Transforming Gaza into ‘the Riviera of the Middle East’ would present overwhelming challenges – not least from Hamas. But it’s worth looking at the feasibility and implications of US President Donald Trump’s proposal.
Even if this week’s ceasefire does indeed stick, what comes next will be the hardest thing.
This year is starting as 2024 ended: in a tangle of overlapping conflicts. Four strategic trends are emerging – but there’s an important silver lining for Australians.
The speed of the regime’s collapse was startling, but it should not have been. Beyond the general dynamics of government collapse, something else was happening.
Fresh fighting in Syria may revive terror threats in the West, including Australia.
A broader regional conflict would recast Israel as a victim surrounded by multiple enemies, reversing the current dynamic and possible regaining moral legitimacy.
On the surface the Taliban seems strong, but three years since the fall of Kabul the regime is more fragile than it appears.
American flags are suddenly flying from cars in heavy Democratic areas. These may merely signify a short-term surge of sympathy, but there is a tension boiling just below the surface.
Israel’s integrated air and missile defence systems face heavy challenges by saturation strikes.
Just like the fierce nine-month battle to remove Islamic State terrorists from Mosul, there was no way for Israel to remove Hamas from power without mounting a full-scale ground invasion.
Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/author/david-kilcullen