Lessons from the Iranian protests
February 20, 2023 | AIJAC staff
This Update features some new pieces drawing policy lessons from the protest movement which has rocked Iran since mid-September last year, when Mahsa Amini, a young woman arrested for wearing her headscarf “improperly”, was killed in the custody of the country’s morality police, sparking widespread outrage.
“Juniper Oak”: A Message to Iran?
February 10, 2023 | AIJAC staff
This Update discusses the aftermath and political implications of the “Juniper Oak” US-Israeli military exercises that took place in late January, the largest such exercises ever.
Heinous terror in Jerusalem
February 3, 2023 | AIJAC staff
This Update takes a closer look at the incidents in Jenin and Jerusalem over the past week with some insightful commentary that debunks the notion that Israeli defensive acts of counter-terrorism are justification for more Palestinian terrorism, and takes on Palestinian incentives and incitement to commit acts of terrorism against Israelis.
Israel debates proposed judicial reforms
January 24, 2023 | AIJAC staff
As readers are probably aware, Israeli has been experiencing an intense internal political debate about some proposed major reforms to the judiciary introduced by Justice Minister Yariv Levin earlier this month.
Evolving debates about Iran policy
January 17, 2023 | AIJAC staff
It is clear that views and policy toward Iran have been rapidly shifting in Western capitals in recent weeks, with Washington now conceding the previous focus on a return to the JCPOA nuclear deal is now “no longer on the agenda”
Israel’s 37th government takes office
January 9, 2023 | AIJAC staff
After more than four years of political instability, an apparently stable Israeli coalition government, led by veteran PM Binyamin Netanyahu and with 64 seats out of the 120 in the Knesset, was sworn in on Dec. 29. This followed the election on Nov. 1, and more than six weeks of coalition negotiations.
Could the Iranian protest movement succeed?
December 15, 2022 | AIJAC staff
The Iranian mass protest movement powers on, despite increasing repression from the regime, including not only the killing of an estimated 450+ protesters, but the sentencing to death of at least ten protesters and the execution of two of them so far.
The politics of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar
November 22, 2022 | AIJAC staff
The FIFA World Cup kicked off on Sunday, Nov. 20, but while the world soccer federation FIFA insists the globally-watched tournament is only about soccer, the controversial choice of Qatar to host it has given the event major political implications.
Iran’s protest wave continues
November 11, 2022 | AIJAC staff
Today’s Update focuses on the ongoing, widespread protests in Iran – led originally by women protesting mandatory headscarves but increasingly spreading to other classes and groups. It also looks at the policy challenges the struggle of the Iranian people for freedom poses for Western governments and civil society.
After election win, Netanyahu set to be Israeli PM again
November 4, 2022 | AIJAC staff
The results are in from Israel’s general election on Tuesday, and parties supporting former PM Binyamin Netanyahu have won a 64-seat majority in the 120 Israeli Knesset, meaning he will almost certainly lead Israel’s next government. This Update looks at the results, why Netanyahu was successful, and what might happen next
