US National Security Adviser John Bolton and Israeli and Russian counterparts Meir Ben-Shabbat and Nikolai Patrushev will lead an unprecedented summit in Jerusalem. The chaos in Syria, rising tensions in the Persian Gulf, and other regional issues are expected to top the agenda.
Iran's downing of an American drone over the Strait of Hormuz seems part of Iran's calculated strategy in the Persian Gulf. Meanwhile, Israel is preparing for the possibility of being dragged into the fray.
News of snub comes as US special envoy Jason Greenblatt indicates White House may delay release of highly anticipated "deal of the century" until after High Holidays, September election.
The death of Egypt’s imprisoned Muslim Brotherhood tyrant reminds us of US President Obama’s delusionary policies that nearly broke the Middle East.
Britain, France and Germany up efforts to keep 2015 nuclear deal alive despite Tehran’s threat to violate restrictions imposed on its stokepiles of enriched uranium. Diplomats say London, Paris and Berlin are weary of Iranian demands, warn that continued Iranian defiance may trigger snap UN sanctions.
Tehran has been threatening its Arab neighbors, the international oil market, and Israel as it attempts to squeeze out of the chokehold of US sanctions.
The upcoming meeting of US, Russian and Israeli national security advisers in Israel has taken on added significance as once-concealed disagreements between Russia and Iran move out into the open.
In light of the impasse in the indirect Iran-US negotiations, an upsurge in Iranian terrorism is expected, against Israel via Syria and the Gaza Strip, and against the Persian Gulf states.
Iran is hoping to pressure the US into easing sanctions via terrorist attacks. The US will have to deal with the ayatollah regime a serious blow, not only to deter it but to prevent future escalation.
While the agency, which has long been accused of promoting incitement against Israel and perpetuating the Palestinian refugee problem, says its mandate will end only when the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is settled, UNRWA’s very existence is a factor that prevents any resolution.
