Author Archives: jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post, 19/12 Mystery surrounds capture of Iranian dissident journalist Ruhollah Zam, Iranian journalist and oppositionist, was hanged at Evin prison on December 12. He had been found guilty of ‘corruption on earth,’ a catch-all term used by Iran’s regime … Continue reading →

A couple of final thoughts on the Kan series  שעת נעילה  or ‘Valley of Tears,’ which concluded this week.  Firstly, I will admit to a certain parochial pride at seeing the bit of the army that is ‘my’ bit portrayed … Continue reading →

Jerusalem Post, 5/12 Iranian officials and regime supporters responded to the killing of Dr. Mohsen Fakhrizadeh,  widely regarded as the ‘father’ of Iran’s military nuclear program, with a public outpouring of fury.  Many of the responses sought to achieve the … Continue reading →

Jerusalem Post, 20/11 A trial due to begin next week in the Belgian city of Antwerp  is set to cast further light on the Islamic Republic of Iran’s use of official diplomatic missions in its ongoing campaign of violence and … Continue reading →

Jerusalem Post, 7/11 French President Emmanuel Macron’s expressions of condemnation of political Islam following the decapitation of teacher Samuel Paty on October 16 have led to furious demonstrations in parts of the Islamic world.  A number of violent incidents of … Continue reading →

Jerusalem Post, 24/10 Russian attempts to move closer to Egypt made possible by US absence An upcoming joint naval exercise involving the Egyptian and Russian navies, announced by the Russian Defense Ministry on October 10, is testimony to the fluid … Continue reading →

13/10/20 This week marks twenty years since the outbreak of the Second Intifada.  I remember those febrile days very well, here in  Jerusalem.  The peace talks at Camp David broke down in late July.  After that, it was clear that … Continue reading →

Jerusalem Post, 25/9 The United States this week reinforced its military presence in northeastern Syria. Six Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles were deployed to the area, and around 100 troops were added to the roughly 500 that are already present in … Continue reading →

September 20, 2020. In early March, 2020, when international travel was still unambiguously possible, I was due to visit the United States.  I had been invited to speak at the annual AIPAC policy conference.  In addition, a number of other … Continue reading →

Wall Street Journal, March 3, 2020 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared victory in Monday’s Israeli election, the third since April, following two inconclusive results. Although Mr. Netanyahu may be frustrated in his attempt to form a government, his Likud Party … Continue reading →