Uncertain Realities: The Geopolitical Landscape
Published אוק 28, 2012
Ambassador Avi Gil
The shockwaves that have rocked the Arab world over the past two years –
compounded by the Iranian threat and turbulence in the international system – pose
significant risks and challenges for Israel and the Jewish people. The uncertainty that
traditionally characterizes the Middle East is exacerbated by the current anxiety and
crisis atmosphere permeating the entire geopolitical arena. The number, diversity,
and dynamic complexity of "moving parts" within the international system make
orchestrating a sound foreign policy difficult.
The shockwaves that have rocked the Arab world over the past two years- compounded by the Iranian threat and turbulence in the international system – pose significant risks and challenges for Israel and the Jewish people. The uncertainty that traditionally characterizes the Middle East is exacerbated by the current anxiety and crisis atmosphere permeating the entire geopolitical arena. The number, diversity, and dynamic complexity of "moving parts" within the international system make orchestrating a sound foreign policy difficult.
The dramatic upheavals in the Arab world that have, so far, led to the overthrow of rulers in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and Yemen, also threaten the stability of other regimes. The dust has not yet settled and any attempt to draw fast conclusions about the “new face” of the region would be presumptuous. Even the term "Arab Spring" used internationally to label the tumultuous and still un-folding events is more wishful thinking than an accurate portrayal of their possible consequences.
In such a volatile reality, being indecisive is as much a decision as any other and, therefore, decision makers in Israel and the Diaspora are not exempted from making difficult choices.
