Netanyahu bets on Lebanon to justify his forever wars
By James M. Dorsey Israel may soon return tens of thousands of evacuees to their homes along the border with Lebanon, with or without a ceasefire with Hezbollah. The return…
The Middle East doesn’t preoccupy Trump, but Trump preoccupies the Middle East
By James M. Dorsey The Middle East may not preoccupy Donald J. Trump. Still, the president-elect preoccupies the Middle East as it attempts to figure out how he will handle…
Trump victory may have a long-shot silver lining
Trump victory may have a long-shot silver lining By James M. Dorsey Donald J. Trump’s electoral victory promises to give Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu a free hand, at least…
The UAE, backed by Israel, targets influential role in post-war Gaza
By James M. Dorsey United Arab Emirates President Mohammed bin Zayed is manoeuvring to replace Qatar as the main Gulf player in post-war Gaza with the backing of Israeli Prime…
The post-Sinwar scenario
On October 21 two Hamas sources revealed to the media that the idea of appointing a leader to succeed Yahyar Sinwar, assassinated on October 16, had been ruled out, at least…
The US elections, not ceasefire talks, likely to shape Israel’s wars
By James M. Dorsey Next week’s US election rather than a US-led push for ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon, is likely to determine the course of Israel’s wars, no more…
Israel’s Loss of a Moral Compass
By James M. Dorsey Two incidents in the past week shine a spotlight on Israel’s loss of a moral compass. The incidents highlight the failure of Israel’s government, society, and…
Israel’s limited retaliation against Iran demonstrates US can force Netanyahu’s hand
By James M. Dorsey A version of this story first appeared on Channel News Asia. This weekend’s carefully calibrated Israeli retaliatory strikes at Iranian military targets could lower the risk…
Blinken touts problematic UAE plan for post-war Gaza
By James M. Dorsey US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken is jumping through hoops on his 11th Middle East tour in the past year. As he attempts to revive…
Hezbollah fights to survive, uncertain of the level of Iranian support
By James M. Dorsey In some respects, Israel and Iran have traded places when it comes to Lebanon. Iran sees a ceasefire as a way to shield Hezbollah, the Shiite…