Links to five reports: from National Public Radio, Middle East Monitor, and the Cradle; others are accessible by clicking on their names or initials. (Scroll up or down for this date’s GAZA, UKRAINE and WEST BANK, and down for IRAN 10-22-26.) — MCM

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U.S. and Israel are planning for a possible attack on Iran after the midterms. Reported by Greg Myre and A Martínez | NPR  The U.S. and Israel are making moves that point to the possibility of renewed heavy fighting in Iran. The prospect of military escalation is complicated by critical elections in both the U.S. and Israel in the coming days. Click HERE to listen and, later, read. Click HERE to listen to second NPR report (an interview), and read later. Click HERE for Oct. 22 NPR report.

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Iranian army orders ground forces to maintain highest combat readiness amid tensions with U.S. From Middle East Monitor. Iran’s Army Ground Forces commander Brig. Gen. Jahanshahi has ordered military unit commanders to maintain the highest level of combat readiness, warning that negligence during wartime could have serious consequences, Tasnim news agency reported today. READ MORE . . .

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FROM OCT. 22  Iran bolsters defenses along Iraqi Kurdistan border amid threat of attacks by U.S.-backed separatists. From the Cradle. Iran has deployed artillery and heavy weaponry to Kurdish areas in the west of the country amid growing fears of a renewed U.S.-Israeli assault and ongoing attacks on Iranian security forces by Kurdish and Baloch separatist groups. READ MORE . . .

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