Left: Bashar al-Assad, Reuters When President al-Sisi of Egypt says that Syria's President Assad is finished, it behooves us to listen. We must assume that Egyptian intelligence is very well-informed on the internal Syrian situation. So, if Assad … [Read more...] about When the Syrian pot boils over*
Mideast
Weekly Review, June 1-5, 2015
Pic Credit: Saul Loeb, the Atlantic --- Fueling the ISIS Fire - Rachel Ehrenfeld - Under growing criticism of handling the war against ISIS, the Obama administration decided to send more weapons to the Iraqi army and has already sent the first … [Read more...] about Weekly Review, June 1-5, 2015
What if the Iranian Deal Fails?
The Unbearable Risk of the Nuclear Deal with Iran. There is no question that the nuclear deal with Iran is risky. Even its supporters, and of course Obama himself, admit that it may not work. The question of course, is the extent of risk and the … [Read more...] about What if the Iranian Deal Fails?
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
As always, there is no lack of events, people and developments to write about. The problem is to choose. Among other good news is that U.S.-Israel defense cooperation continues unabated, with a good allocation of funds on the U.S. part for joint … [Read more...] about The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Obama’s “Serious Global Threat”
Left: Obama and several Gulf States leaders at the U.S. GSS Summit, Camp David, Maryland, May 14, 2015. The Islamic State’s territorial gains in Iraq and Syria and growing propaganda and recruitment in the West, is being downplayed by the Obama … [Read more...] about Obama’s “Serious Global Threat”
Obama, ISIS, the Pope and the Palestinians
While cache of computers, cell phones, and documents that was captured during the raid will provide important information about ISIS financial operations in Iraq and Syria and possibly on its support of its branches in North Africa, South-East Asia … [Read more...] about Obama, ISIS, the Pope and the Palestinians
ISIS’s Progress
Left: ISIS's new 5 star hotel in Mosul. No women in swimming pools, playing tennis or any public space unless completely covered, The hotel is patrolled by ISIS's women police brigade. (ISIS-affiliated social networks, May 1, 2015). As ISIS/ISIL … [Read more...] about ISIS’s Progress
Weekly Briefing, May 2-9, 2015
U.S. Counterterrorism at Risk - Rachel Ehrenfeld - Three days after American jihadists Elton Simpson and Nadir Soofi’s attempted to kill the participants of the Mohammed Cartoon competition in Garland, Texas, was foiled, Defense Secretary Ash Carter … [Read more...] about Weekly Briefing, May 2-9, 2015
Syria breaking up – Lebanon next?*
Left - Members of al Qaeda's Nusra Front in Lebanon. The already extremely complex Middle East may be on the verge of becoming even more so. At this point, the Sh'ia northern arc of Iran, Iraq, Assad and Hezbollah is in confrontation with the … [Read more...] about Syria breaking up – Lebanon next?*
An Era of Blah Blah Blah
One of the many reasons we commemorate the catastrophic death of Abraham Lincoln 150 years ago is to celebrate his incredible style, his ability in a few words to sum up the essence of our hopes and fears at a moment of crisis. What makes it all the … [Read more...] about An Era of Blah Blah Blah