March 2015 is looking like it is going to be a very "interesting" month, to quote the well-known Chinese curse "May you live in interesting times". First Prime Minister Netanyahu will address the joint houses of Congress while he is in Washington to … [Read more...] about Beware of the Ides of March
Norman Bailey
Back to the 1930s*
As the US retreats from global responsibilities, disintegrative and destructive forces are taking hold. The world is coming to resemble the 1930s more and more. From Argentina to Yemen to Ukraine to Syria and Lebanon, entropy, the natural tendency … [Read more...] about Back to the 1930s*
Israel and Oil
With the price of a barrel of benchmark crude oil falling by a half in the past six months, the punditocracy is out in force prophesying about what it all means. Predictably, their conclusions range from “It’s wonderful for the world’s economy in … [Read more...] about Israel and Oil
Egypt Protects Israel’s Flank*
Various regional developments are proceeding almost unnoticed, among them President al-Sisi's isolation of Gaza. As usual, truly important developments are obscured by the daily crush of events. Horrific crimes in Jerusalem and the … [Read more...] about Egypt Protects Israel’s Flank*
Turkey Roasts*
Turkey's leadership has brought the country to an impossible position, and its dream of revived grandeur is receding. There has not been a time since the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the declaration of the Turkish Republic following the end of … [Read more...] about Turkey Roasts*
Egypt’s, Iran’s and Turkey’s Transformation*
The five most important countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) from the standpoint of military power and economic clout are the Arab states Egypt and Saudi Arabia and the non-Arab states Israel, Turkey and Iran. Three of those countries … [Read more...] about Egypt’s, Iran’s and Turkey’s Transformation*
Open Conflict in Washington
The conflict in Washington between the pro-Israel Congress and the anti-Israel Administration of Barack Obama just entered a new and enhanced phase. The Republican-controlled House of Representatives passed a resolution condemning the wave of … [Read more...] about Open Conflict in Washington