MenuIsrael is finally emerging as a natural gas player in the Mediterranean. In the last week of January, the Israeli Navy conducted a complex drill simulating attacks on the country’s offshore oil and gas infrastructure. The exercise included coordinated operations between dozens of naval vessels and aircraft, and even incorporated a live-fire missile test against
Category Archives: Articles & Blogs
VENEZUELA’S FINEST HOUR: GUAIDO, TRUMP AND THE WEST CAN’T AFFORD TO LOSE | OPINION
We may be approaching the finale of the power struggle between Venezuela’s illegitimate Chavista regime and the country’s beleaguered democratic opposition. If the opposition’s champion Juan Guaido can succeed in wresting authority from Nicholas Maduro, the consequences will reverberate well beyond Caracas, into global energy markets—and exacerbate the U.S.–Russia rivalry. Continued
RUSSIAN INTERPOL PRESIDENT? ‘LIKE PUTTING A FOX IN CHARGE OF A HEN HOUSE,’ EXPERTS SAY
Widespread public outcry is growing over the possibility that former Russian Interior Ministry official Alexander Prokopchuk could be elected as the president of Interpol, an international organization that facilitates cross-border cooperation between law enforcement agencies. Continued
TRUMP’S SYRIA WITHDRAWAL: GLOBAL ORDER IS COSTLY. GLOBAL CHAOS WOULD BE FAR WORSE | OPINION
President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw American troops from Syria resonates beyond the Middle East, where key American allies, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and others are raising questions about Washington’s reliability. America’s credibility is on the line, worldwide—even as National Security Advisory John Bolton appears to walk the decision back and condition it
The Saudis have ‘painted’ themselves into a corner: Expert
Ariel Cohen of the Atlantic Council says Saudi Arabia “shot themselves in the head” regarding the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Continued
Will China Replace The U.S. As The Middle East Hegemon?
The U.S. is assembling its allies in Warsaw this week to coordinate Middle East policy– but with limited success. EU policy chief Federica Mogherini, joined by China, Russia, France, Germany, Turkey, and Qatar are boycotting the gathering, opting to adopt a more diplomatic, business-focused, and ‘less confrontational’ track with the Islamic Republic. Continued
Discussing the US relations with Turkey
The U.S. foreign policy is becoming more nationalist, says Ariel Cohen, non resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council. Continued
Expert: U.S. weak response for Vitol’s violation could send message to other oil companies
Baku. 13 February. REPORT.AZ/ “Should the U.S. government issue a weak response for the violation by Vitol, it could send a message to other oil companies that violating sanctions for the sake of profit is worth the risk,” Ariel Cohen, PhD, Senior fellow, the Atlantic Council and founding principal, International market analysis LTD, said. Continued
VENEZUELA’S FINEST HOUR: GUAIDO, TRUMP AND THE WEST CAN’T AFFORD TO LOSE | OPINION
We may be approaching the finale of the power struggle between Venezuela’s illegitimate Chavista regime and the country’s beleaguered democratic opposition. If the opposition’s champion Juan Guaido can succeed in wresting authority from Nicholas Maduro, the consequences will reverberate well beyond Caracas, into global energy markets—and exacerbate the U.S.–Russia rivalry. Continued
The American detained in Russia has four passports. That could help him – or hurt him.
Since Russia accused U.S. citizen Paul Whelan of espionage and detained him last week, curious details about the 48-year-old’s personal life have continued to trickle out. He was discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps in 2008 for bad conduct. He has dozens of Russian friends on the Russian social media site Vkontakte. Continued