Author Archives: jonathanspyer

Unknown's avatar

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.

The Common Hatred

Posted on March 9, 2011 by jonathanspyer

15/08/2009 The arrest this week of the “Zeitoun terror cell” is a significant moment in the ongoing battle between the Egyptian security forces and homegrown Islamist extremism. The cell, we are told, plotted to assassinate the Israeli ambassador to Egypt, … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Terrorism: Hizballah’s brand is Tarnished

Posted on March 9, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post- 29/09/2009 A famous Hizbullah marching song, “Hizbullah ya ayuni” (Hizbullah – my eyes), contains the following verse: “And today through the blood of the brave, the merciful creator has given us victory, and the whole world and all … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Talk softly, and carry a large Carrot!

Posted on March 9, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post-29/07/2009 The region is currently witnessing a concerted attempt by Saudi Arabia to mend its relations with the Syrian regime. This effort derives from Riyadh’s fear of Iran, and its sense that now may be an opportune moment to … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Iranian Lobbying Failed

Posted on March 9, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post- 11/07/2009 President Shimon Peres’s landmark visit to Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan this week represents a significant advance for Israeli ambitions in Central Asia. In the wake of the recent decision to permit Israel to open an embassy in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Smoke, Mirrors and Fire in Lebanon

Posted on March 9, 2011 by jonathanspyer

04/06/2009 This week, nine more Lebanese citizens were arraigned on charges of espionage and collaboration with Israel. This brings the total of people charged in connection with the alleged Israeli “spy ring” in Lebanon to 35. Around 100 people have … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Iran-Syria Alliance in Harmony

Posted on March 9, 2011 by jonathanspyer

01/06/2009 President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran and President Bashar Assad of Syria reconfirmed the close alliance between their two countries during the Iranian president’s visit to Damascus this week. Ahmadinejad’s visit came on the eve of the return of two … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Duplicitous Assad is getting away with Murder

Posted on March 9, 2011 by jonathanspyer

23/11/2008 British Foreign Secretary David Miliband has just completed an official visit to Syria. This was the first visit of a senior British elected official to Damascus since 2001. Following the visit, the British media revealed that Miliband has agreed … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

On the Iranian Presidential Elections

Posted on March 9, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post- 01/04/2009 Presidential elections are set to take place in Iran on June 12. One consultant to a presidential candidate billed the race the “most significant poll so far since the revolution.” The same source said that the elections … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

An Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove

Posted on March 9, 2011 by jonathanspyer

24/10/2008 The decree by President Bashar Assad announcing the establishing of full diplomatic relations between Damascus and Beirut represents the latest stage in the emergence of Syria from diplomatic isolation. On a symbolic level, the announcement appears to suggest Syria’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Making Mischief in Damascus

Posted on March 9, 2011 by jonathanspyer

01/10/2008 As the days pass since the car bombing in the southern suburbs of Damascus, furious speculation is continuing as to who was responsible. No organization has taken responsibility – leaving the rumor mill free to grind on. The Syrian … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment