CIA BLACK PROPAGANDA EFFORTS IN IRAN, SYRIA,LEBANON; DARKER PENTAGON EFFORTS LOOMING?
Analysis: A decision needed on Syria
Al Hayat How to Engage Syria, If You Really Have to Emile El-Hokayem
Asia Times The Resolution Threatens Syria's Stability : Abdul Rahman Al-Rashed
Yedioth Ahronoth Israel watches Syria Security officials to present National Security Cabinet with findings of surveys of actions by Hizbullah in Syria, Lebanon; Prime minister worried ministers’ ‘babbling’ may lead to misunderstanding, military action by Syria
Abbas, Hamas or Syria/ Barnea
Talks with Syria not on agenda for Olmert-Bush meet
Washington Post As Crises Build, Lebanese Fearful of a Failed State
MI: Syria preparing for war, but won't initiate it Assad believed working in tandem with Iran and Hezbollah, security cabinet to discuss possible war in north
SyriaComment The Presidential Plebiscite and Pageantry: What does it Mean?
PM aides fear talks with Syria could harm U.S.-Israel ties
Nat'l Security Council urged PM to end Lebanon war on 4th day Winograd cmte. testimony reveals NSC joined chorus calling PM to stop offensive against Hezbollah.
In Fight Against Militants, Lebanon Bolstered by US, Gulf Countries By: Nicholas Blanford The Christian Science MonitorThe Lebanese army, carrying out a major offensive against Fatah al-Islam, has little combat experience and outdated equipment.
Lebanon: 108 Dead in Worst Strife Since Civil War
New vow to spread Lebanon battle
Fighting between Islamists and Lebanese spreads south
Syria Draws Distinction Between Hariri Murder Trial and Probe
Jund al-Sham The militant group fighting troops in southern Lebanon
Guardian 1967: Israel cannot make peace alone We must pursue a comprehensive solution with energy and vision, writes Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert.
1967: Our rights have to be recognised Israel must recognise our basic entitlements if it is serious about peace, writes Palestinian prime minister Ismail Haniyeh.
New York Times What if Israel Had Turned Back? By TOM SEGEV What if Israel hadn’t taken East Jerusalem and the West Bank in the Six-Day War?
Lessons of the Six-Day War
By Ariel Cohen Today the world will commemorate the 40th anniversary of Israel's victory in the Six-Day War.
US News How the Six-Day War Reshaped the Mideast - Fouad Ajami
Who deters whom? Hamas now deters Israel from going after its fighters in Gaza, despite the daily rocketing of Sderot. A sovereign country cannot permit this kind of imbalance to maintain without suffering severe damage.
CSM Two views on the impact of the Six-Day War An Israeli and a Palestinian reflect on the impact of the Six-Day War that began 40 years ago Tuesday.
Jerusalem Post The war that didn't end War, and the rejection of Israeli sovereignty, perpetuates the lack of a Palestinian state.
Two views on the impact of the Six-Day War An Israeli and a Palestinian reflect on the impact of the Six-Day War that began 40 years ago Tuesday.
Palestinians and Israelis: a political impasse Fred Halliday
THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN What a Mess If America can talk to Iran, Israel can talk to Hamas.
USIP Report: Ayatollah Sistani and the Democratization of Post-Ba'athist Iraq
Briefing: The Iraq Hydrocarbon Law: How and When?
Is There a Nationalist Solution in Iraq? By: Robert Dreyfuss The American Prospect The ethnic and sectarian conflict engulfing the country has gotten the most attention. But under the radar, a rough coalition of nationalist political elements in Iraq has been emerging.
DAVID BROOKS A Million Little Pieces Iraqi society has continued to fracture and is so incoherent that it can’t even have a proper civil war any more.
Guardian The best chance for Iraq is to bring American troops home Barack Obama: This war has diverted us from the struggle against terror. We need to refocus on Israel/Palestine, so long neglected by Bush.
Wall Street Journal Realists on Iraq Democratic presidential candidates should listen to the "experts" they so often cite. By DAN SENOR
Even Plan B Doesn't Look Promising in Failed State of Iraq
Wall Street Journal Realists on Iraq Democratic presidential candidates should listen to the "experts" they so often cite. By DAN SENOR
Why Iraq Isn't Korea By: Bill Powell Time The Administration is now kicking around the idea of Iraq as Korea. White House spokesman Tony Snow made the comparison publicly last week as the Administration acknowledged that it was looking into keeping long-term bases in Iraq. As someone who has spent a lot of time over the years in South Korea, as well as some time in Iraq, let me try to explain why this analogy is so ludicrous.
Gary Sick Lays Out Probabilities in US-Iran Arena
RFERL Middle East: Are Iranian Arms Flowing Into Iraqi, Afghan Conflict Zones?
Iran's practical nationalismRevolutions tend to bury the past. Iran's revolutionaries were no different from Russians, Chinese and others in demonizing previous regimes. But Tehran's new rulers are resurrecting Iran's Achaemenid Empire to buttress nationalism. This appeal to the imperial past indicates that nationalistic feeling is as strong as Islamic fervor. - Dmitry Shlapentokh
American Conservative Iran:Past the Paranoia by Peter Hitchens
Tehran talks raise faith visit hopes First steps by the US and Iran to establish a direct dialogue last week could smooth the way for a ground-breaking visit to Tehran by an inter-faith delegation, including an American cardinal, Theodore McCarrick, who hopes to establish contact with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader
Iran: Defense Expert Discusses Iran's Missile Capabilities
Asia Times Iran and Egypt point to a new order As US-led pressure to isolate Iran over its nuclear program intensifies, Tehran's bid to normalize ties with Egypt is a timely antidote. Cairo officially supports Iran's nuclear program, and also has the ability to influence the Arab response to the Shi'ite-led government in Baghdad. And as much as Egypt may be calculated by the US as a "strategic counterweight" to Iran, simultaneously Egypt benefits from Iran's counterweight to Israel. - Kaveh L Afrasiabi
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Monday, June 04, 2007
BULLETIN No. 193
Battling the Lion of Damascus: Syria's Domestic Opposition and the Asad Regime
Syria's Useful Idiots Why are so many commentators denying the obvious about Lebanon? By MICHAEL YOUNG
The Assad legacy Syrians don't expect Assad's son and successor to bring back the days of Hafez senior.
USIP Briefing: Syria’s Alliance with Iran
Der Spiegel The World From Berlin: 'Syria's Policy of Intimidation in Lebanon Has Failed'
Syria says it won't cooperate in international Hariri tribunalFM: Issue concerns Lebanon alone, and Syria won't concede its sovereignty; UN chief: resolution passed Wednesday is "binding."
Is Syria Working to Foment Civil War in Lebanon? - Mark MacKinnon
Washington Institute Global Anti-Terrorism Financing Group Challenged by Syria's Application Syria's application to join an international organization of financial intelligence units, despite Damascus's ongoing sponsorship of terrorism, jeopardizes the multilateral fight against money laundering and terrorism financing.
The Syrian surprise
The other war / Syria, not Gaza
Summer surprises in Syria and Palestine
Separate Ways By: Michael Young SlateAn increasingly pertinent question, albeit one only now beginning to provoke interest, is what the U.N. Hariri tribunal might mean for Syrian-Iranian collaboration in Lebanon.
Assad's Unsurprising Victory The Economist The Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, has secured himself a second seven-year term in office with the near unanimous approval of the 11.7m Syrians that were eligible to vote in a referendum to endorse parliament's selection of him as the sole candidate
Hariri tribunal divides Lebanese Stricken by political paralysis and rocked by bombings and Islamist violence, Lebanon’s prospects for stability look bleak
UPI Analysis: Hopes high for Lebanon tribunal
Independent Robert Fisk: The scar of Hariri's murder will never heal in Lebanon
Robert Fisk: Can the Lebanese army fight America's war against terror?
Mixed Reaction in Lebanon to U.N. Assassination Tribunal
New Battles Seen at Lebanon Camp
Syria brands Hariri tribunal as harmful US ploy Damascus says UN move will destabilise Lebanon · Last chance for parliament in Beirut to end impasse
Jun 01 SD# 1606 - Syrian Government Press in Reaction to Security Council Resolution to Establish International Tribunal for Al-Hariri Assassination: Resolution Entails 'Great Dangers' and 'Dangerous Repercussions' for Lebanon
Lebanon's Prime Minister: Syria is Threatening my Country
Hezbollah Leads Criticism of U.N. Vote By: Alia Ibrahim The Washington PostHezbollah, the Shiite Muslim militia, and other opposition groups in Lebanon on Thursday denounced the U.N. creation of an international tribunal to prosecute suspects in the 2005 assassination of former prime minister Rafiq al-Hariri, calling it a violation of Lebanon's sovereignty.
Al Hayat The Court Creates A New Reality in Lebanon & the Region Raghida Dergham - ... The court stands as a precedent in the Middle East region, a pledge to encircle and contain those who once thought that the strategy of politically-motivated assassinations and sowing seditions would ever block the path of justice.
Justice for Lebanon Syria may at last pay a price for the Hariri assassination.
Palestinians in Lebanon A history of the hapless
Syria's Useful Idiots Why are so many commentators denying the obvious about Lebanon? By MICHAEL YOUNG
The Assad legacy Syrians don't expect Assad's son and successor to bring back the days of Hafez senior.
USIP Briefing: Syria’s Alliance with Iran
Der Spiegel The World From Berlin: 'Syria's Policy of Intimidation in Lebanon Has Failed'
Syria says it won't cooperate in international Hariri tribunalFM: Issue concerns Lebanon alone, and Syria won't concede its sovereignty; UN chief: resolution passed Wednesday is "binding."
Is Syria Working to Foment Civil War in Lebanon? - Mark MacKinnon
Washington Institute Global Anti-Terrorism Financing Group Challenged by Syria's Application Syria's application to join an international organization of financial intelligence units, despite Damascus's ongoing sponsorship of terrorism, jeopardizes the multilateral fight against money laundering and terrorism financing.
The Syrian surprise
The other war / Syria, not Gaza
Summer surprises in Syria and Palestine
Separate Ways By: Michael Young SlateAn increasingly pertinent question, albeit one only now beginning to provoke interest, is what the U.N. Hariri tribunal might mean for Syrian-Iranian collaboration in Lebanon.
Assad's Unsurprising Victory The Economist The Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, has secured himself a second seven-year term in office with the near unanimous approval of the 11.7m Syrians that were eligible to vote in a referendum to endorse parliament's selection of him as the sole candidate
Hariri tribunal divides Lebanese Stricken by political paralysis and rocked by bombings and Islamist violence, Lebanon’s prospects for stability look bleak
UPI Analysis: Hopes high for Lebanon tribunal
Independent Robert Fisk: The scar of Hariri's murder will never heal in Lebanon
Robert Fisk: Can the Lebanese army fight America's war against terror?
Mixed Reaction in Lebanon to U.N. Assassination Tribunal
New Battles Seen at Lebanon Camp
Syria brands Hariri tribunal as harmful US ploy Damascus says UN move will destabilise Lebanon · Last chance for parliament in Beirut to end impasse
Jun 01 SD# 1606 - Syrian Government Press in Reaction to Security Council Resolution to Establish International Tribunal for Al-Hariri Assassination: Resolution Entails 'Great Dangers' and 'Dangerous Repercussions' for Lebanon
Lebanon's Prime Minister: Syria is Threatening my Country
Hezbollah Leads Criticism of U.N. Vote By: Alia Ibrahim The Washington PostHezbollah, the Shiite Muslim militia, and other opposition groups in Lebanon on Thursday denounced the U.N. creation of an international tribunal to prosecute suspects in the 2005 assassination of former prime minister Rafiq al-Hariri, calling it a violation of Lebanon's sovereignty.
Al Hayat The Court Creates A New Reality in Lebanon & the Region Raghida Dergham - ... The court stands as a precedent in the Middle East region, a pledge to encircle and contain those who once thought that the strategy of politically-motivated assassinations and sowing seditions would ever block the path of justice.
Justice for Lebanon Syria may at last pay a price for the Hariri assassination.
Palestinians in Lebanon A history of the hapless
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
BULLETIN No. 192
An Open Letter to President Bashar al-Asad Patrick Seale - Syria has come under great pressure from the US ever since the invasion of Iraq. There was a dangerous moment last summer when Israel seemed about to extend to Syria its aggression against Lebanon. The hostility of France was a further worrying factor. These pressures now seem to be easing. The world is beginning to recognize the crucial role Syria could play in resolving some of the region's conflicts, once its own interests are addressed.
U.S. gives Israel green light for Syria dialogue
U.S. policy turnabout may enable Israeli-Syrian talks
U.S. Policy Turnabout May Enable Israeli-Syrian Talks By: Ze'ev Schiff HaaretzWashington has given Israel the green light to accept Syrian President Bashar Assad's call for peace talks, in a change of position accompanied by several preconditions.
For Syria, the 1967 border remains sacred
Syria's Deception - Amir Taheri, New York Post
US warns Syria as fighting renews
U.S. policy change will allow Israel-Syria talks
SyriaComment “Ash’ari Islam Predominates in Syria,” by Anonymous
Uzi Benziman: Enough lip service, it's time for Olmert to talk to Syria
MEMRI May 22 SD# 1594 - Syrian Dissident Launches Campaign Against Presidential Referendum in Syria
May 18 SD# 1590 - Syrian Liberal Nidhal Na'isa On the West, Pan-Arabism, Islamism, and Al-Jazeera
Independent Robert Fisk: The road to Jerusalem (via Lebanon)
Regional conflicts join together to destabilize Lebanon By Rami G. Khouri
Lebanon is on the brink Gulf News By Amir Taheri
Asia Times Lebanon battles a new demon Militants from the recently formed Fatah al-Islam have emerged with guns blazing; they are now in their third day of fighting against the Lebanese Army. The al-Qaeda-inspired group has dramatically raised the stakes in Lebanon's parlous political landscape, threatening a complete breakdown of the country. And the Lebanese government's blaming Syria will not help matters. - Sami Moubayed
Slipping into chaos Ramsay Short: Is the latest trouble in Lebanon the result of American or Syrian meddling? Either way, it's obvious who loses.
Hezbollah Backs Lebanon Army in Standoff
Fight with militants agitates Lebanon's troubled camps Poverty and hopelessness have helped foster the emergence of radical Islamist groups in Lebanon's 12 Palestinian refugee camps.
50 killed in Lebanese fighting Northern city of Tripoli hit by worst violence for two decades as army troops fight Sunni militants.
Lebanese Troops Fight Islamists; Dozens Are Slain nThe battle left at least 22 soldiers and 17 militants dead and set off a military campaign to root out militants inside Lebanon’s Palestinian refugee camps.
Independent Robert Fisk: A front-row seat for this Lebanese tragedy
UN Security Council should create a tribunal for Lebanon A special tribunal to try the killers of Lebanon’s former prime minister can send a powerful message that assassins will not go unpunished
BostonGlobe Editorial The specter haunting Lebanon
THE WARFARE that erupted Sunday in northern Lebanon, in and around the city of Tripoli, illustrates the danger of another civil war in that beleaguered country.
BBC Lebanon fighting enters third day Fighting between Lebanese troops and Islamic militants continues into a third day, despite talk of a ceasefire.
“Lebanon Unrest Puts Hariri Tribunal In Peril” by Solomon
Strife rips at Lebanon In the worst internal violence since the 1975-90 civil war, at least 71 people have been killed in a Lebanese Army battle with Islamic militants.
Militants' battle engulfs Lebanon refugee camp Q&A: explaining the violence in Lebanon
Leader Syrian Blackmail
The Lebanese Army is in danger of falling into a trap
U.S. gives Israel green light for Syria dialogue
U.S. policy turnabout may enable Israeli-Syrian talks
U.S. Policy Turnabout May Enable Israeli-Syrian Talks By: Ze'ev Schiff HaaretzWashington has given Israel the green light to accept Syrian President Bashar Assad's call for peace talks, in a change of position accompanied by several preconditions.
For Syria, the 1967 border remains sacred
Syria's Deception - Amir Taheri, New York Post
US warns Syria as fighting renews
U.S. policy change will allow Israel-Syria talks
SyriaComment “Ash’ari Islam Predominates in Syria,” by Anonymous
Uzi Benziman: Enough lip service, it's time for Olmert to talk to Syria
MEMRI May 22 SD# 1594 - Syrian Dissident Launches Campaign Against Presidential Referendum in Syria
May 18 SD# 1590 - Syrian Liberal Nidhal Na'isa On the West, Pan-Arabism, Islamism, and Al-Jazeera
Independent Robert Fisk: The road to Jerusalem (via Lebanon)
Regional conflicts join together to destabilize Lebanon By Rami G. Khouri
Lebanon is on the brink Gulf News By Amir Taheri
Asia Times Lebanon battles a new demon Militants from the recently formed Fatah al-Islam have emerged with guns blazing; they are now in their third day of fighting against the Lebanese Army. The al-Qaeda-inspired group has dramatically raised the stakes in Lebanon's parlous political landscape, threatening a complete breakdown of the country. And the Lebanese government's blaming Syria will not help matters. - Sami Moubayed
Slipping into chaos Ramsay Short: Is the latest trouble in Lebanon the result of American or Syrian meddling? Either way, it's obvious who loses.
Hezbollah Backs Lebanon Army in Standoff
Fight with militants agitates Lebanon's troubled camps Poverty and hopelessness have helped foster the emergence of radical Islamist groups in Lebanon's 12 Palestinian refugee camps.
50 killed in Lebanese fighting Northern city of Tripoli hit by worst violence for two decades as army troops fight Sunni militants.
Lebanese Troops Fight Islamists; Dozens Are Slain nThe battle left at least 22 soldiers and 17 militants dead and set off a military campaign to root out militants inside Lebanon’s Palestinian refugee camps.
Independent Robert Fisk: A front-row seat for this Lebanese tragedy
UN Security Council should create a tribunal for Lebanon A special tribunal to try the killers of Lebanon’s former prime minister can send a powerful message that assassins will not go unpunished
BostonGlobe Editorial The specter haunting Lebanon
THE WARFARE that erupted Sunday in northern Lebanon, in and around the city of Tripoli, illustrates the danger of another civil war in that beleaguered country.
BBC Lebanon fighting enters third day Fighting between Lebanese troops and Islamic militants continues into a third day, despite talk of a ceasefire.
“Lebanon Unrest Puts Hariri Tribunal In Peril” by Solomon
Strife rips at Lebanon In the worst internal violence since the 1975-90 civil war, at least 71 people have been killed in a Lebanese Army battle with Islamic militants.
Militants' battle engulfs Lebanon refugee camp Q&A: explaining the violence in Lebanon
Leader Syrian Blackmail
The Lebanese Army is in danger of falling into a trap
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
BULLETIN No. 191
Talk to Syria By: Dennis Ross:The New Republic To date, the pressure within the Israeli defense establishment to talk to Syria has not persuaded Olmert to drop his opposition to such talks--opposition that stems in no small part from the Bush administration being dead-set against the Israelis taking up Assad on his willingness to sit down with them.
Asia Times Damascus moves to center stage The United States' anti-Syria rhetoric is being replaced by the grudging acceptance that Damascus, in cooperation with Saudi Arabia, has a lot to offer on Iraq. - Sami Moubayed
Border Control / The Syrian snowball effect
Washington Times Editorial Diplomacy with the rogues Rice's dialogue with Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem on Friday was at least in part a response to the pounding that the administration has taken for its supposed refusal to talk to rogue states like Syria.
Jerusalem Post Analysis: Assessing Syria's true intentions a tricky taskBy YAAKOV KATZ There is no doubt that both Israel and Syria are escalating the activities of each others militaries.
UN Chief in Syria to 'Post': Assad not preparing for warSays more military activity in Israel than in Syria; Israeli defense officials reject assessment; NSC head: Peace overtures genuine.
NSC chief: Syrian bid for talks with Israel is genuine
America Should Press Damascus to Let Go of Lebanon - Michael Young
Rice Offers Incentive to Damascus
Analysis: Syria-US meet at Iraq conclave
Livni and aides prepping for possibility of renewed Syria talks FM steps up efforts in light of Syrian peace overtures, intelligence Damascus may be preparing for war.
Iranians find tenuous refuge in Syria
Political refugees worry about their fate as ties strengthen between Damascus and Tehran.
Iraqi refugees bring home to their Damascus enclave Former residents of Baghdad, Fallujah or Tikrit can get a taste of home on what has come to be known as "Iraqi Street," stopping by the Baghdady Bakery for a sticky-sweet piece of carrot-pistachio marzipan.
Christian Science Monitor
Iraq's neighbors weigh next steps Participating countries - including Syria and Iran - now face the test of fulfilling promises of security and economic aid.
Debka Despite Syrian military border build-up, Israel has no plans to attack but stands ready to ward off a surprise Syrian strike
Rice: U.S. may force setting up of Hariri murder tribunal Secretary of State: We would push for setting up tribunal under Chapter 7, allow Lebanon to return to normal.
Daily Star Lebanon's future will be decided in Lebanon, not France
Beware the Siren Lebanon For a quarter-century, Lebanon has been the graveyard of Israeli politicians reckless enough to venture there.
Yedioth Ahronoth 'US pressured Israel into war' Hizbullah's Nasrallah tells Iranian TV Americans 'ordered Zionist regime to invade Lebanon last summer to serve their ambitions in region’; says Winograd report contains information on collaboration between Israel, Arab states
Wall Street Journal Move Over Olmert Will Tzipi Livni be Israel's next prime minister? By FANIA OZ-SALZBERGER
Ha’aretz The Winograd report does not address the effect of the Palestinian front on the war. Jerusalem Post
Peres: I'm willing to be PM, won't lend hand to coup
Bradley Burston: Who killed the Israeli left?
Bar’el 'The right of return will destroy us all'
Benn The meeting / Uncomfortable alliance
Rosner Too much Israel: Small, vulnerable and endangered
Editorial Saying 'no' to OlmertDefense Minister Amir Peretz has actually resigned, even if he has not taken the legal steps required to do so officially.
Yedioth Ahronoth 'US pressured Israel into war' Hizbullah's Nasrallah tells Iranian TV Americans 'ordered Zionist regime to invade Lebanon last summer to serve their ambitions in region’; says Winograd report contains information on collaboration between Israel, Arab states
US-Israel disharmony
Israel rubbing US Democrats and Republicans the wrong way, Zalman Shoval writes
Qaeda: Hamas betrayed God
Preparing for the next war
Israel's Exercise in Escapismby Uri Avnery
Lessons from Israel's Lebanon war resonate globally A new report provides a window into an increasingly insurmountable task facing democracies: winning war, regardless of military superiority
Israel's Political Storm U.S. News & World Report - By Larry Derfner
Officials: Israel too unstable to discuss Saudi initiative Int'l leaders briefed on peace plan but hold off approaching Israel until country recuperates from Winograd report's findings.
Egypt: Israeli gov't crisis delaying peace moves
The Winograd report does not address the effect of the Palestinian front on the war. Jerusalem Post
Officials: Israel too unstable to discuss Saudi initiative Int'l leaders briefed on peace plan but hold off approaching Israel until country recuperates from Winograd report's findings.
Yedioth Ahronoth PM Livni? Are we crazy?/ Landau
Hezbollah Prepared but Not Seeking New Israel War
BBC US issues Mid-East security plan The US issues a detailed plan to Israel and the Palestinians for improving security and easing limits on movement.
From Azure, Chaim Gans (Tel Aviv): Is There a Historical Right to the Land of Israel?; Michael Oren on The Second War of Independence: Fifty years later, the lessons of the Suez War are only now becoming clear; an essay on Circumcision as Rebellion: Why Judaism rejected the decrees of Nature, Fortune, and Rome;
A review of Inside Hamas: the untold story of militants, martyrs and spies; Hamas: unwritten chapters; and Hamas: politics, charity and terrorism in the service of jihad.
Palestinians’ hard choice: An interview with Sari Nusseibeh, a leading Palestinian intellectual and political figure.
Israelis call on Olmert to resign
Fatah's Armed Wing Threatens to Hit Targets Outside Territories Unless Economic Embargo Is Lifted –
Ignoring the Chaos By: Avi Issacharoff Haaretz For several weeks now the Gaza Strip has been burning. This is not a matter of fighting between Hamas and Fatah activists or actions by the Israel Defense Forces, but battles between armed groups that for the most part are identified with large clans. Nearly every day for the past two weeks ,men, women and children have been killed in Gaza.
Washington Post September Could Be Key Deadline for Iraq War Congressional leaders from both political parties are giving President Bush a matter of months to prove that the "surge" effort has turned a corner.
Washington Post At Meeting on Iraq, Doubt and Detente Nations Manage to Find a Way Forward As U.S. Meets Briefly With Iran, Syria
Could civil war in Iraq spread? Historian Niall Ferguson weighs the evidence
What's Going Right in Iraq By: John D. Negroponte The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) By now it goes without saying that sectarian conflict and extremism in Iraq cannot be solved by military means alone -- it will take national reconciliation, economic reform and development, and international support as well. And as a former ambassador to Iraq, I know how difficult it is to create an alternative to coercive violence in a country that has lived under these conditions for decades.
Beating an orderly retreat By Francis Fukuyama It is no longer a question of if or when the U.S. leaves Iraq, but how.
Editorial Bring them home Iraqis need political reconciliation, not occupation; and U.S. troops shouldn't referee a civil war.
The case for strikes against Iran Diplomacy alone won't stop Iran's nuclear ambitions. By Louis Rene Beres
Financial Times West open to more flexibility with Iran The gesture comes ahead of an expected meeting this week between Ali Larijani, Iran’s top security official, and Javier Solana, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, in an attempt to restart the diplomatic process.
Los Angeles Times On Iraq, Gates may go his own way The Pentagon chief's recent comments seem to run counter to the message from the White House.
Republican leader calls for a fall deadline for Iraq plan Rep. John Boehner of Ohio embraces setting benchmarks for the Iraqi government and requiring Bush to provide assessments.
Iran vs. the Saudis By: Peter Brookes New York PostIraq is quickly becoming the latest battlefield in the proxy war between the Middle East's rising powers, Saudi Arabia and Iran.
Reporter: Fall 2007 could see an 'uptick' in US-Iran tensions
Al Ahram An Iranian-Arab Alliance? - Ayman El-Amir
BBC Iran FM attacks US policy in Iraq Iran launches a strong attack on US policy in Iraq, as hopes of US-Iranian high-level talks are dashed.
Time Iran: 'We are Ready to Talk'
Editorial Denial and Democracy in Egypt With so many other things to worry about in the Middle East, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and President Bush also seem to have lost their earlier fervor for Egyptian democracy.
International Crisis Group Sudan Darfur: Revitalising the Peace Process
Asia Times Damascus moves to center stage The United States' anti-Syria rhetoric is being replaced by the grudging acceptance that Damascus, in cooperation with Saudi Arabia, has a lot to offer on Iraq. - Sami Moubayed
Border Control / The Syrian snowball effect
Washington Times Editorial Diplomacy with the rogues Rice's dialogue with Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem on Friday was at least in part a response to the pounding that the administration has taken for its supposed refusal to talk to rogue states like Syria.
Jerusalem Post Analysis: Assessing Syria's true intentions a tricky taskBy YAAKOV KATZ There is no doubt that both Israel and Syria are escalating the activities of each others militaries.
UN Chief in Syria to 'Post': Assad not preparing for warSays more military activity in Israel than in Syria; Israeli defense officials reject assessment; NSC head: Peace overtures genuine.
NSC chief: Syrian bid for talks with Israel is genuine
America Should Press Damascus to Let Go of Lebanon - Michael Young
Rice Offers Incentive to Damascus
Analysis: Syria-US meet at Iraq conclave
Livni and aides prepping for possibility of renewed Syria talks FM steps up efforts in light of Syrian peace overtures, intelligence Damascus may be preparing for war.
Iranians find tenuous refuge in Syria
Political refugees worry about their fate as ties strengthen between Damascus and Tehran.
Iraqi refugees bring home to their Damascus enclave Former residents of Baghdad, Fallujah or Tikrit can get a taste of home on what has come to be known as "Iraqi Street," stopping by the Baghdady Bakery for a sticky-sweet piece of carrot-pistachio marzipan.
Christian Science Monitor
Iraq's neighbors weigh next steps Participating countries - including Syria and Iran - now face the test of fulfilling promises of security and economic aid.
Debka Despite Syrian military border build-up, Israel has no plans to attack but stands ready to ward off a surprise Syrian strike
Rice: U.S. may force setting up of Hariri murder tribunal Secretary of State: We would push for setting up tribunal under Chapter 7, allow Lebanon to return to normal.
Daily Star Lebanon's future will be decided in Lebanon, not France
Beware the Siren Lebanon For a quarter-century, Lebanon has been the graveyard of Israeli politicians reckless enough to venture there.
Yedioth Ahronoth 'US pressured Israel into war' Hizbullah's Nasrallah tells Iranian TV Americans 'ordered Zionist regime to invade Lebanon last summer to serve their ambitions in region’; says Winograd report contains information on collaboration between Israel, Arab states
Wall Street Journal Move Over Olmert Will Tzipi Livni be Israel's next prime minister? By FANIA OZ-SALZBERGER
Ha’aretz The Winograd report does not address the effect of the Palestinian front on the war. Jerusalem Post
Peres: I'm willing to be PM, won't lend hand to coup
Bradley Burston: Who killed the Israeli left?
Bar’el 'The right of return will destroy us all'
Benn The meeting / Uncomfortable alliance
Rosner Too much Israel: Small, vulnerable and endangered
Editorial Saying 'no' to OlmertDefense Minister Amir Peretz has actually resigned, even if he has not taken the legal steps required to do so officially.
Yedioth Ahronoth 'US pressured Israel into war' Hizbullah's Nasrallah tells Iranian TV Americans 'ordered Zionist regime to invade Lebanon last summer to serve their ambitions in region’; says Winograd report contains information on collaboration between Israel, Arab states
US-Israel disharmony
Israel rubbing US Democrats and Republicans the wrong way, Zalman Shoval writes
Qaeda: Hamas betrayed God
Preparing for the next war
Israel's Exercise in Escapismby Uri Avnery
Lessons from Israel's Lebanon war resonate globally A new report provides a window into an increasingly insurmountable task facing democracies: winning war, regardless of military superiority
Israel's Political Storm U.S. News & World Report - By Larry Derfner
Officials: Israel too unstable to discuss Saudi initiative Int'l leaders briefed on peace plan but hold off approaching Israel until country recuperates from Winograd report's findings.
Egypt: Israeli gov't crisis delaying peace moves
The Winograd report does not address the effect of the Palestinian front on the war. Jerusalem Post
Officials: Israel too unstable to discuss Saudi initiative Int'l leaders briefed on peace plan but hold off approaching Israel until country recuperates from Winograd report's findings.
Yedioth Ahronoth PM Livni? Are we crazy?/ Landau
Hezbollah Prepared but Not Seeking New Israel War
BBC US issues Mid-East security plan The US issues a detailed plan to Israel and the Palestinians for improving security and easing limits on movement.
From Azure, Chaim Gans (Tel Aviv): Is There a Historical Right to the Land of Israel?; Michael Oren on The Second War of Independence: Fifty years later, the lessons of the Suez War are only now becoming clear; an essay on Circumcision as Rebellion: Why Judaism rejected the decrees of Nature, Fortune, and Rome;
A review of Inside Hamas: the untold story of militants, martyrs and spies; Hamas: unwritten chapters; and Hamas: politics, charity and terrorism in the service of jihad.
Palestinians’ hard choice: An interview with Sari Nusseibeh, a leading Palestinian intellectual and political figure.
Israelis call on Olmert to resign
Fatah's Armed Wing Threatens to Hit Targets Outside Territories Unless Economic Embargo Is Lifted –
Ignoring the Chaos By: Avi Issacharoff Haaretz For several weeks now the Gaza Strip has been burning. This is not a matter of fighting between Hamas and Fatah activists or actions by the Israel Defense Forces, but battles between armed groups that for the most part are identified with large clans. Nearly every day for the past two weeks ,men, women and children have been killed in Gaza.
Washington Post September Could Be Key Deadline for Iraq War Congressional leaders from both political parties are giving President Bush a matter of months to prove that the "surge" effort has turned a corner.
Washington Post At Meeting on Iraq, Doubt and Detente Nations Manage to Find a Way Forward As U.S. Meets Briefly With Iran, Syria
Could civil war in Iraq spread? Historian Niall Ferguson weighs the evidence
What's Going Right in Iraq By: John D. Negroponte The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) By now it goes without saying that sectarian conflict and extremism in Iraq cannot be solved by military means alone -- it will take national reconciliation, economic reform and development, and international support as well. And as a former ambassador to Iraq, I know how difficult it is to create an alternative to coercive violence in a country that has lived under these conditions for decades.
Beating an orderly retreat By Francis Fukuyama It is no longer a question of if or when the U.S. leaves Iraq, but how.
Editorial Bring them home Iraqis need political reconciliation, not occupation; and U.S. troops shouldn't referee a civil war.
The case for strikes against Iran Diplomacy alone won't stop Iran's nuclear ambitions. By Louis Rene Beres
Financial Times West open to more flexibility with Iran The gesture comes ahead of an expected meeting this week between Ali Larijani, Iran’s top security official, and Javier Solana, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, in an attempt to restart the diplomatic process.
Los Angeles Times On Iraq, Gates may go his own way The Pentagon chief's recent comments seem to run counter to the message from the White House.
Republican leader calls for a fall deadline for Iraq plan Rep. John Boehner of Ohio embraces setting benchmarks for the Iraqi government and requiring Bush to provide assessments.
Iran vs. the Saudis By: Peter Brookes New York PostIraq is quickly becoming the latest battlefield in the proxy war between the Middle East's rising powers, Saudi Arabia and Iran.
Reporter: Fall 2007 could see an 'uptick' in US-Iran tensions
Al Ahram An Iranian-Arab Alliance? - Ayman El-Amir
BBC Iran FM attacks US policy in Iraq Iran launches a strong attack on US policy in Iraq, as hopes of US-Iranian high-level talks are dashed.
Time Iran: 'We are Ready to Talk'
Editorial Denial and Democracy in Egypt With so many other things to worry about in the Middle East, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and President Bush also seem to have lost their earlier fervor for Egyptian democracy.
International Crisis Group Sudan Darfur: Revitalising the Peace Process
Friday, May 04, 2007
BULLETIN No. 190
Syrian Endgame By: Michael Young The Wall Street Journal It is in Lebanon that Syria has shown the least inclination to concede anything. That's why the U.S. must use any future conversation with Iran, assuming it goes well, as leverage to consolidate Lebanon's fragile independence.
Rice Meets with Syrian Foreign Minister at Iraq Conference
Washington Times Rice offers incentive to Damascus (Nicholas Kralev)
'Syria arming intensely'
Debka Despite Syrian military border build-up, Israel has no plans to attack but stands ready to ward off a surprise Syrian strike
Syria refuses role in tribunal
By Betsy Pisik No Syrian will participate in an international trial of suspects in the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, a senior foreign ministry official said yesterday. He also warned that Lebanon is on the brink of civil war.
U.S.-Syria relations complicated by Hariri probe
McClatchy Rice asks Syria to close its border with Iraq
Independent Meeting with Rice ends Syria's diplomatic isolation
New York Times U.S. and Syria Discuss Iraq in Rare Meeting The meeting between the secretary of state and her Syrian counterpart seemed to confirm a change in approach for the White House.
Rice Meets With Syrian CounterpartNo U.S.-Iran Session At Conference on Iraq
Guardian Rice breaks the ice with Syria, but not Iran Iraq conference backdrop for high level discussion where US praises Damascus's counter-insurgency effort.
Christian Science Monitor
Iraq drives US-Syria talks Secretary of State Rice met in Egypt Thursday with Syrian Foreign Minister Moalem, who called their discussion 'frank and constructive.'
Progress as US talk to Syria and Iran At an conference on Iraq, Condoleezza Rice had a 30-minute meeting with her Syrian counterpart, the first for two years
Syrian Military Buildup Worries Israel
SyriaComment Will There be a War this Summer?
Hariri probe complicates U.S.-Syria ... (Betsy Pisik)
Washington Takes Aim at Syria
What can be done at Sharm el-Sheikh By Ghassan Atiyyah
As summit opens, talks with Iran, Syria are main focus
Washington Times Syrians bolstered by visit of 'good American' Pelosi
US Blocks Israel-Syria Talks
Editorial A Harsh, Healthy Verdict in Israel You have to admire the work of the investigating commission appointed to analyze Israel’s botched war in Lebanon last summer.
Hizbollah praises Israel over war report
Hizbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has given rare praise to long-time foe Israel for having investigated its 2006 war in Lebanon
After war in Lebanon... the battle for Israel
The struggle for a nation engulfed by the aftershocks of a bungled war
International community keeping close watch on post-Winograd fallout
Benn Sleep on it The Winograd report has shown that at the root of the failure in Lebanon War II was haste
The mistakes of the Winograd Committee For most Israeli citizens, the committee's report is a document that reinforces existing views rather than telling us anything new.
If Olmert Doesn't Get Message, Into the Streets By: Cameron Brown The Jerusalem Post We knew the Winograd Report investigating the failures during last summer's war with Hizbullah would be critical of the political and military leadership. But no one expected a political earthquake of this magnitude.
After the Winograd report, will Olmert survive? By Shlomo Avineri
The Winograd Report Mainly Provokes Arab Disdain By: Rami G. Khouri The Daily StarA combination of vindication, disdain, and renewed concerns about Israeli militarism are the dominant reactions in the Arab world to the preliminary report of the Winograd Commission released Monday in Israel.
BBC Taking the strainPressure mounts on Ehud Olmert as support crumbles
Ha’aretz Benn A very, very painful response Israel did not make a serious effort to achieve peace with its neighbors, due to the belief that the Arabs wouldn't dare challenge its military superiority. This is the most interesting finding in the Winograd Committee's interim report.
U.S. presents Israel, PA with detailed demands Israel fears confrontation with U.S.; demands include opening passages, upgrading PA armed forces
Benchmark Document / Israel concerned by Washington's demands
THE BENCHMARK DOCUMENT IN FULL
Schiff The conspicuously absent issue
In the saddle again? After reading the Winograd Committee's scathing report, Ehud Olmert launched a heroic struggle for survival this week. Tzipi Livni collapsed under the pressure.
An unnecessary war
Benn A very, very painful response Israel did not make a serious effort to achieve peace with its neighbors, due to the belief that the Arabs wouldn't dare challenge its military superiority. This is the most interesting finding in the Winograd Committee's interim report.
Rosner Reality overtaken by events Until the fate of Israel's government and prime minister becomes clear, there will likely be little progress in U.S. efforts to advance diplomacy in the region. Meanwhile, Syria continues an unprecedented buildup on its front with Israel.
Micro-manager The chief of staff should balance his attention to detail with the need to see the big picture.
'The intelligence didn't reach the troops'
PM, Kadima fear Labor will quit gov't due to Winograd backlash
Sources: Evidence on Bishara case sufficient for indictment
Rosner Bush, Rice, Olmert, Livni: the State of affairs
The Economist Israel A prime minister on the edge
Israel and its neighbours When's the next war?
Why Israel is After Me By: Azmi Bishara Los Angeles TimesI am a Palestinian from Nazareth, a citizen of Israel and was, until last month, a member of the Israeli parliament. But now, in an ironic twist reminiscent of France's Dreyfus affair — in which a French Jew was accused of disloyalty to the state — the government of Israel is accusing me of aiding the enemy during Israel's failed war against Lebanon in July.
The Winograd Report Mainly Provokes Arab Disdain By: Rami G. Khouri The Daily Star A combination of vindication, disdain, and renewed concerns about Israeli militarism are the dominant reactions in the Arab world to the preliminary report of the Winograd Commission released Monday in Israel.
To Rabin Square By: Ari Shavit Haaretz For eight months the country's residents allowed their leadership to ridicule them. They did not join the reservists' protest en masse; they did not put the prime minister, whose moral authority was lost, under political siege.
Forward Ehud Olmert Is Not Solely To Blame Martin van Creveld
One on One with Amir Taheri on how to deal with Iran
Column One: The fruits of Hizbullah's victory
Washington Times Israeli inquiry aftershocks By Ariel Cohen The Winograd Commission diagnosed -- correctly -- the main disease of the Israeli politico-military elite: lack of a strategic doctrine "in the fullest sense of the term."
Editorial Was Olmert the problem?
David Makovsky Olmert After Winograd: A Battle for Survival
Yedioth Ahronoth Livni around for now Despite foreign minister's recent statement that Olmert should resign following Winograd report, prime minister seems inclined not to fire Livni, as long as they remain on same page regarding government policy
Deputy Defense Minister discusses ups and downs of Israel's regional situation with AJC
Preserving Humanitarian Principles While Combating Terrorism: Israel's Struggle with Hizbullah in the Lebanon War - Daniel Taub (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Former CIA Director Blames Arafat for Being "Barrier to Peace" –
Israel's Dilemma: A Discredited Prime Minister and Unappealing Alternatives By: Frida Ghitis World Politics Watch If Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is looking for someone in Israel willing to stand up and fight for his political survival, the only place he may find that person is staring straight into the mirror. Olmert's survival looks like the longest of long shots, and yet, the road ahead looks anything but clear for his political opponents.
Gulf of perceptionCompeting narratives leave no room for Israeli-Arab tolerance
Olmert's Failure - Chuck Freilich, Human Events
Tony Karon The Blind Spot in Israel’s War Probe
Jerusalem Post Lessons of Winograd
US Sets Eight-Month Timetable for Israel-Palestinian Peace Moves
Guardian Olmert's legacy could yet be the failure that forces something better Jonathan Freedland: The crisis triggered by Israel's report on its war with Lebanon may end up putting the Arab League initiative centre stage.
Leader Israel’s Dilemma Agonising over the responsibility for flaws in the Lebanon war
Iraqi Perceptions of the War: Public Opinion by City and RegionSource: Center for Strategic & International Studies Full Paper (PDF; 709 KB)
Don't Abandon Us By Hoshyar Zebari, Iraqis, for all our determination and courage, cannot succeed alone
Asia Times What Muqtada wants All that the Sadrists want is a timetable for a US withdrawal from Iraq, says Nasr al-Roubaie, Shi'ite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's top man in government. This struggle, he tells Pepe Escobar, is both "peaceful and armed", and there is a possibility of an Iraqi shadow cabinet being formed uniting Sadrists and Sunni nationalists. But whatever happens, Muqtada remains the kingmaker.
Conferencing Iraq's futureMuch of the attention at the Iraq security conference now under way in Egypt will be on the interaction between Iran and the US, and over Tehran's concerns that it might be ambushed by the US over its nuclear program. But Iraq is the core issue, and Iran has the opportunity to emphasize its pivotal role in defining that country's future. - Kaveh L Afrasiabi
Priorities, Not Delusions By: Dmitri K. Simes The National Interest Those who hoped that the Democrats’ victory in November would launch a major foreign policy debate are disappointed. Setting aside the immediate issue of Iraq, which obviously requires the nation’s attention, neither presidential candidates nor the Congress nor the media have shown much interest in a serious conversation about the direction of U.S. foreign policy.
Financial Times COMMENT: Why it is time for America to start talking to its enemy Silence has amplified misunderstanding and empowered radicals in Tehran. The US has nothing to lose from talking, writes Philip Stephens.
Iran's Nuclear Programme IISSAn article assessing the prospects for a diplomatic resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue
Time Postcard: Tehran (Postcard: Tehran.) Despite a culture that thrives on lavish weddings, men and women are officially barred from celebrating together. How some Iranians skirt the law in order to tie the knot
CFR Should Regime Change in Iran be Part of US Foreign Policy?
Taking Threats Off the Table Before Sitting With Iran By: Ray Takeyh The Boston GlobeAs Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice meets with her Iranian counterpart this week in Egypt, the prospects of talks between the two enduring foes seem closer than before. However, for such negotiations to succeed, Washington must be prepared to adjust an important aspect of its rhetoric.
The perils of sectarianism in opposing Iranian power By Toby Jones
Theodore Dalrymple Violently imposing a socialist or Islamic society is justified in the same way by Marx and Sayyid Qutb: if people were really free, they’d accept this fate instantly, joyously... more»
Rice Meets with Syrian Foreign Minister at Iraq Conference
Washington Times Rice offers incentive to Damascus (Nicholas Kralev)
'Syria arming intensely'
Debka Despite Syrian military border build-up, Israel has no plans to attack but stands ready to ward off a surprise Syrian strike
Syria refuses role in tribunal
By Betsy Pisik No Syrian will participate in an international trial of suspects in the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, a senior foreign ministry official said yesterday. He also warned that Lebanon is on the brink of civil war.
U.S.-Syria relations complicated by Hariri probe
McClatchy Rice asks Syria to close its border with Iraq
Independent Meeting with Rice ends Syria's diplomatic isolation
New York Times U.S. and Syria Discuss Iraq in Rare Meeting The meeting between the secretary of state and her Syrian counterpart seemed to confirm a change in approach for the White House.
Rice Meets With Syrian CounterpartNo U.S.-Iran Session At Conference on Iraq
Guardian Rice breaks the ice with Syria, but not Iran Iraq conference backdrop for high level discussion where US praises Damascus's counter-insurgency effort.
Christian Science Monitor
Iraq drives US-Syria talks Secretary of State Rice met in Egypt Thursday with Syrian Foreign Minister Moalem, who called their discussion 'frank and constructive.'
Progress as US talk to Syria and Iran At an conference on Iraq, Condoleezza Rice had a 30-minute meeting with her Syrian counterpart, the first for two years
Syrian Military Buildup Worries Israel
SyriaComment Will There be a War this Summer?
Hariri probe complicates U.S.-Syria ... (Betsy Pisik)
Washington Takes Aim at Syria
What can be done at Sharm el-Sheikh By Ghassan Atiyyah
As summit opens, talks with Iran, Syria are main focus
Washington Times Syrians bolstered by visit of 'good American' Pelosi
US Blocks Israel-Syria Talks
Editorial A Harsh, Healthy Verdict in Israel You have to admire the work of the investigating commission appointed to analyze Israel’s botched war in Lebanon last summer.
Hizbollah praises Israel over war report
Hizbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has given rare praise to long-time foe Israel for having investigated its 2006 war in Lebanon
After war in Lebanon... the battle for Israel
The struggle for a nation engulfed by the aftershocks of a bungled war
International community keeping close watch on post-Winograd fallout
Benn Sleep on it The Winograd report has shown that at the root of the failure in Lebanon War II was haste
The mistakes of the Winograd Committee For most Israeli citizens, the committee's report is a document that reinforces existing views rather than telling us anything new.
If Olmert Doesn't Get Message, Into the Streets By: Cameron Brown The Jerusalem Post We knew the Winograd Report investigating the failures during last summer's war with Hizbullah would be critical of the political and military leadership. But no one expected a political earthquake of this magnitude.
After the Winograd report, will Olmert survive? By Shlomo Avineri
The Winograd Report Mainly Provokes Arab Disdain By: Rami G. Khouri The Daily StarA combination of vindication, disdain, and renewed concerns about Israeli militarism are the dominant reactions in the Arab world to the preliminary report of the Winograd Commission released Monday in Israel.
BBC Taking the strainPressure mounts on Ehud Olmert as support crumbles
Ha’aretz Benn A very, very painful response Israel did not make a serious effort to achieve peace with its neighbors, due to the belief that the Arabs wouldn't dare challenge its military superiority. This is the most interesting finding in the Winograd Committee's interim report.
U.S. presents Israel, PA with detailed demands Israel fears confrontation with U.S.; demands include opening passages, upgrading PA armed forces
Benchmark Document / Israel concerned by Washington's demands
THE BENCHMARK DOCUMENT IN FULL
Schiff The conspicuously absent issue
In the saddle again? After reading the Winograd Committee's scathing report, Ehud Olmert launched a heroic struggle for survival this week. Tzipi Livni collapsed under the pressure.
An unnecessary war
Benn A very, very painful response Israel did not make a serious effort to achieve peace with its neighbors, due to the belief that the Arabs wouldn't dare challenge its military superiority. This is the most interesting finding in the Winograd Committee's interim report.
Rosner Reality overtaken by events Until the fate of Israel's government and prime minister becomes clear, there will likely be little progress in U.S. efforts to advance diplomacy in the region. Meanwhile, Syria continues an unprecedented buildup on its front with Israel.
Micro-manager The chief of staff should balance his attention to detail with the need to see the big picture.
'The intelligence didn't reach the troops'
PM, Kadima fear Labor will quit gov't due to Winograd backlash
Sources: Evidence on Bishara case sufficient for indictment
Rosner Bush, Rice, Olmert, Livni: the State of affairs
The Economist Israel A prime minister on the edge
Israel and its neighbours When's the next war?
Why Israel is After Me By: Azmi Bishara Los Angeles TimesI am a Palestinian from Nazareth, a citizen of Israel and was, until last month, a member of the Israeli parliament. But now, in an ironic twist reminiscent of France's Dreyfus affair — in which a French Jew was accused of disloyalty to the state — the government of Israel is accusing me of aiding the enemy during Israel's failed war against Lebanon in July.
The Winograd Report Mainly Provokes Arab Disdain By: Rami G. Khouri The Daily Star A combination of vindication, disdain, and renewed concerns about Israeli militarism are the dominant reactions in the Arab world to the preliminary report of the Winograd Commission released Monday in Israel.
To Rabin Square By: Ari Shavit Haaretz For eight months the country's residents allowed their leadership to ridicule them. They did not join the reservists' protest en masse; they did not put the prime minister, whose moral authority was lost, under political siege.
Forward Ehud Olmert Is Not Solely To Blame Martin van Creveld
One on One with Amir Taheri on how to deal with Iran
Column One: The fruits of Hizbullah's victory
Washington Times Israeli inquiry aftershocks By Ariel Cohen The Winograd Commission diagnosed -- correctly -- the main disease of the Israeli politico-military elite: lack of a strategic doctrine "in the fullest sense of the term."
Editorial Was Olmert the problem?
David Makovsky Olmert After Winograd: A Battle for Survival
Yedioth Ahronoth Livni around for now Despite foreign minister's recent statement that Olmert should resign following Winograd report, prime minister seems inclined not to fire Livni, as long as they remain on same page regarding government policy
Deputy Defense Minister discusses ups and downs of Israel's regional situation with AJC
Preserving Humanitarian Principles While Combating Terrorism: Israel's Struggle with Hizbullah in the Lebanon War - Daniel Taub (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Former CIA Director Blames Arafat for Being "Barrier to Peace" –
Israel's Dilemma: A Discredited Prime Minister and Unappealing Alternatives By: Frida Ghitis World Politics Watch If Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is looking for someone in Israel willing to stand up and fight for his political survival, the only place he may find that person is staring straight into the mirror. Olmert's survival looks like the longest of long shots, and yet, the road ahead looks anything but clear for his political opponents.
Gulf of perceptionCompeting narratives leave no room for Israeli-Arab tolerance
Olmert's Failure - Chuck Freilich, Human Events
Tony Karon The Blind Spot in Israel’s War Probe
Jerusalem Post Lessons of Winograd
US Sets Eight-Month Timetable for Israel-Palestinian Peace Moves
Guardian Olmert's legacy could yet be the failure that forces something better Jonathan Freedland: The crisis triggered by Israel's report on its war with Lebanon may end up putting the Arab League initiative centre stage.
Leader Israel’s Dilemma Agonising over the responsibility for flaws in the Lebanon war
Iraqi Perceptions of the War: Public Opinion by City and RegionSource: Center for Strategic & International Studies Full Paper (PDF; 709 KB)
Don't Abandon Us By Hoshyar Zebari, Iraqis, for all our determination and courage, cannot succeed alone
Asia Times What Muqtada wants All that the Sadrists want is a timetable for a US withdrawal from Iraq, says Nasr al-Roubaie, Shi'ite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's top man in government. This struggle, he tells Pepe Escobar, is both "peaceful and armed", and there is a possibility of an Iraqi shadow cabinet being formed uniting Sadrists and Sunni nationalists. But whatever happens, Muqtada remains the kingmaker.
Conferencing Iraq's futureMuch of the attention at the Iraq security conference now under way in Egypt will be on the interaction between Iran and the US, and over Tehran's concerns that it might be ambushed by the US over its nuclear program. But Iraq is the core issue, and Iran has the opportunity to emphasize its pivotal role in defining that country's future. - Kaveh L Afrasiabi
Priorities, Not Delusions By: Dmitri K. Simes The National Interest Those who hoped that the Democrats’ victory in November would launch a major foreign policy debate are disappointed. Setting aside the immediate issue of Iraq, which obviously requires the nation’s attention, neither presidential candidates nor the Congress nor the media have shown much interest in a serious conversation about the direction of U.S. foreign policy.
Financial Times COMMENT: Why it is time for America to start talking to its enemy Silence has amplified misunderstanding and empowered radicals in Tehran. The US has nothing to lose from talking, writes Philip Stephens.
Iran's Nuclear Programme IISSAn article assessing the prospects for a diplomatic resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue
Time Postcard: Tehran (Postcard: Tehran.) Despite a culture that thrives on lavish weddings, men and women are officially barred from celebrating together. How some Iranians skirt the law in order to tie the knot
CFR Should Regime Change in Iran be Part of US Foreign Policy?
Taking Threats Off the Table Before Sitting With Iran By: Ray Takeyh The Boston GlobeAs Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice meets with her Iranian counterpart this week in Egypt, the prospects of talks between the two enduring foes seem closer than before. However, for such negotiations to succeed, Washington must be prepared to adjust an important aspect of its rhetoric.
The perils of sectarianism in opposing Iranian power By Toby Jones
Theodore Dalrymple Violently imposing a socialist or Islamic society is justified in the same way by Marx and Sayyid Qutb: if people were really free, they’d accept this fate instantly, joyously... more»
Sunday, April 29, 2007
BULLETIN No. 189
Aluf Benn: There is no way for Israel to control Golan for free There is a new idea dominating public discourse: Israel will recognize Syrian sovereignty over the Golan Heights and hold the territory under a long-term lease agreement
UPI Interview: Khaddam warns on Damascus
Army 'put down' Syrian election protests
Syrian opposition got it wrongGulf News - By Amir Taheri
Jerusalem Post Analysis: Weak Assad could be a loose cannon By ANSHEL PFEFFER It would seem that Syria is in no condition to wage war with Israel.
Jerusalem Post Massive IDF drill prepares for Syrian attack on the Golan Hundreds of tanks, thousands of troops participate in war simulation; since last summer, intelligence says war with Syria closer than ever.
Al Hayat Siniora and the Syrian Gauge Hassan Haydar
Syria's Ba'ath Party Maintains Grip in Vote
SyriaComment New Roundup (25 April 2007)
Editorial No Results in Damascus Having finished hosting U.S. politicians, Syria's dictator has returned to jailing dissidents and sponsoring terrorism.
SyriaComment News Round Up (26 April 2007)
Al Hayat The Syrian Withdrawal and the 'Old Book' Walid Choucair - President Bashar al-Assad said to a Western envoy on February 13, 2005: 'You will see our tanks and machinery withdraw from Lebanon. but be reassured that we will remain there'.
BBC A new great gameThree regional powers battle for influence in Lebanon
Killings Illustrate Crisis in Lebanon Sunni Man, Boy Had Been Abducted; Politicians Call for Calm
Al Hayat The International Probe into the Assassinations in Lebanon Randa Takieddin
Lebanese forces tighten security in Beirut Lebanon’s security services set up checkpoints across Beirut amid fears of a new escalation in political and sectarian tensions after the bodies of two Sunni Muslims were found.
Two Openings March 14 Might Consider By: Michael Young The Daily Star It's never easy to discern movement in the midst of glacial stalemate, but the ice has definitely budged in the past 10 days in Lebanon. The Hariri tribunal is almost certain to be established, whether through Lebanese institutions or through the United Nations Security Council; and the heat is building up on the opposition to agree to a presidential election amid a widening consensus that Emile Lahoud, whatever else happens, will not remain in office beyond the end of his term.
A review of Hezbollah: A Short History (and more).
Olmert survives inquest into war in LebanonThe report said that Israeli PM exercised 'misguided and rash judgment' but stopped short of calling for his resignation
Hamas rocket barrage threatens shaky five-month truce with Israel Israel rules out large military response, as Hamas moderates work to preserve ceasefire.
Israel Harel: Gaza front worse than pre-war south Lebanon
Jerusalem Post Palestinian Affairs: Hamas's trigger By KHALED ABU TOAMEH The missile-and-threat campaign launched by Hamas this week was part of a stab at self-preservation.
Israeli, US intellectuals chart new rules of war
Abbas and Mashaal meet in EgyptFirst meeting since creation of coalition gov't; discuss cease-fire with Israel.
Amira Hass: Failure of Palestinians' Qassam publicity stunts
Olmert / Fight for survival
Justice Ministry: Criminal probe into PM 'inevitable'
Jerusalem Post Stopping HamasIt makes no sense to continue giving Hamas breathing room, now that its attacks have officially resumed.
The Region: Dead-end paths by BARRY RUBIN
PA Media Call for Suicide Attacks, Kidnappings of Israelis
Hamas: Misrule in Gaza By: Jonathan Schanzer New York Post Hamas, the terrorist group that Palestinians last year elected to govern their territories, is failing to govern at all.
Qassam fired despite truce
An Israeli Arab's troubles mirror woes of dual identity Politician Azmi Bishara, an increasingly vocal critic of Israel, has quit the Knesset amid reports he is under criminal investigation.
New York Times War Bill Passes House, Requiring an Iraq Pullout The narrow approval of the measure sets the stage for the first veto fight between President Bush and majority Democrats.
Editorial Ranting at Reality on Iraq The sooner President Bush and his allies drop the pretense that military victory is still possible in Iraq, the closer the nation will be to rescuing what can still be rescued from the debacle.
New York Times The White House Scales Back Talk of Iraq Progress The Bush administration will not try to assess whether the troop increase in Iraq is producing signs of political progress or greater security until September, officials said.
Washington Post House Passes Iraq Pullout Timetable
One Choice in Iraq By Joe Lieberman Al-Qaeda's goal in Iraq isn't a seat at the table. It wants to blow up the table
New York Times War Bill Passes House, Requiring an Iraq Pullout The narrow approval of the measure sets the stage for the first veto fight between President Bush and majority Democrats.
Al Awsat Desperately Seeking Defeat in Iraq : Amir Taheri,,
Editorial Ranting at Reality on Iraq The sooner President Bush and his allies drop the pretense that military victory is still possible in Iraq, the closer the nation will be to rescuing what can still be rescued from the debacle.
Al hayat Westminster Notes (The Struggle For Baghdad) Sir Cyril Townsend - In a poll that covered all 18 provinces a few weeks ago 51% of Iraqis said that attacks on coalition forces were acceptable. 35% thought the coalition forces should leave now. Sadly the Government of Nouri al-Maliki shows no signs of being able to govern the country or to make the necessary concessions to the outnumbered Sunnis.
IHT Building a wall in Baghdad instead of policy in Iraq The wall around a Baghdad neighborhood is a symbol of the incoherence of the Bush administration's current policy toward ending ethnic violence in Iraq.
Basra splits between warring Shi'itesThe Shi'ite group led by Muqtada al-Sadr, who recently ordered his supporters to quit their posts in the cabinet, has lately turned against the governor of Basra because he belongs to a rival faction. But other Shi'ites have misgivings about Muqtada and his followers who are perceived as being too close to Iran
Iraq: Who's Winning, Harry? By: Amir Taheri New York PostBecause all wars have winners and losers, Reid, having identified America as the loser, is required to name the winner. This Reid cannot do. The reason is that, whichever way one looks at the situation, America and its Iraqi allies remain the only objective victors in this war.
Iraqi Divisions Stall Political Aims Officials see little or no progress in achieving three key benchmarks set by the Bush administration.
Gates Not Enthusiastic About Maliki
Christian Science Monitor
Missing player: a 'czar' to manage American efforts in the Iraq war The White House has envisioned a coordinator role for the multibillion-dollar, multiagency effort, but is having trouble finding a willing candidate
Shi'ite power struggle escalates Clashes between Shi'ite groups in the predominately Shi'ite city of Diwaniya illustrate an increase in the level of rivalry between Shi'ite militias in the main urban centers in southern Iraq. Primarily, Muqtada al-Sadr's Mehdi Army is fighting for the hearts and minds of the country's Shi'ites. Diwaniya is the powder keg.
Stratfor Geopolitical Diary: Iran's Current Conciliatory Mood Swing
Getting Iran to the TableCouncil on Foreign Relations,
FT Iran and EU hold ‘constructive’ nuclear talks Attempt to break months-long deadlock - Iran and the European Union held “constructive” talks over Tehran’s controversial nuclear programme, but each side gave a cautious assessment of the progress made
Olmert: Iran nuclear issue can be resolved without weapons
CFR Bolurfrushan: Bank Pressures Hit Iranian Business Harder than Sanctions
Iran and EU hold ‘constructive’ nuclear talks Attempt to break months-long deadlock - Iran and the European Union held “constructive” talks over Tehran’s controversial nuclear programme, but each side gave a cautious assessment of the progress made.
PINR "Afghanistan's Role in Iranian Foreign Policy" Full text of report
Iran: What Next? By: Azar Nafisi The New Republic If you take the long view of Iranian history and focus on the country's people rather than its rulers, a very different picture emerges: that of an Iranian order in crisis.
Daily Star Containing Iran the financial way By Michael Jacobson
Iraqi Foreign Minister Zebari Heads To Iran
Egypt, Saudi Arabia Edge Away From Bush as Mideast Chill GrowsBloomberg
Prospect Why the Middle East Doesn’t Matter -The middle of nowhere edward luttwak Western analysts are forever bleating about the strategic importance of the middle east. But despite its oil, this backward region is less relevant than ever, and it would be better for everyone if the rest of the world learned to ignore it.
The Economist The United States in the Middle East Weakness—or a new realism? Why the Americans are having to adjust their policies in the region
Daily Star Constructive currents flow below Middle Eastern civil society By Rami G. Khouri
Germany: The Implications of the Greater Middle East - Michael SturmerGermany has become increasingly involved in power politics throughout the greater Middle East. It is engaged in the Quartet and its "road map" through the EU, and has been in the forefront of negotiations aimed at preventing a nuclear Iran. While the Schroeder government explicitly ruled out military action to prevent the latter, Ms. Merkel has said it is an unacceptable outcome and all options remain on the table. (Henry Jackson Society)
UPI Interview: Khaddam warns on Damascus
Army 'put down' Syrian election protests
Syrian opposition got it wrongGulf News - By Amir Taheri
Jerusalem Post Analysis: Weak Assad could be a loose cannon By ANSHEL PFEFFER It would seem that Syria is in no condition to wage war with Israel.
Jerusalem Post Massive IDF drill prepares for Syrian attack on the Golan Hundreds of tanks, thousands of troops participate in war simulation; since last summer, intelligence says war with Syria closer than ever.
Al Hayat Siniora and the Syrian Gauge Hassan Haydar
Syria's Ba'ath Party Maintains Grip in Vote
SyriaComment New Roundup (25 April 2007)
Editorial No Results in Damascus Having finished hosting U.S. politicians, Syria's dictator has returned to jailing dissidents and sponsoring terrorism.
SyriaComment News Round Up (26 April 2007)
Al Hayat The Syrian Withdrawal and the 'Old Book' Walid Choucair - President Bashar al-Assad said to a Western envoy on February 13, 2005: 'You will see our tanks and machinery withdraw from Lebanon. but be reassured that we will remain there'.
BBC A new great gameThree regional powers battle for influence in Lebanon
Killings Illustrate Crisis in Lebanon Sunni Man, Boy Had Been Abducted; Politicians Call for Calm
Al Hayat The International Probe into the Assassinations in Lebanon Randa Takieddin
Lebanese forces tighten security in Beirut Lebanon’s security services set up checkpoints across Beirut amid fears of a new escalation in political and sectarian tensions after the bodies of two Sunni Muslims were found.
Two Openings March 14 Might Consider By: Michael Young The Daily Star It's never easy to discern movement in the midst of glacial stalemate, but the ice has definitely budged in the past 10 days in Lebanon. The Hariri tribunal is almost certain to be established, whether through Lebanese institutions or through the United Nations Security Council; and the heat is building up on the opposition to agree to a presidential election amid a widening consensus that Emile Lahoud, whatever else happens, will not remain in office beyond the end of his term.
A review of Hezbollah: A Short History (and more).
Olmert survives inquest into war in LebanonThe report said that Israeli PM exercised 'misguided and rash judgment' but stopped short of calling for his resignation
Hamas rocket barrage threatens shaky five-month truce with Israel Israel rules out large military response, as Hamas moderates work to preserve ceasefire.
Israel Harel: Gaza front worse than pre-war south Lebanon
Jerusalem Post Palestinian Affairs: Hamas's trigger By KHALED ABU TOAMEH The missile-and-threat campaign launched by Hamas this week was part of a stab at self-preservation.
Israeli, US intellectuals chart new rules of war
Abbas and Mashaal meet in EgyptFirst meeting since creation of coalition gov't; discuss cease-fire with Israel.
Amira Hass: Failure of Palestinians' Qassam publicity stunts
Olmert / Fight for survival
Justice Ministry: Criminal probe into PM 'inevitable'
Jerusalem Post Stopping HamasIt makes no sense to continue giving Hamas breathing room, now that its attacks have officially resumed.
The Region: Dead-end paths by BARRY RUBIN
PA Media Call for Suicide Attacks, Kidnappings of Israelis
Hamas: Misrule in Gaza By: Jonathan Schanzer New York Post Hamas, the terrorist group that Palestinians last year elected to govern their territories, is failing to govern at all.
Qassam fired despite truce
An Israeli Arab's troubles mirror woes of dual identity Politician Azmi Bishara, an increasingly vocal critic of Israel, has quit the Knesset amid reports he is under criminal investigation.
New York Times War Bill Passes House, Requiring an Iraq Pullout The narrow approval of the measure sets the stage for the first veto fight between President Bush and majority Democrats.
Editorial Ranting at Reality on Iraq The sooner President Bush and his allies drop the pretense that military victory is still possible in Iraq, the closer the nation will be to rescuing what can still be rescued from the debacle.
New York Times The White House Scales Back Talk of Iraq Progress The Bush administration will not try to assess whether the troop increase in Iraq is producing signs of political progress or greater security until September, officials said.
Washington Post House Passes Iraq Pullout Timetable
One Choice in Iraq By Joe Lieberman Al-Qaeda's goal in Iraq isn't a seat at the table. It wants to blow up the table
New York Times War Bill Passes House, Requiring an Iraq Pullout The narrow approval of the measure sets the stage for the first veto fight between President Bush and majority Democrats.
Al Awsat Desperately Seeking Defeat in Iraq : Amir Taheri,,
Editorial Ranting at Reality on Iraq The sooner President Bush and his allies drop the pretense that military victory is still possible in Iraq, the closer the nation will be to rescuing what can still be rescued from the debacle.
Al hayat Westminster Notes (The Struggle For Baghdad) Sir Cyril Townsend - In a poll that covered all 18 provinces a few weeks ago 51% of Iraqis said that attacks on coalition forces were acceptable. 35% thought the coalition forces should leave now. Sadly the Government of Nouri al-Maliki shows no signs of being able to govern the country or to make the necessary concessions to the outnumbered Sunnis.
IHT Building a wall in Baghdad instead of policy in Iraq The wall around a Baghdad neighborhood is a symbol of the incoherence of the Bush administration's current policy toward ending ethnic violence in Iraq.
Basra splits between warring Shi'itesThe Shi'ite group led by Muqtada al-Sadr, who recently ordered his supporters to quit their posts in the cabinet, has lately turned against the governor of Basra because he belongs to a rival faction. But other Shi'ites have misgivings about Muqtada and his followers who are perceived as being too close to Iran
Iraq: Who's Winning, Harry? By: Amir Taheri New York PostBecause all wars have winners and losers, Reid, having identified America as the loser, is required to name the winner. This Reid cannot do. The reason is that, whichever way one looks at the situation, America and its Iraqi allies remain the only objective victors in this war.
Iraqi Divisions Stall Political Aims Officials see little or no progress in achieving three key benchmarks set by the Bush administration.
Gates Not Enthusiastic About Maliki
Christian Science Monitor
Missing player: a 'czar' to manage American efforts in the Iraq war The White House has envisioned a coordinator role for the multibillion-dollar, multiagency effort, but is having trouble finding a willing candidate
Shi'ite power struggle escalates Clashes between Shi'ite groups in the predominately Shi'ite city of Diwaniya illustrate an increase in the level of rivalry between Shi'ite militias in the main urban centers in southern Iraq. Primarily, Muqtada al-Sadr's Mehdi Army is fighting for the hearts and minds of the country's Shi'ites. Diwaniya is the powder keg.
Stratfor Geopolitical Diary: Iran's Current Conciliatory Mood Swing
Getting Iran to the TableCouncil on Foreign Relations,
FT Iran and EU hold ‘constructive’ nuclear talks Attempt to break months-long deadlock - Iran and the European Union held “constructive” talks over Tehran’s controversial nuclear programme, but each side gave a cautious assessment of the progress made
Olmert: Iran nuclear issue can be resolved without weapons
CFR Bolurfrushan: Bank Pressures Hit Iranian Business Harder than Sanctions
Iran and EU hold ‘constructive’ nuclear talks Attempt to break months-long deadlock - Iran and the European Union held “constructive” talks over Tehran’s controversial nuclear programme, but each side gave a cautious assessment of the progress made.
PINR "Afghanistan's Role in Iranian Foreign Policy" Full text of report
Iran: What Next? By: Azar Nafisi The New Republic If you take the long view of Iranian history and focus on the country's people rather than its rulers, a very different picture emerges: that of an Iranian order in crisis.
Daily Star Containing Iran the financial way By Michael Jacobson
Iraqi Foreign Minister Zebari Heads To Iran
Egypt, Saudi Arabia Edge Away From Bush as Mideast Chill GrowsBloomberg
Prospect Why the Middle East Doesn’t Matter -The middle of nowhere edward luttwak Western analysts are forever bleating about the strategic importance of the middle east. But despite its oil, this backward region is less relevant than ever, and it would be better for everyone if the rest of the world learned to ignore it.
The Economist The United States in the Middle East Weakness—or a new realism? Why the Americans are having to adjust their policies in the region
Daily Star Constructive currents flow below Middle Eastern civil society By Rami G. Khouri
Germany: The Implications of the Greater Middle East - Michael SturmerGermany has become increasingly involved in power politics throughout the greater Middle East. It is engaged in the Quartet and its "road map" through the EU, and has been in the forefront of negotiations aimed at preventing a nuclear Iran. While the Schroeder government explicitly ruled out military action to prevent the latter, Ms. Merkel has said it is an unacceptable outcome and all options remain on the table. (Henry Jackson Society)
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
BULLETIN No. 188
The Political Economy of Syria Under Bashar Al-Assad - Nimrod Raphaeli (MEMRI)
Al Hayat Can Syria and Israel Make Peace? Patrick Seale - Spurred on by Bill Clinton, Syria and Israel came very close to a peace agreement in 2000. But Ehud Barak, Israel's prime minister at the time, threw away the chance. He didn't think the Israeli public would swallow the prospect of Syrians swimming and fishing in the north-eastern corner of Lake Tiberias.
Apathy grows in Syria’s one-party poll Even Syria’s government-controlled Tishreen newspaper is reporting that it can see little enthusiasm for the forthcoming elections to the people’s assembly.
Baath Time in Syria The EconomistThe result of the Syrian parliamentary election, to be held on April 22nd, is not in doubt, as the constitution dictates that a front led by the Baath party must hold two-thirds of the 250 seats. The main interest in the exercise will be the size of the turnout and whether any critics of the regime of Syria's president, Bashar al-Assad, manage to win some of the 83 seats reserved for independents.
UPI Analysis: Olmert tries to calm Syria
Defense Secretary Gates Cites Concerns About Syria, Iran
Olmert tells Gates at end of lightning visit: Israel has no plans to attack Syria
Ha’aretz Schiff Israel: Syria readying for war
The next war, Israel, Syria and Kurds
Yedioth Ahronoth New Golan Heights solution Campaign: MK Ayalon will return Golan to Syria in exchange for leasing agreement if elected PM
Newsweek Syria’s Suddenly Popular Man in Washington
Washington Times Syrian agrees to Rice meeting Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem said yesterday he would "gladly" meet Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at an upcoming Iraq conference, one of several steps Syria indicated it would take to soothe tensions in the Middle East.
Forward Syrian Dissidents See Prospects Killed by Bloodbath in Iraq (April 20) When Syrians head to the polls this week to elect a new parliament, Iraq will be on their minds — but not in the way that the Bush administration envisioned four years ago, when it held high hopes that toppling Saddam Hussein would set off a democratic domino effect that would unseat the region’s authoritarian rulers
Syria's 'guests'Iraqis spurn sectarianism after fleeing war in Baghdad
United States Calls Syrian Elections a Missed Opportunity
MEMRI Apr 20 IA# 345 - Criticism of the Upcoming Syrian Parliamentary Elections in the Official Syrian Press and Among the Syrian Opposition
SyriaComment Syrians at the Polls: To Vote - Yes or No
Weekly Standard Why Syrian Elections Matter . . . even though they aren't much of a horserace. by David Schenker
Elections Without Politics in Syria By: Omayma Abdel-Latif The Daily Star Apart from some posters and banners scattered across the streets of Damascus announcing parliamentary elections yesterday and today, there were few signs in Syria of the sort of election fever seen in some Arab countries recently.
DEBKAfile Exclusive: A large, high-ranking Syrian delegation of 40 generals on secret mission to Tehran In Syria, choice is for shoppers, not voters
Dore Gold of JCPA Iran, Hizbullah, Hamas and the Global Jihad:A New Conflict Paradigm for the West
U.S. Prepared To Boost Reconstruction Aid for Lebanon
Will Congress Meet With Lebanese Parliamentarians Allied With Hezbollah?
Israel's Strategic Threat By: Neve Gordon The Nation During the past few months, political activists and members of the Palestinian intellectual elite within Israel, all of whom are Israeli citizens, have drafted four documents that articulate how they conceive the state's future. The underlying assumption of all of these documents is that as long as Israel is defined as a Jewish state, its laws will always fall short of basic democratic principles and, more particularly, the right of all its citizens to full equality.
Reviving the Quartet Volker Perthes Following the formation of a Palestinian unity government and the Arab League summit it is time for the Middle East Quartet to get into action.
Flexibility and Reciprocity Are Key to Israeli-Palestinian Peace By: Herbert C. Kelman The Daily StarAn early return to the Middle East negotiating table is not a favor to the Palestinians, but an urgent requirement for protecting the vital interests of both Palestinians and Israelis
To Hamas, for Independence DayThe Jews and the Palestinians are now in the 60th year of their War of Independence, and it is not going well for either side. For all their struggle, the Palestinians are now farther from achieving statehood than they have been in years. For all our independence, we have no idea, nor any consensus, on where our country ends and where the Arab world begins.
Jerusalem Post International Community Increases Aid to Palestinians as Hamas Prepares for War - Editorial
David Hornick Israel’s Next War.
The Strategic Challenge of Gaza - Maj.-Gen. Yoav Galant (Institute for Contemporary Affairs-Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs)
Iraq and the Kurds: Resolving the Kirkuk Crisis International Crisis Group
Washington Post Rice on The Right Tracks By David Ignatius, Isolation hasn't worked, and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is now charting the pathways out.
Leading Democrat in Senate Tells Reporters, ‘This War Is Lost’
The Hobbesian Hell of Iraq by Larry C. Johnson
The Economist The occupation of Iraq It might have been otherwise
Christian Science Monitor Iraq falling behind on meeting 'benchmarks' The US buildup has not been matched by an equal uptick in Iraqi political action.
McClatchy Training Iraqi troops no longer driving force in U.S. policy By Nancy A. Youssef Military planners have abandoned the idea that standing up Iraqi troops will enable American soldiers to start coming home soon and now believe that U.S. troops will have to defeat the insurgents and secure control of troubled provinces.
Financial Times COMMENT: America's dismal debate brings little hope of peace in Iraq Just as Bush refuses to admit the war is lost, so his opponents decline to contemplate what it means to admit defeat, says Philip Stephens.
Daily Star Cautious optimism after the fall of an illegitimate Iraqi order By Fouad Ajami
Our Enemy's Enemy By: Marc Lynch The American ProspectFar from vindicating the American escalation strategy in Iraq, recent tensions between insurgent factions and al-Qaeda bolster the case for withdrawal.
The 'Southern Azerbaijan' Problem By: Karl Rahder ISN Security Watch Azeris make up roughly 24 percent of Iran's population and Tehran is worried about just whose side they are on as rumors of US infiltration are taken seriously, complicating Azerbaijan's own foreign policy outlook.
Schiff The victory won't be American The growing Iranian influence in a Shi?ite-controlled Iraq could be detrimental to Israel, and the same holds true for a Shi'ite Iraqi pact with Hezbollah.
Dennis Ross Squeeze Play: Approach Tehran with Sticks, Not Carrots
FPIF Shi ite vs. Sunni?
Gates: U.S. to sell smart bombs to Saudi Arabia Israel argues presence of such weapons in Arab countries undermines its military edge in Mideast.
PINR "Intelligence Brief: U.S. Defense Secretary Pays Visit to Arab Allies" Full text of report
Al Hayat Can Syria and Israel Make Peace? Patrick Seale - Spurred on by Bill Clinton, Syria and Israel came very close to a peace agreement in 2000. But Ehud Barak, Israel's prime minister at the time, threw away the chance. He didn't think the Israeli public would swallow the prospect of Syrians swimming and fishing in the north-eastern corner of Lake Tiberias.
Apathy grows in Syria’s one-party poll Even Syria’s government-controlled Tishreen newspaper is reporting that it can see little enthusiasm for the forthcoming elections to the people’s assembly.
Baath Time in Syria The EconomistThe result of the Syrian parliamentary election, to be held on April 22nd, is not in doubt, as the constitution dictates that a front led by the Baath party must hold two-thirds of the 250 seats. The main interest in the exercise will be the size of the turnout and whether any critics of the regime of Syria's president, Bashar al-Assad, manage to win some of the 83 seats reserved for independents.
UPI Analysis: Olmert tries to calm Syria
Defense Secretary Gates Cites Concerns About Syria, Iran
Olmert tells Gates at end of lightning visit: Israel has no plans to attack Syria
Ha’aretz Schiff Israel: Syria readying for war
The next war, Israel, Syria and Kurds
Yedioth Ahronoth New Golan Heights solution Campaign: MK Ayalon will return Golan to Syria in exchange for leasing agreement if elected PM
Newsweek Syria’s Suddenly Popular Man in Washington
Washington Times Syrian agrees to Rice meeting Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem said yesterday he would "gladly" meet Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at an upcoming Iraq conference, one of several steps Syria indicated it would take to soothe tensions in the Middle East.
Forward Syrian Dissidents See Prospects Killed by Bloodbath in Iraq (April 20) When Syrians head to the polls this week to elect a new parliament, Iraq will be on their minds — but not in the way that the Bush administration envisioned four years ago, when it held high hopes that toppling Saddam Hussein would set off a democratic domino effect that would unseat the region’s authoritarian rulers
Syria's 'guests'Iraqis spurn sectarianism after fleeing war in Baghdad
United States Calls Syrian Elections a Missed Opportunity
MEMRI Apr 20 IA# 345 - Criticism of the Upcoming Syrian Parliamentary Elections in the Official Syrian Press and Among the Syrian Opposition
SyriaComment Syrians at the Polls: To Vote - Yes or No
Weekly Standard Why Syrian Elections Matter . . . even though they aren't much of a horserace. by David Schenker
Elections Without Politics in Syria By: Omayma Abdel-Latif The Daily Star Apart from some posters and banners scattered across the streets of Damascus announcing parliamentary elections yesterday and today, there were few signs in Syria of the sort of election fever seen in some Arab countries recently.
DEBKAfile Exclusive: A large, high-ranking Syrian delegation of 40 generals on secret mission to Tehran In Syria, choice is for shoppers, not voters
Dore Gold of JCPA Iran, Hizbullah, Hamas and the Global Jihad:A New Conflict Paradigm for the West
U.S. Prepared To Boost Reconstruction Aid for Lebanon
Will Congress Meet With Lebanese Parliamentarians Allied With Hezbollah?
Israel's Strategic Threat By: Neve Gordon The Nation During the past few months, political activists and members of the Palestinian intellectual elite within Israel, all of whom are Israeli citizens, have drafted four documents that articulate how they conceive the state's future. The underlying assumption of all of these documents is that as long as Israel is defined as a Jewish state, its laws will always fall short of basic democratic principles and, more particularly, the right of all its citizens to full equality.
Reviving the Quartet Volker Perthes Following the formation of a Palestinian unity government and the Arab League summit it is time for the Middle East Quartet to get into action.
Flexibility and Reciprocity Are Key to Israeli-Palestinian Peace By: Herbert C. Kelman The Daily StarAn early return to the Middle East negotiating table is not a favor to the Palestinians, but an urgent requirement for protecting the vital interests of both Palestinians and Israelis
To Hamas, for Independence DayThe Jews and the Palestinians are now in the 60th year of their War of Independence, and it is not going well for either side. For all their struggle, the Palestinians are now farther from achieving statehood than they have been in years. For all our independence, we have no idea, nor any consensus, on where our country ends and where the Arab world begins.
Jerusalem Post International Community Increases Aid to Palestinians as Hamas Prepares for War - Editorial
David Hornick Israel’s Next War.
The Strategic Challenge of Gaza - Maj.-Gen. Yoav Galant (Institute for Contemporary Affairs-Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs)
Iraq and the Kurds: Resolving the Kirkuk Crisis International Crisis Group
Washington Post Rice on The Right Tracks By David Ignatius, Isolation hasn't worked, and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is now charting the pathways out.
Leading Democrat in Senate Tells Reporters, ‘This War Is Lost’
The Hobbesian Hell of Iraq by Larry C. Johnson
The Economist The occupation of Iraq It might have been otherwise
Christian Science Monitor Iraq falling behind on meeting 'benchmarks' The US buildup has not been matched by an equal uptick in Iraqi political action.
McClatchy Training Iraqi troops no longer driving force in U.S. policy By Nancy A. Youssef Military planners have abandoned the idea that standing up Iraqi troops will enable American soldiers to start coming home soon and now believe that U.S. troops will have to defeat the insurgents and secure control of troubled provinces.
Financial Times COMMENT: America's dismal debate brings little hope of peace in Iraq Just as Bush refuses to admit the war is lost, so his opponents decline to contemplate what it means to admit defeat, says Philip Stephens.
Daily Star Cautious optimism after the fall of an illegitimate Iraqi order By Fouad Ajami
Our Enemy's Enemy By: Marc Lynch The American ProspectFar from vindicating the American escalation strategy in Iraq, recent tensions between insurgent factions and al-Qaeda bolster the case for withdrawal.
The 'Southern Azerbaijan' Problem By: Karl Rahder ISN Security Watch Azeris make up roughly 24 percent of Iran's population and Tehran is worried about just whose side they are on as rumors of US infiltration are taken seriously, complicating Azerbaijan's own foreign policy outlook.
Schiff The victory won't be American The growing Iranian influence in a Shi?ite-controlled Iraq could be detrimental to Israel, and the same holds true for a Shi'ite Iraqi pact with Hezbollah.
Dennis Ross Squeeze Play: Approach Tehran with Sticks, Not Carrots
FPIF Shi ite vs. Sunni?
Gates: U.S. to sell smart bombs to Saudi Arabia Israel argues presence of such weapons in Arab countries undermines its military edge in Mideast.
PINR "Intelligence Brief: U.S. Defense Secretary Pays Visit to Arab Allies" Full text of report
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