The upcoming Israeli and Palestinian elections
February 19, 2021 | AIJAC staff
This Update offers analysis of the Israeli election campaign, with Israel now just five weeks out from a poll on March 23 – the fourth election in just two years. It also offers some new commentary on Palestinian plans to hold parliamentary elections on May 22, 2021, followed by elections for the presidency on July 31, 2021.
The ICC and the “State of Palestine”
February 12, 2021 | AIJAC staff
This Update focuses on the meaning, background and implications of the controversial 2 to 1 decision of the pre-trial chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) released last Friday Feb. 5. that, for purposes of jurisdiction, a “State of Palestine” exists that gives the court jurisdiction over the West Bank, east Jerusalem and Gaza.
Biden Administration preparations for talks with Iran
February 5, 2021 | AIJAC staff
The new Biden Administration is gearing up for future talks with Iran based on its “return to the 2015 JCPOA nuclear deal then improve it” policy – with Administration spokespeople stressing the next step is intense consultation with allies and the Administration controversially naming former JCPOA negotiator Robert Malley to head up its Iran policy, albeit with a promise he will have a team with diverse views. This Update offers some advice from various sources about how the Administration should approach any such negotiations.
Palestinian elections announced
January 29, 2021 | AIJAC staff
On Jan. 15, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas published a formal decree calling for Palestinian legislative elections on May 22, followed by a presidential vote on July 31. This Update discusses the background and complexity of such a vote – as well as the scepticism being expressed by many about whether the elections will actually go ahead.
Charting a Biden Administration foreign policy
January 22, 2021 | AIJAC staff
With US President Joe Biden now having been duly sworn in, this Update offers some additional knowledgeable analysis of what his Administration’s foreign policy directions and priorities are likely to be, as well as suggestions about what they should be. Obviously, the Middle East is the primary, but not exclusive, focus.
Expert Mideast policy advice for the Biden team
January 15, 2021 | AIJAC staff
The Biden team will assume office next Thursday, as the Trump Administration leaves office with the President disgraced and impeached in wake of his role in the appalling attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6. This Update offers some advice from solid and experienced analysts for the Biden foreign policy team with respect to key Middle East policy questions…
Israel’s vaccination success/ Iran’s 20 percent enrichment
January 8, 2021 | AIJAC staff
There has been much media coverage of Israel’s world-leading effort to rapidly vaccinate its population against COVID-19. Since its vaccination program began on Dec. 19, and as of the latest data, Israel has vaccinated 1,593,000 citizens, including more than 60% of all Israelis over 60. This Update looks at how and why Israel was able to accomplish this – as well as some widespread misinformation about Israel’s supposed failure to vaccinate Palestinians.
Israel normalises ties with Morocco
December 15, 2020 | AIJAC staff
Last Thursday, the White House announced that Morocco and Israel had agreed to establish fully normalised diplomatic relations. – following on from Israel’s normalisation of ties earlier this year with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Sudan. This Update is devoted to exploring the background and implications of this development.
Israel headed for elections/ Iranian scientist assassinated
December 4, 2020 | AIJAC staff
Israel appears very likely headed for elections, the fourth in two years, after the Knesset passed a preliminary reading of a bill to dissolve itself on Wednesday. This Update looks at how this happened and what happens now.
The Biden team/ Israeli-Saudi ties
November 27, 2020 | AIJAC staff
Earlier this week, US President-elect Joe Biden announced six key nominees to his foreign policy/national security team, including Secretary of State, National Security Advisor and Homeland Security Secretary. This Update looks at these nominations and their possible policy implications for the Middle East.
