Published on by Gary Grappo
Published first at Fair Observer on October 27, 2023
An Israeli victory is Iran’s worst case scenario. Therefore, Tehran is likely to activate its allies to undermine Israel without provoking all-out war. However, intensifying conflict in Gaza amplifies chances of miscalculation and a second Arab Uprisings could engulf the Middle East. Question: Setting aside for a moment the epicenter of the current Israeli-Hamas War […]
Published on by Gary Grappo
Published first at Fair Observer on October 17, 2023
In this FO° Live discussion, an eminent US diplomat, a distinguished retired CIA officer and an Indian public intellectual examine the context of the latest Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Ambassador Gary Grappo served as Envoy and Head of Mission of the Office of the Quartet Representative, the Honorable Mr. Tony Blair, in Jerusalem. He held […]
Published on by Gary Grappo
Published first at Fair Observer on October 10, 2023
From October 7, Hamas has launched a wide-scale rocket and ground attack on Israeli soil, killing hundreds. It is the largest incursion into Israeli territory since 1948. Hamas has likely chosen now to attack because they are encouraged by their Iranian backers. It is up to Israel now to repel the attack and figure out […]
Published on by Gary Grappo
Published first at Fair Observer on August 31, 2023
Neither side has made an official announcement. There has been no ceremony to commemorate a settlement of issues. Yet, actions by the parties reported by the media suggest that something is up between these long-time enemies, the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran. Searching for a term to explain what may be happening, some media are […]
Published on by Gary Grappo
Published first at Fair Observer on August 7, 2023
Having successfully overturned the supreme court’s “reasonableness” doctrine, Israel’s right-wing Knesset coalition now advances to the next round in its plan to re-write—and re-right—the rules of judicial authority in the Jewish state. Opposition members having walked out, Israel’s Knesset passed legislation last week by a 64-0 vote to eliminate “reasonableness” as a ground for the […]