Author Archives: jonathanspyer

A version of this article, entitled ‘New Year, same Chaos in Syria,’ appeared in the Australian Newspaper on 3/1 ‘On October 9th, at 3pm, the attack on Ras al-ain began.  There was artillery shelling.  We sent the women and children … Continue reading →

Jerusalem Post, 27/12 Syrian chaos reflects the conclusive breakdown of the post Cold War Regional Order   A number of significant developments under way in Syria reflect the confusing strategic situation in the region, as a variety of players compete … Continue reading →

Jerusalem Post, 13/12 Last week, five rockets were fired at the Ayn al-Asad base in Iraq’s Anbar Province.  The base is a facility housing US troops.  Ayn al-Asad is something of a symbol for the 5,000 strong US presence in … Continue reading →

Jerusalem Post, 30/11 Turkey’s Burgeoning Strategic Relationship with Pakistan raises Nuclear Concerns President Recep Tayepp Erdogan of Turkey, in an address on September 4 this year to his ruling AKP party’s governing body, spoke openly of his country’s nuclear ambitions. … Continue reading →

Jerusalem Post, 1/11 The Middle East is currently witnessing the first examples of popular rebellion in countries dominated by Iran.  In the very different contexts of Iraq and Lebanon, the protests now under way have a similar focus on political … Continue reading →

9/10 The way appears to have been cleared for an invasion of north east Syria by Turkey and its allied Sunni Islamist militias.  If such an invasion takes place, it will end one of the more successful partnerships achieved by … Continue reading →

Israel Hayom, 8/10 The statement on northern Syria released Sunday by the White House Press Secretary appears to clear the way for the long anticipated Turkish invasion of North East Syria.  It represents a disaster for the Syrian Kurds, and … Continue reading →

Jerusalem Post, 6/9 The Saudi-led effort to crush the rebellion by the Iran-aligned Ansar Allah (Houthi) movement in Yemen is into its fifth year.  The operation has largely run aground.  There is now a UN-sponsored truce over control of the … Continue reading →

Jerusalem Post, 2/8 Turkey’s ambitions to assert itself as a Middle East power are currently in evidence across the western part of the region.  Ankara occupies a chunk of north west Syria. Its troops are currently massing on the border … Continue reading →

Jerusalem Post, 5/7 Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abd el-Mehdi this week announced that the Shia militias of the Popular Mobilization Units or ‘Hashd al-Shaabi’ are to be fully integrated into the Iraqi security forces.  According to the statement announcing this … Continue reading →