When President Donald Trump followed through with his campaign promise to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, he effectively recognized Israel’s sovereign rights to the city. Predictably, the age-old conflict between Israelis and Palestinians escalated. Although there has been little respite from the fighting between these two peoples since shortly after World War II, there […]
Israel
North Korea’s Negative Influence on the Middle East
Just days before the U.S.-North Korea summit, a Washington Institute for Near East Policy discussion on June 7 examined North Korea’s far-reaching negative impact on the Middle East and Africa, emphasizing caution in dealing with the rogue nation. “The North Koreans have been helping the Syrians build chemical weapons facilities and have actually deployed their […]
Trump’s Iran Decision Resets International Attitude
In the wake of President Trump’s decision to scrap U.S. participation in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), lawmakers in Iran’s parliament burned an image of the American flag and shouted “Death to America!” on Wednesday. Leaders in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom released a statement Tuesday vowing continued commitment to the deal, […]
Strategic Deterrence Choices Could Be Syria’s Downfall
In September 2007, four military aircraft targeted and destroyed a nuclear facility deep in the Syrian desert. There was never any doubt as to the raiding party’s identity, but only now has Israel formally acknowledged its role in the so-called “Secret Security Affair.” International media openly reported the events at the time. However, many details […]
Middle East Conflict Resolution an Ongoing Challenge
American public attention has been focused on the recent school shooting in Florida and gun reform, as well as Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s ongoing investigation of President Donald Trump and Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. One issue that remains on second-tier status is the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Most Americans are […]