- Lt. Col. (res.) Dr. Mordechai Kedar
- Paper No. 1917
The new US administration’s emerging policy on the Iranian and Palestinian issues flouts the very principles of human rights and civil liberties it seeks to promote.
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.
- Dr. Alex Joffe
- Paper No. 1916
The Biden administration’s foreign policy is rapidly coming into view. Despite rhetoric designed to mollify Middle Eastern allies, the trajectory of decisions clearly favors a return to the Obama policy of elevating Iran at the expense of Israel and Sunni states. More broadly, key moves weaken the US stance against China while ensuring domestic turmoil. American allies will have to adjust to a period of American weakness and possibly even betrayal.
- Prof. Hillel Frisch
- Paper No. 1915
President Joe Biden regards himself as a champion of decency. He is equally committed to reengaging with international institutions. Assuring decency toward Israel in United Nations fora would be a good way to demonstrate both.
- Dr. George N. Tzogopoulos
- Paper No. 1914
During his term as US president, Donald Trump employed an economic and foreign policy that challenged globalization in an attempt to stem the rise of China—but that did not prevent Beijing from taking its own steps toward multilateralism, free trade, and economic liberalization. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Sino-European Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI) are indicative of this. President Biden will govern in a world in which Cold War frameworks do not apply. When looking for partnerships with allies to restrain China’s influence, he will encounter Beijing’s deep engagement in a globalized international environment.
- Dr. Hanan Shai
- Paper No. 1913
Ensuring the necessary capabilities to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons should political efforts fail to achieve this goal must be the IDF’s top priority. Judging from his speech on January 26, Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi is facing this professional and moral responsibility with great determination.
- Maj. Gen. (res.) Gershon Hacohen
- Paper No. 1912
IDF Chief of General Staff Aviv Kochavi's January 26 speech conveyed important messages to multiple audiences. The most notable was that the IDF is preparing for action against Iran’s nuclear program even if it has to do it on its own.
- Prof. Hillel Frisch
- Paper No. 1911
The United States does not have to appease the Europeans over Iran in order to cement the trans-Atlantic alliance. Instead, it should press the Europeans to increase their military spending to merit the close relationship, especially in the face of a Russia that poses a greater threat to Europe than it does to the US.
- Emil Avdaliani
- Paper No. 1910
The Second Karabakh War changed the geopolitical landscape in the South Caucasus. Much has been written on Russia’s and Turkey’s gains, but Iran’s diminished position has gotten less attention. Though not involved in the military operations, Iran saw a steep decline in its geopolitical fortunes in the region as a result of the war.
- Dr. George N. Tzogopoulos
- Paper No. 1909
Israel is a key partner in NATO’s effort to strengthen its presence in the so-called “South.” As the alliance tries to find ways to remain relevant and better respond to security challenges, its relationship with Jerusalem is growing closer than ever. In December 2020, the Greek-led task group for the NATO operation Sea Guardian conducted training with the Israeli Navy in the Eastern Mediterranean. More importantly, the Abraham Accords have created new dynamics with the potential to allow closer collaboration between NATO and regional organizations such as the Gulf Cooperation Council.
- Lt. Col. (res.) Dr. Mordechai Kedar
- Paper No. 1908
Syrian president Bashar Assad, who now views the Iranian presence in his country as a burden, wants to oust Tehran from Syrian soil—and he has come to realize that achieving that goal will require Israel’s involvement. That may be why secret contacts are being reported between the two countries.