Left: U.S. gross domestic product, 1st quarter revised to -0.7% from +0.2%. Source: Commerce Department The US remains Israel's most important market, but its economic recovery is stalling. In recent years the Israeli government and the Israeli … [Read more...] about US Risky Economic Recovery*
Norman Bailey
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
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?*
Putin Throws a Spanner Into the Works*
Following the unsigned non-agreement on the contents of which no-one agrees in · Lausanne, declared "historic" by President Obama (which it surely is, in the sense that the 1938 Munich agreement and the 1994 North Korean agreement were historic), … [Read more...] about Putin Throws a Spanner Into the Works*
Powering the Land of Milk & Honey: Israel & Energy*
For many decades a joke has made the rounds in the Jewish world: "Hashem gave the land of milk and honey to the descendants of Isaac, but he gave the oil and gas to the descendants of Ishmael". The humor, of course, resides in the fact that, as … [Read more...] about Powering the Land of Milk & Honey: Israel & Energy*
The “Historic” Agreement That Ignores History*
No-one agrees on what was agreed with Iran, but in any case the precedents are hardly encouraging. By this time hordes of commentators have chewed over Mr. Obama's "historic" agreement. Some aspects, however, have been overlooked or … [Read more...] about The “Historic” Agreement That Ignores History*
How Dangerous is Putin’s Russia?**
On a scale of zero (not at all) to ten (existential threat to the world), Putin’s threat is an eight. It would be a serious mistake to assume he is merely blustering. Since taking control in 2000, President Putin has spent these fourteen years … [Read more...] about How Dangerous is Putin’s Russia?**
Of Great Illusions And The End of History
The 20th century was undoubtedly the bloodiest and most violent in the history of the world. Continual wardfare, regional or worldwide, covering the entire period from 1914 to 1991, including three world wars (the so-called Cold War being the third) … [Read more...] about Of Great Illusions And The End of History
Beware of Innocent-Sounding NGOs!
Ostensibly benign, independent NGOs are effective propaganda tools for those with the means - such as Qatar,Russia...and George Soros. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are becoming ever more significant on the international scene. Non-profit … [Read more...] about Beware of Innocent-Sounding NGOs!
Bad Iran Deal in the Offing
(Left) Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif underlined on Tuesday (Feb.9) that the nuclear talks between Tehran and the world powers will end in a final agreement if the western powers stop seeking excuses and reciprocate Iran's goodwill … [Read more...] about Bad Iran Deal in the Offing