The Middle East is a chain of links. Everything is connected. Understanding the links is critical to developing an accurate picture of reality. I wanted to take the opportunity to provide a contextualized snapshot of the region along with my predictions of what we can expect in the short term. I hope you find this brief overview helpful.   Lebanon…

October 20, 2019    Background On October 9, 2019, Turkey’s army invaded northeastern Syria. As of now, the Turkish military operation is focused on a 70-km stretch between the city of Kobani (Ein Al-Arab) and East Tel Al-Abyad. This area has a mixed population of Kurds (the majority) and Arabs. The Turkish operation is officially referred to as “Operation Peace…

In Part 1 of my three-part analysis, “Alarms on the Lebanese – Israel Border might be Last Wake-up Call for Western Leaders” (September 11, 2019), I explained and contextualized the events of September 1, 2019, on the Israeli Lebanese border. In Part 2,  “Alarms on the Lebanese – Israeli Border (Part 2) Iran’s Hegemonic Modus Operandi” (September 13, 2019) I…

The September 14th Iranian attack on Saudi Arabia is a moment of truth for the West and its Middle East allies.  The West is clearly eager to avoid a direct confrontation with Iran. Some argue – at all costs. On the other hand, the Arab Gulf monarchies, Jordan, and Israel are determined to thwart Iran's hegemonic vision at all costs. Because…

In Part 1 of this Article, I explained and contextualized the events of September 1 on the Israeli Lebanese border. I ended the article by saying the following: "It is likely that yesterday’s short round between Israel and Hezbollah might be the last wake-up call for Western leaders. It should be clear that the potential for a severe, rapid escalation…

In Part 1 of this Article, I explained and contextualized the events of September 1 on the Israeli Lebanese border. I ended the article by saying the following: "It is likely that yesterday’s short round between Israel and Hezbollah might be the last wake-up call for Western leaders. It should be clear that the potential for a severe, rapid escalation…

This short document is being written in light of a seemingly – for now – contained, short round of violence between Israel and Hezbollah on September 1, 2019.  In Part 1 of this 2-part article, I will briefly explain how and why we have reached this phase. And in Part 2 I will explain what must be done to prevent…

At this point in time, Iran has a strong interest in an all out massive Israeli-Palestinian war.

Following the shooting of a long-range rocket from the Gaza Strip targeting the center of Israel, on Monday, March 25th, Israel attack military positions of Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Palestine in the Gaza Strip. Israel’s retaliation sparked 36 hours of exchange of fire between the sides. As of March 28th, the hostilities have ceased. Yet it is Important to…

FEBRUARY 12, 2019 Poland Summit Strives for Stability in the Middle East (as published in The Atlantic Council IranSource) BY AVI MELAMED US and Poland flags (US State Department) The Trump administration accurately identified the Iranian threat and has, on some significant issues, acted accordingly—including the US withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and the application of…

As published in The Algemeiner on February 7, 2019 Hezbollah supporters in Marjayoun, Lebanon, May 7, 2018. Photo: Reuters / Aziz Taher / File.   General elections were held in Lebanon in May 2018. Why did it take until January 31st, 2019 to finally assemble a government? One of the major reasons for the delay was Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah’s…

January 24, 2019    INFORMATION: Another significant direct Israeli-Iranian military collision took place in Syria on January 20th and 21st, 2019. On January 20th the Israeli Air Force carried out an attack in the area of Damascus. Later that day, an Iranian made mid-range surface-to-surface missile targeting northern Israel was launched from within Syria. The missile was apparently launched directly…

Update and analysis of the overnight attack by Islamic Jihad In Palestine (IJIP) on Israeli communities in Otef Aza (the areas surrounding the Gaza Strip), the IDF response, and the subsequent behavior of IJIP.  

Given recent developments, I have decided to add a new lecture to my upcoming lecture tour to the US ~ November 5 to December 9, 2018. entitled: Identity of Paradoxes: Contextualizing Israel’s Nation State Law. In July 2018, the Israeli Knesset passed the ‘Basic Law: Israel as the Nation-State of the Jewish People.’ The bill has generated an impassioned discussion within…