Israel may soon be forced to choose between the Turks and the Kurds. In this week's column, I will compare and contrast two developments of great significance for Israel's regional future: the Kurdish question and the development of the offshore … [Read more...] about Israel’s Kurdish Conundrum*
Syria
Misplaced Charity*
Pres. Barack Obama’s proposal for what would be a substantial new entry of Syrian refugees is a major miscalculation of traditional American morality and generosity. It is true that the 13.5 million Syrian refugees, half of them expelled or hounded … [Read more...] about Misplaced Charity*
Iran’s Growing Involvement in the Middle East
"Assad remaining in power Iran's redline" - Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior advisor to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei: Revolutionary Guard's deputy commander, General Hossein Salami, threatened on May 4th: “If the … [Read more...] about Iran’s Growing Involvement in the Middle East
Unseemly Behavior*
Left: "HE’S GOT THE MOVES: US President Barack Obama dances tango with a dancer during a state dinner in Buenos Aires on Wednesday. (AFP)" Arab News, March 25, 2016 For an Administration, which supposedly excels in its appreciation and manipulation … [Read more...] about Unseemly Behavior*
Iran’s Growing Intervention in Syria and the Region (February 14-28, 2016)
Left: Iranian forces in Syria, credit: yalibnan Amidst rumors that Iran is withdrawing its forces from Syria, Debka File reported that "Under cover of the Syrian ceasefire that went into effect Saturday, Feb. 27, and the Russian air umbrella, Iran’s … [Read more...] about Iran’s Growing Intervention in Syria and the Region (February 14-28, 2016)
Hassan Nasrallah’s “Ammonia Speech:” The Threat for Israel and Its Significance*
Left: Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in a broadcast from his bunker threatened to fire missiles at the ammonia plant in Haifa, Israel, which he claimed would cause an explosion similar to that of a nuclear bomb (2/16/16). Overview Marking the … [Read more...] about Hassan Nasrallah’s “Ammonia Speech:” The Threat for Israel and Its Significance*
Syria Ceasefire Will Not Defeat ISIS
The United States and Russia brokered ceasefire agreement between the Syrian government and few of the fighting groups is scheduled for February 27, 2016, 00:00 local time. While Washington described the agreement as yet another major diplomatic … [Read more...] about Syria Ceasefire Will Not Defeat ISIS
Misnavigating America
As if seven years of Obama’s efforts to diminish the world’s superpower were not enough, recent events in the Middle East highlight the need for American leadership capable of righting the ship. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter’s statement that the … [Read more...] about Misnavigating America
The F-35 is a Security Threat*
The greatest modern air battle after the 1973 Yom Kippur war was the air battle over the Bekaa Valley in 1982. The outcome of that battle still influences strategic planning and weapons development in the United States and Russia. One development … [Read more...] about The F-35 is a Security Threat*
The Counter-Terrorist-Financing Farce
Left: The chart on the right shows the intricate money-laundering system the Lebanese Canadian Bank used to divert money to the Shiite militant group Hezbollah, according to United States officials. (The NYT, Dec 13, 2011). And on June 25, 2013, the … [Read more...] about The Counter-Terrorist-Financing Farce