Tag Archives: Iran

Iranian Quickstep: 1 Step Forward, 2 Steps Back

Posted on March 15, 2011 by jonathanspyer

15/02/2010 Latest Ahmadinejad statement suggests that Teheran still believes it can find a few partners for the dance it has been performing since 2003. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad this week told Iranian state television that “we have no problem sending … Continue reading →

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Fire from the Mountain

Posted on March 15, 2011 by jonathanspyer

23/10/2010 In the badlands between the borders of Iraq, Turkey and Iran, a small band of Kurdish separatists continue to wage their war. Our PKK contact and driver arrived at the appointed time outside the hotel in Erbil. We had … Continue reading →

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Gulf Regimes: The real game – Saudi Arabia

Posted on March 15, 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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Lebanon 2006: Unfinished War

Posted on March 15, 2011 by jonathanspyer

22/02/2008 The Lebanon war of 2006 failed to resolve any of the issues over which it was fought. Ultimately, the war may be understood as a single campaign within a broader Middle Eastern conflict–between pro-Western and democratic states on the … Continue reading →

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Assad’s Shopping List

Posted on March 10, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Global Politician- 27/08/2008 President Bashar Assad of Syria began a trip to Russia this week. Russian news agency RIA Novosti has quoted the Syrian Information Ministry as confirming that the trip will last two days. According to the statement, the … Continue reading →

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Damascus Gets What it Needs

Posted on March 10, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Global Politician- 25/05/2009 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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Syria’s Goose Lays a Golden Egg

Posted on March 10, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Global Politician- 27/07/2009 Washington’s decision to return its ambassador to Syria is the latest stage in the present administration’s policy of engagement with Damascus. It relates most importantly to the US desire to secure Syrian cooperation in the build-up to … Continue reading →

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Hezbollah’s Delusions

Posted on March 10, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Global Politician- 12/10/2009 The latest events in Lebanon offer an image in miniature of larger regional developments. The Iranian-backed Shi’ite Islamist movement Hezbollah is pursuing a long-term strategy intended to eventually deliver Lebanon into its hands. In the short term, … Continue reading →

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What is Israel’s Endgame in Gaza

Posted on March 9, 2011 by jonathanspyer

The Guardian- 12/01/2009 As Israel’s operation Cast Lead in Gaza enters its third week, questions are increasingly being asked regarding its aims. Is Israel’s ultimate objective the fall of the Hamas regime in Gaza? Or is Israel maintaining military pressure … Continue reading →

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Terrorism: A Weak State incubates Terror

Posted on March 9, 2011 by jonathanspyer

05/11/2010 The revelations this week of a sophisticated plot emanating from the Yemen-based al- Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula organization have belatedly re focused attention on this most backward and poverty stricken of Arab states. The sending of explosive packages … Continue reading →

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