CENTRAL COMMAND: CENTCOM & THE LONG WAR - CounterStrikeMedia

PALESTINIAN VICTIMHOOD MUST BE CONFRONTED, HOW IS HAMAS MANAGED IN GAZA & ISRAEL READY FOR ROCKETS

4/17/2019

The False "Nakba" Narrative
By Col (Res.) Dr. Raphael G. Bouchnik-Chen, April 16, 2019
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The term “Nakba,” originally coined to describe the magnitude of the self-inflicted Palestinian and Arab defeat in the 1948 war, has been become in recent decades a synonym for Palestinian victimhood, with failed aggressors transformed into hapless victims and vice versa. Israel should do its utmost to uproot this false image by exposing its patently false historical basis.
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Maj. Gen. Yair Golan writes: It is not in Israel’s interest to destroy Hamas but rather to bring about regional calm and decrease the potential threat from the Gaza Strip in the future. Success is dependent on Israel’s interactions with the enemy, that is, the very low probability of good voluntary cooperation and sincere friendship. Therefore, Israel shod adopt a generous policy, as is fitting for the powerful, and if this policy does not pan out and Hamas reacts offensively, then security policy should be especially forceful. In addition, we ought to examine what steps are dependent on ourselves, as well as actors other than Hamas, that can advance Israeli interests. – Ynet

Israel's new army chief redefines missions, capabilities
IDF’s new Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi is now formulating a new multiyear plan that should address threats such as the thousands of rockets fired at Israeli cities.

NEW ARC OF INSTABILITY: ISLAMISM AND AFRICA (SUDAN, LIBYA, ALGERIA) & HOW EFFECTIVE IS US POLICY IN MIDDLE EAST

4/16/2019

Algeria replaces constitutional council head in purge of old guard
Algeria’s interim president Abdelkader Bensalah appointed Kamel Feniche as the new head of the country's Constitutional Council on Tuesday after the former chief stepped down. Tayeb Belaiz submitted his resignation earlier on Tuesday following calls by protesters for him to quit. Algerians have been demanding the resignation of figures linked to the former regime of Abelaziz Bouteflika, including Bensalah. The council is notably in charge of monitoring elections and candidates for office. Algeria is set to hold presidential elections July 4, after Bouteflika resigned following weeks of street demonstrations against his two-decade rule. Read More

CENTCOM chief meets Saudi leaders ahead of ‘Arab NATO’ meeting
US Central Command chief Kenneth McKenzie met on Monday with Saudi King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud during a visit to Riyadh, Saudi Press Agency said. McKenzie also held talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, focusing on bilateral ties and regional developments. McKenzie’s visit comes as Saudi Arabia prepares to host a preparatory meeting for the proposed Middle East Strategic Alliance, billed as an “Arab NATO” to counter Iran. The alliance, first put forward by Saudi Arabia in 2017, would also include the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and Jordan. McKenzie stopped by Doha on Sunday, where he met with Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Read More

How effective is America’s Middle East strategy?
Danielle Pletka | AEI video

A New Arc of Instability in Northern Africa

A wave of disorder and conflict is threatening states across northern Africa, setting conditions for massive instability and the expansion of the al Qaeda and Islamic State threat. Protests are challenging repressive regimes in Algeria and Sudan, which share borders with a Libya in the throes of its latest bout of civil war. These events are part of a larger trend of potential state collapse that is spreading from weak states with small populations—Libya, Mali, Somalia—to larger states whose regimes have been perceived as secure—Algeria, Sudan. This trend places states with very large populations—Ethiopia, Nigeria, Egypt—increasingly under pressure. The Salafi-jihadi movement, which includes al Qaeda and the Islamic State, is best positioned to benefit from widespread instability.

Algeria’s path to success is narrow and fraught, as Emily Estelle argues in “ Algeria’s Future: What Follows Bouteflika? ” The country is at risk for elite fracturing and an army takeover that may lead to an insurgency.

Sudan’s protest movement has also reached a turning point. James Barnett argues that the subsequent power struggle could lead to civil war or state failure in "Sudan's Dictator Just Fell: What Comes Next?"

The reshaping of Algeria and Sudan—where Salafi-jihadi groups like al Qaeda have a long history—is occurring as their neighbor, Libya, descends into renewed civil war. Salafi-jihadi groups in Libya are already taking advantage of the conflict to re-establish networks and conduct attacks, as Emily Estelle assesses in “Al Qaeda and the Islamic State Will Be the Winners in the Libyan Civil War” . This piece includes an NTrepid Timestream graphic created by Emily Estelle and Mohamad El Kari.

Libya’s New Warlord Needs to Make Peace
By James Stavridis, Bloomberg: "Khalifa Haftar is marching toward Tripoli, but more conflict will only help the terrorists."

INDIA'S ELECTIONS BEGIN: CAN MODI MAKE IT AGAIN?

4/12/2019

India's security challenges shape society and politics
(Deutsche Welle) As the world's largest democracy goes to the polls, it faces many social and security challenges. Here is a breakdown of the major issues that politicians will have to negotiate after the votes have been counted.

ASIA TIMES: WHAT NEW DELHI WORRIES ABOUT KABUL

SUDAN & LIBYA HEATS UP FAST WITH CIVIL WAR APPROACHING & THE REALITY OF ALLIES MANAGEMENT FOR THE LONG WAR

4/11/2019

The US Must Stop Iran's Takeover of Yemen by Majid Rafizadeh •

Coup in Sudan, Protests in Algeria & Libya, and another Brexit Extension
Lakshmi V Menon, Harini Madhusudan, Abigail Fernandez and Sourina Bej
Click here for the commentary

Hifter meets Sisi in Cairo as his forces press on offensive in Libya
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi hosted on Sunday Libya’s eastern military commander, Khalifa Hifter, whose forces are leading an offensive in the capital, Tripoli, where the internationally recognized government is based. Hifter's self-proclaimed Libyan National Army (LNA) deployed in western areas of the country last week as part of what he called an operation to “purge” Tripoli of terrorist groups. So far, more than 121 people have been killed according to the World Health Organization.
During the meeting in Cairo, Sisi “confirmed Egypt's support for efforts to combat terrorism and extremist groups and militias in order to achieve security and stability for the Libyan citizen.” Meanwhile on Sunday, forces loyal to the Government of National Accord downed a fighter jet belonging to the LNA south of Tripoli. A GNA spokesman said the plane was planning to launch air raids in the Wadi al-Rabie area. Read More 

Bloomberg’s Eli Lake: Sudan’s dictator is toppled, but his regime remains

Syria ally Bashir ousted in Sudan
Sudan’s military announced on Thursday it had ousted President Omar al-Bashir, an ally of Syria’s Bashar al-Assad wanted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court for overseeing forces that killed thousands in the country’s Darfur province. Bashir has been replaced by Lt. Gen. Awad Mohamed Ahmed Ibn Auf, a military leader also wanted for crimes in the Darfur region whose ascendance brought jeers from Sudanese protesters. Assad in December 2018 became the first Arab leader to visit Damascus since the Arab League expelled Syria following the outbreak of civill war in 2011. Erstwhile Sudanese ally Iran is also keeping close watch on events in Khartoum. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Ghassemi on Thursday called on Sudanese parties to “show restraint, keep calm, use the policy of interaction and dialogue, and adopt peaceful means when pursuing their demands.” Read More

Libya is on the brink of an all-out civil war that threatens to upend years of diplomatic efforts to reconcile two rival armed political factions. The French government, the European power closest to Haftar, insists it had no prior warning of his assault, which is now less than 20km from the capital, Tripoli. The outcome could shape not just the politics of Libya, but also the security of the Mediterranean, and the relevance of democracy across the Middle East and north Africa. – The Guardian

Salma Wardany writes: As fighting in Libya encroaches on the capital, the risk of new oil-supply outages from the OPEC member has risen. The country has been in disarray since Muammar Qaddafi, its head of state, was removed from office and killed in 2011. Oil output surged in recent months as a fragile peace took hold, but the latest battles are a reminder that reliable crude flows require a political solution to end eight years of strife. – Bloomberg

US eyes bigger role for Libyan warlord as civil war looms
The United States has long struggled with how to handle Khalifa Hifter, as the former CIA asset has repeatedly threatened to march on the war-torn country’s capital.

Horns of a Dilemma: The Politics of Partnership in the War on Terror by Stephen Tankel

Clashes between the internationally recognized Libyan government in Tripoli and forces loyal to Gen. Khalifa Haftar have left some 56 people dead in the capital.

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The ouster of Sudan’s longtime dictator, Omar al-Bashir, heralds a major reset of power in the African country of 40 million, an anchor in the U.S. war on terrorism and European efforts to contain migration. – Wall Street Journal

Sudan’s military removed the country’s dictator from power on Thursday following months of protests against his 30-year rule, as a wave of popular unrest shakes North Africa that is reminiscent of the 2011 Arab Spring revolts. – Wall Street Journal

For 30 years, the Sudanese president ruled with an iron fist, first overthrowing an elected government in a 1989 military coup and then cementing his grip on power. Remarkably, he held on for years even as he faced international condemnation, a warrant for his arrest on genocide charges, war, uprisings and sanctions. […]Here are just a few of the many storms Bashir weathered in the past three decades. – Washington Post

Sudan’s defense minister, who led the overthrow Thursday of autocratic ruler Omar al-Bashir, has had his assets blocked by the U.S. Treasury since 2007 for supporting and managing militias accused of carrying out genocide in the country’s Darfur conflict. – Associated Press

It was the man named by President Omar al-Bashir as his deputy just six weeks ago who broke the news to the Sudanese people of the longtime ruler’s removal. Dressed in army fatigues, General Ahmed Awad Ibn Auf declared on Thursday that the 75-year-old had been overthrown and arrested following months of nationwide protests against his three-decade rule. – Al Jazeera

Editorial: Sudanese dictator Omar al-Bashir’s three decade reign of misery ended Thursday following a military coup. Good riddance, though his arrest alone won’t satisfy the protestors who have filled the country’s streets for months. […]Washington will need to continue counterterrorism cooperation with whoever comes to power while still pressing for democratic elections. The Trump Administration followed Barack Obama’s lead and rewarded antiterror help by removing some sanctions. The White House can use more sanctions relief as leverage with the new government. – Wall Street Journal

Eli Lake writes: The ouster of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir should be a moment for celebration: one of the world’s worst villains, driven from power after waves of popular protest. […]There are other steps the West can take to aid and protect Sudan’s opposition, such as building up legal cases against other regime leaders and offering encrypted communication technology to protest organizers. The most important step, though, is to resist the temptation to reach out to the military regime that replaced al-Bashir. Sudan should remain isolated until it is free. – Bloomberg

Tom Rogan writes: The Sudanese military’s deposing of President Omar al-Bashir is a step in the right direction towards Sudan’s better future. But it’s only a small step, because those replacing Bashir are too much like him. […]As the protests continue, we’re about to find out. But if a crackdown follows, human suffering may escalate dramatically. For that reason, President Trump should implore the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia to warn the military against any use of force. Those American allies are top Sudanese export destinations. The military cannot afford to isolate them. – Washington Examiner

Alberto M. Fernandez wrties: Sudan’s most successful regime—measured solely in terms of sheer survival and misery inflicted on its people—will not reach its thirtieth anniversary. It was on June 30, 1989, that an obscure Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) general named Omar al-Bashir overthrew the democratically elected government of Sadiq al-Mahdi. At least that is what it looked like from the outside. In reality, it was a hardcore Islamist coup led by the urbane extremist Dr. Hassan al-Turabi working in cooperation with likeminded military elements. In an exquisite bit of theater, Turabi and some of his fellow plotters were detained at the beginning of the coup, creating confusion as to who was actually in charge and disguising the true nature of the resultant regime. – Washington Institute

WINDS OF CHANGE BLOWING IN PAKISTAN AND AFGHANISTAN; WHO IS WINNING YEMEN

4/10/2019

An oil discovery before systemic reform in Pakistan would be a tragedy
Max Frost | The Diplomat

U.S., AFGHANISTAN:
Taliban Announces ‘al-Fath Jihadi Operations’ for 2019
By Bill Roggio, FDD's Long War Journal: “The Taliban announced the commencement of its 2019 offensive, which it calls “Al-Fath Jihadi Operations.” Unlike in previous years, the Taliban does not prioritize attacks on U.S. and NATO forces, but instead sets its crosshairs on those working for the Afghan government, military, and police."

ASIA TIMES

Is Iran Winning in Yemen? by Soeren Kern

What does Pakistan need to close its air defense gaps?
(Defense News) The most recent military standoff between India and Pakistan has exposed longstanding gaps in the latter’s defenses that now appear to be receiving renewed attention.

Both sides of Yemen's civil war are attempting to convene a quorum of parliamentarians in order to solidify their control over the divided legislative body.
- For more detail, revisit "Yemen's Houthi movement can still be split from Iran."

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, in an interview Tuesday with foreign journalists, expressed concern and sorrow over the deterioration in relations with India. He said the Modi government was unleashing domestic hostility against Muslims, a minority of more than 200 million, and that the very idea of “Muslim-ness” was under attack. Nevertheless, Khan also suggested that if Modi were to win reelection, his “right-wing” government might be more likely to reach a settlement on Kashmir, which both countries have claimed since they were partitioned in 1947. – Washington Post

Mohammed Sinan Siyech writes: The following four issues deserve a place on the bilateral agenda. First, Delhi should prioritize negotiations for the protection of Indian expatriate workers in Qatar, many of whom have experienced various forms of labor abuse. Second, India could seek to collaborate with Qatar on developing a cleaner and more energy efficient environment. Third, in light of the popularity of Bollywood among Qataris, India should seek to boost its “soft power” influence through additional avenues of cultural exchange. – Middle East Institute

ALGERIA'S INTERIM PRESIDENT REJECTED BY PROTESTERS

4/10/2019

Algeria sets date for presidential election
Algeria will hold presidential elections on July 4, the interim presidency announced Wednesday. Parliament this week named Senate leader Abdelkader Bensalah as interim president, one week after the resignation of Abdelaziz Bouteflika. Protesters who forced Bouteflika out after weeks of street demonstrations however continue to demand a political overhaul. Algeria’s army chief, Lt. Gen. Gaid Salah, on Wednesday called on the judiciary to prosecute members of the political elite involved in corruption. Read More 

Algerian protesters reject interim president
Algerian security forces fired tear gas to disperse thousands of students who took to the streets of downtown Algiers on Tuesday to protest parliament’s appointment of Abdelaziz Bouteflika ally Abdelkader Bensalah as interim president following Bouteflika's resignation after two decades in power. Under the Algerian constitution Bensalah, the chairman of the upper house of parliament, can remain in power for as long as 90 days as Algeria prepares for new elections.
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Protests will continue in Algeria as elites attempt to preserve their power during a transitional period.
- Revisit "Algeria's Future: What Follows Bouteflika?"

IS DEBT THE ANSWER TO MIDDLE EAST'S ECONOMIES

4/10/2019

Is debt the answer to Middle East economic troubles?
Karen E. Young | Al-Monitor

Is debt the answer to Middle East economic troubles?
The forecast for growth across the Middle East and North Africa is bleak. Unfortunately for the regions, heavy debt appears to be one way out.

TALIBAN HIT US BASE AFGHANISTAN

4/10/2019

Afghan Counterterrorism Through Peace
By Francis X. Tailor, RealClearDefense: "As the U.S.-Taliban peace negotiations lurch forward in fits and starts, there is a fundamental question lingering in the minds of U.S. policymakers in Washington—is there a way for the United States to withdraw the preponderance of its troops and extricate itself from an otherwise endless war while at the same time ensuring fundamental U.S. national security interests continue to be protected?"

https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2019/04/3-us-service-members-contractor-killed-in-taliban-bombing.php

ISRAELI ELECTIONS: A SQUEAKER; WHY GOLAN MATTERS FOR ISRAELI SECURITY & WHAT HALEY DID FOR THE MIDDLE EAST

4/10/2019

Jon Lerner writes: It’s a new era because Haley challenged and disproved some important basic assumptions about Middle East policy. It turns out that the United States can support Israel strongly and still work closely with Arab states to promote common interests such as opposing Iranian threats. The Arab street is not narrowly Israel-minded and is not as volatile as long believed. The sky won’t fall if the U.S. stops funding UN sacred cows such as UNRWA. Even if future U.S. administrations revert back to the policies of the past, these old assumptions will remain disproven. That is a valuable accomplishment that will last long after Nikki Haley’s UN tenure. – Commentary Magazine

Netanyahu Promotes "Principle of Victory"April 9, 2019
https://www.meforum.org/58161/netanyahu-promotes-principle-of-victory

INSS’s Amos Yadlin: A US return to JCPOA would be a dangerous choice

Amos Yadlin writes: Concomitantly, a Security Council resolution is needed to address the issues of ballistic missiles, terror and malign Iranian interventions throughout the Middle East. To that end, it is necessary to continue the pressure on Iran from all directions, create a broad international coalition, and clarify in reliable and convincing fashion that not only are all options against Iran “on the table,” they also are ready to use and the will to do so is real. – The Hill

A Netanyahu Win Could Well Mean A Truncated Term
By BENNY AVNI, Special to the Sun | April 10, 2019
https://www.nysun.com/foreign/a-win-by-bibi-could-well-mean-a-shortened-term/90642/

Both sides declared victory Tuesday night as Israelis voted in what looked like a placeholder election, but by early morning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seemed to emerge on top.
"There are losers and winners in elections, and we are the winners," said top contender Benny Gantz. Later on, though, Mr. Netanyahu said he has "almost" completed gathering enough supporters for a ruling coalition.

Yet, Bibi's legal troubles, culminating in a June court hearing, figured prominently in the campaign, and they may be on politicians' minds as negotiating the election's outcome, which will last for days, went into high gear.
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Netanyahu holds edge in Israeli elections
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared himself the winner of Israel’s parliamentary election today after his Likud party won 35 seats, the same as the Blue and White coalition led by his main rival, retired military chief Benny Gantz. Netanyahu is expected to be tasked with forming the next government as conservative parties took a clear lead in the overall share of Knesset seats, moving past the 61-seat threshold needed to remain in power. "This is an unimaginable achievement," Netanyahu told supporters in Tel Aviv in a celebratory speech early today. "I am very moved tonight, a night of tremendous victory. I am very excited that the people of Israel once again trusted me for the fifth time, and with greater confidence." President Reuven Rivlin is expected to soon start government formation talks. Read More

Trump’s clear view of the Golan Heights
International law does not license aggressors to launch risk-free wars

Netanyahu's Remarkable Achievement
Editorial of The New York Sun | April 10, 2019
https://www.nysun.com/editorials/netanyahus-remarkable-achievement/90643/
The likelihood that Prime Minister Netanyahu will be given the mandate to form the next government in Israel is a remarkable achievement. It ratifies not only his own leadership but also the historic shift to the right in Israel over the past generation. It augurs well for Israel's relations with America, which been one of the bright spots in the eras of both Mr. Netanyahu and President Trump.
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Boris Zilberman writes: By moving forward with the recognition, the Trump administration is sending an important message to Moscow, Tehran, and Damascus: the United States stands with Israel in ensuring our most important regional ally has defensible borders against a broad spectrum of threats. […]To anyone who has ever stood on the Golan Heights, it is perfectly clear why the area would be vital to any successful attack on Israel, and why Israel, once in control of the strategic plateau, could never relinquish the Golan Heights and keep itself secure. – Washington Examiner

THE SAUDI'S GO NUCLEAR

4/8/2019

DEFENSE ONE

Katherine Zimmerman writes: Washington should also encourage partners to develop or restore relationships with individuals who have chosen to support the Houthis politically during the civil war but who might not entirely believe in their cause. […] Splintering the Houthi movement in this fashion could begin to diminish the group’s influence in Yemen. Reducing the Houthis’ strengths would increase the prospects of an acceptable negotiated settlement to the war and a political resolution in Yemen. – RealClearWorld

TRUMP ADMIN GETS IT RIGHT: IRGC NAMED TERROR LEADER OF TRANSNATIONAL CRIMINAL NETWORKS

4/8/2019

More Iranian Sanctions for What Purpose? by Mark Fitzpatrick

US to designate IRGC as a foreign terrorist organization
The State Department announced today that it intends to designate the IRGC as a foreign terrorist organization. The IRGC's activities span the globe.

The Revolutionary Guard’s Disinformation Campaign to Dominate Iran’s EconomySaeed Ghasseminejad | Senior Iran and Financial Economics Advisor

Tehran Expands its Presence in Oman

EDUARDO SALCEDO-ALBARÁN
Hyper-Modern, Hyper-Adaptive—and Deadly
Transnational criminal networks have evolved with a complexity that outstrips current institutional capacities, investigative tools, and judicial systems.

U.S. Designates Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a Foreign Terrorist Organization

European powers express growing concern about Iranian missiles

Terrorist designation increases burden on Iran’s Revolutionary Guard
Behnam Ben Taleblu | Senior Fellow

IRAN IN DIRE STRAITS: AEI

Pulling the plug on Iran’s nuclear program

Sanctions on the IRGC Will Be Judged by Results - and by Iran's Reaction
By Yaakov Lappin, April 12, 2019
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The Trump administration’s decision to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity will ultimately be judged by how successful it is in changing Iran’s conduct.
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The Trump Administration’s Iran Policy is a Mess by Aaron Stein

US Designation of Revolutionary Guards Risks Escalation
By Dr. James M. Dorsey, April 12, 2019
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The US designation of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organization, and the Iranian response, has potentially put US military personnel in the region in harm’s way. The designation increases economic pressure on Iran because the IRGC is not only an army but also a commercial conglomerate – but it remains to be seen to what degree the sanctions will affect the IRGC.
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Hezbollah’s Martyrs Foundation: purpose, mode of operation and funding methods
Published: 17:50 11.4.19
Read more Full document in PDF format

Matthew Levitt writes: The Foreign Terrorist Organization listing adds only two substantive tools[…]. Depending on how these new tools are implemented—and what guidance the White House gives border authorities and prosecutors—these could have significant effects, some positive, some not. It also adds yet another layer of sanctions threat, which could sharpen the costs of doing business with Iran more broadly given the extent to which the IRGC is embedded in the Iranian economy. This could prove particularly difficult for Iraq, which is dependent on Iranian energy and whose officials could now be exposed to sanctions and criminal liability. – Washington Institute

BIOGRAPHY OF EGYPT'S AL-SISI, A LOOK AT MIDDLE EAST ARM SALES FROM CHINA-RUSSIA, SHIA WEAK SPOT IN ISLAMIC CIVILIZATION & PAKISTAN'S SELF-MADE ECONOMIC CRISIS

4/3/2019

Who Is Sisi of Egypt? A Salafi.by Ramy Aziz
Middle East Quarterly
Spring 2019
https://www.meforum.org/57908/egypt-sisi-salafi

ASIA TIMES: PAKISTAN

Pentagon's Focus On China and Russia Expected to Alter US Arms Sales
// Marcus Weisgerber A new report shows a decline in Middle Eastern nations' share of overall exports.

Michael Rubin writes: Shiism itself—rather than political reformism—has always been the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Achilles’ heel. Khamenei may claim the ultimate political and religious authority, but he lacks the education, reputation, and respect that Sistani has earned through decades of scholarship and teaching. That Rouhani and the regime he serves have tried to twist Sistani’s subtle statements into an endorsement of Iran and condemnation of the United States only undercuts the Iranian regime’s legitimacy further in the eyes of ordinary Shiites. – The National Interest

Farzin Nadimi writes: Over the past few months, Iran has limited its ballistic missile tests to a pair of unsuccessful satellite launch attempts. Yet the escalation and nuances evident in recent IRGC rhetoric indicate that such activity might soon ramp up. For example, the IRGC could use the latest brawl with Europe to galvanize domestic support for developing longer-range missiles, as part of what military leaders call “changing the deterrence calculus” (a theme that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei himself spoke of more generally during his recent Nowruz address). – Washington Institute

Sisi keeps watchful eye on Al-Azhar's growing role abroad
Egypt's president is reportedly concerned that Al-Azhar's increasing international activity is working to insulate itself from the Egyptian government's control.

Egypt parliament to vote on constitutional changes extending Sisi’s term
The Egyptian parliament will cast its final vote on Tuesday on constitutional amendments to allow President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to rule until 2030, after a parliamentary committee approved the final text on Sunday. The proposed changes would extend the presidential term from four years to six and allow a maximum of two consecutive terms. The final text would also extend Sisi’s current term by two years and allow him to run for one additional six-year term when this one expires, cementing the country’s slide back to strongman rule after the toppling of Hosni Mubarak. The amendments would be put to a national referendum next week if they are approved. Read More 

ABBAS MILANI: FEAR AS STATE POLICY IN MIDDLE EAST

4/3/2019

Abbas Milani Explains How Authoritarian Regimes Use Fear To Stay In Power
by Abbas Milani via PolicyEd
In spite of systematic gender discrimination at every level, Iranian women have continued their fight for inclusivity. As a result, Iranian women have become harbingers of a movement of civil disobedience. The women’s movement is not just about the veil – it is about breaking the authority of a repressive regime.

Getting Back To Basics
by Tony Badran via The Caravan
Since the end of the Cold War — and, most dramatically, in the Bush and Obama years — American strategy in the Middle East has shifted from one anchored in the state system to one focused on non-state actors, particularly terrorist groups, and on projects disconnected from geopolitics. The result has been the return — after nearly five decades — of Russian sway, the commandeering of large swaths of territory by Iran, and the emergence on the scene of China. The Russian-Iranian military campaign in Syria, and the increasing Chinese influence in the Middle East require a return to Cold War principles.

Vinay Kaura writes: Amid concerns that Khalilzad may have given too much ground to the Taliban, thereis talk of “contingency plans” to protect America’s security interests if negotiations fail to produce results, meaning military options are still on the table. The Trump administration has been hoping for success in the peace talks but does not seem willing to sign a deal with the Taliban from a position of weakness. – Middle East Institute

Abbas Milani: Why Trump Declared Iran's Revolutionary Guard Terrorists
with Abbas Milani via KCBS Radio Hoover Institution fellow Abbas Milani explains the implications of the United States declaring Iran's Revolutionary Guard a "foreign terrorist organization." The designation is the first time that America has categorized a part of another country's government as terrorists.

BACK TO BASICS FOR US FOREIGN POLICY GOALS MIDDLE EAST (RISE OF NATION STATES); A LOOK AT ALGERIA, LIBYAN GENERAL MOVES ON CONSOLIDATION & THE SAHEL

4/3/2019

Getting Back to Basics Tony Badran | Research Fellow

Elite fracturing in Algeria may lead to a power vacuum after President Bouteflika's resignation on April 2 .
- Revisit "In Algeria hope for the best but prepare for the worst."
Islamic State media is highlighting the presence of affiliated fighters in West Africa to counter the narrative of its losses in Iraq and Syria.
- An ISIS affiliate has been growing in the Sahel for four years.
Libya is at a crossroads between a peace deal and military escalation.
- For more detail, revisit "The General's trap in Libya."

To Improve Its Middle East Policy, The U.S. Must Look Beyond States
with Samuel Tadros via Mosaic Magazine
While the Middle East remains as messy as ever, writes Samuel Tadros, Washington cannot afford to ignore its problems even though it cannot solve them. It can, however, improve its approach to the region.

ASIA TIMES: LIBYAN GENERAL MOVES TO CONSOLIDATE

US withdraws troops from Libya amid rival militias fighting near capital
(The Associated Press) The United States said Sunday it has temporarily withdrawn some of its forces from Libya due to “security conditions on the ground,” as a Libyan military commander’s forces advanced toward the capital, Tripoli, clashing with rival militias.

Libya’s eastern forces bomb Tripoli as US pulls out troops
Eastern Libyan forces loyal to military commander Khalifa Hifter launched airstrikes in southern Tripoli on Sunday, as the United Nations failed to achieve a truce. The UN mission in Libya on Sunday called on all armed parties to pause the fighting for two hours to allow for the evacuation of civilians and the wounded. Hifter's self-proclaimed Libyan National Army (LNA) deployed in western areas of Libya last week as part of an operation to “purge” Tripoli from terrorist groups. The conflict escalated over the weekend, with at least 21 people reported killed and 27 others injured in clashes between LNA forces and armed groups allied with the internationally recognized government in Tripoli. Meanwhile, the United States said it had removed a small group of US troops from the country on Sunday as the fighting escalated. Read More 

The backstory to Hifter's march on Tripoli
Libya has been in a constant state of civil war for five years, and the unique patterns of the Libyan civil war must not be forgotten as we parse its latest developments. The recent march on Tripoli by Khalifa Hifter's forces is more about media optics and projecting power, than about precipitating a blood bath for control of the capital.

Libyan militias resist advance of pro-Haftar forces on Tripoli
(Deutsche Welle) Militias in Libya's west say they are determined to stop a bid by military strongman Khalifa Haftar to seize the capital. The escalation of tensions has raised prospects of renewed civil war in the country.

Tripoli on military alert as Hifter's eastern forces advance toward Libyan capital
Libya’s internationally recognized government declared on Wednesday a military alert in the capital Tripoli after eastern military commander Khalifa Hifter ordered his forces to move west. Hifter's self-proclaimed Libyan National Army (LNA) deployed in western areas of the country “to purge the remaining terrorist groups located in their last hideouts,” a spokesman said. Clashes erupted south of Tripoli between LNA forces and armed groups belonging to the Tripoli-based government. Read More 

Testimony: Assessing US policy priorities in the Middle East
Danielle Pletka | House Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and International Terrorism
The United States can do a lot of good in the Middle East. It’s high time we think about both dealing with challenges and creating opportunities.

U.S Middle East Policy Must Contend With The New Power On The Block
by Afshin Molavi via The Caravan The year 1993 is not normally seen as a geopolitically defining year. As Bill Clinton took the oath of office in Washington, the big geopolitical events of the past few years -- the fall of the Soviet Union, the first Gulf War, the rise of newly independent Eastern European states - continued to reverberate but the world, it seemed, had entered the post-Cold War peace dividend era and the American unipolar moment. Across Middle East capitals, there was no doubt who the great power was in the world. The United States had no rival.

PROJET MEDIAN: IRANIAN UNDERGROUND NUCLEAR TEST SITES

4/3/2019

Project Midan: Developing and Building an Underground Nuclear Test Site in Iran

TURKS REJECT THE NEW SULTAN: HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT, INFLATION TAKE TOLL & THE S400 MIXUP

4/1/2019

Crafting a Regional Policy to Contain Erdoğan
By Dmitri Shufutinsky, April 23, 2019
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Turkey poses a long-term threat to the security of the Middle East. Containing Neo-Ottomanism requires a defensive policy that integrates Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and the Kurds into a regional alliance.
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Why did pro-government media fail Erdogan?
Erdogan’s choice of press corps for his Russia trip suggests that a more hawkish faction among the pro-AKP media is likely to gain access to the president’s ear.

In Stunning Upset, Turkish Opposition Takes Ankara, Istanbul Aykan Erdemir | Senior Fellow
Merve Tahiroglu | Research Analyst

How Turkey's local elections mark a rebuke for Erdogan's one-man rule
Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party appears to have lost control of city hall in Ankara and may lose Istanbul as well, where unofficial results put the opposition slightly ahead.

KURDS FACE CHANGING POLITICAL LANDSCAPE

The Prospect of U.S. Sanctions Exacerbates Turkey’s Political and Economic Risks
Jonathan Schanzer | Senior Vice President for ResearchAykan Erdemir | Senior Fellow Merve Tahiroglu | Research Analyst

Turkey's Voters Stun Erdogan, Stoking His Ire
By BENNY AVNI, Special to the Sun | April 3, 2019
https://www.nysun.com/foreign/turkeys-voters-stun-erdogan-stoking-his-ire/90635/
Turkish voters punished their ruling party in municipal elections over the weekend. That could be a good omen for America -- unless the strategically crucial country has already drifted too far from Washington.
For the first time in a quarter-century, parties opposing President Recep Tayyip Erdogan scored major victories in local elections. Erdogan's Islamist Justice and Development Party, or AKP, lost eight major cities to secularist candidates. Especially stinging for the AKP were losses in the capital, Ankara, and in Istanbul, the country's economic nerve center.
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What Must Be Done With Erdogan’s Turkey
When I visited Turkey last year, it was clear that President Erdogan was on a path to break with the traditions of Ataturk and the secular state. In a period when the global impact of the various strands of Islam are having significant global impact, the President of Turkey has focused on emphasizing Turkey’s Islamic…

Pentagon holds out hope of salvaging military sales to Turkey
Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said today that he expects the Pentagon to deliver the Patriot air defense system to Turkey even as Ankara eyes a fall installation date for the Russian S-400.

Turkey's Elections: What Do They Mean for Turkey and Erdoğan? by Burak Bekdil •

Erdogan Seizes Kurdish Municipalities – Again

Turks look to Trump for way around ‘S-400 or F-35’ ultimatum
With Congress threatening sanctions if Turkey acquires the Russian S-400 and the Pentagon warning that Turkey could lock itself out of the F-35 fighter jet program, the Turkish president’s son-in-law took his case directly to President Donald Trump.

IRAN BUILDS ECONOMIC CORRIDOR TO EVADE US LED SANCTIONS, FAILURE OF PREVIOUS ADMIN. WROUGHT FOREIGN POLICY FAILURE & THE SOURCE OF THE IRANIAN REVOLUTION M.E.K.

3/29/2019

Why Iran is so afraid of a free Iraq
Michael Rubin | The National Interest

Hassan Rouhani's Visit to Iraq
By Dr. Doron Itzchakov, March 28, 2019
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: For the first time since his swearing-in, Iranian president Hassan Rouhani paid a visit to neighboring Iraq. While the visit was sparked by the economic sanctions imposed by Donald Trump’s administration and Iran’s desire to create an economic corridor that would enable it to bypass those sanctions, it was also intended to implement a broader range of interests: to maintain Iraq within Tehran’s sphere of influence on the one hand, and to accumulate achievements at the expense of Rouhani’s domestic opponents on the other.
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CRITICAL THREATS PROJECT

U.S. Intensifies Campaign against Syrian Maritime Sanctions Busting
David Adesnik | Director of Research

The Mojahedin e-Khalq aren't America's friends
Michael Rubin | The National Interest

WHY SAUDI TIES MATTER: SHAPING THE MIDDLE EAST, NORTH AFRICA; THE LIMITS OF SAUDI VISION 2030

3/29/2019

Trump Should Salvage U.S.-Saudi Relations
Like it or not, Washington’s ties with Riyadh still matter.
John Hannah | Senior Counselor

Nervous Riyadh anxious about Algiers
The Saudi Kingdom watches cautiously as Algerian protesters bring back the 2019 version of the Arab Spring to demand an open political system.

Impacts of Saudi Arabia’s Vision2030 on U.S. Efforts to Confront Iran
By Scott Harr, Divergent Options: "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision2030 plan to transform its economy and society will have significant effects on the U.S. ability to confront and counter Iran.

HOW THE END IS THE BEGINNING FOR REGIONAL SUNNI ISLAM TERROR, EGYPT LAYS PROSTRATE BEFORE GULF MONARCHIES, US CANNOT ABANDON FRAGILE STATES & WHERE IS THE PALESTINIAN SADAT

3/28/2019

Why was ISIS successful?
Kenneth Pollack | RealClearBooks
Ultimately, there were a number of reasons why Da’ish did as well as it did in 2013–15, and this excerpt from "Armies of Sand" explains the most important factors.

At turning point in insurgent wars, U.S. general cautions against disengaging from fragile states

Shaul Bartal writes: In stark contrast to the extraordinary vision and courage displayed by Israeli Prime Minster Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat in signing their peace treaty 40 years ago, the Palestinian leadership has been staunchly rejectionist and a serial squanderer of opportunities for peace. One can only hope that the Arab regimes, which appear increasingly reluctant to remain hostage to Palestinian rejectionism, will be courageous enough to follow in Sadat’s visionary footsteps. – Algemeiner

Mohamed Maher writes: Egypt’s tone towards Iran is particularly surprising given the Gulf’s increasingly intense rhetoric against the Islamic Republic. Paradoxically, it seems that the Gulf States’ deep concern over the Muslim Brotherhood—in particular its relationship with Iran—has given the current Egyptian regime some leeway in its approach to Iran. […]Thus, though combating Iran is one of the Gulf States’ top priorities, officials seem to have accepted Egypt’s lackluster involvement in these efforts. For Cairo, this arrangement seems to be the best of both worlds: while remaining a Gulf ally, Egypt is able to preserve an attitude towards Iran’s actions in the region that reflects some of Cairo and Tehran’s shared strategic interests.- Washington Institute

TURKEY: ULTIMATE GAMBLER OF SUNNI TERRORISM AND NATO SUPPORTER

3/28/2019

Erdoğan's Dangerous Ambitions Threaten India and Beyond
By Jagdish N. Singh, March 27, 2019
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The age of empire has come and gone, but in some quarters, the imperialist dream is alive and well. Leaders continue to appear on the world stage from time to time to style themselves in this fashion. The latest entry in this category is Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who is promoting himself as leader of the Muslim world to his coreligionists around the globe – particularly in India.
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Interviews with a captured Islamic State prisoner suggest that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s terror complicity is worse than many imagined, writes Michael Rubinin a Washington Examiner op-ed. While some of what the prisoner says is likely exaggeration, much of his confession remains relevant and reaffirms that Erdogan’s Turkey is a terror sponsor and that Erdogan is a duplicitous partner. A few questions remain: Why are Erdogan, his family, and senior officials in his government still welcomed in the US? And should Turkey’s state airline have landing rights in the US? Learn more here.

S-400 or F-35? Turkey’s Erdogan Must Choose

US suspends Turkey from F-35 program
The Donald Trump administration has ceased delivery of equipment related to Turkey’s F-35 fighter aircraft, Reuters reported Monday, the first major US step to block delivery of the jet to its NATO ally. The Pentagon said the equipment delivery had been stopped due to Ankara’s planned purchase of a Russian missile defense system. “Pending an unequivocal Turkish decision to forgo delivery of the S-400, deliveries and activities associated with the stand-up of Turkey’s F-35 operational capability have been suspended,” Pentagon spokesman Mike Andrews said in a statement. Read More 

ALGERIA: ARMY STEPPING IN, ASKS FOR LEADERSHIP TO STEP DOWN

3/26/2019

Algeria names interim president after Bouteflika resignation
Algeria’s parliament today named Senate leader Abdelkader Bensalah as interim president, one week after Abdelaziz Bouteflika resigned. Under the Algerian Constitution, the head of the upper house of parliament, a Bouteflika ally, will serve in the post for a maximum of 90 days while a new election is organized. Protesters who forced Bouteflika out after weeks of street demonstrations however continue to demand a comprehensive political overhaul. Read More

Algeria’s future: What follows Bouteflika?
Emily Estelle | Critical Threat

Rachel Donadio writes: The question now is whether Algeria will undergo a genuine transition of power, Bouteflika and his minions will maintain their grip, or Islamist political factions will strengthen their authority in a country where secularism is strong. – The Atlantic

Ben Fishman writes: In the best case, a caretaker government will lead Algeria toward a constitutional reform process and fair elections, producing an elected government that can begin adopting necessary economic reforms while maintaining the military’s loyalty. Yet the chances of that process unfolding smoothly seem dim. A smooth transition is in the best interests of the United States given the deep security interests at stake. Algeria borders Libya, the Sahel, and the Mediterranean region, all of which would suffer tremendously if local authorities cannot control the borders and keep a lid on terrorism, smuggling, and mass migration. – Washington Institute

Mohammed Issam Laaroussi writes: In the absence of any current form of Maghreb integration, and in light of the growing needs and concerns of the populations in the region regarding security, stability, and the opportunity to live a life with dignity, the question of reviving the Arab Maghreb Union will always remain an imperative issue. If a revival was accomplished, this process would force political regimes to cooperate, first in order to achieve stability and security, and secondly, to keep pace with changes in societal values that require reform and which are rejecting ready-made, top-down policies currently supplied by governments. – Washington Institute

Whoever replaces Algeria’s President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, ousted by weeks of protest, will inherit another crisis-in-the-making: the economy. Even before hundreds of thousands of Algerians began their campaign for political change, the government had only a few years worth of foreign currency reserves left. With the OPEC member heading into uncharted territory after Bouteflika resigned on Tuesday, the clock to financial upheaval is now ticking faster. – Bloomberg

Algerian President Bouteflika resigns
Algeria’s President Abdelaziz Bouteflika submitted his resignation on Tuesday in a televised ceremony. The head of the upper house of parliament, Bouteflika ally Abdelkader Bensalah, will act as interim leader for a maximum of 90 days while a new election is organized. The ailing 82-year-old president had been facing mounting pressure to step down after his bid for a fifth term sparked six weeks of protests. Bouteflika’s resignation comes after the army called for his removal from office on the grounds that he is unfit to rule due to his deteriorating health. Read More

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Algerian president to step down by end of the month
Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika will resign before the end of his mandate on April 28, the presidency announced Monday, adding that the 82-year-old would take “steps to ensure state institutions continue to function during the transition period." The decision follows weeks of protests against the ailing leader's bid for a fifth term after two decades in power.
The announcement comes as Algeria has banned several businessmen accused of corruption from leaving the country, Ennahar TV reports. Authorities seized the passports of seven men including Ali Haddad, who is close to the president. Haddad was arrested on Sunday on his way to Tunisia. Read More 

Algeria appoints caretaker government
Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika named a new caretaker government led by Noureddine Bedoui as prime minister on Sunday amid reports that he will step down this week amid nationwide protests to end his two-deacde-long rule. Local TV channels reported that the ailing 82-year-old president could resign as early as Tuesday. On Saturday, the Algerian army renewed its call for Bouteflika to be removed from office on the grounds that he is unfit to rule due to his deteriorating health. Read More

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Algerian army chief invokes constitution to remove president from office
Algeria’s military on Monday called for President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s removal from office by having him deemed unfit to rule due to his deteriorating health. The army’s chief of staff, Gen. Ahmed Gaed Salah, said such a move is “the only guarantee for political stability.” Over the past several weeks, Algerians have held mass protests against the two-decade rule of the ailing 82-year-old president, who last addressed the country in 2013. Under Article 102 of the Algerian Constitution, the country's Constitutional Council would formally declare Bouteflika unfit for office, a decision that would require approval from parliament. Read More

ASIA TIMES

AL-JAZEERA

Algerian military and political leaders turned against President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in a bid to maintain power and pacify protesters as demonstrations enter a second month.
- Read and see the Salafi-jihadi groups in West Africa.

OIL PRICE.COM

Algerian protesters reject military's gambit to maintain power
Algeria's army chief has called on President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to be declared unfit, paving the way for a caretaker president. But protesters argue the military must hand power to the people.

Algeria’s National Rally for Democracy party, which forms part of the ruling coalition, has joined calls from the military for President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to resign.

Mohamed Chtatou writes: Some of the key lessons of the first Arab Spring was how easily unrest spread from one country to another, and how universal the demands for increased social, political, and economic opportunity were among protestors across the Arab World. […]The Arab world must establish accountability within its governments. Otherwise, national wealth will continue to be wasted on inequalities that trap many of its people in cycles of deep poverty while rewarding corruption. The stark visibility of these inequalities will continue to drive its desperate youth towards strife. – Washington Institute

Algeria is at a crossroads following last week’s resignation of longtime President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. In a Critical Threats Project analysis, Emily Estelle writes that while it is difficult to assess its trajectory with confidence, the best-case scenario is far from the most likely. Although Algeria’s protest movement has defied expectations by its longevity and its peacefulness, the path to a fundamental change in the Algerian system of governance is narrow and hindered by a stagnant economy and an entrenched power structure. Learn more about Algeria here.

A DREAM DEFERRED: KURDISH FREEDOM & AFGHAN TALKS

3/23/2019

WINP
WINP
WINP

Michael Rubin writes: By cutting off the elected government of Afghanistan, and refusing even to brief their elected leaders on the substance of talks, Khalilzad is handing a victory to the Taliban (a group with which, pre-Sept. 11 attacks, he cooperated with for the sake of business). […]If peace talks are going to succeed, it is essential to reinforce the legitimacy of Afghanistan’s elected government rather than throw it under the bus. It’s bad enough that Khalilzad acts like a viceroy and Hale appears to care more about Mohib’s rhetoric than the Taliban’s reality. It’s even worse, however, to ignore decades of diplomatic principle for the sake of a quick deal. – Washington Examiner

Zalmay Khalilzad’s Afghanistan dealing empowers Pakistan and undermines Trump
Michael Rubin | Washington Examine

https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2019/03/why-the-taliban-should-be-required-to-renounce-al-qaeda-in-any-deal-with-us.php

ISLAMABAD HITS A PAN-ARAB WALL & SPYING IN PAKISTAN: THE WAY OF THE KNIFE

3/23/2019

China and the limits of Pakistan’s Pan-Islamism
Sadanand Dhume | AEIdeas

"P" IN PAKISTAN IS FOR PRAGMATIC?

Harsh V. Pant and Hasan Alhasan write: At present, Modi seems willing to accept these risks. He has replaced India’s cautious “balancing” approach to the region with an aggressive strategy geared toward attracting investments from the Gulf and deepening India’s security partnership with Israel, ignoring Iran in the process. Even a new government in New Delhi if Modi falls in the upcoming elections will find it difficult to change this trajectory, as the premier’s imprint is likely to be longer-lasting than many expected when he came to office. – Foreign Policy

TALIBAN IS A BAD DEAL, SAUDI'S DON'T RANGE FAR FROM WASHINGTON & MENA REGION GETS WORLD BANK HELP

3/23/2019

Trump’s Bad Deal with the Taliban
Thomas Joscelyn, Bill Roggio — Politico
Last week, Afghanistan’s national security adviser, Hamdullah Mohib, launched into a broadside against Zalmay Khalilzad, the chief American diplomat responsible for negotiating with the Taliban. Addressing reporters in Washington, Mohib insinuated that Khalilzad is seeking to install himself as the “viceroy” of a new “caretaker government.” The State Department quickly issued a sharp rebuke, saying that any condemnation of Khalilzad was really a critique of its leader, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo... Read more

Saudi Arabia may be courting Asian partners, but it will always need the US
Varsha Koduvayur — CNN
Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recently wrapped up a week of high-profile visits to Asia, touring Pakistan, India and China in a bid to court new allies. The Saudis clearly mean to signal to the United States and the West that they have options, as the kingdom endures a tarnished reputation over the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. But anticipation of a full-blown Saudi pivot to Asia — and a turning away from the United States — is misguided... Read more

MENA REGION, WORLD BANK

Zalmay Khalilzad’s behavior is worse than simply acting as Afghanistan’s viceroy
Michael Rubin | Washington Examiner

PUTIN FOR BIBI'S RE-ELECTION, THE GOLAN, HEZBOLLAH-GERMAN NUCLEAR THREAT GROWS WHILE CHINA SEEKS TO ENVELOP ISRAELI PORTS

3/22/2019

AL-MONITOR

Foreign Investment in Israel’s Critical Infrastructure: Towards New Legislation

Germany won’t disclose Iranian attempts to obtain nuclear weapons, rocket technology, foreign ministry letter shows

Trump Seizes the High Ground in the Golan
Editorial of The New York Sun | March 22, 2019
https://www.nysun.com/editorials/trump-seizes-the-high-ground-in-the-golan/90618/

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https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-says-it-has-exposed-new-hezbollah-cell-operating-from-syrian-golan-heights/

WINEP’s Matthew Levitt: Hezbollah’s procurement channels: leveraging criminal networks and partnering with Iran

Editorial: Recognizing the Golan sends a message to Russia, Syria’s patron, that the U.S. recognizes that the civil war has changed Syrian reality. There is no returning to a nonexistent status quo ante. It also tells the Palestinians that a return to pre-1967 borders is no longer realistic. They will have to allow some Israeli security presence in what they call the “occupied territories” if they want a two-state solution in Palestine. – Wall Street Journal

AFRICA'S POST COLONIAL ERA ENDING
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AFRICAN ARAB SPRING

AFRICAN ARAB SPRING
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ISHMAEL IS NOT FATHER OF ARABS

ISHMAEL NOT FATHER OF ARAB CIVILIZATION
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DEFEATING SECTARIANISM IN MIDDLE EAST

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SECULARISM, NATIONALISM, ISLAMISM: MAKING MODERN MIDDLE EAST
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CHANGING DYNAMICS OF SALAFI JIHADI MOVEMENTS

FOREIGN AFFAIRS - THE ARAB SPRING @ 5
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BIN SALMAN & THE REFORM OF SAUDI ARABIA
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NATIONAL INTEREST, ARAB SPRING
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FOLLOWING VISION 2030

MEF RADIO LIVE

SECTARIANISM MIDDLE EAST.pdf
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THE PAKISTAN READER

ARAB SPRING & POLITICAL REFORM
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ISRAELI NEWS NETWORK

THUCYDIDES & THE LONG WAR PROBLEM

250 YEARS OF AMERICAN IRREGULAR WAR

AEI - CRITICAL THREATS PROJECT: SALIFI JIHADI MOVEMENTS GROWING

ABBAS MILANI HOOVER PAGE: IRAN & U.S. RELATIONS

HOOVER INSTITUTION BLOG ON THE NEAR EAST

JEWISH INSTITUTE FOR NATIONAL SECURITY OF AMERICA

FATA PAKISTAN RESEARCH CENTER

ISRAELI NUCLEAR POSTURE & DOCTRINES

CONTAIN, DEGRADE, DEFEAT: PLAN FOR MIDDLE EAST

THE PLAN TO DEFEAT THE ISLAMIC STATE & al-QAEDA

CENTER FOR SECURITY, REGIONAL STUDIES, KABUL

AfPak POLICY OPTIONS

ISLAMISM & INTERNATIONAL ORDER

HOOVER INSTITUTION PUBLICATION ON U.S. NEAR EAST POLICY

Israeli Security & Gulf States

PRINCIPALS GUIDING US POLICY IN MIDDLE EAST

HOW ISRAEL WINS

FREE BOOKS ON MIDDLE EAST

AEI: GLOBAL JIHADI THREAT & BEYOND

HOOVER: OPERATIONAL GUIDE FOR THE LONG WAR

THE ETTINGER REPORT: U.S. ISRAELI RELATIONS

GOOGLE NEWS PAKISTAN

HOW TO WIN WORLD WAR IV

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE LONG WAR

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