Israel Engages Washington on Iran: What Does Lapid Hope to Achieve?

Seeks to “move the needle” on specific issues with the US. Israeli Prime minister Yair Lapid with U.S. President Joe Biden. Photo credit: REUTERS

In mid-August 2022, reports began to spread in Israel’s political class about Iran’s willingness to compromise in the ongoing negotiations over a revived Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). This has led to a fear that the Biden administration may finally be within reach of a deal, which would put billions in Iran’s coffers and […]

Turkey, Israel, and the Road to Capitol Hill

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid meet in Ankara. Photo credit: REUTERS

On August 17, 2022 when the governments of Turkey and Israel announced their agreement to restore full diplomatic relations, Washington voiced its approval and support. But it was not the Biden administration that promoted the reconciliation between the two states.

The Significance of the I2U2 Summit–The New Quad

U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid attend the first virtual meeting of the I2U2 summit. Photo credit: REUTERS

President Joe Biden’s July 2022 Middle East trip received mixed reviews. The White House apparently had hoped that the president’s visit would prompt the Saudi Kingdom to take some steps toward normalizing relations with Israel, given the tremendous success of the Abraham Accords. Riyadh would go no further than to open its airspace to all […]

In Southeast Asia, the United States Needs to Up its Economic Game

US President Joe Biden poses with India Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida as he announced the countries that are joining the new Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. Photo credit: EYEPRESS via Reuters Connect

One often hears that China is “winning” the competition with the United States in Southeast Asia. This strategically important region is home to 650 million people, and collectively is the world’s fifth largest economy and the US’s fourth largest export market. While serious competition is indeed a reality, it is not particularly useful to think […]