US Middle East Policy

Trump’s wavering on one-state or two-states leaves many in a state of confusion.
Middle East analysts say there is growing skepticism around the world of the Palestinians’ ability even to create and sustain an independent state. Prof. Efraim Inbar: Sometimes ambiguity serves us better than a clear solution.”

In the Mideast of today, the US is largely irrelevant, when it is not disruptive, and is certainly not providing clear leadership. With the current disarray in DC, it does not look like this will change any time soon.

The US can and should develop a coherent region-wide strategy, involving US allies including Israel, to impede Iran’s ability to continue developing in ways detrimental to the region’s security. However, Iran is proficient in the practice of using proxies and paramilitary methods, as well as in the combination of paramilitary and political struggle. Its response to a US-led strategy to contain and roll back their influence is likely to focus on these areas.

The recent agreement between the US and Saudi Arabia to increase oil production is a significant blow to Iran. America seeks either regime change or a new nuclear deal on better terms.

With ‘peace’ in doubt, Israelis search for alternatives to two-state solution
David M. Weinberg of JISS: Trump's team should be given credit for taking a fresh look at what is safe, wise, fair and realistic in today’s Israeli-Palestinian reality.

The Trump Peace Plan is Coming
Prof. Efraim Inbar: They’re quite serious about getting a peace plan through. But I don’t believe the Palestinians will accept it.

Prof. Efraim Inbar on Iran, Trump and Turkey
Australian Jewish News, 8.6.2018

Bad management, corruption and a failure of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action to generate expected levels of foreign investment compound the problem.

Israelis Mark Jerusalem Day Amid New Political Reality.
Dr. Emmanuel Navon: Move of the US embassy to Jerusalem marks a turning point in the city’s history. "It will be remembered as a major event.”

America set to inaugurate embassy in Jerusalem.
Prof. Efraim Inbar: The move introduces a dose of realism into the international discourse on Jerusalem.