It may seem counterintuitive, or even downright strange, but Israel’s geopolitical position is probably stronger now than at any time in the country’s history. This is likely to continue at least in the short-to-medium term, but looming long-term challenges should give some pause to Israel’s current leaders.
“VOA will present the policies of the United States clearly and effectively, and will also present responsible discussion and opinion on these policies.” — VOA Charter
Israel’s Unprecedented Geopolitical Strength
Posted February 12th, 2016 at 1:18 pm (UTC-5)
Comments are closed
Shifting Alliances
Posted January 19th, 2016 at 4:04 pm (UTC-5)
Comments are closed
One of the many ripple effects of the U.S.-Iran prisoner swap and Tehran’s verified compliance with the historic nuclear accord is a new world order in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia – a long-time rival of Tehan – is nervous and talking tough, as the lifting of costly Western sanctions is set to propel Iran’s economic might. Not long before the latest developments, Saudi Arabia had already stoked tensions by beheading the prominent Shia cleric Sheik Nimr al-Nimr. That provoked a violent attack on the Saudi mission in Iran, which in turn, gave the House of Saud a reason to sever diplomatic ties. Meanwhile, both President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry hailed the use of diplomacy to win the release of five Americans in a prisoner swap with Iran, simultaneously praising Tehtan for pausing its nuclear program. Where does all this leave the traditional, and sometimes co-dependent, U.S.-Saudi relationship? Making friends with Iran was a big gamble. It appears the Obama administration believes the benefits outweigh the costs.
ISIS the Peacemaker
Posted December 18th, 2015 at 11:33 am (UTC-5)
Comments are closed
A lot of priorities are being reordered in the Middle East and North Africa now, thanks to the new threats that have emerged over the past year. This could, unexpectedly, lead to some ongoing problems being resolved
Europe’s Migrant Crisis Could Be Ours
Posted September 3rd, 2015 at 3:12 pm (UTC-5)
Comments are closed
The picture of the lifeless body of Syrian boy face down on a beach in Turkey seemed to jolt the world. Yes, a crisis is unfolding in parts of Europe where migrants from the Middle East and Africa are risking their lives to escape crises back home. While Europe confronts the reality of this influx, some warn the United States should be taking note. This could become a U.S. problem, with its roots in policies that attempted to keep America safely out crisis zones.
With Nuke Deal in Hand, Obama Urged to Reassert US Presence in Mideast
Posted September 2nd, 2015 at 3:12 pm (UTC-5)
Comments are closed
The vote counting on Congressional approval of the nuclear deal with Iran is over. When Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Maryland) announced her support for the deal Wednesday, it gave President Obama enough support to ensure the plan could not be stopped by Congress. Six years ago, Obama won the White House by promising to get the United States out of the Middle East. His legacy with the Iran nuclear deal puts the U.S. at the center of what could be a new world order.
Iran Nuclear Deal: Inviting War or Securing Global Safety?
Posted August 12th, 2015 at 10:16 am (UTC-5)
Comments are closed
The arguments for and against the nuclear accord between Iran and the United States and the rest of the P+5 countries have ramped up per the open letter signed by three dozen retired generals and admirals supporting the pact and urging Congress to do the same. Others are decrying one of President Obama’s main justifications for the pact: there exists no other alternative – except war.
Force 2025 and Beyond: How the Army is Preparing for Its Future
Posted July 31st, 2015 at 2:21 pm (UTC-5)
Comments are closed
Global instability, coupled with the reduction in military capabilities of many of our allies, has emboldened potential adversaries and magnified the risk to U.S. interests around the world. The Army is meeting this challenge — to change itself and improve land power capabilities — through a strategy called Force 2025 and Beyond.
Not Nuclear, but No Matter
Posted July 22nd, 2015 at 4:25 pm (UTC-5)
Comments are closed
Lost in the debate over the fine print of the Iran nuclear agreement is another, potentially more destabilizing near-term consequence: a newly energized conventional arms race in the Middle East.
No Easy Fix for the Middle East
Posted June 8th, 2015 at 2:19 pm (UTC-5)
Comments are closed
The Islamic State. Iraq. Syria. The words speak for themselves: the Middle East is unraveling. US policy has been faulted – from conservatives and liberals alike – for allowing the chaos – and failing to secure a deal between Israel and the Palestinians. But there’s another narrative gaining steam, one that says Obama isn’t to blame. There’s no easy fix.
The State of the Islamic State. And US Policy
Posted May 29th, 2015 at 3:40 pm (UTC-5)
Comments are closed
Ever since Islamic State militants took control of the Iraqi city Ramadi, the success of the Obama administration’s policy to quash the extremists has been revisited many times over. The territorial gains have shaken up the debate over how to get a handle on the group, which has roiled Syria, Iraq – and US policymakers.
The Pull of Middle East Turmoil on Obama
Posted May 27th, 2015 at 3:33 pm (UTC-5)
Comments are closed
If one of the president’s most enduring foreign policy goals has to been to pull America out of years of deep engagement in the Middle East, the current state of affairs simply will not let him. Syria, Iraq and, most urgently, the birth of the ultra extremist Sunni Islamic State are forcing Obama to rethink US engagement in a region that some say is in the midst of a dangerous meltdown.
How to Save the World: Old-School Foreign-Policy Realism
America’s deliberate impotence has depleted our credibility and facilitated looming disasters. To stop the rot, we need to return to old-school realism: resolute action pursuing practical objectives.