News:
Israeli Construction and Housing Minister Ariel says
Pollard would not want to be freed for Palestinian prisoners. (Jerusalem Post)
Gen. Dempsey says the instability in the Middle East creates opportunity for Israeli-Arab alliances. (JTA)
The decline of Hamas and the increasing strength of Islamic Jihad may result in a
new wave of chaos in Gaza. (Ha’aretz)
Commentary:
Hussein Ibish says moderates are increasingly surrounded by rhetorical extremism on all sides in the Israeli-Palestinian dynamic. (Now)
Shane Harris asks why the US and Israel are talking about freeing convicted spy Pollard. (Foreign Policy)
Uzi Baram says the Turkish experience proves it is possible to change the character of a secular state. (Ha’aretz)
David Schenker worries that as sectarian tensions rise in Lebanon, the prospect of a degraded and discredited army is growing. (Los Angeles Times)
The New York Times says Erdogan’s pledge to make sure his political enemies “pay a price” is “disturbing and undemocratic.”(New York Times)
Bulent Aras says the rift in the GCC is leading to a new balance of power in the Gulf region. (Daily Star)
Ali Ibrahim says Pres. Mansour has gained the respect of many Egyptians due to his good performance and “eloquent speeches.” (Asharq al-Awsat)
Bakir Oweida says the Arab world is going through an unprecedented phase of chaos. (Al Arabiya)
The National says at its 35 year anniversary it will not be wishing “happy birthday” to Iran’s revolution. (The National)