Month: August 2012

Syria

The Rebels in Post-Assad Syria

Michael Sharnoff

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Published in Wikistrat on Aug. 3, 2012.

Syrian dictator Bashar Assad has been away from the public eye since a spectacular suicide bombing attack rocked Damascus, killing the defense minister and other key officials. Unconfirmed reports stated Assad has fled the capital; either to his Alawite stronghold in Latakia or to his erstwhile ally Russia. His whereabouts have become the case of further speculation after he praised his troops not in a public address or even a pre-audio recording, but in the magazine of the armed forces. Continue reading “The Rebels in Post-Assad Syria” →

China, Israel, Russia

Weekend Thinking: Israel, China and Russia

Michael Sharnoff

In case you missed this week’s important stories from the Middle East and beyond.

Israel

Jonathan Tepperman’s bold essay in The Atlantic argues that while Israel is in a position of strength, it should control its own destiny with the Palestinians.  Although bilateral negotiations have failed to achieve a political settlement, Israeli unilateral actions in the West Bank may be the only pragmatic solution, as a continuation of the status quo in the unpredictable climate of the Middle East coupled with demographic trends could have grave consequences for the sustainability of Israel’s national identity. Continue reading “Weekend Thinking: Israel, China and Russia” →

Egypt

Morsy’s Letter to Peres

Michael Sharnoff
Egyptian President Mohamed Morsy’s letter to Israeli President Shimon Peres.

Peres has verified this exchange on his official Facebook page.

Gaza

Will Gaza Declare Independence?

Michael Sharnoff

There is growing evidence that Hamas in Gaza will unilaterally declare its independence, and disengage from Israel and the West Bank (at least for the time being). Continue reading “Will Gaza Declare Independence?” →