World powers are streaming naval and air assets into the eastern Mediterranean, deepening concerns that the Syrian conflict may further destabilize the Middle East and expand to impact nations from outside the region. The U.S. and Russia, which many have suggested are on a geopolitical collision course for a variety...

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Why is it that much of Egypt’s private media is “so profusely” opposed to the Muslim Brotherhood, asks Washington Insittute fellow Eric Trager, before supplying an answer in the form of a link to a New York Times opinion piece published this weekend by Egyptian journalist Ibrahim Essa. It turns...

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The West appears prepared to strike Syrian military infrastructure perhaps as soon as this week, amid threats by both Damascus and its Iranian patrons to respond to Western action by attacking Israel and with “surprises.”  Syria vowed defiantly to defend itself against any attack with “surprise” measures, while its close ally Russia...

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The Israeli Defense Forces and U.S. European Command last week concluded two weeks of military exercises as part of regularly scheduled training exercises between the allies. Juniper Stallion 13 and Noble Melinda 13 were concurrent air force and navy exercises. The IDF ran down the purpose of the exercises: Juniper Stallion 13...

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The U.S. State Department on Wednesday outlined its position on former Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi’s government: State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Morsi’s government “wasn’t a democratic rule … What I mean is what we’ve been referencing about the 22 million people who have been out there voicing their views and making...

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Speculation has been rife for weeks that Ron Dermer, a top adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, will succeed Michael Oren as Israel’s ambassador to Washington.  An Israel Radio report suggested as much last week. This morning the rumors were seemingly confirmed by Emergency Committee for Israel Executive director...

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A new index fund that tracks Israeli companies has been launched in the United States with the intent of leveraging companies that have a significant Israeli presence. The criteria for inclusion in the new BlueStar Israel Global Index fund are by design meant to be broad: To be included in...

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Amid concerns over Jordan’s stability, America contributed troops, Patriot batteries, and F-16 jets to participate in the Eager Lion military exercise in the country. Major General Awni al-Adwan, Jordan’s chief army commander for the drill, contextualized the exercise: In a press conference held at the Jordan Special Operations Command in...

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Syrian rebels seized the Syrian side of the Quneitra border crossing yesterday. Even if they only held it temporarily, their achievement testifies to how far the Syrian civil war remains from resolution. Just a day earlier, Syrian officials said their army had succeeded in reconquering the key border town of...

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The United States is considering leaving Patriot missiles batteries and F-16 fighters behind in Jordan after a multinational military exercise concludes there later this month. Fears of spillover from the Syrian civil war are driving the calculations: If left in Jordan, Patriot missiles could be used to protect the country...

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