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.

Analysis: Saudis seek illusory ‘Third Way’ in Regional Diplomacy

Posted on March 21, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post- 17/01/2010 Syrian President Bashar Assad is reportedly scheduled to visit the Saudi capital Riyadh, where he is to meet with Saudi King Abdullah. The meeting is rumored to be a prelude to a three way summit also to … Continue reading →

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Analysis: Did long Arm of Iran reach Dead Sea Highway?

Posted on March 21, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post- 19/01/2010 The revelations of possible Iranian involvement in the attack on Israeli diplomats earlier this month in Jordan appear to offer the latest evidence of direct engagement by Teheran in subversion and paramilitary activity across national borders. The … Continue reading →

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Muslim World: The Offensive

Posted on March 21, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post- 12/02/2010 The days are ticking away before the start of a major new NATO offensive in southern Afghanistan. The offensive, which is set to involve thousands of members of the Afghan armed forces and police alongside US and … Continue reading →

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Gulf Regimes: The real Game – Saudi Arabia

Posted on March 20, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post- 11/03/2011 From a strategic point of view, the Iran-led regional axis has until now emerged as a net earner from the “Arab Spring” of 2011. In Egypt and Tunisia, two stable, pro-Western Arab regimes have fallen, giving way … Continue reading →

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Arab World: Kings and Pawns

Posted on March 20, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post- 17/09/2010 The scheduled visit by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to Lebanon in the coming weeks represents the latest move in the Iranian leader’s attempt to declare ownership of what he regards as the struggle of the Muslim world … Continue reading →

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Analysis: Ahmadinejad to issue Warning in Lebanon

Posted on March 20, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post- 13/10/2010 Preparations are complete for the visit of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to Lebanon. Iranian flags and portraits of the distinguished visitor have been placed along the road from Rafik Hariri International Airport to Beirut. A soccer stadium … Continue reading →

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Global Affairs: Why a brazen N. Korea is Israel’s Concern

Posted on March 20, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post- 26/11/2010 The sudden North Korean artillery attack on a South Korean- controlled island this week has returned the secretive “Democratic Peoples’ Republic” of North Korea to world headlines. A casual observer might assume that the drama on the … Continue reading →

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Analysis: Notes from an undeclared Cold War

Posted on March 20, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post- 12/07/2010 The diplomatic cables released by WikiLeaks earlier this week confirm that the key strategic process taking place in the Middle East is the push for regional dominance by the Islamic Republic of Iran. The documents show that … Continue reading →

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Lebanon enters a Tunnel, the End of which can’t be Seen

Posted on March 20, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post-18/01/2011 The political crisis in Lebanon precipitated by the resignation last week of ministers affiliated with the Hizbullah- led March 8 bloc is now entering its second stage. The countdown has already begun toward the issuing of indictments for … Continue reading →

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Analysis: Sectarian Rage there, Heightened Clarity Here

Posted on March 20, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post- 26/01/2011 Events have moved fast in Lebanon. The country now faces the prospect of a government controlled by Hizbullah and consisting solely of the movement and its allies. Parts of Lebanon looked in danger of slipping into chaos … Continue reading →

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