In recent months, US President Donald Trump managed to put his own stamp on a generational shift at the Pentagon, with new leaders emerging to navigate war and peace decisions at a crucial time of political uncertainty in Washington. This comes as the Defense Department addresses the challenge of an increasingly emboldened Iranian regime under significant US economic pressure and a White House that continues to be inclined to withdraw from US engagement in the Middle East. Click here to read the full analysis.
Interview
Quoted in “Arab News”: Turkey unveils safe zone rebuilding project amid criticism
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Policy Analysis
Assessing the Latest Conflagrations between Israel and Hezbollah
While the latest round benefited both Netanyahu and Hezbollah politically before their bases, those whose influence might have been further weakened are the Lebanese government and the Trump Administration, especially in the latter’s ability to influence policymaking in Beirut. Click here to read the full analysis.
Interview
Quoted in MEE on the impact of Bolton’s firing on potential US-Iran talks.
“The momentum of Bolton’s departure might make a strong argument for a meeting to happen in New York this month, but US-Iranian tensions are not all about Bolton; there are issues that need to be discussed and compromises to be made”. Click here to read the full article.
Interview
Quoted in “Arab News” on the start of the US-Turkish joint patrols in Syria.
“Erdogan is criticizing the US administration and betting on his meeting with (US President Donald) Trump in New York this month to settle this issue, as both sides always aim to find a consensus rather than go to confrontation,” Macaron said. “Regardless of what might happen though, the safe zone is a temporary fix. These contentious issues they’re facing will remain pending moving forward”. Click here to read the full article.
Interview
Quoted in LA Times on Hezbollah and Israel trading fire near the Lebanese-Israeli border.
“Both sides come out of this confrontation with something to brag about before their base. Deterrence is back to business as usual on the Lebanese-Israeli border”. Click here to read the full article.
Interview
Cité par l’Orient Le Jour: Syrie, Irak, Liban : la confrontation irano-israélienne se joue désormais sur trois fronts
Click here to read the full article in French.
Interview
Quoted by CNN: “Cracks are appearing in the Mideast’s most important alliance. That’s bad news for Trump”
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Policy Analysis
Should the United States Include Israel in the Gulf Maritime Coalition?
While Israel might have the edge and enjoys Russian cover in Syria, it will be on its own and vulnerable in the Strait of Hormuz if it establishes a naval presence—the focus would turn to protecting the Israeli Navy instead of safeguarding international navigation. Moreover, Israel has no strategic and economic stake in the waterway’s stability, which it does not use for transporting its own energy imports. Instead, Israel could use this involvement as part of its ongoing efforts to deter Iran. It could also weaken Gulf leaders who are allies of the Trump Administration by leaving them with the option of either succumbing to Iranian threats or getting Israeli support. This scenario would surely not play well among their constituencies at home. Click here to read my full analysis.
Policy Analysis
Hamas Plans a Comeback to Damascus: US and Regional Implications
A delegation of Hamas leaders met on July 22 with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to enlist Tehran’s support in convincing the Syrian regime to reopen the Palestinian group’s Damascus office. Meanwhile, on the same day, Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faysal al-Mokdad was receiving1 a delegation from the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) whose most prominent political party is the Hamas rival, Fatah. This split-screen between Iran and Syria shows how the controversial US peace initiative to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is benefiting Tehran and pushing the two main Palestinian factions into the arms of Damascus. The Hamas visit to Tehran was led by