no ceasefire in Gaza.
That and more - including what US foreign policy should look like in this context - below:
nationalinterest.org/blog/middle-...
My updated analysis of the #Israel-Hamas ceasefire and implementation of Trump's 20-point plan, via The National Interest.
Bibi is scratching and clawing to play spoiler, but the Trump team appears to remain focused at this point. But will it last?
More below: nationalinterest.org/blog/middle-...
Bibi is scratching and clawing to play spoiler, but the Trump team appears to remain focused at this point. But will it last?
More below: nationalinterest.org/blog/middle-...
Why Donald Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan Is Falling Apart
One need look no further than Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the cause of the growing cracks in the Gaza ceasefire.
nationalinterest.org
October 24, 2025 at 2:48 PM
My updated analysis of the #Israel-Hamas ceasefire and implementation of Trump's 20-point plan, via The National Interest.
Bibi is scratching and clawing to play spoiler, but the Trump team appears to remain focused at this point. But will it last?
More below: nationalinterest.org/blog/middle-...
Bibi is scratching and clawing to play spoiler, but the Trump team appears to remain focused at this point. But will it last?
More below: nationalinterest.org/blog/middle-...
With the Abraham Accords continuing to play a major role in US Middle East policy, where do #Israel and #Syria stand in terms of diplomatic normalization?
I dive into the subject after a historic Damascus announcement last week, via The National Interest.
nationalinterest.org/blog/middle-...
I dive into the subject after a historic Damascus announcement last week, via The National Interest.
nationalinterest.org/blog/middle-...
Will Syria and Israel Normalize Relations?
In the short term, normalization between Syria and Israel is not likely. But progress toward normalization is still possible.
nationalinterest.org
August 30, 2025 at 8:00 PM
With the Abraham Accords continuing to play a major role in US Middle East policy, where do #Israel and #Syria stand in terms of diplomatic normalization?
I dive into the subject after a historic Damascus announcement last week, via The National Interest.
nationalinterest.org/blog/middle-...
I dive into the subject after a historic Damascus announcement last week, via The National Interest.
nationalinterest.org/blog/middle-...
I'm *shocked* that she would say that amid the potential for a nicer prison or pardon. Totally can't believe it.
Ghislaine Maxwell told a top administration official she never saw President Trump engage in improper or illegal acts during his long friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, according to interview transcripts released late Friday.
Maxwell Never Witnessed Trump in ‘Inappropriate Setting,’ Transcript Says
The transcripts and audio, covering two days of discussions between Ms. Maxwell and Todd Blanche, the No. 2 post at the Justice Department, are likely to raise as many questions as they answer.
nyti.ms
August 22, 2025 at 9:03 PM
I'm *shocked* that she would say that amid the potential for a nicer prison or pardon. Totally can't believe it.
Reposted by Alex Langlois
The US is already running covert operations out of its embassy in Mexico City, via its secret Special Operations Command Forward Mexico (SOCFWD) which coordinates with CIA and FBI reps in country.
www.kenklippenstein.com/p/the-comman...
www.kenklippenstein.com/p/the-comman...
The Commandos Prepping Mexico Attacks
Trump’s war on cartels is a godsend for a special ops command with an identity crisis
www.kenklippenstein.com
August 22, 2025 at 9:01 PM
The US is already running covert operations out of its embassy in Mexico City, via its secret Special Operations Command Forward Mexico (SOCFWD) which coordinates with CIA and FBI reps in country.
www.kenklippenstein.com/p/the-comman...
www.kenklippenstein.com/p/the-comman...
Reposted by Alex Langlois
I shared some thoughts on the recent Lebanese government decision to disarm all armed groups, including Hezbollah, via The National Interest.
But what strategy will be implemented, and how can the worst-case outcome - more conflict - be averted?
More below!
nationalinterest.org/blog/middle-...
But what strategy will be implemented, and how can the worst-case outcome - more conflict - be averted?
More below!
nationalinterest.org/blog/middle-...
Will Hezbollah Disarm?
Disarming Hezbollah would be much easier if Israel withdrew its troops from Lebanese territory.
nationalinterest.org
August 20, 2025 at 9:32 PM
I shared some thoughts on the recent Lebanese government decision to disarm all armed groups, including Hezbollah, via The National Interest.
But what strategy will be implemented, and how can the worst-case outcome - more conflict - be averted?
More below!
nationalinterest.org/blog/middle-...
But what strategy will be implemented, and how can the worst-case outcome - more conflict - be averted?
More below!
nationalinterest.org/blog/middle-...
I shared some thoughts on the recent Lebanese government decision to disarm all armed groups, including Hezbollah, via The National Interest.
But what strategy will be implemented, and how can the worst-case outcome - more conflict - be averted?
More below!
nationalinterest.org/blog/middle-...
But what strategy will be implemented, and how can the worst-case outcome - more conflict - be averted?
More below!
nationalinterest.org/blog/middle-...
Will Hezbollah Disarm?
Disarming Hezbollah would be much easier if Israel withdrew its troops from Lebanese territory.
nationalinterest.org
August 20, 2025 at 9:32 PM
I shared some thoughts on the recent Lebanese government decision to disarm all armed groups, including Hezbollah, via The National Interest.
But what strategy will be implemented, and how can the worst-case outcome - more conflict - be averted?
More below!
nationalinterest.org/blog/middle-...
But what strategy will be implemented, and how can the worst-case outcome - more conflict - be averted?
More below!
nationalinterest.org/blog/middle-...
Anyone who can read this article and look at these photos of starving children and think, "They're faking it. They're liars," is one sick, evil individual.
Don't look away. Educate yourself. Do something. Anything. apnews.com/article/pale...
Don't look away. Educate yourself. Do something. Anything. apnews.com/article/pale...
Malnourished kids arrive daily at a Gaza hospital as Netanyahu denies hunger
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims there is no hunger in Gaza, but malnourished children are regularly arriving at Nasser Hospital.
apnews.com
August 15, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Anyone who can read this article and look at these photos of starving children and think, "They're faking it. They're liars," is one sick, evil individual.
Don't look away. Educate yourself. Do something. Anything. apnews.com/article/pale...
Don't look away. Educate yourself. Do something. Anything. apnews.com/article/pale...
Events in #Syria's Suweida mark a key moment for the country's transition from its civil war. Can this government lead Syria to a new age, or will more of the same define the future?
See my thoughts on the state of Syria's transition via The National Interest:
nationalinterest.org/blog/middle-...
See my thoughts on the state of Syria's transition via The National Interest:
nationalinterest.org/blog/middle-...
How to Stabilize Syria’s Transition
The interim government of Syria must grant more autonomy to minority groups if it wants to survive and succeed.
nationalinterest.org
July 29, 2025 at 10:22 PM
Events in #Syria's Suweida mark a key moment for the country's transition from its civil war. Can this government lead Syria to a new age, or will more of the same define the future?
See my thoughts on the state of Syria's transition via The National Interest:
nationalinterest.org/blog/middle-...
See my thoughts on the state of Syria's transition via The National Interest:
nationalinterest.org/blog/middle-...
All eyes will be on how al-Shara'a handles this report, given a similar process will be needed for the incidents in the south over the last week.
Hopefully, major lessons will be learned and implemented. Transitions are messy, but this cannot continue.
syrianobserver.com/syrian-actor...
Hopefully, major lessons will be learned and implemented. Transitions are messy, but this cannot continue.
syrianobserver.com/syrian-actor...
Sharaa Receives Final Report on Coastal Region Investigation - The Syrian Observer
According to a statement from the Syrian presidency, the report was submitted in full by the independent committee tasked with uncovering and examining the incidents that occurred in early March in th...
syrianobserver.com
July 21, 2025 at 7:11 PM
All eyes will be on how al-Shara'a handles this report, given a similar process will be needed for the incidents in the south over the last week.
Hopefully, major lessons will be learned and implemented. Transitions are messy, but this cannot continue.
syrianobserver.com/syrian-actor...
Hopefully, major lessons will be learned and implemented. Transitions are messy, but this cannot continue.
syrianobserver.com/syrian-actor...
Where are US-#Iran talks after the 12-Days War?
I shared some thoughts with The National Interest, arguing that a lot of uncertainty clouds the negotiations. A deal should still be a priority and can be reached, but expect both sides to harden their stances.
nationalinterest.org/blog/middle-...
I shared some thoughts with The National Interest, arguing that a lot of uncertainty clouds the negotiations. A deal should still be a priority and can be reached, but expect both sides to harden their stances.
nationalinterest.org/blog/middle-...
What Comes Next in US-Iran Talks?
Without a deal on its nuclear program with the United States, Iran is likely to rush toward weaponization.
nationalinterest.org
July 18, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Where are US-#Iran talks after the 12-Days War?
I shared some thoughts with The National Interest, arguing that a lot of uncertainty clouds the negotiations. A deal should still be a priority and can be reached, but expect both sides to harden their stances.
nationalinterest.org/blog/middle-...
I shared some thoughts with The National Interest, arguing that a lot of uncertainty clouds the negotiations. A deal should still be a priority and can be reached, but expect both sides to harden their stances.
nationalinterest.org/blog/middle-...
Reposted by Alex Langlois
Worth recalling if for no other reason than the US might get drawn back in again to "mow the grass."
Remember when the US bombed Iran, a couple of weeks ago?
July 18, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Worth recalling if for no other reason than the US might get drawn back in again to "mow the grass."
Taking DOGE to the UN out of spite and anger that the rules apply equally to all sovereign states won't help the US advance real interests.
It will cause more problems around the globe that this admin says it doesn't want to fix anyway. Purely stupid.
apnews.com/article/walt...
It will cause more problems around the globe that this admin says it doesn't want to fix anyway. Purely stupid.
apnews.com/article/walt...
Mike Waltz pledges to make UN 'great again' at Senate confirmation hearing
Mike Waltz says that as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations the U.S. is reviewing its support and opting to go “back to basics.”
apnews.com
July 16, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Taking DOGE to the UN out of spite and anger that the rules apply equally to all sovereign states won't help the US advance real interests.
It will cause more problems around the globe that this admin says it doesn't want to fix anyway. Purely stupid.
apnews.com/article/walt...
It will cause more problems around the globe that this admin says it doesn't want to fix anyway. Purely stupid.
apnews.com/article/walt...
Check out our latest @dawnmenaorg.bsky.social piece from Ghada al-Rozzi, who writes about her experience as a student in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas war.
It's a brief but powerful piece that speaks to the injustices facing so many innocent people in the Strip.
dawnmena.org/dreams-benea...
It's a brief but powerful piece that speaks to the injustices facing so many innocent people in the Strip.
dawnmena.org/dreams-benea...
Dreams Beneath the Rubble: A Student's Resistance in Gaza
To be a student in Gaza is to study under siege, to dream beneath drones and to write amid ruins. The war has not only destroyed buildings and ended lives. It has struck at the intellectual lifeblood ...
dawnmena.org
July 14, 2025 at 9:20 PM
Check out our latest @dawnmenaorg.bsky.social piece from Ghada al-Rozzi, who writes about her experience as a student in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas war.
It's a brief but powerful piece that speaks to the injustices facing so many innocent people in the Strip.
dawnmena.org/dreams-benea...
It's a brief but powerful piece that speaks to the injustices facing so many innocent people in the Strip.
dawnmena.org/dreams-benea...
"Israel’s Energy Minister Eli Cohen told right-wing Channel 14 that his ministry will not help rebuild infrastructure in Gaza. 'Gaza should remain an island of ruins to the next decades,' he said."
That people still defend this government is insane. apnews.com/article/isra...
That people still defend this government is insane. apnews.com/article/isra...
Israeli strikes kill at least 32 in Gaza as Palestinian war deaths top 58,000
Health officials in Gaza say Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 32 people, including six children at a water collection point.
apnews.com
July 14, 2025 at 2:46 PM
"Israel’s Energy Minister Eli Cohen told right-wing Channel 14 that his ministry will not help rebuild infrastructure in Gaza. 'Gaza should remain an island of ruins to the next decades,' he said."
That people still defend this government is insane. apnews.com/article/isra...
That people still defend this government is insane. apnews.com/article/isra...
Things you just LOVE to see! apnews.com/article/saga...
Video game performers approve contract to officially end nearly yearlong strike
Unionized video game performers have overwhelmingly voted to approve a new contract with their employers.
apnews.com
July 10, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Things you just LOVE to see! apnews.com/article/saga...
Looks like an attempt to avoid further association agreement issues between the EU and #Israel. Also, this could signal that a ceasefire is close, as the points raised in the statement have happened in prior ceasefires.
Still, good news, if acted upon.
www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/israelp...
Still, good news, if acted upon.
www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/israelp...
Israel/Palestine: Statement by the High Representative/Vice President Kaja Kallas
Following the Israeli Cabinet’s resolutions and the constructive dialogue between the EU and Israel, significant steps have been agreed by Israel to improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Stri...
www.eeas.europa.eu
July 10, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Looks like an attempt to avoid further association agreement issues between the EU and #Israel. Also, this could signal that a ceasefire is close, as the points raised in the statement have happened in prior ceasefires.
Still, good news, if acted upon.
www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/israelp...
Still, good news, if acted upon.
www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/israelp...
This approach seems smart on the part of the new authorities in Damascus. Transitional justice in #Syria is crucial but politically fraught.
Going after relatively easy violators of human rights could help build up support for a broader initiative.
www.newarab.com/news/syria-o...
Going after relatively easy violators of human rights could help build up support for a broader initiative.
www.newarab.com/news/syria-o...
Syria opens inquiry into missing children of political detainees
Syrian authorities are trying to find the identity of 413 orphans whose parents were ’disappeared’ by the Assad regime, after two ex-ministers were arrested
www.newarab.com
July 10, 2025 at 4:28 PM
This approach seems smart on the part of the new authorities in Damascus. Transitional justice in #Syria is crucial but politically fraught.
Going after relatively easy violators of human rights could help build up support for a broader initiative.
www.newarab.com/news/syria-o...
Going after relatively easy violators of human rights could help build up support for a broader initiative.
www.newarab.com/news/syria-o...
1. This is the General’s Plan #Israel denied was real repeatedly just months ago.
2. This is a concentration camp.
www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
2. This is a concentration camp.
www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
Israeli official: Netanyahu supports plan to concentrate Gazans into 'humanitarian city'
***
www.haaretz.com
July 10, 2025 at 1:14 PM
1. This is the General’s Plan #Israel denied was real repeatedly just months ago.
2. This is a concentration camp.
www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
2. This is a concentration camp.
www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
New sanctions on #Iran's oil export systems.
This tells me that rumors of an effort to develop understandings with both Tehran and Beijing via the oil file were a bit overblown. Maximum pressure continues as a method to force preferred Iranian decisions.
www.state.gov/releases/off...
This tells me that rumors of an effort to develop understandings with both Tehran and Beijing via the oil file were a bit overblown. Maximum pressure continues as a method to force preferred Iranian decisions.
www.state.gov/releases/off...
Sanctioning Iran’s “Shadow Banking” Network of Illicit Oil Traders - United States Department of State
Today, the United States is sanctioning 22 entities with ties to a network spanning multiple jurisdictions involved in illicit oil trade on behalf of the Iranian regime. This network has used foreign ...
www.state.gov
July 9, 2025 at 3:36 PM
New sanctions on #Iran's oil export systems.
This tells me that rumors of an effort to develop understandings with both Tehran and Beijing via the oil file were a bit overblown. Maximum pressure continues as a method to force preferred Iranian decisions.
www.state.gov/releases/off...
This tells me that rumors of an effort to develop understandings with both Tehran and Beijing via the oil file were a bit overblown. Maximum pressure continues as a method to force preferred Iranian decisions.
www.state.gov/releases/off...
What are the results of the #Israel-#Iran-US war?
I dive into just that in my latest for The National Interest, arguing that short-term, tactical interests - not strategic ones - drove the flawed decision to attack Iran.
The world is less safe as a result.
nationalinterest.org/blog/middle-...
I dive into just that in my latest for The National Interest, arguing that short-term, tactical interests - not strategic ones - drove the flawed decision to attack Iran.
The world is less safe as a result.
nationalinterest.org/blog/middle-...
Why the Israel-Iran Ceasefire Feels Like a Strategic Failure
Israel’s and Iran’s short war ends in a ceasefire, but the strikes likely failed to eliminate Iran’s nuclear program, highlighting a reckless cycle of political theatrics and strategic futility.
nationalinterest.org
July 9, 2025 at 1:57 PM
What are the results of the #Israel-#Iran-US war?
I dive into just that in my latest for The National Interest, arguing that short-term, tactical interests - not strategic ones - drove the flawed decision to attack Iran.
The world is less safe as a result.
nationalinterest.org/blog/middle-...
I dive into just that in my latest for The National Interest, arguing that short-term, tactical interests - not strategic ones - drove the flawed decision to attack Iran.
The world is less safe as a result.
nationalinterest.org/blog/middle-...
Wrote about #Syria, #Lebanon, and #Iran over the weekend for The National Interest, explaining how Trump may be driving much of his regional foreign policy through Damascus.
Normalization with Tel Aviv is the big question within this policy today. Have a look!
nationalinterest.org/feature/how-...
Normalization with Tel Aviv is the big question within this policy today. Have a look!
nationalinterest.org/feature/how-...
How Trump’s Syria Policy Impacts Iran, Hezbollah, and Israel
Trump’s Syria strategy aims to enable US military withdrawal while weakening Iran’s influence, pressuring Hezbollah, and balancing regional alliances, though internal contradictions and Israeli entang...
nationalinterest.org
July 1, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Wrote about #Syria, #Lebanon, and #Iran over the weekend for The National Interest, explaining how Trump may be driving much of his regional foreign policy through Damascus.
Normalization with Tel Aviv is the big question within this policy today. Have a look!
nationalinterest.org/feature/how-...
Normalization with Tel Aviv is the big question within this policy today. Have a look!
nationalinterest.org/feature/how-...
So, while we have next to no evidence of Hamas aid diversion, we do have evidence of #Israel bombing Hamas-affiliated security forces as they redistribute stolen aid to civilians.
Make it make sense.
apnews.com/article/isra...
Make it make sense.
apnews.com/article/isra...
An Israeli strike kills 18 Palestinians in central Gaza as turmoil mounts over food distribution
Palestinian hospital officials say an Israeli airstrike has hit a street in central Gaza, killing 18 people.
apnews.com
June 26, 2025 at 10:13 PM
So, while we have next to no evidence of Hamas aid diversion, we do have evidence of #Israel bombing Hamas-affiliated security forces as they redistribute stolen aid to civilians.
Make it make sense.
apnews.com/article/isra...
Make it make sense.
apnews.com/article/isra...
For those new here: this is not the first (or the last) time this will happen.
This is apartheid in the open. It is a two-tiered justice system in which one ethnic group can murder, burn, and rampage against another ethnic group and face no repercussions.
www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_ent...
This is apartheid in the open. It is a two-tiered justice system in which one ethnic group can murder, burn, and rampage against another ethnic group and face no repercussions.
www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_ent...
Police free all settlers detained in Wednesday’s deadly rampage of Palestinian village
* * *
www.timesofisrael.com
June 26, 2025 at 9:31 PM
For those new here: this is not the first (or the last) time this will happen.
This is apartheid in the open. It is a two-tiered justice system in which one ethnic group can murder, burn, and rampage against another ethnic group and face no repercussions.
www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_ent...
This is apartheid in the open. It is a two-tiered justice system in which one ethnic group can murder, burn, and rampage against another ethnic group and face no repercussions.
www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_ent...
How anyone can see stuff like this and think "Ya, my party isn't a threat to the very foundations of democratic thought in this country" is beyond me.
Rep. Andy Ogles, a Republican from Tennessee, has sent a letter to Pam Bondi calling for Zohran Mamdani to be stripped of his citizenship and deported.
June 26, 2025 at 9:04 PM
How anyone can see stuff like this and think "Ya, my party isn't a threat to the very foundations of democratic thought in this country" is beyond me.