In-depth
Azerbaijan and Iran: Mutual Hostility but Limited Rivalry
Tensions between Baku and Tehran could adversely impact on Israel’s relationship with Azerbaijan, write Gallia Lindenstrauss and Iftah Celniker for the Institute for National Security Studies.
The increased tension between Iran and Azerbaijan is not necessarily auspicious for Israel. While relations between Israel and Azerbaijan have blossomed because the two see Iran as a significant threat, there is still a limit as to how far Azerbaijan is willing to approach Israel at the expense of its relations with Iran.
The Problem with Grand Bargains
Writing in the National Interest, Ilan Greenberg and Andrew Radin argue that all-encompassing solutions to international crises may be counterproductive.
Even if leaders of a given society wanted to make a deal, they may not be able. A grand bargain is a hard sell: core nationalist issues that have been fought over for decades are often at stake. Even if an agreement seems fair, the leaders who signed it may be vulnerable to nationalist outbidding and could be forced out of office. Hence, a large coalition is required for the country to agree to a grand bargain—and sufficiently broad coalitions rarely come about. Israel-Palestine is a clear example of how even a reasonable agreement may not be feasible.
The Weird Relationship Between American Jews and Israeli Jews
Writing for Open Zion in the Daily Beast, Emily L. Hauser explores the curious – and complicated – love affair between the two Jewish communities.
Many Americans see Israelis as the final arbiters of “real” Judaism. The gargantuan role played by the Jewish State in modern Jewish consciousness, Israelis’ daily use of our holy tongue, and the fact of an entire society shaped by the annual rhythms that Diaspora Jewry must struggle to maintain all provide a kind of cachet that can be dazzling.
Daily Digest
Times of Israel: Summer vacation ends as record number of kids return to school
Haaretz: Netanyahu warns Lebanon: Israel will strike in event of Hezbollah provocation
Jerusalem Post: Council head: Alternate Migron outpost housing site not ready
Ynet: Leading Rabbi: Whoever raises a hand on Migron will have it cut off
New York Times: Egyptian Leader Adds Rivals of West to Syria Plan
Washington Post: Turkey blocks Syrians at its border amid escalating humanitarian crisis
Wall Street Journal: Iran Seeks to Rally Support as Summit Starts
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