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Israel-Palestine-Jordan
Hamas - Islamic Jihad conflict in Gaza
2011-11-02
Summary: arms flow into Gaza from Iran and Syria; Hamas leadership is basking in Israeli prisoner release but disaffected members are moving to the more militant IJ
It is important to note that Iran and Syria were likely on the losing side of the Shalit swap. According to a recent analysis by the American think-tank Stratfor, "The crisis over Iran that we expected by the end of the year is here," and Saudi Arabia is playing its hand very aggressively.

Stratfor suggests that the Saudis sought to douse out the potential for violence between Israel and Hamas, in order to keep turning the screws on Assad:
In this context, the last thing that the Saudis want to see is conflict with Israel. A war in Gaza would have given the Assad regime an opportunity to engage with Israel, at least through Hezbollah, and portray opponents to the regime as undermining the struggle against the Israelis. This would have allowed al Assad to solicit Iranian help against Israel and, not incidentally, to help sustain his regime.

If the conflict between Islamic Jihad and Israel escalates, it is reasonable to look for a substantial foreign interference - by either Syria or Iran. Conversely, and perhaps in parallel, Israel may be trying hard to establish a deterrence in Gaza, in anticipation of a regional flare-up.

As a final note, the much acclaimed Israeli anti-missile system Iron Dome seems to have failed the test this weekend. The Israeli army blamed poor weather conditions and "a technical glitch".

Islamic Jihad has boasted of new missile technologies, including multi-barrel rocket launchers. There have been signs - also during previous confrontations - that the militant groups in Gaza are studying the Israeli defense system and adapting to it
Posted by:

#1  GAZA BOYZ ...

versus

* PAKISTANI DEFENCE FORUM > LIBYA: [00's of anti-Gaddafi] REVOLUTIONARIES TURN ON EACH AS FEAR GROWS FOR LAW + ORDER.

NTC versus the Tripoli Brigade.

Also, as per WAFF the NTC has decided to give recognition to NORTH CYPRUS.
Posted by: JosephMendiola   2011-11-02 20:30  

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