Defense/Security cooperation

Much ado in the Mideast: 3 theories on Russia’s Syria trips

Russia’s calendar has been packed with official trips to and from the Middle East, raising speculation about new military developments in Syria.

Syria

Who wins in war over ultra-Orthodox army draft?

Experts claim that the key to the ultra-Orthodox army draft is not canceling the current law, but creating a constructive dialogue with the ultra-Orthodox leadership.

Israel

Divided Syrian opposition tries for unified army again

As the Syrian opposition faces major setbacks on the battlefield, the Syrian Interim Government and FSA factions have been discussing the formation of a unified national army in hopes of changing the tide.

Syria

US arms sale to Bahrain raises questions about sustainability

The $3.8 billion sale of jets and patrol boats dwarfs the tiny emirate’s annual defense budget.

Bahrain

Senate could reverse billions of dollars of cuts to Israeli defense sector

An amendment from Sen. Lindsey Graham would allow Israel to continue using US military financing on its own domestic industry.

Israel

Senior Iranian diplomat: US is serious about killing nuclear deal

The head of Iran’s Strategic Council on Foreign Relations warns that the US administration is serious in its efforts to kill the nuclear deal.

Saudi Arabia

How wise is Turkey’s plan to revoke Gulen’s citizenship?

Ankara has laid the legal groundwork to revoke the citizenship of the accused mastermind of last year’s coup attempt, Fethullah Gulen, a controversial move in which some see covert motives.

Turkey

Court could force Israel to rethink nuke policy

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu keeps issuing warnings on Iran’s nuclear program, but refuses to discuss the hazards of Israel’s own nuclear policy.

Israel

Don’t let Islamic State slip the noose in Syria

As Russia beefs up its offensive in Syria, the situation there looks promising, but it’s time for Moscow and Washington to cooperate in a final push to eliminate the Islamic State.

Syria

Will Russia tolerate Israeli actions in Syria?

The large IDF drill near Israel’s northern borders, sends a clear message to Hezbollah: if the organization decides to attack Israel, Israel won’t hesitate to destroy Lebanon’s infrastructure.

Israel

Egypt unwavering to US pressure over North Korea

The cooperation between Egypt and North Korea under Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has continued despite calls from Washington to freeze the relationship.

Egypt

US looks to Russia to avoid run-ins with Syrian troops in Deir ez-Zor

The Pentagon is considering expanding its de-confliction agreements with Moscow as Bashar al-Assad’s forces and US-backed rebels both turn their attention to eastern Syria.

Iraq