Monthly Archives: March 2011

Assad’s looming Downfall?

Posted on March 27, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post-25/03/2011 In southern Syria, the uprising against President Bashar Assad is continuing. On Wednesday, six people, including a doctor from a prominent local family, were killed when the security forces entered the Omari mosque in Daraa. Later in the … Continue reading →

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Muqawama Rules

Posted on March 25, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post, 25/3/11 In southern Syria, the uprising against President Bashar Assad is continuing. On Wednesday, six people, including a doctor from a prominent local family, were killed when the security forces entered the Omari mosque in Daraa. Later in … Continue reading →

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Analysis: The Gardeners of Beirut

Posted on March 23, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post- 23/10/2008 An anecdote recently told me by a senior source in the Arab media indicates the process by which Hizbullah is rebuilding its strength south of the Litani River. The source, who is well connected in Lebanon, related … Continue reading →

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Analysis: US Raid shows Assad’s Over-Estimation

Posted on March 23, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post- 29/10/2008 This week’s US raid across the Iraqi-Syrian border resembles a number of similar actions carried out by American forces against al-Qaida targets over the last year in the North Waziristan area of Pakistan. It demonstrates a US … Continue reading →

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Analysis: Israel’s reluctant Allies

Posted on March 23, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post- 25/12/2008 There has recently been a significant increase in tension between major Arab states. The ongoing crisis in Gaza is the focus for the deterioration in relations, though it is only one aspect of a larger picture. The … Continue reading →

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Analysis: Al-Qaida-style Extremism gains real Power within Hamas

Posted on March 23, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post- 02/12/2008 Al-Qaida-type Salafi Islam is rising in popularity within the ranks of Hamas. This trend is particularly noticeable in the movement’s armed wing, the Izzadin Kassam Brigades. Observation of this process shows that attempts to draw a clear … Continue reading →

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Analysis: Arab Order and flying Shoes

Posted on March 23, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post- 16/12/2008 US President George W. Bush’s visit to Iraq this week reflected the mixed legacy of his presidency. The Iraq invasion is likely to be remembered as the defining issue of the Bush era and recent events show … Continue reading →

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Analysis: The Elections and the Pan-Arab Media

Posted on March 23, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post- 11/02/2009 Reactions in the pan-Arab media to the election results in Israel follow predictable patterns. There is a particular interest in the growth of Avigdor Lieberman’s party. At the same time, there is a tendency to stress that … Continue reading →

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Analysis: Turkey’s shift toward Iran, Syria is no short-term Blip

Posted on March 23, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post- 19/02/2009 Last weekend, a conference held under the title “Gaza the victory” took place at hotel near Istanbul’s Ataturk airport. The conference brought 200 Sunni clerics and activists together with senior, Damascus-based Hamas officials. Closed meetings held after … Continue reading →

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Analysis: Possible first Fruits of a new Era

Posted on March 23, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post- 25/02/2009 President Barack Obama, in his first international media interview following his election, told Al-Arabiya that “if countries like Iran are willing to unclench their fist, they will find an extended hand from us.” In addition to the … Continue reading →

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