Category Archives: Uncategorized

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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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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Afghanistan Shows Iran’s Stake in Regional Insecurity

Posted on April 5, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post- 04/05/2009 A month ago, US President Barack Obama announced a new strategy to address the current crisis in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Obama’s plan to ‘disrupt, dismantle and defeat’ al-Qaida and the Taliban in ‘Afpak’ includes deployment of an … Continue reading →

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Analysis: Damascus Gets What it Needs

Posted on April 5, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post- 13/05/2009 In his letter to Congress announcing the renewal of US sanctions on Syria, President Barack Obama was specific regarding the reasons for his decision. Syria, the President said, was “supporting terrorism, pursuing weapons of mass destruction and … Continue reading →

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Imagined Partners

Posted on April 5, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Gloria Center- 25/03/2008 The Middle East is currently divided between an alliance of radical Islamist and associated states and organizations, which take support and inspiration from Iran, on the one hand, and a coalition of pro-Western states, on the other. … Continue reading →

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