Tag Archives: Syria

We’ll take the Dowry – You keep the Bride

Posted on March 27, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post- 31/07/2008 A fourth round of indirect talks between Syrian and Israeli representatives was concluded in Istanbul this week and as the Turkish mediators kept themselves in shape conveying messages between the hotel rooms of the two countries’ delegations, … Continue reading →

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

Assad’s Shopping List

Posted on March 27, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post- 20/08/2008 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 →

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

The Gardeners of Beirut

Posted on March 27, 2011 by jonathanspyer

23/10/2008 An anecdote recently told me by a senior source in the Arab media indicates the process by which Hizbullah is rebuilding its strength south of the Litani River. The source, who is well connected in Lebanon, related the story … Continue reading →

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

US Raid shows Assad’s over-Estimation

Posted on March 27, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post- 29/10/2008 This week’s US raid across the Iraqi-Syrian border resembles a number of similar actions carried out by American forces against al-Qaida targets over the last year in the North Waziristan area of Pakistan. It demonstrates a US … Continue reading →

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

Assad’s looming Downfall?

Posted on March 27, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post-25/03/2011 In southern Syria, the uprising against President Bashar Assad is continuing. On Wednesday, six people, including a doctor from a prominent local family, were killed when the security forces entered the Omari mosque in Daraa. Later in the … Continue reading →

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

Analysis: US Raid shows Assad’s Over-Estimation

Posted on March 23, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post- 29/10/2008 This week’s US raid across the Iraqi-Syrian border resembles a number of similar actions carried out by American forces against al-Qaida targets over the last year in the North Waziristan area of Pakistan. It demonstrates a US … Continue reading →

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

Analysis: Israel’s reluctant Allies

Posted on March 23, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post- 25/12/2008 There has recently been a significant increase in tension between major Arab states. The ongoing crisis in Gaza is the focus for the deterioration in relations, though it is only one aspect of a larger picture. The … Continue reading →

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

Analysis: Turkey’s shift toward Iran, Syria is no short-term Blip

Posted on March 23, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post- 19/02/2009 Last weekend, a conference held under the title “Gaza the victory” took place at hotel near Istanbul’s Ataturk airport. The conference brought 200 Sunni clerics and activists together with senior, Damascus-based Hamas officials. Closed meetings held after … Continue reading →

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

Analysis: Possible first Fruits of a new Era

Posted on March 23, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post- 25/02/2009 President Barack Obama, in his first international media interview following his election, told Al-Arabiya that “if countries like Iran are willing to unclench their fist, they will find an extended hand from us.” In addition to the … Continue reading →

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

Analysis: Obama: An Innocent Abroad

Posted on March 21, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post- 21/05/2009 The London-based Arabic newspaper Al-Quds al-Arabi has published what it claims are key details of the new Middle East peace plan to be presented by President Obama in his speech in Cairo on June 4. Details of … Continue reading →

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