The Middle-East Observer
Analysis
Analysis: Possible way out for Syrian regime
In the face of massive unrest at home, international condemnation for its handling of the unrest, and rumors of foreign intervention, the Assad regime may have a way out, says Osama Al Sharif. The Arab League’s weak monitoring mission, the United States’ distractions in an election year, Europe’s dealing with a fiscal crisis, and Russia … Continue reading
Analysis: Muslim Brotherhood mixes pragmatism, ideology on Israel
Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood is on a slippery slope as they will try to maneuver between the anti-Israel foundation of the organization and the political realities of gouverning modern day Egypt. ”The Brotherhood is in a real challenge and real crisis. For the first time, they are in power, which forces them to be rational when it … Continue reading
Analysis: ‘Hezbollah has long-range surface-to-air missiles’
The Israeli army is reevaluating the threat from Lebanon as it will now operate under the assumption that Hezbollah is in possession of advanced weapons system obtained since the beginning of the upheaval in Syria. These weapons systems include sophisticated long-range surface-to-air missile and Russian-made air-defense systems. Jerusalem Post, Israel Click here for the full story
Analysis: There is no ‘Turkish model’ for Egypt
Egypt’s young revolutionaries hold Turkey’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) as an example for Egypt in its democratic struggle. Their praise the AKP’s ability to cope with secular democracy in a mostly Muslim society. But the reason behind the Turkish islamists’ pragmatism and acceptance of secular democracy is clearly identifiable: it is those neoliberal reforms … Continue reading
Analysis: Egypt’s triumphant Muslim Brotherhood eyes political credibility
Analysts say the Muslim Brotherhood is looking to show the world it’s credibility as Egypt’s leading party. After winning the majority of seats in the parliamentary elections, the Muslim Brotherhood wants to establish a coalition with other Egyptian parties. Muslim Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) chief Mohammed Mursi said “The party believes that all political powers … Continue reading
Analysis: Political Islam Without Oil
Egypt’s Islamist parties – Muslim Brotherhood and Salafist Al Nour party – secured more than 60% of the seats in the country’s parliamentary elections. With the beginning of the first parliamentary session approching quickly, all eyes are turned on the Islamists and on how they will cope with the realities of Egypt, such as corruption, … Continue reading
Analysis: Egypt’s anti-Western future: Rhetoric or reality?
The American threats have sparked an outcry amongst Egypt’s conservative groups, including the Muslim Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party. The FJP’s legal advisor, Ahmad Abu-Baraka, said on Sunday that the party will ask the newly-elected parliament to abolish the US aid, which he claimed “serves as a means to interfere with Egypt’s internal issues’; reportedly … Continue reading
Analysis: Israeli-Palestinian talks in Jordan: Working hard at treading water
Egypt for many years played the role of regional protector of an Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Today, Jordan is going some ways toward assuming that role by convening Israeli-Palestinian exploratory talks in Amman on Tuesday. Foreign Policy, United States Click here for the full story
Analysis: The Sunni-Shia War
The prospects of a Sunni-Shia war are dangerous and real, but the roots behind it are hardly religious. Rather, they are the result of a complex political power-struggle. Hurriyet Daily News, Turkey Click here for the full story
Analysis: Doubts over Syria rebel army after escalation threat
Threats by Syrian armed insurgents to step up attacks on security forces, just days after their leader announced a truce that was largely ignored, have reinforced doubts over the control top officers exert over rebel fighters on the ground. Reuters, United States Click here for the full story
Analysis: As Israelis and Palestinians Talk, the Rise of a Political Islam Alters the Equation
Israeli and Palestinian officials met in Amman, Jordan, on Tuesday, their first encounter in more than a year, and while little emerged, the meeting said a great deal about the crossroads facing the Palestinians — and the entire Middle East — as political Islam emerges as a potentially transformative force in the region. New York Times, United … Continue reading
Analysis: Assad: friend or foe of the Kurds?
Syria’s suppressed Kurdish minority seems to be hedging its bets during the uprising, siding with neither the regime of Bashar Al Assad nor the groups keen to overthrow him until they can determine which side will offer the most benefits. The National, United Arab Emirates Click here for the full story
Analysis: Is model Turkey sliding into authoritarianism?
The trial of prize-winning Turkish journalist Nedim Sener resumed today. His case, along with many others, are raising concerns about Turkey and its model democracy in the Middle East. The Christian Science Monitor, United States Click here for the full story
Analysis: Sanctions Against Iran Are Overrated
Recent statements by Iranian officials are designed to mislead. Sanctions will not make them change their ways. The National Interest, United States Click here for the full story
Analysis: Is Israel witnessing the rise of a kinder, gentler Hamas?
Hamas’ declaration of a cessation of terror activities against Israel seems serious. Does this mean a strategic change on the part of the organization? Not necessarily. Haaretz, Israel Click here for the full story
Factbox: Al Qaeda-inspired groups in Hamas-ruled Gaza
Some facts about the constellation of ultra-conservative Islamists known as Salafis, who have challenged Hamas’s rule in the isolated enclave. Reuters, United States Click here for the full story
Analysis: Neither Hezbollah, Israel has interest in new war
The escalating violence in Syria and renewed speculation of an imminent attack against Iran’s nuclear facilities have the potential to bring Hezbollah and Israel closer to war in 2012 than at any other time since the last one ended five years ago. Yet despite the uncertainties surrounding a volatile and rapidly changing Middle East, as … Continue reading
Analysis: Will Hizbullah Get Syria’s WMD if Assad Goes Down?
When—or even if—the spiraling protests will push the Syrian leader out of power is unclear. But Israel fears that Assad’s chemical weapons could end up with Hizbullah—or that he could resort to desperate measures. The Daily Beast, United States Click here for the full story
Analysis: U.S., Israel Discuss Triggers for Bombing Iran’s Nuclear Infrastructure
The Obama administration is trying to assure Israel privately that it would strike Iran militarily if Tehran’s nuclear program crosses certain “red lines”—while attempting to dissuade the Israelis from acting unilaterally. The Daily Beast, United States Click here for the full story
Analysis: The Arab Big Bang
Looking around the region today, with unsettled conditions in Syria, Iraq, Egypt, Yemen, Bahrain and Libya in particular, it seems obvious that the Arab world is experiencing not only a crisis of regimes, but a crisis of states as well. Jordan Times, Jordan Click here for the full story
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