US Middle East Policy

By changing the discourse about settlements, the Trump administration is laying the groundwork for realistic negotiation. Even if you think that Israeli settlement should be rolled-back in the context of a sensible peace arrangement, applying the demonizing epithet “illegal” makes for a destructive narrative that distances, not advances, peace.

“There’s no panic or despair. But a deep sense of betrayal”
Turkey’s Syria offensive could displace over a million Kurds, top analyst Jonathan Spyer warns. Believes Kurds will reject Israeli offer of humanitarian aid.

After Trump abandons Kurds, Israel knows it can’t rely on anyone.
Col. (res.) Dr. Eran Lerman: Trump’s step is a “moral outrage.”

Once again, Kurds are complaining of “betrayal.”

Trump’s Syria decision accords with previous presidential decisions and is not necessarily a disaster for Israel.

Deadlock between Washington and Tehran won’t easily turn into détente even if Trump and Rohani do find a way to meet in New York. However, even a tentative rapprochement between the US and Iran would severely strain Israel’s close ties with the White House.

American withdrawal from the Middle East must be accompanied by steps that reduce the general impression of a weak US going home in defeat. President Trump should bomb Iran’s nuclear installations.

The Trump Plan Partially Revealed.
An interview with Prof. Efraim Inbar.

Iranians view Trump as ‘tougher’ than Obama, but will it push them to more extreme actions?
Prof. Efraim Inbar: Trump is trying to intimidate Iran to come to the negotiating table.

The Bahrain conundrum: Will the Trump administration succeed in its first phase of Arab-Israeli peacemaking?
David M. Weinberg of JISS: The Trump administration is reversing a long-deleterious global dynamic regarding Israel and the Palestinians, thus transforming the Mideast diplomatic playing field.