Author Archives: jonathanspyer

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About jonathanspyer

Jonathan Spyer is a Middle East analyst, author and journalist specializing in the areas of Israel, Syria and broader issues of regional strategy. He is the director of the Middle East Center for Reporting and analysis (MECRA), a research fellow at the Jerusalem Institute for strategy and Security (JISS) and a Fellow at the Middle East Forum.

Iran’s bid for power in Iraq

Posted on July 11, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Amid the recent upheavals in the Arab world, one country has largely escaped attention. That country is Iraq. However, the absence of anything attributable to the ‘Arab Spring’ within its borders should not lead to the conclusion that all is … Continue reading →

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New Lebanese government a victory for Iran, Assad

Posted on June 25, 2011 by jonathanspyer

By JONATHAN SPYER 24/06/2011 This week, beleaguered Syrian dictator Bashar Assad gave a speech in which he referred to protesters as “vandals” and re-issued a tired promise of reforms. The speech did nothing to lessen the anger of his opponents, … Continue reading →

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Syria: the army is the key

Posted on June 14, 2011 by jonathanspyer

By JONATHAN SPYER 14/06/2011 In the aftermath of the taking of Jisr al-Shughour by the Syrian army, it has become clear that the direction of events in Syria depends largely on the cohesiveness of Bashar Assad’s security forces. If the … Continue reading →

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A Dictator’s Dilemma

Posted on April 22, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post 22/4/11 Syrian President Bashar Assad’s decision this week to rescind emergency laws in place for 48 years and to abolish the state security court was less significant than it sounds. Syria is, to put it mildly, not a … Continue reading →

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The Iranian Sword and the ‘Peninsula Shield’

Posted on April 8, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post, 8/4/11. First of all, it is necessary to restate an obvious truth. The “Arab spring” of 2011 has not served to alter the core strategic architecture of the Middle East. The Middle East in the long Arab winter … Continue reading →

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Analysis: Arab States ‘Just Say No’ to Normalization

Posted on April 5, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post- 08/08/2009 The idea of gestures of ‘normalization’ from Arab states to Israel is a central component in the US administration’s plan for reviving the Mideast peace process. The notion represents a variant of the Oslo-style approach whereby a … Continue reading →

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An Empty Package

Posted on April 5, 2011 by jonathanspyer

30/05/2008 At this past Sunday’s cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert issued a public statement relating to the revived negotiations with Syria. The talks, the prime minister wished to assure us, were “serious” and would be conducted with “all due … Continue reading →

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Arab Summit, Iranian Agenda

Posted on April 5, 2011 by jonathanspyer

05/04/2009 The issues that dominated the 21st Arab League summit in Doha, Qatar, this week testified to the weakness and disunity of the Arab states. Sunni Arabs are the majority population group in the Middle East. Yet the Doha agenda … Continue reading →

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Re-Packaging Illusion

Posted on April 5, 2011 by jonathanspyer

28/03/2010 The Obama administration’s approach to the Middle East is characterized by an apparent desire to revive the sunny illusions of the 1990s peace process – in an era that is far more uncertain and dangerous. This is particularly noticeable … Continue reading →

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The West Should Use Resolution 1701 to Roll Back Hizbullah’s Effective Take-over of the Lebanese Government

Posted on April 5, 2011 by jonathanspyer

22/04/2010 The summoning by the United States of Syrian Deputy Chief of Mission Zouheir Jabbour for a review of Syrian arms transfers to Hizbullah is the latest evidence of the serious basis to the recent tensions in the north. Syria … Continue reading →

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