Category Archives: Uncategorized

Second Front opens in the Sunni-Shia War

Posted on June 16, 2014 by jonathanspyer

The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) organization swept into the city of Mosul in western Iraq last week.  No one has any right to be surprised. ‬ ISIL has held a large swath of western Iraq since January … Continue reading →

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ISIS’ ‘Islamic State’ is born

Posted on June 14, 2014 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post, 13/6 In a stunning and deeply significant development, the fighters of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) organization this week captured the city of Mosul. They then moved on to take Tikrit unopposed and according to … Continue reading →

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No excuse for western surprise re ISIS advances

Posted on June 13, 2014 by jonathanspyer

  At the risk of sounding arrogant, I would like to say that western policymakers have no excuse for being surprised regarding the ISIS advance into western Iraq, and the fragmentation of that country.  I and a number of colleagues … Continue reading →

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Written in Gratitude, on the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings of 1944.

Posted on June 6, 2014 by jonathanspyer

A few years after I made aliyah, my parents sold the house that my sister and I had grown up in and moved to a sheltered housing facility for elderly people in north London. My mum and dad are warm … Continue reading →

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Disaster in the Levant: the Syrian Civil War in its fourth year

Posted on June 6, 2014 by jonathanspyer

Fathom Magazine, 2/6  The Syrian Civil War is now grinding on into its fourth year. Over 150,000 people have died, and tens more are being killed every day in the ongoing fighting. Millions have lost their homes. Many will almost … Continue reading →

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A most discreet intervention

Posted on May 30, 2014 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post, 30/5 Israel offering limited assistance to rebels in southern Syria Since the outbreak of the civil war in Syria in 2011, Israeli officials have observed events to the north with caution and concern.  The concern has derived from … Continue reading →

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ISIS committing Atrocities against civilian population in northern Syria

Posted on May 27, 2014 by jonathanspyer

PJmedia, 27/5.  Co-authored with Aymenn Jawad al-Tamimi   Evidence is mounting that the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is systematically committing atrocities in eastern and northern Syria, its areas of control. While individual incidents of brutality have been … Continue reading →

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Turnaround: Is Saudi Arabia shifting course towards Iran?

Posted on May 23, 2014 by jonathanspyer

   Jerusalem Post, 23/5 A number of recent Saudi moves and official statements have led to speculation regarding a possible shift on the kingdom’s stance toward Iran. The Saudis appear to be moving at least on a declarative level away … Continue reading →

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At a front line position near Jarabulus, April, 2014

Posted on May 16, 2014 by jonathanspyer
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YPG fighters in action during an ISIS attack on Haj Ismail village, April, 2014

Posted on May 16, 2014 by jonathanspyer
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