MESOP NEWS TODAYS MIDDLE EAST COMMENTARY & SAMPLER – In Syria, A Growing Strategic Threat to Israel — And Risk of Escalation
26 Febr 2018 – THE CIPHER LETTER BACKGROUND NEWS – As the Syrian regime consolidates power, with the help of Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah, its combined forces are growing bolder—and presenting an increased strategic threat to Israel.
In response, Israel has begun adjusting its policy of selective intervention, recently targeting Assad air defense systems in response to Iranian incursions. But Israel’s increased military involvement in Syria risks unintentional escalation with Tehran. • The war in Syria has gradually shifted in the Syrian government’s favor, creating an opportunity for Iran to further its military presence in Syria, using the country as a staging ground for future military activity against Israel as well as to produce and transport advanced military capabilities for Hezbollah.
- The U.S. lacks a concrete policy for the Syrian conflict apart from fighting a now-diminished ISIS, and Russia views its stake as preserving the Assad regime—not necessarily checking Tehran’s expanding influence. This means Israel will likely apply its own independent effort to actively contain Iranian influence and Hezbollah’s growth.
Read today’s full brief, with expert commentary from:
– Robert Richer, former Associate Deputy Director for Operations, CIA / Rhea Siers, former Deputy Associate Director for Policy, NSA / Emile Nakhleh, former member of the CIA Senior Intelligence Service / – Maj. Gen. (ret.) Amos Yadlin, former chief of Military Intelligence, Israel Defense Forces