An analysis piece describes the competing interests of Israel, the United States, Sudan, and Egypt regarding attacks on convoys smuggling weapons into the Gaza Strip. The article cites intelligence sources in the various countries as blaming the event first on the United States until U.S. officials leaked to the press that Israel instigated the attack. […]
The Israeli army used unmanned aerial vehicles at least three times since January to disrupt the flow of Iranian weapons from Sudan to the Gaza Strip, according to recent reports. The additional details involving the strikes indicated that the weapons convoys carried missiles that could reach both Tel Aviv and Israel’s nuclear reactor in Dimona. […]
A new article from the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies essentially details how Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert failed in every initiative of his since taking office. Namely, the author blames Olmert for failing to handle Hamas, thereby permitting the terrorist group to act freely, without repercussions, in the Gaza Strip. Moreover, Olmert failed to […]
Chief Palestinian Negotiator Saeb Erakat penned an op-ed for todays Washington Postdelineating steps towards the renewal of the peace process. He expresses concern regarding the upcoming Likud-led government in Israel, stating that the peace process reached a critical juncture putting a two state solution in jeopardy. His plan inlcudes: commitments by both sides to negotiations; […]
The Russian Federation is giving ten of the fighter jets to Lebanon as military aid. The Lebanese army is largely funded by the United States, so the gesture from Russia is a bit of a surprise, especially to Israel, Lebanon’s neighbor to the south. Lebanon also seems to be surprised by the offer. The United […]
A New York Times editorial questions Binyamin Netanyahu’s intention on pursuing a peace plan and lists ways of beginning to forge trust between Israel and the Palestinians. However, the piece does not address what Palestinians must do in return to work towards a peace process. The piece urges: we suggest that he start with freezing […]
Due to the demands of coalition partners, Likud members will have very few ministerial portfolios in the coming government. Binyamin Netanyahu originally sought to give himself the Finance Minister along with Prime Minister post, but he may need to reconsider to appease his own party. Moreover, with Labor now in the coalition, many supporters of […]
An aritcle from Der Spiegel discusses the politics, transformation, and role of provocateur Avigdor Lieberman, slated to head the Foreign Ministry. Even though Lieberman’s comments may lead to Egypt boycotting celebrations for the 30th anniversary of peace accords between the two countries, the author contends that upon obtaining real power, Lieberman may begin exhibiting signs of […]
Amb. Chas Freeman, who withdrew his nomination to chair the National Intelligence Council amidst criticisms that he does not support Israel, came out swinging against his opponents and their attacks. Notably, he questions the need for U.S. loyalty of Israel due to changed values between the two nations, based in part on the recent election results and […]
David Ignatius’ latest column explores unintended U.S. government support for Israeli settlements in the territories. While the government officially opposes the creation of new settlements and includes a freeze on settlements as the first step in the ‘Road Map,’ many domestic groups provide tax-exempt donations for the growth of outposts. He therefore concludes that U.S. policy […]
U.S. and Israeli efforts to curb the flow of weapons to Gaza resulted in a massive air-force strike on a convey from Sudan headed towards the region, according to reports. Officials from both the United States and Israel declined comment as pilot nationality -Israeli or American- and the origin of the jets, potentially even flying […]
Ali Abdel Karim Ali has been accepted as Syria’s first ambassador to Lebanon. The two counties gained independence from France in the 1940’s, but hadn’t established formal diplomatic relations until just five months ago. Part of what is considered Greater Syria for over 400 years, Lebanon was occupied by Syrian troops up until 2005. That […]
Regardless of some decent within the party, Labor narrowly voted to join the Likud-led coalition, officially giving Likud Chairman Binyamin Netanyahu a majority of Knesset members supporting his bid for the Prime Minister. The unification talks with Labor increased pressure on Netanyahu, along with U.S. concerns for the new government, to pursue a peace deal […]
Former head of the Israeli Civil Administration Brig. Gen. Ilan Paz speaks with Middle East Progress regarding the territories he formerly oversaw. He indicates that 270,000 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank, not including Jerusalem, and that the only outpost removal occurred with the highly controversial Supreme Court decision to dismantle the Hebron house. […]
Yusuf Mansur suggests that Islamic banking, which, thanks to its rather stringent standards for money management, hasn’t suffered all that much from the current economic climate, should seize the opportunity to re-brand itself before recovery lulls people back to conventional banks. He recommends setting minimum standards for the entire Islamic banking industry and aggressively marketing […]