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: Iran seeks Dividends from the Regional Chaos

Posted on March 17, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post- 17/03/2011 The dimensions and strategic implications of the unrest sweeping the Arab world are becoming clearer. It is now apparent that the key states of the “resistance bloc” – Iran and Syria – face no immediate threat from … Continue reading →

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Suddenly, the Arab World wakes up to Yemen’s Rebellion

Posted on March 17, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Global Politician- 20/12/2009 The 30th summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council, meeting in Kuwait this week, expressed its solidarity with Saudi Arabia in its fight with the Shi’ite Houthi rebels in northern Yemen. The Kuwaiti emir noted that Saudi Arabia … Continue reading →

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Self-Radicalization

Posted on March 17, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Global Politician- 03/08/2008 Over the last two months, Israeli security forces have arrested six young Arab men suspected of seeking to form an extreme Islamist cell for the purpose of carrying out high-profile terror attacks in the capital. Two of … Continue reading →

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UNRWA: Barrier to Peace

Posted on March 17, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Global Politician- 02/06/2008 The United Nations Relief Works Agency (UNRWA) was created under the jurisdiction of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), with the unique responsibility of solely aiding the Palestinians. Due to this special status, the UNRWA perpetuates, … Continue reading →

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Trip by Saudi Royal Unlikely to Herald Radical Change

Posted on March 17, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Global Politician- 19/10/2009 The Syrian Al-Watan newspaper reported on Wednesday that a two-day visit by Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz was due to begin that day. The talks, Al-Watan noted, would conclude with the signing of a joint agreement … Continue reading →

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Israel, Gaza & Egypt: No Change

Posted on March 17, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Global Politician- 07/02/2008 The response of Israeli officials to the latest events in Gaza may in essence be divided into two halves. The initial response was one of frustration at Egyptian unwillingness to restore order on the international border. The … Continue reading →

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Forward to The Past

Posted on March 17, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Global Politician- 01/09/2008 In recent weeks, a number of prominent Fatah figures have suggested that their movement might abandon its commitment to a “two-state solution” to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and return to the pre-1988 demand for Israel’s replacement by a … Continue reading →

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The Fall and Rise of the One-State Solution

Posted on March 17, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Global Politician- 29/09/2008 Deeply embedded in Palestinian nationalism is the notion that Israeli Jewish identity is analogous to that of communities born of European colonialism, which are not seen as having legitimate claim to self-determination. No reconsidering of this characterization … Continue reading →

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The Long War Strategy for Israel

Posted on March 17, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Global Politician- 18/06/2007 The decision by the University and College Union (UCU) to consider a boycott of Israel is the latest manifestation of a broader process which has been steadily gathering speed in the last half-decade: the converging of opinion … Continue reading →

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Long-Term Fallout with UK from Dubai Hit Unlikely

Posted on March 17, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Global Politician- 20/02/2010 The evidence suggesting that British passports were used by members of the team responsible for killing Hamas official Mahmoud al-Mabhouh is causing concern at the possibility of a new diplomatic row between Israel and the UK. Such … Continue reading →

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