The Israel-UAE Peace Deal Highlights Morocco’s Diplomatic Eclipse

The Israel-UAE peace deal was an unpleasant surprise to the Moroccan diplomatic and intelligence community as it foiled the general expectation that Rabat would be the third regional power to hold the distinction of normalizing relations with Jerusalem. Reliance on past accomplishments in relationship-building, sentimental historical ties, and informal alliances with lobby groups are no longer sufficient if Morocco still wishes to play a leading role in this geopolitical chess game. Rabat can still come out ahead if it adopts an assertive strategic policy reorientation, even if it has lost the advantage of being the first to make a move.

Understanding Societal Change by Analyzing Polarization

In extremely confusing times, strategists look for additional analytic instruments with which to understand trends. One such tool is the study of polarization. Today, areas of polarization that warrant examination include Western-Chinese relations, tensions between white and non-white people, and tensions between the super-rich and the poor.

Israel’s Dilemma in the New Cold War

Israel will be caught on the horns of a dilemma as China projects itself commercially, politically, and militarily into the Middle East. The commercially driven new Cold War between the US and Beijing will force Israel to make difficult choices regarding its economic and strategic interests.

Baron Rothschild, Baron Hirsch, and Extending Sovereignty in the Jordan Valley

The early Zionists had plenty of will but few means with which to achieve their goals, yet they changed the course of Jewish history. Israel today possesses the means to take the opportunity presented by President Trump’s vision, but does it have the will?

A New Reality for the Eastern Mediterranean

The great geostrategic and economic problems the Eastern Mediterranean is currently facing require drastic measures and original thinking. There are success stories in the region that provide positive examples of how a new collective reality can be created through the initiative of the main actors. Deeper cooperation and synergies can prove highly constructive for the region.

Can Israel, Greece, and Turkey Cooperate?

The recent visit of Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis to Israel was highly symbolic. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of full diplomatic relations between the two countries. It may well be possible for Jerusalem and Athens to cooperate with Turkey, though doing so will require all parties to be realistic about what is possible right now in view of the current state of relations with Ankara.

After the Beirut Explosion, Hezbollah Remains In Charge

On August 4, when Beirut Port was destroyed by a massive explosion, Hezbollah suffered a blow—but its ability to shift its illegal arms smuggling and drug export operations from Beirut to other locations in Lebanon will enable it to remain in control of the country.

Second Explosion Expected in Lebanon Later This Month

Even as Lebanon tries to recover from the terrible wounds inflicted by the devastating explosion that took place at the port of Beirut on August 4, another explosion could hit the country on the 18th of this month: the Hague’s verdict on the alleged perpetrators of the assassination of Lebanese PM Rafic Hariri.

Lebanon’s Lessons for Israel

True to form, liberals are hopeful that the Beirut explosion, Macron’s visit to Lebanon, and the youthful demonstrations against the country’s Hezbollah-dominated government herald a new popular unity and a better day for all Lebanese citizens. Neither past nor present suggests that such a happy outcome is likely.

IDF Budget Uncertainty and the Momentum Plan

Momentum, the IDF’s ambitious new multi-year force build-up program, will require a long-term budget framework if it is to achieve its goals—but clouds of uncertainty have gathered around it in the shadow of a massive government deficit.

Perspectives Papers