Publications

Focus in the analytical essays compiled here is on Israel’s strategic environment, particularly the challenges and opportunities that await Israel in 2014. In 2013 the Middle East continued to grapplewith several risk-laden issues and processes that began in previous years, includingthe socio-political unrest in many Arab states and the increased power ofradical Islamic elements in lawless areas near Israel’s borders; the ongoingcivil war in Syria; the unresolved Iranian nuclear issue; and the wide gaps betweenIsrael and the Palestinians. At the same time, several new developments offeredpositive opportunities to shape more auspicious situations: an interimagreement delayed progress on the Iranian nuclear program and inspired fresh hopefor a resolution of the issue; Syria agreed to dismantle its chemical arsenal;the fall of the Muslim Brotherhood regime in Egypt dealt a blow to politicalIslam’s rising regional star; and after a hiatus of several years, negotiationsbetween Israel and the Palestinians resumed.