Less than two months into 2016 and the Middle East has already proved to be an incredibly volatile and dangerous place. As you read through this article, ask yourself: Why it is happening now? Is there a common denominator?

Ramadi Recaptured

Iraq started the year on a high after it wrested control of Ramadi from the Islamic State.

Islamic State in Libya

In January, United States intelligence identified at least 500 Islamic State terrorists moving into Libya, adding to the speculated 3,000 that were already there. Other estimates put the number at 10,000.

Terrorist Attacks in Israel

Since January 1, attacks against Israel—stabbings, shootings and firebombings—have been an almost daily occurrence. Most are directed at the Israel Defense Force, but civilians are also targeted.

Shiite Cleric Executed

On January 2, Saudi authorities executed outspoken government critic Nimr al-Nimr. The execution led to the ransacking and burning of Saudi Arabia’s embassy in Tehran.

Cutting Ties

In response to the attack on the embassy, Saudi Arabia—along with its allies Bahrain, Sudan and, to some extent, the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.)—severed diplomatic ties with Iran.

Back to War in Yemen

On January 2, Saudi Arabia announced that it was ending its ceasefire with Houthi rebels in Yemen, putting an end to the brief hope that the civil war was calming down.

Secret Missiles

On January 6, Iran unveiled a new underground missile cache.

Brotherhood Clashes with Egypt

In Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood held a long, fierce gunfight on January 7 with security forces. The attack targeted Israeli tourists. While the Brotherhood suffered major setbacks, the attack showed that it is not yet defeated.

Pakistan Threatens Iran

On January 10, Pakistani Army Chief of Staff, Gen. Raheel Sharif, said that if Saudi Arabia was threatened by Iran, Pakistan would “wipe Iran off the map.”

Iran Captures U.S. Soldiers

On January 12, Iran humiliated the United States by capturing 10 U.S. Navy sailors. The men were held at gunpoint on their knees and forced to apologize for trespassing in Iranian waters. They were released the following day.

Islamic State Attacks European Tourists

The Islamic State targeted European tourists on January 12 in Istanbul, Turkey. The German Foreign Minister confirmed all 10 victims killed were Germans.

Russia and Syria Bomb Together

On January 14, the Russian Defense Ministry announced that it had conducted its first joint bombing mission with the Syrian Air Force. This symbolic move highlighted Russia’s strategically pivotal role in sustaining Syrian President Bashar Assad.

Americans Kidnapped

On January 15, three American contractors were kidnapped by an Iranian-backed Shia militia in Baghdad, Iraq. Evidence suggests that the White House knew of the impending attack but trusted Iran to call off the militia beforehand. The men were released on February 16.

Implementation Day

On January 16, Iran shed almost four decades of rogue-state status as it was released from a wide range of economic sanctions. Geopolitically, the West essentially anointed Iran the king of the Middle East.

Gaza Rockets Keep Falling

The sixth rocket of the year was launched at Israel on January 24. While no fatalities or serious damage have resulted from these rocket attacks, they highlight the ongoing conflict being waged between the Palestinians and the Jews.

Cyberattack Hits Israel

Israel’s Electricity Authority was hit the next day by a “severe” hack, shutting down the Authority’s computer systems for days.

Iran ‘Chases’ U.S. Military

Iran announced on January 26 that it had chased off two American warships that had come too close to its war games in the Strait of Hormuz. Such actions, true or not, portray Iran as the new “top dog” in the Middle East.

Iran in Europe

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani was in Europe in late January, buying 118 Airbuses, signing a $438 million deal with car-maker Peugeot, and sealing an oil deal with Europe where Iran sells 150,000 to 200,000 barrels per day to the region. These deals cemented Iran’s new place in the international community and undermined future efforts to implement sanctions.

Syrian Troops Advance on Aleppo

Backed by Russian airstrikes, Syrian troops cut supply lines north and south of the rebel stronghold of Aleppo.

Iran Strengthens Missile Program

On February 4, the head of the Iranian Army called for Iran’s missile program to be expanded.

‘Foremost State Sponsor of Terror’

February 9, the U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence released its annual “Statement for the Record Worldwide Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community,” which, again, labeled Iran the “foremost state sponsor of terrorism.”

Iran Mocks U.S. Again

On February 11, during the annual celebration of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, participants re-created scenes from Iran’s January 12 capture of 10 U.S. sailors.

Saudi Jets in Turkey

On February 13, the Saudi Defense Ministry confirmed that it had sent jets to Turkey’s Incirlik Airbase to join the military campaign against the Islamic State.

Military Drills

On February 14, Saudi Arabia and 19 other Muslim nations began conducting an 18-day military exercise. It included 350,000 troops, 2,500 warplanes, 20,000 tanks and 450 helicopters. The event was held close to Iraq’s southern border.

Nuclear War Coming

On February 15, Israel’s defense minister warned of an impending nuclear arms race in the Middle East.

Iran-Russia Bonding

Iranian Defense Minister Hossein Dehghan met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on February 16. As a side note, Dehghan orchestrated the 1983 Beirut bombing that killed 220 U.S. marines and 21 other service members.

Ankara Bombed

On February 17, a suicide bomber targeted the Turkish military in an attack that claimed the lives of at least 28 people in the Turkish capital.

Russia Sends Jets to Iran

Also on February 17, in defiance of United Nations resolutions, Russia announced that it will sign a contract to supply a number of high-tech aircraft to Iran.

Nuclear Material Stolen

On February 17, Reuters reported that Iraq was searching for stolen nuclear materials that could be used in creating a dirty bomb. The case—the size of a laptop—was taken by the Islamic State in late November 2015.

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