Reports of Ambassador Zvi Mazel
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Lebanon’s dilemma
In October 2019, after two weeks of protests against endemic corruption, widespread unemployment and Iranian influence, Lebanon’s prime minister tendered his resignation. His successor must now pull back the economy from the brink of collapse. However, the coronavirus crisis could prevent him from taking the necessary measures, condemning the country ...
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 ...
Oman’s new ruler pledges to fulfill his predecessor’s legacy
The peaceful power transition that followed the death of Oman’s long-reigning sultan, Qaboos bin Said, is a testimony to the stability of the Al Said regime, especially in such a volatile region. However, the new sultan, Haitham bin Tariq, will face significant challenges if he wants to turn the country ...
Leadership Challenges 2020: After successful start, Egypt’s El-Sisi faces bigger hurdles
When he came to power, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi initially set his country on a relatively liberal path. After several years, however, he had to change tack to fight radical Islamism. Despite being ostracized by the West, he has made major strides, especially in improving his country’s economy. To continue ...
Israel’s electoral conundrum
Likud, Israel’s long-time ruling party, has been losing ground to a new coalition led by a fierce opponent of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This enmity, along with a small party’s unwillingness to join either side, has led to a year-long parliamentary standoff. If next March’s elections fail to break the ...
Looking for compromise on Ethiopia’s Renaissance Dam
Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan are struggling to strike a deal over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, a $4.8 billion project in the works since 2011. Situated on the Blue Nile, the dam would triple Ethiopia’s electricity production and generate much-needed economic growth. But Egypt has ancient ties to the great river, ...
The UAE and China: New ties and strategies
While the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are still staunch allies, the former has strayed from the latter to pursue its own interests, especially its fruitful cooperation with Beijing. In the multisided Yemen conflict, Abu Dhabi has begun backing separatist movements in the hope of taking over ports that ...
Opinion: The EU dithers in the face of Iranian terror
Europe’s long-standing policy of appeasement toward Hezbollah included looking the other way and even hiding evidence from the public on acts of terror attempted by the Iran-sponsored organization on European soil. Most European governments stick to the view that Hezbollah is a legitimate political force in Lebanon, a potential partner ...
