South Korea’s Middle East policy balances political neutrality with a cautious policy towards Israel, as Seoul is concerned that political support for Israel will jeopardize its positive standing in the Middle East.
Mideast Security and Policy Studies
Mideast Security and Policy Studies serve as a forum for publication or re-publication of research conducted by BESA Center research associates.
"Mowing the Grass" is Israel’s strategy for a protracted intractable conflict. Only after showing restraint in its military responses does Israel act to destroy enemy capabilities, hoping that occasional large-scale operations also have a temporary deterrent effect to create quiet along its borders.
The Iranian regime can be considered rational, but it cannot be trusted with nuclear weapons. History has proven that radical regimes can seek the destruction of others if faced with an immense threat. Israel cannot rely on deterrence and must be prepared to confront Iran militarily or invest in ballistic missile defense.
Since Israel’s establishment it has dealt with existential threats from its neighbors. This study - available in English and Hebrew - argues that not only is Israel a big success story, time is definitely on Israel’s side. A survey of Israel's military, economy, social cohesiveness, and political system indicate long term processes that favor Israel over its regional foes. The State of Israel can be confident in its ability to overcome the challenges that stand in its path.
The movement’s time in power in Egypt provides a rare perspective into the its ideology, influence on Egyptian policy, and relations with Israel. The military coup that removed the Brotherhood from power has cast doubt on its influence on Egypt’s future.
Shifts in Turkey’s domestic political orientation have led to a change in Ankara’s perceptions of its foreign policy roles and capabilities. The US has misunderstood and largely ignored this shift, failing to understand the implications of Turkey’s transformation under the AKP. A strong and comprehensive policy towards Turkey is long overdue.
Despite a perception to the contrary, Israel is not isolated in the international community. Since the end of the Cold War Israel has developed strong ties with most United Nations member states. Attempts to harm Israel through the BDS (boycotts, divestments, sanctions) campaign have failed. Israel’s strategic relationship with the United States should be further developed in order to ensure Israel’s important standing in the international community.
The Palestinians refuse to accept Israel as a Jewish state and are reluctant to drop their armed and ideological opposition to Israel’s existence. The global community can oppose Palestinian denial of Israel’s connection to the land; support Israel’s legitimacy; resettle Palestinian refugees outside of Israel; modify aid programs to reduce Palestinian use of foreign money to support terror; and encourage free speech in Palestinian society.
Inspired by Foreign Minister Davutoğlu’s Strategic Depth doctrine, Turkey has pursued a more active role in the Middle East and surrounding region. Bucking the trend of Turkey’s secular Kemalist legacy, the government seeks to revive the glory of the Ottoman Empire and establish itself as a global power. The study examines the reasons behind Turkey’s shift in policy, discusses Turkey’s role in the “Arab Spring,” and assesses regional and global ramifications.