Monthly Archives: March 2011

Welcome to the New Israeli Politics

Posted on March 9, 2011 by jonathanspyer

The Guardian- 29/03/2006 You will need to forget a large amount of what you thought you knew about Israel. The clash between Gush Emunim and Peace Now, between Labour and Likud, between the Whole Land of Israel and the New … Continue reading →

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What is Israel’s Endgame in Gaza

Posted on March 9, 2011 by jonathanspyer

The Guardian- 12/01/2009 As Israel’s operation Cast Lead in Gaza enters its third week, questions are increasingly being asked regarding its aims. Is Israel’s ultimate objective the fall of the Hamas regime in Gaza? Or is Israel maintaining military pressure … Continue reading →

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Terrorism: A Weak State incubates Terror

Posted on March 9, 2011 by jonathanspyer

05/11/2010 The revelations this week of a sophisticated plot emanating from the Yemen-based al- Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula organization have belatedly re focused attention on this most backward and poverty stricken of Arab states. The sending of explosive packages … Continue reading →

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The Unfinished War

Posted on March 9, 2011 by jonathanspyer

29/10/2009 The explosion in the south Lebanese village of Tayr Felseir offers the latest evidence of the way in which Hizbullah is rebuilding its infrastructure following the Second Lebanon War in 2006. In the pre-2006 period, Hizbullah maintained its military … Continue reading →

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For Assad, Conflict is a Raison d’Etre

Posted on March 9, 2011 by jonathanspyer

05/09/2009 The Baghdad government’s assertion of Syrian responsibility for the explosions which killed more than 100 people in Iraq on August 19 has re focused attention to Syrian policy vis-a-vis its eastern neighbor. Syria’s approach in Iraq offers a prime … Continue reading →

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The Common Hatred

Posted on March 9, 2011 by jonathanspyer

15/08/2009 The arrest this week of the “Zeitoun terror cell” is a significant moment in the ongoing battle between the Egyptian security forces and homegrown Islamist extremism. The cell, we are told, plotted to assassinate the Israeli ambassador to Egypt, … Continue reading →

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Terrorism: Hizballah’s brand is Tarnished

Posted on March 9, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post- 29/09/2009 A famous Hizbullah marching song, “Hizbullah ya ayuni” (Hizbullah – my eyes), contains the following verse: “And today through the blood of the brave, the merciful creator has given us victory, and the whole world and all … Continue reading →

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Talk softly, and carry a large Carrot!

Posted on March 9, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post-29/07/2009 The region is currently witnessing a concerted attempt by Saudi Arabia to mend its relations with the Syrian regime. This effort derives from Riyadh’s fear of Iran, and its sense that now may be an opportune moment to … Continue reading →

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Iranian Lobbying Failed

Posted on March 9, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post- 11/07/2009 President Shimon Peres’s landmark visit to Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan this week represents a significant advance for Israeli ambitions in Central Asia. In the wake of the recent decision to permit Israel to open an embassy in the … Continue reading →

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Smoke, Mirrors and Fire in Lebanon

Posted on March 9, 2011 by jonathanspyer

04/06/2009 This week, nine more Lebanese citizens were arraigned on charges of espionage and collaboration with Israel. This brings the total of people charged in connection with the alleged Israeli “spy ring” in Lebanon to 35. Around 100 people have … Continue reading →

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