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The below are articles on geopolitical and security issues published in major media outlets. All of the articles were written by analysts from the MAX Security Intelligence Team.  Feel free to contact us with questions and feedback regarding the below.

War Looms in Gaza

Wall Street Journal

Prospects for a resumption of hostilities between the Israeli military and Palestinian militants.

A New Islamist Alliance Among Syria’s Rebels

Wall Street Journal

The creation of an Islamic Alliance has the potential to make anti-Assad moderates extinct.

For Israel, a U.S. Strike is a no-brainer

New York Times

Israelis understand the risks of even limited intervention more than most, and are willing to brave those dangers to achieve the greater goal of smashing the Iranian axis and recalibrating stability in the region.

A Rare Opportunity To Influence Hamas

CS Monitor

As talks between Israelis and Palestinians get underway, the international community has a window of opportunity to pressure an increasingly isolated Hamas to reconcile with the Palestinian Authority – a move that would help Gazans, support a peace deal, and stabilize the region.

Israel Has Launched Long Shot Attacks Before

Wall Street Journal

Iran should take heed: In 1967, a pre-emptive strike on Egypt seemed impossible too.

If Hezbollah Wins Syria

Wall Street Journal

Unchecked, Hezbollah may emerge from the Syrian conflict more aggressive than ever.

Assad’s Spillover Strategy

New York Times Global Edition

Spreading violence is a key part of the Assad regime’s strategy to keep its neighbors from intervening in Syria’s civil war.

Springtime in Saudi Cyberspace

New York Times Global Edition

With social media as their vehicle, Saudis are threatening to take control of their country’s destiny.

How to save the Sinai Peninsula

Wall Street Journal

Military force alone isn’t enough. Today’s violence and lawlessness demand an overhaul of governance.

Morsi and the General

The Wall Street Journal

The armed forces may be laying the ground work for a return to military rule.

Will Syria Bleed Hezbollah Dry?

The New York Times Global Edition

Militarily and politically, Hezbollah has much at stake in the Syrian conflict, but it is risking even more by attempting to save a pariah regime that may not be savable.

The Jihadist Gateway to Africa

The Wall Street Journal

While France gets bogged down in Mali, far more dangerous extremists have entrenched themselves in eastern Libya.

Arab-Kurdish war drums roar in northern Iraq

Hürriyet Daily News

One of the Middle East’s longest running conflicts is on the verge of a dangerous escalation. While many perceive the Palestinians as the epitome of a people without a state, the Kurds remain the world’s largest ethnic group devoid of a state of their own. Few nations in the region, aside from Israel, have an interest in seeing an independent Kurdish state. This historic reality has led to a series of confrontations between Iraqi Kurdistan and Iraq’s Shiite-led government.

The Trouble With Libya’s Revolutionaries

Middle East Online

Despite the newly elected leader’s calls for national reconciliation and strengthening of Libya’s democracy, Zidan’s cabinet has proven to be a sticking point for these revolutionary militias unhappy with the potential inclusion of Gathafi-era officials and dissatisfied with their regional representation, says Roshanna Lawrence.

Winning the War Against Al Qaeda in Africa

The Wall Street Journal

Anvils have a tendency to outlast hammers, and the same goes for al Qaeda in Africa. In September, a joint Kenyan and African Union force stormed the Somali port city of Kismayo, the al Shabaab network’s last major stronghold. “Operation Sledgehammer” was an exhausting, months-long march to reach the city, culminating in a four-day land, sea and air assault.

Will Syria’s rebels face a Kurdish front?

Hürriyet Daily News

Four decades of unabated Bashar al-Assad rule are testament to the Syrian regime’s mastery of sectarianism in the Middle East. Once again, the al-Assads have utilized this talent to throw another wrench into the Sunni-Western campaign to oust them from Damascus.

The Real Threat to the New Libyan Government

The Wall Street Journal

The government-inspired witch hunt for Gadhafi loyalists has only fueled the Libyan people’s hatred for remnants of the past, while distracting them from the true hindrances to a prosperous future.

 Syria’s Threatened Christians

The New York Times

In Syria, concern over Christian repression has fallen on deaf ears, drowned out by popular support for the country’s opposition in the face of the Assad regime’s brutal crackdown.

Middle East North Africa

Cairo: The Next Front in the War Against ISIS?

The National Interest
A successful Cairo attack for ISIS would signal a new escalation in the group’s war against Egypt.

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Tunisia’s Success Story Is an Illusion

The National Interest
Despite the recent election, the “successful” Arab Spring in Tunisia is relative at best.

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Israel Orders Soldiers Not to Fire on Palestinians Unless Facing Immediate Threat

Quoted in Newsweek

Egypt’s Top Prosecutor Dies After Bomb Attack in Cairo

Quoted in Bloomberg Business

Isis controls over 50% of Syria after taking Palmyra

Quoted in Newsweek

EU threatens Israel with sanctions as peace process stalls

Quoted in Newsweek

Egypt Drops Out of U.S. Inner Circle Even as Aid Resumes

Quoted in Bloomberg Business

Spiritual Leader of Libya’s Biggest Jihadi Group Pledges Allegiance to ISIS

Quoted in Newsweek

Yemen – The Escalation: Could Sunni-Shiite divide engulf the region?

Interview on France 24

The Lawless Hotbed of Jihadism in Tunisia’s Western Mountains

Quoted in Newsweek

Al-Qaeda Losing ‘Deadly Competition’ With ISIS

Quoted in Newsweek

Isis Libya: Egyptian militant threatens al-Sisi before drive-by shooting in chilling video

Quoted in International Business Times

Italy Ready to Lead Coalition in Libya to Prevent ‘Caliphate Across the Sea’

Quoted in Newsweek

Tunisia’s Success Story Is an Illusion

The National Interest
Despite the recent election, the “successful” Arab Spring in Tunisia is relative at best.

View the article

Tunisia’s Success Story Is an Illusion

The National Interest
Despite the recent election, the “successful” Arab Spring in Tunisia is relative at best.

View the article

US Airstrikes May Benefit Syrian Kurdistan Most

Rûdaw
Since American air strikes began against the Islamic State (IS) in Iraq last month, speculation has risen as to how a similar air campaign might play out against the militant group in Syria

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Libya: Oil Giant, Collapsing State

The National Interest
Despite forecasts that Libya could soon produce one million barrels of oil per day, the nation is falling apart. How is this possible?

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Ticking Time Bomb: Jordan’s Islamists and the Rise of ISIS in the Hashemite Kingdom

The Huffington Post
Situated between viral conflicts in Syria and Iraq, Jordan’s relative anonymity may be drawing to a close. A beacon of stability in the Middle East, the Hashemite Kingdom is perpetually challenged by the need to moderate between the monarchy’s pro-Western orientation and the Islamist tendencies of the country’s population.

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What’s going on between Saudi Arabia and Iran?

The Jerusalem Post
Prince Saud bin Faisal said his Iranian counterpart could visit Riyadh “anytime he sees fit,” as expectations regarding an imminent visit have increased.

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The Saudi Succession Challenge

The National Interest

On March 27, Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz was appointed deputy crown prince, or second in line to the throne, formally confirming the long-standing tradition that the second deputy prime minister was also heir to the heir. His status, thus far, as the only prince to officially hold this title indicates Saudi Arabia’s interest in projecting and emphasizing its stability. However, it also temporarily delays the unavoidable entrance of the third generation, referring to the grandsons of the country’s founder, Ibn Saud,  into the order of succession.

Ticking Time Bomb: Jordan’s Islamists and the Rise of ISIS in the Hashemite Kingdom

The World Post – Huffington Post

Discussing the emergence and growing strength of radical Islamic movements in the Kingdom of Jordan.

Hassan Nasrallah to the World: ‘We will never leave Syria’

Huffington Post

On April 30, the Hezbollah chief made one of his most anticipated addresses since the start of the Arab Spring — making it clear that despite the risks, his fighters will never abandon their support for the nearly universally-loathed Assad regime.

Who cut Egypt’s Cable?

The Daily News Egypt

Here are three possible motives which may decipher who aspired to cut off Egypt’s communications on March 27.

Has Iron Dome weakened Israel’s resolve?

Jerusalem Post

During last week’s Operation Pillar of Defense, Israelis and the world at large witnessed the unprecedented success of the Iron Dome air defense system. After all was said and done, Iron Dome operators successfully shot down more than 87 percent of incoming grad, katyusha, and qassam rockets over Israeli urban centers, saving countless lives. However, this new capability may cost Israel its grand strategy for achieving a lasting peace with defensible borders in the long term.

Bahrain’s Hezbollah boogeyman

Jerusalem Post

On November 5, the morning calm in Bahrain’s capital was shattered when an unsuspecting foreign street sweeper was killed after erroneously kicking a crude homemade explosive device planted near a trash can.

Israel and Syria: a nightmare scenario

Times Of Israel

“This is a Syrian matter which may turn into an Israeli matter.” So noted IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz near the site where three of Syrian President Bashar Assad’s tanks had penetrated the U.N.-designated demilitarized zone on the Golan Heights one day prior.

Lack of US, Western intervention in Syria helps jihadists

The Christian Science Monitor

Hillary Clinton heads to Doha, Qatar next week to push for a shakeup in the Syrian opposition. The West must step up its game by providing advanced weapons to Syrian rebels. Fears of such weapons aiding jihadist fighters are overblown, even as Western hesitancy strengthens jihadists.

The Real Threat to the New Libyan Government

The Wall Street Journal

The government-inspired witch hunt for Gadhafi loyalists has only fueled the Libyan people’s hatred for remnants of the past, while distracting them from the true hindrances to a prosperous future.

Why Israel Shrugs at Retaliation After Attack on Iran

The Christian Science Monitor

The threat of a simultaneous war with Iran’s proxies – Hezbollah, Syria, and Gaza militants – is a key consideration for Israel as it weighs an attack on Iran. But Iran’s allies may not be as keen about going to war for the ayatollahs as Tehran would like, and the Israelis know it.

Egypt Is Losing the Fight against Islamist Violence

The Wall Street Journal

Egypt is in dire need of training and other counter-insurgency equipment to help it suppress Islamic militancy in the Sinai Peninsula. Most importantly, America must condition its aid to Egypt on its efforts to combat the extremism in its midst.

Syria’s Threatened Christians

The New York Times

In Syria, concern over Christian repression has fallen on deaf ears, drowned out by popular support for the country’s opposition in the face of the Assad regime’s brutal crackdown.

Israel Bets Big on the Syrian Uprising

The Wall Street Journal

Israel, perhaps more than any other nation in the region, stands to benefit from Mr. Assad’s downfall

Echoes of Syrian Violence in Lebanon

Al-Arabiya

Sunni Muslim Salafist leader Ahmad al-Assir (2nd L) and other Sheikhs take part in a sit-in in Sidon, southern Lebanon, against the killing on Sunday of Sheikh Ahmed Abdul Wahid, a Sunni Muslim cleric, and Muhammed Hussein Miraib, both members of the Lebanon-based March 14 political alliance.

Al-Qaeda’s Rise in Syria

Israel National News

Bombings and other asymmetrical attacks on government and civilian targets alike are likely to become the norm for the near future in Syria. The Assad government is not going anywhere anytime soon.

Iran’s Religious Surge in Iraq

Jerusalem Post

Iran has long sought to spread its Islamic revolution into neighboring Iraq. With late Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein and the US out and Shiites in control, Iraq’s leaders are now intent on rebuilding their country as a regional Shiite power.

The Formula One and Bahrain’s Shiite Uprising

Jerusalem Post

long with ongoing conflicts throughout the Middle East and North Africa, Bahrain is in its second year of a Shiite uprising against the Sunni Al-Khalifa monarchy. Bahrain’s Shiites, who make up roughly 70 percent of the island’s 1.2 million inhabitants, are openly seeking greater political representation, equality, the fall of the king, and the ousting of foreign mercenaries from the country.

Iraq:The Next Shiite Islamic Republic?

Jerusalem Post Premium

As a conservative Muslim nation, Iraq is by and large opposed to Western ideals and movements deemed contrary or heretical to Islam. One Western export, the “emo” subculture, which is an American-born hardcore punk music movement, is almost synonymous with being gay in Iraq.

Are Libya’s friends better than Syria’s?

Ya Libnan – Lebanon

The Syrian uprising began nearly one year ago, when in March, thousands of pro-reform demonstrators took to the streets in Daraa to denounce the Assad regime. Since that time, thousands of civilians have been killed and the country has arguably descended into civil war.

All Eyes on Libya

Jerusalem Post

The people of Libya celebrated throughout February, marking the one year anniversary of the nation’s uprising, leading to the downfall of their dictator, Muammar Gaddafi. While Gaddafi’s ruin was no doubt a historic moment in the nation’s history, the situation that now persists should have the populous cautiously optimistic.

Syria’s Civil War Rages, as Alawites Press on

Jeruslaem Post

Being an unprotected minority in the Mideast is often a painful reality which the Alawites, Druse, Christians and Kurds know all too well.

Libya’s Post revolution predicament

Jerusalem Post

Libya is currently undergoing a critical phase of its transition process, as the recognized government (NTC) attempts to assert its power over the country. The focal point of these efforts lies at the reformation of the Libyan national military.

The Battle for Arsal

Jerusalem Post

One unsuspecting Lebanese village has become the focal point of the battle for perceptions of the Syrian conflict. Immediately after another deadly suicide bombing ripped through central Damascus on Friday, the Assad Regime, the Syrian opposition, and their allies abroad unloaded accusations as to the identity of the perpetrators.

The Middle East and North Africa in 2012: On the Brink of Chaos?

Jerusalem Post

Where is a region in a state of transition headed in 2012? The feelings of hope and opportunity initially evoked by the Arab Spring have transformed into fear that the region may be sliding into a new status quo of instability.

Moving Closer to Gaza War

YNET-Israel

Tensions in southern Israel remain high after the Air Forcetargeted an Islamic Jihad cell Friday as it prepared to fire a rocket into Israel, the latest incident in a string of tit-for-tat attacks in recent days.

Egypt Elections: The Military’s Window of Opportunity?

Jerusalem Post

With Islamist’s hands tied by their ongoing success in parliamentary elections, the army has one last chance to secure its influence in Egypt’s future government before it’s too late.

The Way to Topple Assad

Ynet-Israel

On December 2nd, Syrian insurgents staged an attack on an Intelligence facility in northern Idlib province. Eight people were killed in the ensuing clashes, including several Air Force intelligence personnel.

Egypt’s Unstoppable Islamists

Ynet-Israel

Had he been alive today, Muslim Brotherhood founder Hassan al-Banna would have been proud. Nearly 83 years after its founding, it appears that the Islamist organization’s patience has finally paid off, after the group came away as favorites from Egypt’s first round of parliamentary elections.

Northern Border: Rocket Attacks are a sign of the times

Jerusalem Post

The recent flare-up on the Lebanese border was an example of the volatile manner in which Israel and its enemies communicate.

Erdogan Means Business

Todays Zaman

Meddling in the internal affairs of other nations, sending warships on provocative patrol routes, and threatening regional neighbors with war were, just a short time ago, actions which characterized only the Iranian regime’s pursuit of regional domination.

Sub Saharan Africa

Cameroon’s Extreme Northern Region: Fertile ground for Boko Haram

The Daily Maverick

Five suicide bombings conducted within a short time frame in the relatively peaceful Extreme Northern Region of Cameroon have shaken the Central African country, serving as a painful reminder that it is not immune to the threat of radical Islam. Although no group has taken responsibility for these attacks, as well as for several subsequent attempts to dispatch suicide bombers to the same region, Nigeria-based Islamist sect Boko Haram is the likely culprit.

Recent attacks show that Boko Haram remains far from broken, and is drawing closer to ISIS

National Post

Boko Haram’s pledge of allegiance to the Islamic State on March 7 did not initially result in noticeable changes on the ground. Boko Haram’s recent targeting of moderate Muslim clerics, evangelical churches and perceived “non-believers” during Islam’s holy month of Ramadan, however, has made that pledge a reality.

Could South Sudan Push Provide Blueprint for China’s African Security Policy?

IPI Global Observatory

South Sudan last week had the unenviable distinction of being ranked the world’s most fragile state for the second year running. With the country’s politically and ethnically driven conflict degenerating into civil war since December 2013, mediation efforts by the eight-country East African Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and pressure by the United States, United Kingdom, and Norwegian “troika” have continually failed to achieve a lasting ceasefire.

China: Africa’s New Power Broker

The National Interest

When South Sudan achieved its independence from Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir’s brutal rule in 2011, hopes were high as U.S.-led foreign investment and aid flooded into the world’s newest country. Yet, since a civil war broke out in December 2013, over 50,000 people are estimated to have died, over 1.4 million have been displaced, and 40 percent of the country’s population will face acute hunger in the next few months. Where did it all go wrong?

ISIS Target Africa in New Issue of Recruitment Magazine

Quoted in Newsweek

UN-DRC rift on Kivu rebel operations will hurt civilians

Africa Review

While Boko Haram attacks in northern Nigeria have been dominating African headlines since the Islamist militants kidnapped over 200 girls in Chibok in April 2014, there is a lesser known group of rebels known as the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), who have been intimidating the local population, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for over 20 years.

Chad Abandons Its Neighbor

The National Interest

The withdrawal from the international Central African Republic mission makes continued chaos more likely.

Winning the War Against Al Qaeda in Africa

The Wall Street Journal

Anvils have a tendency to outlast hammers, and the same goes for al Qaeda in Africa. In September, a joint Kenyan and African Union force stormed the Somali port city of Kismayo, the al Shabaab network’s last major stronghold. “Operation Sledgehammer” was an exhausting, months-long march to reach the city, culminating in a four-day land, sea and air assault.

Rebels on the Rise in Northern Mali

The New York Times

After almost a century of fighting, the nomadic Tuareg people of North Africa are suddenly on the verge of accomplishing one of their premier goals — securing the territory needed to establish the state of Azawad in northern Mali.

The Tuareg Denominator

Jerusalem Post

One tribe’s cooperation with various militant groups will continue to challenge stability in some of Africa’s most vital nations.

Confesstion Details How Boko Haram Uses Stolen Cars to Support Terrorism

Security Management – US

Carjacking provides Nigerian jihadists Boko Haram a regular supply of cars for vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) and helps members of the sect pass through security checkpoints undisturbed. The cars also provide a source of revenue for the group, according to confessions of a recently captured Boko Haram boss.

What’s next for Nigeria

Jerusalem Post

Widespread discontent in Africa’s most populous nation may lead to region-wide revolution. Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan presides from the Presidential Complex, situated in the provincial capital Abuja, purposely affixed in the country’s center so as not to not show deference towards either the Christian south or the Muslim north. But, in this locale, the federal government has the best vantage point to see the various conflicts erupting in all directions.

Radical Islam Finding Ground in the Central African Republic

Africa Policy Journal – John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University

Chad’s withdrawal from the international mission opens door for regional terrorist groups.

OP-EDS

Europe & Asia

US drone strikes kill Isis militants in Afghanistan

Quoted in Newsweek

Greek Cyprus, Israel draw closer, presenting challenges for Turkey

Today’s Zaman – Turkey

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu paid a visit to Greek Cyprus on Thursday — the first ever visit of an Israeli PM to the island — seeking closer ties in regards to cooperation in the fields of energy and defense, which might present challenges for Turkey.

Russia’s Syrian Power

The New York Times

Russia has been steadfast in its diplomatic support for the embattled regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, even as Assad becomes ever more isolated within the Arab League and the international community.

Why Turkey Is Betting Big on the Syrian Uprising

Israel National News-Israel

Why is Turkey, as opposed to the West and the Arab League, actively helping the Syrian rebels? Erdogan has many good reasons – from his point of view – as this article elucidates.