- Dr. Micha’el Tanchum
- Paper No. 184
Recent events in Indonesia raise concern that the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation may be taking a turn toward hardline Islamism. The future of Indonesia’s tolerant Islam is being reassessed.
Perspectives Papers
Perspectives Papers provide analysis from BESA Center research associates and other outside experts on the most important issues pertaining to Israel and the Middle East.
- Prof. Efraim Inbar
- Paper No. 183
The international community appears unlikely to take military action against the Iranian nuclear weapons program because of the “Ostrich Syndrome” – a reluctance to deal with difficult problems and a preference to ignore them.
- Col. (res.) Dr. Shaul Shay
- Paper No. 182
President Morsi says that Egypt wishes to create a civilian nuclear
energy program. Leaders of Morsi’s party, the Muslim Brotherhood, have called for Egypt to pursue a nuclear weapons program.
- Prof. Eytan Gilboa
- Paper No. 181
Israel and the US must improve their lines of communication. The US also ought to consider equipping Israel with enhanced military resources that would allow Israel to confront Iran at a later date – giving the West more time to pressure the Iranian regime.
- Prof. Uzi Arad
- Paper No. 180
The NSC’s main achievement is the quiet integration of foreign affairs, defense, and intelligence inputs for the prime minister and the other top decision-makers in the government. But its effectiveness remains hampered by turf battles with other defense and intelligence bodies.
- Dr. Max Singer
- Paper No. 179
The most important ways to work towards peace are: resettling the Palestinian refugees outside of Israel; speaking the truth to the Palestinians regarding the Jews' ancient roots in the land; reducing the ability of Palestinian leaders to personally benefit from the conflict; and encouraging free debate in Palestinian society.
- Prof. Shmuel Sandler
- Paper No. 178
Many of Israel’s detractors on the left argue that Israel’s democracy is in a state of decline. A closer look shows that it is thriving, with decentralization of political power, a strong judicial system, the end of party-affiliated journalism, more minorities in public positions, and a more professional and less-politicized army.
- Lt. Col. (res.) Dr. Dany Shoham
- Paper No. 177
Bombing Syrian CBW stockpiles could result in significant environmental pollution. If Assad falls, the West needs to ensure secure transposition of these arms to a stable, sane central authority.
- Prof. Avi Bell
- Paper No. 176
The Commission to Examine the Status of Building in Judea and Samaria (the “Levy report”) reinvigorates the discussion of the legitimacy of Israel’s position regarding settlements under international law, after many years in which Israel has been silent about its legal rights.
- Col. (res.) Dr. Shaul Shay
- Paper No. 175
Iran’s aggressive new naval strategy is clearly meant to intimidate the West from continuing its pressure on Tehran regarding the nuclear issue, to show that Iran is able to foment trouble in the region.