MERIA Journal Volume 16, Number 02 (June 2012)

ASSESSING IRAQ’S OIL INDUSTRY

By Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi July 1, 2012

View of an Iraqi disabled T-54 tank and oil fields south of Ramadi, Iraq.

This article provides an overview of Iraq’s oil and gas industry, focusing in particular on its history since 2003 under the Coalition Provisional Authority and the sovereign Iraqi government. It also examines the relationship between the development of natural gas reserves and local autonomy, as well as the controversy surrounding ExxonMobil’s dealings with the Kurdistan Regional Government. Finally, the article considers how the oil and gas industry relates to the wider economy … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Iraq, MERIA Journal Volume 16, Number 02 (June 2012), Middle East Politics, Regional

THE ARAB SPRING, ITS EFFECTS ON THE KURDS, AND THE APPROACHES OF TURKEY, IRAN, SYRIA, AND IRAQ ON THE KURDISH ISSUE

By Aylin Ünver Noi July 1, 2012

Jalal Talabani and Nouri al-Maliki posters on parade at Iraqi event.

This article addresses the approaches of Turkey, Iran, Syria, and Iraq in dealing with the Kurdish issue, with a special focus on historical background. In addition, the article discusses how this issue affects relations among the aforementioned countries and whether cooperation on this issue is possible. The article also examines how the Arab Spring has impacted the Kurds and the attitudes of these countries toward the Kurdish issue. Click here to download the PDF version of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Iran, Iraq, Israel, Media Coverage of the Middle East, MERIA Journal Volume 16, Number 02 (June 2012), Middle East Politics, Regional, Regional Security, Turkey, U.S. Policy on the Middle East

IS THE ISRAEL-PALESTINIAN PEACE PROCESS DEAD?

By Barry Rubin July 1, 2012

Arafat, Rabin and Peres at the Noble Peace Prize Ceremony.

Western governments, experts, and journalists have long assumed that an Israel-Palestinian or comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace agreement ending the conflict was near at hand and easily achieved. In fact, the truth is the exact opposite. Indeed, there has not been any real “peace process” or real chance for a diplomatic solution since the Palestinian leadership rejected a deal in 2000. This article examines the factors that, on one hand, make the “peace process” deceased and, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Israel, Israel-Palestinian Issues, MERIA Journal Volume 16, Number 02 (June 2012), Middle East Politics, Palestinians, U.S. Policy on the Middle East

INDIA AND IRAN’S NUCLEAR IMBROGLIO: NAVIGATING THE CONSEQUENCES

By S. Samuel C. Rajiv July 1, 2012

The Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh meeting with the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

India has faced difficulties as a result of developments vis-à-vis the Iranian nuclear program, including homeland security complications, energy security concerns, and uncertainties in key bilateral relationships (United States and Israel). It has, however, been successful in navigating these consequences while continuing to maintain robust relationships with Jerusalem and Washington so far. Uncertainties still remain on core issues of concern regarding the Iranian nuclear imbroglio. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: India, Iran, MERIA Journal Volume 16, Number 02 (June 2012)

FACTS ON THE GROUND: THE GROWING POWER OF HAMAS’S GAZA LEADERSHIP

By Jonathan Spyer July 1, 2012

This article will observe the process whereby Hamas has consolidated and maintained its rule in Gaza. It will argue that the gradual strengthening of the Gaza leadership within Hamas preceded the upheavals of 2011. The fallout from the events in Egypt and Syria, however, served to accelerate and accentuate the process whereby the Gaza leadership made gains at the expense of the external leadership. Click here to download the PDF version of this article. INTRODUCTION The … [Read more...]

Filed Under: MERIA Journal Volume 16, Number 02 (June 2012), Middle East Politics, Palestinians

AN ISRAELI “PLAN B” FOR A NUCLEAR IRAN

By Ofer Israeli July 1, 2012

Israel_Defense_Forces_-_Prime_Minister_and_Defense_Minister_at_Weaponry_Display

Assuming that Iran does indeed obtain nuclear weapons and Israel doesn’t launch an attack on its facilities, what is Israel’s “plan B” to deal with the new situation? This article analyzes the issue. Click here to download the PDF version of this article. INTRODUCTION Despite substantial sanctions designed to curb its nuclear program, Iran has refused to bend to international pressure. It has consistently violated U.N. resolutions calling for it to abandon its uranium enrichment … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Iran, Israel, MERIA Journal Volume 16, Number 02 (June 2012), Palestinians, Radical Movements, Regional Security