Neocons and Democracy: Egypt as a Case Study

by Jim Lobe If one thing has become clear in the wake of last week’s military coup d’etat against Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, it’s that democracy promotion is not a core principle of neoconservatism. Unlike protecting Israeli security and preserving… Continue Reading

Israel’s Fraying Image and Its Implications

by Chas Freeman via the Middle East Policy Council It is a privilege to have been asked to join this discussion of Jacob Heilbrunn’s account of Israel’s fraying image. His article seems to me implicitly to raise two grim questions. The first question… Continue Reading

The Emergency Committee For Israel Speaks For Itself And Not Much Else

by Eli Clifton & Jim Lobe The Emergency Committee for Israel (ECI) is having a rough six months. Last year, ECI and its chairman, Republican operative Bill Kristol, did all it could to portray Barack Obama as insufficiently supportive of Israel. The group’s efforts and… Continue Reading

After the Holy Land: What Obama Should do Now

by Robert E. Hunter President Barack Obama spent three days in the Near East, a whirlwind visit like a genie from the Arabian Nights, kicking up dust and making his presence felt. But what did he achieve? Two substantive matters… Continue Reading

Obama’s Subtle Message To Israel: You’re Not My Top Priority Anymore

by Mitchell Plitnick All was not as it seemed during President Barack Obama’s appearances in Jerusalem and Ramallah, where he addressed audiences of Israelis and Palestinians. On the surface, it looked like Obama was swearing fealty to Israel, and pledging… Continue Reading