About Dispatches from Levant
In a world overflowing with opinions but lacking real analysis, cutting through the clutter has never been harder. Discussions about Israel and the broader Middle East are often dominated by voices that have never set foot in the region, do not speak its languages, and rely on secondhand narratives. The result is a landscape where speculation replaces substance, and ideological takes overshadow informed discourse.
Dispatches from Levant is an attempt to bring back the fundamentals of journalism—good stories, told with a strong analytical foundation. It is not about taking sides or pushing narratives but about offering well-researched, context-driven analysis of the developments in Israel, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Palestinian armed groups, and Iranian proxy organizations. This platform is an effort to break down complex events, not just as headlines but as part of a historical and geopolitical continuum that shapes the realities on the ground.
As someone living in the region, I have access to some of the best resources and experts to tell these stories. But more importantly, I am still discovering Israel. This newsletter is my attempt to bring the conflict to you through an outsider’s lens, one that remains unbiased, open-minded, and willing to engage with the realities of the region beyond political noise. It is not just about reporting what happens, but about explaining why it matters and how it fits into the broader picture.
At the same time, Dispatches from Levant is also an attempt to show you the other side of Israel—the one the international media rarely covers. Beyond the headlines of war and diplomacy, Israel is a complex society with deep political, cultural, and security dynamics that often go unnoticed. While the Israeli-Palestinian conflict dominates global narratives, there is an entire world of regional strategy, security challenges, and ideological movements shaping the country and its role in the Middle East.
Every week, I will bring you sharp analysis, breaking down key developments with historical and geopolitical clarity. The newsletter will feature weekly news summaries, interviews with leading experts, social media insights that might otherwise go unnoticed, and ground reports that offer perspectives beyond the headlines. The goal is to make complex events accessible, to provide clarity where mainstream media thrives on confusion, and to create a space where readers with a genuine interest in the region can engage without fear of getting lost in jargon or propaganda.
This is a platform for those who seek to understand the region beyond the noise. If you are looking for thoughtful, well-researched analysis of the most pressing issues in Israel and the Middle East, Dispatches from Levant is for you.
About Ratnadeep Chakraborty
Ratnadeep Chakraborty is a doctoral researcher at Tel Aviv University, specializing in terrorism, anti-Semitism in jihadist networks, and the evolving dynamics of I2U2 relations. He is the author of The Evolution of Israel’s National Security Doctrine, a Research Associate at Mantraya, and the host of Indian Eye on Israel, a podcast that explores the intersection of Israeli affairs and global geopolitics. At IMPACT-SE, he published a report analyzing Pakistani curricula against UNESCO standards. His paper on the history of anti-Semitism in Pakistan, published by Tel Aviv University, has been cited widely in Israeli media; including Channel 11, i24 News, and The Jerusalem Post. His coverage spans key events over the past decade, from the 2019 Easter bombings in Sri Lanka to Afghanistan’s 2021 Taliban resurgence, and field reporting from Israel’s 2023 conflict with Hamas and the Iran–Israel 12-day war. Ratnadeep has collaborated with major networks, including NDTV and Republic TV.
You can follow Ratnadeep on X (formerly twitter) to stay updated on his latest research, commentary, and analysis.
Why subscribe?
Subscribe to get full access to the newsletter and publication archives, along with exclusive ground reports offering on-the-ground insights into regional developments. Enjoy paywalled deep-dive stories every two weeks, providing in-depth analysis beyond the headlines. Plus, get exclusive access to the "Dispatches from Levant" podcast, featuring expert discussions on Israel, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, antisemitism, Palestinian armed groups, and Iranian proxy networks. Subscribe now to stay informed with sharp, nuanced coverage of the region.
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For story ideas, partnerships, or suggestions, you can reach me at ratnadeep@dispatchesfromlevant.com
