One of the Middle East’s oldest conflicts has entered a new era
Iran’s attack on Israel throws out old rules and puts allies in a delicate position
EVEN an ineffective act can be transformative. The Middle East spent the first half of this month waiting for Iran to retaliate for an Israeli air strike, on April 1st, which killed two generals at its embassy compound in Damascus. When it came, on the night of April 13th, it was bolder than expected, a barrage of more than 300 missiles and drones aimed at Israel. That it caused no death and little destruction did not diminish its import: this was the first time Iran has struck Israel directly.
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This article appeared in the Middle East & Africa section of the print edition under the headline “Striking out”
Middle East & Africa April 20th 2024
From the April 20th 2024 edition
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