Hassan Rohani’s victory in the June 14 presidential election in Iran might allow more moderate voices in the political dialogue. But Iran's establishment decides positions on all major issues, including the nuclear programme, Syria, and dealings with the West. To what extent can Rohani change course?
During his visit to Israel, U.S. President Barack Obama spoke in favour of both the Israelis’ right to security and the Palestinians’ right to sovereignty. The issue of settlements, however, remains unresolved and it is unlikely that Israel will make concessions when its neighbours are in turmoil.
Turkey’s combined efforts with the West, to crush the regime in Syria, seem unlikely to fructify soon, as the conflict inside Syria only intensifies each day. Ankara’s improved relations with the West, therefore, are unlikely to compensate for the regional instability it might face to its east in the future.
In spite of the measures adopted by Israel during the UN bid to grant Palestine 'non member observer state' status, Palestine won the bid with overwhelming support from the international community. However, a peaceful solution to the two-state solution still remains distant.
The series of Israeli offensives against Gaza, which began on November 4, ended when Egypt's new President Mohamed Morsi brokered a ceasefire between Hamas and the Israeli government on November 13. The possibility of this ceasefire holding up, however, seems remote.
The recent attack on Gaza by Israel can be regarded as a momentary victory for the Israeli government. Although the attack aimed to overpower the Hamas, and win over Egypt and the U.S., it may work to Israel’s disadvantage in the global political arena.
For the first time in 40 years, Israel, on August 14, allowed West Bankers to cross over into Jerusalem and celebrate Laylat al-Qadr at the Al Aqsa mosque. Does this move indicate a thaw in the stand-off between Israel and Palestine? What significance does it hold for the future of either nations?
The presidency of Mohamed Morsi, the Muslim Brotherhood's candidate, will have a defining influence both in Egypt and the region. Having won the battle through the ballot though, will Muslim Brotherhood also be willing to cede power through the ballot?
The Western sanctions imposed on Iran to force it to abandon its nuclear programme have succeeded in bringing Tehran back to the negotiating table, but they are a tactic, not a strategy. Any long-term policy has to aim for a democratic Iran.
What are the implications for India if Iran is attacked? How effective has the response been by gulf nations to their own protests? Ambassador Talmiz Ahmad, India’s former Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, discusses the dynamics of West Asia with Gateway House’s Alisha Pinto and Azadeh Pourzand.
