Behind the Lines
Jonathan Spyer's column focusing on political and security issues in the Middle East and beyond.
The limits of Iran's proxy strategy: How Soleimani's vision failed in recent conflicts
BEHIND THE LINES: The flaw in Soleimani’s plan seems to be that he assumed that religious and ideological loyalties would win out over local self-interest.
Escalate or concede defeat? US faces dilemma over Houthis in Yemen
PKK ceasefire declaration: What it means for Turkey, Syria and the Kurds
The international community has forgotten Sudan
Why Turkey's Erdogan threatened Israel with a proxy war - analysis
Behind The Lines: The Turkish leader sounds like, and acts like, an enemy of Israel. It is overdue that he be properly recognized as one.
US shows no apparent strategy to counter Kataib Hezbollah's attacks
The attack on Rumeilan is significant from a number of points of view.
The situation in the West Bank: Joining an IDF raid to find out
BEHIND THE LINES: Events in the West Bank receive little coverage in Israeli and international media, and it would be a mistake to ignore the simmering tensions in the area south of Jerusalem.
Who killed the three US soldiers at Tower 22? - opinion
BEHIND THE LINES: But who exactly carried out this attack? Who is targeting US forces in Iraq, Syria, and Jordan?
Hezbollah’s exposed position following IDF bombardment - analysis
The IDF bombardment of Wadi Saluki is the latest episode in the controlled but intense confrontation currently taking place on the northern border.
'Closing the circle': On the ground with the IDF in southern Gaza
Further missions deeper into Khan Yunis lie ahead, but the destruction of Hamas governance in Gaza, as seen from the ground, appears to be proceeding steadily apace.
The Middle East is under a three-linked conflict - opinion
Since October 7, most media coverage has tended to regard the Gaza war as the central arena, and the other two fronts as subsidiary to it. This perspective needs to be revised.
Iranian-backed Houthis intensify provocations in the Red Sea - analysis
When is an attack not an attack?
