Russian Ambitions, and Israeli Opportunities, in the Partition of Syria

There is a contradiction between the ultimate purposes of Russia and Iran in their intervention in Syria. Putin’s concern for Assad's survival could give Israel some policy leverage, if Israel astutely navigates its way through the situation. This means that Israel should not be tempted to support Saudi-led efforts to unseat Assad or otherwise bring about a decisive outcome in Syria’s civil war.

Russia’s New National Identity under Putin’s Regime

Putin is recreating a Russian national identity for a disoriented and traumatized Russian people.

Turmoil in the Eastern Mediterranean: A View from America’s Allies

Watch Prof. Efraim Inbar deliver a speech on the shifting power dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean at the Hudson Institute, Washington DC

The Ties Between Israel and Azerbaijan

Since gaining independence in 1991, Azerbaijan has emerged as one of Israel’s closest friends in the Muslim world. Israeli-Azerbaijani ties have expanded to include oil and weapon supplies, as well as cooperation in information technology, medicine, water purification and agriculture.

The New Strategic Equation in the Eastern Mediterranean

For centuries, the Mediterranean Sea was the main arena for international interactions, before it was replaced by the Atlantic Ocean and subsequently by the Pacific. Nevertheless, as the historical meeting place between East and West, the East Mediterranean was the focus of significant superpower competition during the Cold War and still has strategic significance.

China is the Likely Winner in Ukraine

After decades of negotiations between Moscow and Beijing for a long term natural gas mega-contract, it seems that Russia has finally relented to China’s terms.

Russia’s Declining Influence in the Middle East

Russian involvement in the Middle East is presently nothing more than an attempt by Moscow to hold on to its deteriorating position on the international stage.

Invading Georgia: The Opening Shot in a Grand Russian Strategy to Challenge the West Through the Domination of the Energy Market

Moscow seeks to intimidate energy producing countries once part of the Soviet Union, and to develop a grand anti-American energy coalition that spans from Iran to Venezuela. This explains Moscow's military intervention in Georgia, and may require muscular Western counter-action.