Alliances Tested: Israel, NATO, and the Fight for Stability

воскресенье, 29 сентября 2024 г.

In this edition of the MEF Dispatch, explores Israel's complex military operations against Hamas and ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

View in browser Alliances Tested: Israel, NATO, and the Fight for Stability By Ahnaf Kalam ● Sep 29, 2024 Smart Brevity® count: 4.5 mins...1218 words In this edition of the MEF Dispatch, explores Israel's complex military operations against Hamas and Hezbollah, the shifting dynamics of Gaza's security, and the growing tensions between NATO and Turkey. We also delve into Germany's evolving stance on Israel, legal battles involving Turkish diplomats in the U.S., and the increasing pro-Palestinian sentiment on university campuses. Finally, we examine the U.S. military's strategic presence in Cyprus amid rising threats from Iran, highlighting the ongoing global realignments shaping today's conflicts. Questioning Israel's War on Hezbollah By: Daniel Pipes Israel should focus on Hamas in Gaza rather than expanding its operations to include Hezbollah in Lebanon. Why it matters: Diverting attention to Hezbollah risks spreading Israel's military efforts too thin, potentially undermining its objectives in Gaza. Yes, but: Israel's operation in Gaza has faced challenges, and splitting focus could hinder its effectiveness. Details: Hezbollah's involvement in the conflict has led to significant attacks on Israel's north, but the primary threat remains Hamas in Gaza. What's next: A ceasefire with Hezbollah could allow Israel to concentrate its efforts on dismantling Hamas. The bottom line: Israel must reassess its strategy to ensure its primary objectives in Gaza are met without unnecessary distractions. Can Israel Restore Deterrence in Gaza? By: Gregg Roman Israel and its Sunni Arab allies must lead efforts to contain radicalism and stabilize Gaza. Why it matters: Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023, exposed critical vulnerabilities in Israel's defense, prompting a reevaluation of its strategy in Gaza. Yes, but: Israel's previous "mowing the lawn" strategy has proven ineffective. Details: Israel must establish a demilitarized buffer zone along the Gaza border, monitored by Sunni Arab forces, and regulate reconstruction efforts through a joint task force. Education reform and regional security cooperation are essential to counter radicalization and promote coexistence. The bottom line: Breaking the cycle of violence in Gaza requires Israel and its allies to carry out robust programs to contain radicalism and fill the vacuum that extremists seek to exploit. Why Is Germany Blaming Israel for Hamas's War Against the Jews? By: Benjamin Weinthal German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock recently blamed Israel for endangering hostages held by Hamas. Why it matters: Germany's stance marks a significant shift in its policy towards Israel, raising concerns about the country's commitment to combating antisemitism and supporting Israel's security. Chancellor Olaf Scholz had previously pledged unconditional solidarity with Israel. The big picture: Berlin has not approved important weapons deliveries to Israel but has green-lighted armaments for Qatar, the main financier of Hamas. Germany's center-left government seems to be abandoning its previous support for Israel. Details: A Hezbollah drone containing German technology hit near Kibbutz Dan in late August, coinciding with Baerbock's statement. Germany's lax enforcement of sanctions on dual-use technology has been a longstanding issue. Turkey's Second-Highest Washington Diplomat and Wife Accused of Human Trafficking, Fraud in D.C. Court By: Abdullah Bozkurt A senior Turkish diplomat and his wife are facing accusations of human trafficking, fraud, and labor law violations in a D.C. court. Why it matters: The couple allegedly exploited their nanny, Sharon Thomas Agdipa, subjecting her to emotional and physical suffering, underpayment, and threats of deportation. This highlights ongoing issues of diplomatic immunity and labor abuse. Details: Hüsnü Sinan Ertay and Anıl Özge Ertay are accused of luring Agdipa from the Philippines with false promises. She was forced to work over 80 hours a week, grossly underpaid, and denied basic rights. What's next: The legal case's future is uncertain as the couple has returned to Turkey and enjoyed diplomatic immunity during their service in the U.S. Would you like to make any adjustments to this card, Gregg? We can also tune it further for your audience if needed. Academia's Shift on "Palestine" By: A.J. Caschetta The 2023-2024 academic year saw a significant shift in university campuses, with rising pro-Palestinian sentiments and antisemitic incidents. Why it matters: This shift has led to questions about the value of a college education and the reputations of elite institutions. Universities are increasingly seen aligning with political violence in the name of "resistance." Details: Middle East studies programs and the Middle East Studies Association (MESA) have played a crucial role in this realignment. Institutions like Columbia and Harvard have faced notable brand damage due to their responses and affiliations. The bottom line: The ongoing protests and the administration's responses are eroding the academic brands, leading many to question their competence and stewardship. Would you like to make any adjustments to this card, Gregg? We can also tune it further for your audience if needed. NATO Should Expel Turkey By: Jim Hanson NATO should consider removing Turkey, even if it means creating a NATO 2.0, due to Turkey's incompatibility with the alliance. Why it matters: Turkey's actions, including purchasing Russian defense systems and supporting Islamist groups, pose risks to NATO's security and cohesion. NATO has never expelled a member, but Turkey's current stance under President Erdoğan makes it a liability. Details: Turkey's purchase of the Russian S-400 system led to its removal from the F-35 program, highlighting security concerns. Erdoğan's push for Islamism in the military and partnerships with Russia conflict with NATO's core values. The bottom line: NATO must reassess its membership criteria and consider creating a new alliance structure to maintain its strength and purpose. Would you like to make any adjustments to this card, Gregg? We can also tune it further for your audience if needed. Israel's War in Lebanon Is Legal Under International Law By: Elizabeth Samson Israel's actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon are legal under international law, based on their right to self-defense. Why it matters: Hezbollah repeatedly attacks Israel with the aim to destroy it, giving Israel the legitimate right to defend itself under the United Nations Charter. Critics claiming Israel's actions are illegal misinterpret international law and ignore Hezbollah's aggression. Details: United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 demanded Hezbollah's disarmament, which has not been enforced. Hezbollah's integration into Lebanon's government makes Lebanon responsible for Hezbollah's actions. The bottom line: Israel can target Hezbollah sites across Lebanon as part of its self-defense, as the Lebanese government has failed to control Hezbollah's military activities. Would you like to make any adjustments to this card, Gregg? We can also tune it further for your audience if needed. U.S. Military in Cyprus Helps Deter Iran By: Ahnaf Kalam The U.S. dispatch of troops to Cyprus amid tensions with Hezbollah highlights the island's growing strategic importance. Why it matters: Cyprus's partnership with the U.S. enhances regional security but risks targeting by reactionaries like Hezbollah or the IRGC. Strengthening Cyprus's deterrence capabilities is essential to counter these threats. Details: The U.S. has deployed the USS Harry S. Truman to the Mediterranean, while the UK maintains bases in Cyprus. Cyprus needs advanced defense systems and increased maritime patrols to safeguard against potential threats from Iran and Turkey. The bottom line: Enhanced cooperation between Cyprus and the U.S. is crucial for regional stability and deterring Iranian influence. As the geopolitical landscape continues to shift, the issues discussed in this newsletter underscore the complexities of modern conflict, international alliances, and regional stability. From Israel's military focus on Hamas and Hezbollah to NATO's challenges with Turkey and the evolving dynamics on university campuses, these events reveal the need for strategic reassessments and stronger cooperation. Moving forward, the global community must navigate these crises with a balance of diplomacy, defense, and long-term solutions to promote security, deter extremism, and uphold international law. Sincerely, Ahnaf Kalam Digital Media Specialist Feedback Please share your thoughts on this edition. Was this edition useful? Your responses are anonymous MEF, an activist think tank, deals with the Middle East, Islamism, U.S. foreign policy, and related topics, urging bold measures to protect Americans and their allies. Pursuing its goals via intellectual and operational means, the Forum recurrently has policy ideas adopted by the U.S. government. Copyright © 2024 Middle East Forum, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Middle East Forum 1650 Market Street, Suite 3600 Philadelphia, PA 19103 Unsubscribe Powered by This email was sent by Middle East Forum via Axios HQ