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Articles by Zvi Mazel
Syria’s Bashar al-Assad hangs on to power
While Bashar al-Assad has survived the 11-year-old civil war, he barely controls 60 percent of Syrian territory. The West is blocking attempts to rehabilitate the accused war criminal.
China’s growing economic impact on the Middle East
By investing strategically in key infrastructure, China has become Middle Eastern countries’ main economic partner.
Is rapprochement between Israel and Turkey really possible?
Israelis are skeptical of President Erdogan despite President Herzog’s visit to Turkey. × In a nutshell Erdogan’s anti-Semitic rhetoric leaves Israelis skeptical of his motives Turkish-Israeli relations have worsened under Erdogan’s rule Herzog’s March 9-10 visit to Turkey will be closely watched Since his accession to power in 2003, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has brought relations between Israel and Turkey to all-time lows.
How will Saudi Arabia and UAE face common threats?
The U.S. disengagement from the Middle East has left Gulf states scrambling to hedge their bets. From under Iran’s shadow, they are bolstering defenses and looking to deepen alliances.
Afghanistan: Taliban takeover strengthens extremism
The rapid Taliban takeover of Afghanistan has emboldened other extremist Islamic organizations in the region. While some of these groups have hardened their stances and intensified their rhetoric, the real question is if all of this will translate into violence. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh congratulated the Taliban on their victory overcoming the American “occupation.” His organization is already growing bolder.
Israel’s unlikely coalition soldiers on, but for how long?
× Scenarios Jerusalem has been careful not to comment on the hurried withdrawal from Afghanistan. But it is worried that Washington is retreating from the Middle East, leaving Israel to act alone should Iran be on the brink of producing a nuclear weapon.
How will regional and world powers shape Syria's future?
Fighting in Syria has entered a new phase, with regional and world powers hoping to secure a long-term economic and military presence. Russia cannot reconstruct the country on its own, while China has shown a sudden willingness to play a more active role in Syria’s future. × In a nutshell Russia and Turkey seek new long-term footholds in Syria With limited aims, U.S. influence has weakened The Iran nuclear talks loom over the region Fighting in Syria has entered a new phase.
Biden and the Abraham Accords: Attempt to disengage
The united front against Iran is crumbling. Joe Biden prefers to restore the nuclear deal with Iran over advancing the promising realignment process spurred in the region by the Abraham Accords. × In a nutshell President Biden finds it hard to disengage from the Middle East His efforts to re-engage with Iran comes with costs Current policies may undo Abraham Accords gains With the Biden administration passing the hundred-day milestone, the new president’s goals are becoming more apparent.
Jordania i Izrael. Co poszło nie tak 27 lat po podpisaniu pokoju i co zrobić, żeby ten pokój uratować [ANALIZA]
Traktat izraelsko-jordański nie doprowadził do trwałego pokoju Winę za to ponoszą obie strony Współpraca w dziedzinie bezpieczeństwa jest nadal silna Zapowiedziane palestyńskie wybory mogą skomplikować sytuację Artykuł publikujemy dzięki uprzejmości Geopolitical Intelligence Services Więcej opinii i komentarzy na stronie głównej Onetu W ub. miesiącu pewien incydent ujawnił narastające napięcia między Jordanią a Izraelem.
The U.S. is a resilient country and will quickly recover from the pandemic
David Alton, Lord Alton of Liverpool David Alton was a Member of the House of Commons (MP) in the United Kingdom. Dr. Frank Umbach GIS Expert Dr. Frank Umbach is the research director of the European Centre for Energy and Resource Security (EUCERS) at King’s College, London; adjunct senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) at the Nanyan Technological University ...
The European Union is no longer an influential player in the Middle East
Report Scenarios The Red Sea becomes a dangerous flash point Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen have come together to create a council meant, among other aims, to prevent the escalation of conflicts in the Red Sea basin. However, the intricate net of regional conflicts could prevent the organization from collaborating effectively, and a spark in ... Ambassador Zvi Mazel
Can the would-be caliph from Turkey be stopped?
The Turkish leader is uniquely poised to take center stage in many of the area conflicts and advance his grand design of reviving an Islamic caliphate under his rule. TURKISH PRESIDENT Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrives for a meeting in Brussels in March.
In memory of Chief Rabbi Bakshi-Doron: From al al-Azhar to coronavirus
The 1990s had seen a spike in suicide bombings carried out in the name of Islam, and Bakshi-Doron hoped to convince Tantawi to speak out against the phenomenon. Al-Azhar mosque, founded by the Fatimid conqueror Gwahar al-Siqilli in 970. Herz opened the walled-up arcades encircling the courtyard (photo credit: GUNDULA MADELEINE TEGTMEYER) The 1990s had seen a spike in suicide bombings carried out in the name of Islam, and Bakshi-Doron hoped to convince Tantawi to speak out against the phenomenon.
Hosni Mubarak kept the peace with Israel
Mubarak kept the peace with Israel and maintained the stability of his country, all the while maneuvering to restore what he saw as Egypt’s rightful place in the Arab world. SUPPORTERS OF former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak hold his photos near the main gate of a cemetery during his funeral ceremony, east of Cairo. (photo credit: REUTERS) Muhammad Hosni Mubarak died on Tuesday. He was 91.
Dancing to the tune of Hamas: Egypt, Israel and Gaza
Would a long-term truce with Hamas be compatible with the interests of Israel, Egypt and Hamas, ensnared in the web of their common borders? A PALESTINIAN security member look across the border at Egyptian flags from southern Gaza (photo credit: REUTERS) Would a long-term truce with Hamas be compatible with the interests of Israel, Egypt and Hamas, ensnared in the web of their common borders?
El-Sisi has stabilized the economy, but more progress will be hard to achieve
Egyptians seemed to have had enough strife and instability, and understood the need for reforms, however painful read more about it in the report
It seems Oman’s new sultan will follow his predecessor’s peaceful approach
The late sultan put Oman on the path to modernization during his 50-year rule Sultan Haitham has declared his intention to uphold his predecessor’s values The new ruler will face increasing regional tension and domestic pressure Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said died on January 10 at the age 79 after a long illness. He had no children. The next day, his cousin, Culture Minister Haitham bin Tariq Al Said was sworn in as his replacement.
Turkey and NATO - the end?
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s determination to buy the Russian S-400 antimissile system in spite of American opposition and subsequent suspension of Turkey’s participation in the production program of the F-35 fighter plane have not only dealt a severe blow to the relations between the two countries, it has also raised the question of Turkey’s NATO membership. Other member states are left wondering whether Turkey is still pledged to the organization or on the way out.
The death of Mohammed Morsi
Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi, figurehead of the Muslim Brotherhood, died suddenly on June 17, unleashing a wave of speculations in western media about what caused his death and what possible consequences would ensue. The Brotherhood, it was said by some, would seize the opportunity to renew its attacks on the regime of President Sisi. Others wondered why “Egypt’s first democratically elected president” was not awarded a fitting funeral.
Hezbollah continues to threaten Israel from Lebanon, endangering its own country
After a strong performance in the 2018 elections, Hezbollah will be held responsible for Lebanon’s economic and social development (source: dpa) With help from Tehran, Hezbollah has made the Israel-Lebanon border volatile for more than three decades The terror organization continues to threaten Israel and has waded into the Syrian civil war After success in 2018 elections, Hezbollah now bears responsibility for running the country and for the blowback from any confrontation with Israel For...
Peace with Egypt is entering its fifth decade
Upon his return from his historic November 1977 visit to Jerusalem, Egyptian president Anwar Sadat was greeted by an unprecedented chorus of approval. An estimated two million Egyptians followed his motorcade all the way from the airport to the presidential palace chanting slogans hailing Sadat and peace. Some 15 years later, as I was posted to Egypt as ambassador, Prof.
Changes in the wind for Egypt?
Should the proposed constitutional amendments now being discussed by the parliament be adopted – as it appears they will, the people of Egypt will find themselves living in a regime quite unlike the one they voted for in 2014. Following the ouster of president Mohamed Morsi and the army takeover on July 3, 2013 led by then-defense minister Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, a constitution was drafted under his aegis and adopted by an overwhelming majority.
Opinion: The Iran-Sunni feud and prospects for Israeli-Palestinian peace
Tensions between Israel and a Saudi-led group of Sunni states in the Middle East have waned somewhat of late, with the two sides covertly cooperating to counter the threat presented by Iran. Some commentators believe that the relationship could even bring about a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Erdogan’s grand plan: Is Libya next?
A startling discovery toward the end of the year revealed a new facet of Turkey’s ongoing efforts to once again become a major player in the Middle East and restore some of the glory of the fallen Ottoman Empire. Huge consignments of arms hidden in two containers from Turkey were discovered by customs authorities in the Libyan Port of Khoms on December 17 and 18.
Is Tunisia on the verge of anarchy?
Tunisia, which gained its independence from France in 1956, had under the leadership of first President Habib Bourguiba become for the West the symbol of enlightened Arab democracy. It was hoped that other Arab states would follow suit. It did not happen.
Erdogan is deepening his involvement in Sudan
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan addresses members of parliament from his ruling AK Party (AKP) during a meeting at the Turkish parliament in Ankara, Turkey, October 23, 2018. (photo credit: REUTERS/TUMAY BERKIN) X Dear Reader, As you can imagine, more people are reading The Jerusalem Post than ever before. Nevertheless, traditional business models are no longer sustainable and high-quality publications, like ours, are being forced to look for new ways to keep going.
President Sisi’s religious war
Share on facebook Share on twitter Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. (photo credit: PAVEL GOLOVKIN/POOL VIA REUTERS) An insidious religious war is being waged in Egypt and getting more virulent by the day. It has nothing to do with the deep-seated hostility of significant segments of the population toward the large Coptic minority and the too frequent episodes of violence against its members.
Leaders in Egypt, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia are challenging the religious establishment
Generations of Muslim clerics, scholars and jurists have tried in vain to adapt the rigorous demands of Islam to the realities of the modern world. Now, the proverbial winds of change are sweeping through the Middle East. No country is immune to the impact of globalization: easier travel, the availability of information and worldwide social networks. From Egypt to Tunisia to Saudi Arabia, economic and social needs are challenging the old religious order.
Five years after the revolution: Is Egyptian President Al-Sisi winning the battle?
The last weeks have brought welcome news to Egypt. The fight against Islamic terror appears to be going well, and social and economic reforms are beginning to get results though the president’s high-handed rule has drawn critics.
Five Years After the Revolution: Is Egyptian President El-Sisi Winning the Battle?
Email a copy of "Five Years After the Revolution: Is Egyptian President El-Sisi Winning the Battle?" to a friend JNS.org – Recent weeks have brought welcome news to Egypt. The fight against Islamic terror appears to be going well, and social and economic reforms are beginning to get results, though the president’s high-handed rule has drawn critics.
Erdogan’s Turkey: A caliphate in the making?
The new crisis with Israel initiated by Recep Tayyip Erdogan following President Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and the Gaza so called March of Return demonstrations, taken together with his decision to advance the presidential election, should be regarded as an integral part of his bid for regional hegemony. Under his leadership, Turkey has become a major player in the Middle East. In order to further his vision, he is active virtually everywhere.
Analysis: Al-Azhar and the surge of Muslim antisemitism
The manifesto published on April 21 by 300 French personalities, denouncing what they called a new antisemitism due to Muslim radicalization, stirred a hornet’s nest in the hallowed halls of Cairo’s Al-Azhar University, the great center of learning and research of Sunni Islam and its doctrine. “In our recent history, eleven Jews have been assassinated, and some of them tortured, by radical Islamists – because they were Jews.
How Is Egypt’s ‘Operation Sinai 2018’ Succeeding Against Islamic State?
Email a copy of "How Is Egypt’s ‘Operation Sinai 2018’ Succeeding Against Islamic State?" to a friend JNS.org – The Egyptian army launched a large-scale counter-terrorism operation on February 9, code-named “Sinai 2018,” against the self-styled Sinai province of Islamic State. Previously known as “Ansar Beit al-Maqdis,” the organization has wreaked havoc on the northern part of the Sinai Peninsula, the most populated and best developed of the area, which borders Israel.
Red Sea Islands: An end or a new beginning?
On March 3, Egypt’s Supreme Constitutional Court gave a definitive ruling on the agreement concluded in April 2016 between Egypt and Saudi Arabia over the demarcation of their maritime borders, effectively transferring sovereignty of the islands of Tiran and Sanafir from Egypt to Saudi Arabia.That ruling voided all previous judicial decisions on that issue, including that of the Supreme Administrative Court, which had rejected the deal, and of the Court for Urgent Matters, which had sustained...
How is Egypt’s ‘Operation Sinai 2018’ succeeding against the Islamic State?
The Egyptian army launched a large-scale counter-terrorism operation on Feb. 9 code-named “Sinai 2018” against the self-styled Sinai province of the Islamic State. Previously known as “Ansar Beit al-Maqdis,” the organization has wreaked havoc on the northern part of the Sinai Peninsula, the most populated and best developed of the area, and which borders Israel. It is unclear what has been achieved so far, though the jihadis are still putting up a fight. Nearly three weeks later, on Feb.
How the Eastern Mediterranean could become a world hub for natural-gas trade
Exporting Israeli gas to Egypt is beneficial to both. Selling to neighboring countries enables Israel to make the most of short distances and lower transportation costs. Egypt needs Israeli gas to palliate insufficient production until the mammoth Zor offshore field starts supplying enough gas for home consumption and export. Production started a few weeks ago, but it won’t run at full capacity until the end of 1919, and it will take another three years for Egypt to be self-sufficient.
Will the Eastern Mediterranean Become a Hub for the Natural-Gas Trade?
Email a copy of "Will the Eastern Mediterranean Become a Hub for the Natural-Gas Trade?" to a friend JNS.org – A deal just concluded between Nobel Energy from Texas and Israeli Delek group on one side — and Egyptian private company Dolphinus on the other — to provide Egypt with 64 billion cubic meters of gas for a total of $15 billion over a period of 10 years may turn out to be the first sign that the Mediterranean is about to become a world hub of gas trade.
Will the Eastern Mediterranean become a world hub for natural-gas trade?
The deal just concluded between Nobel Energy from Texas and Israeli Delek group on the one hand, and Egyptian private company Dolphinus on the other, to provide Egypt with 64 billion cubic meters of gas for a total of $15 billion over a period of 10 years may well turn out to be the first sign that the Mediterranean is about to become a world hub of gas trade.
Russia’s Syrian Conundrum
JNS.org – The recent downing of an Iranian drone over Israeli territory has brought Russia’s regional predicament into full view. The question is — namely — can Russian President Vladimir Putin remain neutral should another Iranian provocation lead to an additional, perhaps stronger, Israeli response? And what are the long-term implications of Russia’s military intervention in Syria to save the regime of Bashar al-Assad?
Russia’s Syrian conundrum
Last Saturday’s flare-up following the downing of an Iranian drone over Israeli territory brings Russia’s regional predicament into full view. Moscow’s planes and air defenses did not take part in the fighting. Can Russian President Vladimir Putin remain neutral should another Iranian provocation lead to an additional, perhaps stronger Israeli response? Had Russia taken into consideration the long-range implications of its intervention in Syria?
Caught in the Syrian quagmire
Smoke rises from a target hit by Turkish forces in Afrin, Syria, January 20, 2018. (photo credit: OSMAN ORSAL/REUTERS) There are so many warring sides in the Syrian crisis that it is hard to see how a consensus on a political solution which would put an end to the fighting could emerge. Countries such as Russia, Iran and Turkey, bent on clawing long term strategic gains from the chaos, are now floundering in the quagmire and wondering whether they will be drawn into a new round of bloodshed.
ISIS in Sinai: Battered, weakened but still dangerous
Jihadi organization Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis, which morphed into “the Sinai Province of the Islamic State” when it pledged allegiance to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, self-proclaimed caliph of ISIS, is slowly losing steam. Torn apart by internal strife and new enemies it is less and less active.Terrorist attacks plummeted from 594 in 2015, to fewer than half that in 2016 and 2017, according to a recent report of Al-Ahram Weekly.
Is Turkey setting up a naval base on the Red Sea?
The Middle East is in chaos, but apparently it’s not enough to stop regional powers in their ruthless fight for hegemony.
Salman’s state visit to Moscow: Has America been caught napping again?
King Salman bin Abdulaziz arrived in Moscow on October 5 for an official visit, the first ever for a Saudi monarch. It had not been an easy decision but Washington’s puzzling lack of action had left him no choice.It was time to start talking to Russia, now fast becoming a decisive player in the Middle East in the political and military arena to the extent that it would have to be part of any solution.
Technical glitch gives brief hope to banned female soccer fans in Iran
Female Iranian fans cheer during a soccer match between Jordan and Iran at King Abdullah Stadium in Amman, Jordan, November 22, 2009.. (photo credit:REUTERS) There was brief excitement for soccer-supporting Iranian women when they discovered that online ticket sales for Iran's upcoming 2018 World Cup qualifying match versus Syria was open to both male and female fans.
Iran cracks down on Islamic State suspects as group intensifies threats
LOS ANGELES (Tribune News Service) -- Facing a rising threat of terrorist attacks sponsored by Islamic State, Iran’s government is trying to improve relations with the country’s ethnic and religious minorities that have become a target for recruiting by the militant group.Those populations, concentrated in far-flung provinces, have long been alienated politically and economically from the rest of the country.
Qatari opposition sees ‘consensus candidate’ for emir
Hamas official Ismail Haniyeh (R) and the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani arrive at a cornerstone laying ceremony in the southern Gaza Strip.
Egypt: Caught between Washington and Moscow
Russia's President Vladimir Putin (L) shakes hands with Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo. (photo credit:REUTERS) The latest move of the American administration – canceling part of its assistance to Egypt and suspending another part due to a lack of progress on human rights – has left Cairo stunned and angry.
Islamic State prepares to evacuate Syria-Lebanon border zone
A Hezbollah fighter reacts as he fires a weapon in Western Qalamoun, Syria August 23, 2017.. (photo credit:OMAR SANADIKI/REUTERS) The Syrian army and Hezbollah prepared on Monday to transport Islamic State fighters from their enclave on the border with Lebanon to eastern Syria after a week-long offensive against the jihadist group.
‘We did it’: Iraqi army crushes ISIS in Tal Afar, but questions remain
On a road in the northern Iraqi city of Tal Afar, ISIS erected a sign showing the flags of Morocco, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and other countries with a giant hand dripping in blood.“Arab tyrants are responsible for the bloodshed of Muslims,” it read. Majd Helobi, a local fixer and photographer who followed the recent battle to liberate the city from Islamic State, says the sign is a bit ironic.
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