In-depth
A terrorist is a terrorist. Europe got it wrong
In an opinion piece for the Times of London, Tzipi Livni raps the European Union for its failure to recognize Hezbollah as a terrorist organization.
Conferring legitimacy on terrorist organisations simply because they also have a political wing will not achieve the desired result of moderation; rather the opposite. They will use their force to impose their radical world view on legitimate parties. Who can say no to a coalition partner that has its own army? And dealing with the political wings of terrorism does not marginalise terrorists but only delegitimises the moderates.
Before Deadly Bulgaria Bombing, Tracks of a Resurgent Iran-Hezbollah Threat
The deadly terror attack in Bulgaria was a turning point in the activity of Hezbollah and Iran, and crosses a dangerous line, writes Sebastian Rotella for Foreign Policy.
Iran and Hezbollah have waged a determined campaign to strike their enemies in retaliation for attacks on the Iranian nuclear program and the killing of a Hezbollah chief, counterterror officials say. The offensive led by the Quds Force, Iran’s elite foreign operations unit, has displayed impressive reach and devastating potential. “The Hezbollah-Quds force threat is the big thing worldwide right now,” a U.S. counterterror official said. “There has been a wave of activity.”
Daily Digest
Times of Israel: Panetta, arriving Tuesday, to urge more patience for Iran sanctions
Haaretz: Israeli government spent NIS 1.1 billion on settlements in 2011, reports show
Jerusalem Post: White House: ‘Scratching heads’ from Romney on Jerusalem
New York Times: After Bus Bombing, Bulgaria’s Ties With Israel Are at Risk
Washington Post: In Israel, Romney wows crowds but puzzles with grasp of Palestinian relationship
Wall Street Journal: Mitt Versus Barack on Israel