US Middle East Policy

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.

Instability in Jerusalem bodes poorly for Trump's peace plan.
Dr. Emmanuel Navon: Israel's transitional government is unlikely to make any significant decisions on the peace process without a clear mandate from the public.

Did Trump's Jerusalem Embassy Move Help Peace Prospects?
Trump moved the embassy under the pretense that the Palestinians had to recognize 'a reality' — one which dictates that the city belongs to Israel. Did this move help advance the peace process in the long run? Mitvim Institute Director of Development Gayle Meyers and Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security founder Eran Lerman debate.

Of annexation and Trump’s peace plan, what’s next on the post-Israeli election agenda?
Prof. Inbar: Annexation of the West Bank or parts of the West Bank has been on the agenda of every Israeli government, including Labor-led governments because want the settlement blocs as part of Israel.

The guaranteed failure of the “deal of the century” is an opportunity for Israel to open the Americans’ eyes to the harsh and complicated reality in our region and lead them to support the strategy of managing the conflict and wait for better times.

Netanyahu’s True Colors? No to Palestinian State, Yes to Annexing Parts of West Bank.
Audio interview with Prof. Efraim Inbar.

Trump’s landmark Golan decision asserts the law of diminishing returns: Arabs who refuse to make peace with Israel lose rights and assets as time goes forward. Mahmoud Abbas: Take notice.

Experts Divided Over US Decision on Golan Heights.
Dr. Jonathan Spyer: Israel's de facto control of the Golan is not in doubt, and there is no likelihood in the foreseeable future of any serious attempt by any force to change this situation.

US recognition of Israel’s sovereignty in Golan ‘sends a direct message to the Arab world’.
David M. Weinberg of JISS: Trump is saying: The longer you wait to make peace with Israel, the less you’re going to get.