Tom O'Connor
Based in his hometown of Staten Island, New York City, Tom O’Connor is an award-winning Senior Writer of Foreign Policy and Deputy Editor of National Security and Foreign Policy at Newsweek, where he specializes in covering the Middle East, North Korea, China, Russia and other areas of international affairs, relations and conflict. He has previously written for International Business Times, the New York Post, the Daily Star (Lebanon) and Staten Island Advance. His works have been cited in more than 1700 academic papers, government reports, books, news articles and other forms of research and media from across the globe. He has contributed analysis to a number of international outlets and has participated in Track II diplomacy related to the Middle East as well as fellowships at The Korea Society and Foreign Press Center Japan. Follow @ShaolinTom for daily news on X and his official Facebook page. Email t.oconnor@newsweek.com with tips or for media commentary and appearances.
81%
The Daily's Verdict
This author has a mixed reputation for journalistic standards. It is advisable to fact-check, scrutinize for bias, and check for conflicts of interest before relying on the author's reporting.
Bias
88%
Examples:
- Albeit Iran deems as psychological warfare the Zionist regime’s propaganda about intending to attack Lebanon, should it embark on full-scale military aggression, an obliterating war will ensue.
- Speaking to a military brass delegation on Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outlined what he viewed to be the regionwide battle lines of a broader Israel-Iran war.
- The first requirement is to cut that hand—Hamas. People who do this thing to us are not going to be there. We have a long battle. I don’t think it’s that long, but we’ll get rid of them.
- The IDF is prepared for a variety of security scenarios in all areas, and will continue to protect the State of Israel from the various threats.
Conflicts of Interest
92%
Examples:
- Hamas spokesperson Bassem Naim dismissed the figures presented by the IDF as incorrect.
- The IDF has reported killing approximately 15,000 Hamas fighters since the conflict began.
Contradictions
62%
Examples:
- IDF spokesperson claims around 30,000 Hamas fighters existed before the war.
- The Palestinian Health Ministry in the Hamas-led territory recorded more than 36,000 people killed in Gaza...
Deceptions
62%
Examples:
- The Israeli military has revealed the number of fighters of the Palestinian Hamas movement that are estimated to have been killed nearly eight months into the longest and deadliest-ever war in the Gaza Strip.
- We understand based on our assessments, based on forces reporting and strikes that we’ve conducted, around 15,000 have been killed in engagements with the IDF.
Recent Articles
Israel and Iran on the Brink of War: IDF Prepares for Various Scenarios Amidst Escalating Tensions in Middle East
Broke On: Friday, 28 June 2024Israel and Iran exchange threats over escalating tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border and in the ongoing war in Gaza, raising concerns of a larger-scale conflict. The IDF prepares for various security scenarios to protect Israel from threats, while Iran threatens an 'obliterating war'. Hezbollah enters the battle in Gaza and calls for expansion of activities to include Jordan. The US enters the eastern Mediterranean Sea with the USS Wasp to deter a wider war. Both sides continue to exchange threats and engage in military actions, with Sheikh Naim Qassem warning Israel is 'playing with fire'. Israel-Hamas Conflict: Casualties, Ceasefire Proposals, and Humanitarian Concerns
Broke On: Wednesday, 29 May 2024In the eighth month of the Israel-Hamas war, intense fighting continues with significant losses on both sides. Hamas, which has reportedly lost between 9,000 and 30,000 fighters, refuses to negotiate for a ceasefire despite Israel's proposed three-phased agreement. Israeli forces have seized control of Gaza's border with Egypt and killed over 15,000 Hamas fighters since the conflict began in October 2023. The war has resulted in at least 1,200 civilian deaths and raised concerns for a potential humanitarian crisis. 
House Republicans Warn ICC of Consequences for Israeli Arrest Warrants
Broke On: Tuesday, 07 May 2024House Republicans prepare legislation to sanction International Criminal Court (ICC) officials in response to potential Israeli arrest warrants. Rashida Tlaib has demanded a warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Republican senators have warned against issuing warrants for senior Israeli officials. If the ICC moves forward with arrest warrants, the U.S. will end support and impose sanctions. 
US Blames Iran-Backed Militants for Drone Strike that Killed Three American Service Members in Jordan
Broke On: Wednesday, 31 January 2024The US has officially blamed Iran-backed militants for the drone strike that killed three American service members in Jordan. Kataib Hezbollah, an umbrella group of militias operating in Iraq and Syria, is believed to be responsible for the attack. The incident marks a significant escalation of tensions between Iran and the US. U.S. Military Conducts Airstrikes on Iranian-Linked Sites in Syria and Iraq
Broke On: Thursday, 26 October 2023The U.S. military carried out airstrikes on facilities in Syria and Iraq operated by Iranian-backed forces. The U.S. Department of Defense stated that the strikes were defensive and intended to deter Iran and protect U.S. personnel. The Pentagon confirmed the success of the strikes but did not provide details on the extent of the damage or any casualties. US Prepared to Intervene in Israel-Hamas Conflict, Deploys THAAD Systems Amidst Increased Iranian Support
Broke On: Monday, 23 October 2023US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the US is prepared to intervene in the Israel-Hamas conflict if a 'line is crossed'. The US has deployed its THAAD systems in the region, seen as a response to the growing threat posed by Iran and its proxies. Iranian-backed militias have reportedly increased their support for Hamas.
