Arminfo.info



 Monday, June 12 2017 16:36
David Stepanyan

Alexander Tsinker: Trump’s  team  hints upcoming renaissance of Big Mid East Project

Alexander Tsinker: Trump’s  team  hints upcoming renaissance of Big Mid East Project

.Alexander Tsinker, the law maker of the Israeli Knesset of the 15th convocation, the president of ICES - the International Expert Center of Electoral Systems, on the margins of his interview to ArmInfo comments on the latest developments at Middle East region, particularly in respect to Iran and Qatar, speaks about roles of Russia  and  United States in the processes mentioned, about Israeli  position and interest  regarded to Middle East Issues. Shares an opinion on prospective of Karabakh settlement, as well as about Israeli-Azerbaijani  cooperation.

 

 

Looking at the latest developments at Middle East region, it looks like within Donald Trump related scandals, US ruling power got to the implementation of newest political embracement, with unprecedented scale. Does that assume such processes will lead to radical changes not only at Middle East, but also in South Caucasus and Central Asia?

During his first foreign visit to Saudi Arabia, the US President Trump came up with a speech in presence of more than 50 Muslim leaders, where he told about his view of USA-Muslim world relations. With that he factually refused from Obama's policy, who in his historical speech in Cairo promised democratization of Arab states which will change to the best the life of Arabs and all the mankind. The new conceptual direction of foreign policy of USA in Middle East must be the struggle between good and evil, the struggle against extremist ideology and terrorism, and the provision of security and stability in Middle East. Trump’s administration, perhaps, hints resuming its grand project "Big Middle East" the project of redesign of the political map of Eastern Mediterranean to Hindustan and from Minor Asia to Red sea. However, yet it is early to speak about the intentions of new presidential team, it is not 2003, and the situation in the world has changed a lot. USA cannot be considered as a sole global pole. Proceeding of this fact, the implementation of new transregional projects will dep[end on how it will be agreed with regional players, such as Russia, Chine, EU etc.

  

Does the destabilization of internal situation in Iran proceed from Israeli interests, or  Jerusalem is anyway interested to restrict  back ISIS activities zone expansion to neighbor countries?

Israel is interested in annihilation of all the terrorist organizations an units, which are of a real danger for peaceful existence of one and only democratic state in the Middle East region. Today those are Hezbollah, ISIS and Hamas, as well as small terrorist groups acting at the territories of Syria, Lebanon and Egypt.  But we should not forget about Iran, which is a country claiming loudly the annihilation of Israel and funding the majority of terrorist and extremist units in our region.  It is pretty probable that within the purpose to justify Tehran’s aid and under the consideration of Qatar crisis, Hamas could implement a provocation of  new  armed conflict with Israel. I think if Iran does not stand back of supporting terror, will not become a partner for peaceful existence of all the nations and ethnic groups in our region, it will become an outsider country for the majority of Middle East states.

 

  

Up to you, is there any connection between terrorist attacks in Iran, boycott of Qatar by a number of Arabic countries, regional policies of Israel and Mid East positions of USA and Russia?

Everything is mutually connected in our region, and the matter is how strong is the reasons-consequences chain between US, Russia and Israel positions and the developments mentioned. In my opinion, diplomatic boycott of Qatar by western countries is a demonstrative punishment for relations with Iran and the presence of Hamas leaders. US President Donald Trump with one hand pushed Sunnite countries of region to the boycott, and with the other tried to resolve the Qatar crisis, clearly remembering that one of biggest US military bases is located in Qatar. Another side of the coin is that Iranian special services succeeded with preventing such attacks by now. We have to know yet is this attack a single one or it will be an ongoing process.

 

Recently Matthew Bryza, the US Secretary of State Assistant for South Caucasus, voiced the necessity of international cooperation improvement in the aspect of Karabakh conflict up to the level of US and Russia Presidents. Prior to this, Karabakh has been multiply voiced as a feasible platform for Moscow and Washington interaction. Do you expect any rise of Russian-American cooperation on Karabakh, and what options and prospective do you see?

  The restored military actions of April 2016 between Azerbaijan and Armenia, once again showed the need to speedy settlement of the conflict, which lasts for decades. Not enough active role of the OSCE MG on Karabakh problem and the criticism of it’s work, formed an opinion among some politicians that a beak on this issue is possible only in case of Trump's and Putin's involvement. One should not also forget that the current concept of the foreign policy of USA is in the state of formation and it is very possible that the solution of the problem will not be a priority for Trump's team. In this case, a noteworthy increase of Russia's role in the settlement of the conflict may be forecasted as well. . 

 

 

Are the Israeli benefits in Azerbaijan restricted and limited with economic cooperation, particularly in respect o the export of military products? Or Israeli interest in Azerbaijan has geopolitical basis, being preconditioned by the neighborhood with Iran as well?

 Relations between Azerbaijan and Israel have its complicated specifics. Despite the fact that the diplomatic relations were established back in 1992, Azerbaijan still refrains from opening of an embassy in Israel. Considering the extremely negative reaction of Iran, no head of state or government of Azerbaijan has paid any visit to Israel. It is not a secret that Israel's interest is in developing interstate relations with the countries of the Greater Middle East, primarily with the states of the region, whose population, for the most part, preaches Islam. To such countries in the South Caucasus, according to his estimates, Turkey and Azerbaijan primarily concern. Interests of Israel in cooperation with Azerbaijan can be considered in three directions: political, economic and community. In particular, the political leadership of Israel is interested in business cooperation with Muslim countries bordering the main enemy of Israel - Iran. Azerbaijan is one of major suppliers to oil to Israel, and the volume of purchases form the 5th share of the Israel's demands. In turn, Israel, as a well-known world developer and exporter of military equipment, delivers its products to Azerbaijan. In addition, it should be remembered that in Azerbaijan, since the 5th century, there lived a large community of Mountain Jews, which in time was enriched by Ashkenazi Jews and a small group of Georgian Jews. Most of the Jewish community of Azerbaijan repatriated to Israel at the end of the last century, which only broadens the possibilities of people's diplomacy between the two ethnic groups.

 

 

POST A COMMENT
Input digits     

News
Official voting results of Russian citizens in Armenia have been  announcedOfficial voting results of Russian citizens in Armenia have been  announced
With With "demarcation" going at this rate it will reach Yerevan:  Pashinyan points out to Tavush residents the need to quickly transfer  4 villages to Azerbaijan
Pashinyan meets with Tavush residents as promised earlier: Details of  meeting have not yet been providedPashinyan meets with Tavush residents as promised earlier: Details of  meeting have not yet been provided
Stoltenberg: Azerbaijani-Turkish armed forces close cooperation  strengthens Azerbaijan-NATO relationsStoltenberg: Azerbaijani-Turkish armed forces close cooperation  strengthens Azerbaijan-NATO relations
Armenia and Azerbaijan now have opportunity to achieve enduring peace  after years of conflict - NATO Sec GenArmenia and Azerbaijan now have opportunity to achieve enduring peace  after years of conflict - NATO Sec Gen
Armenian government`s intention to waive the claims filed against  Azerbaijan in international courts to cause irreparable damage to  Armenian people - human rights activists Armenian government`s intention to waive the claims filed against  Azerbaijan in international courts to cause irreparable damage to  Armenian people - human rights activists 
Ardshinbank cardholders can now enjoy a 10% cashback!Ardshinbank cardholders can now enjoy a 10% cashback!
Higher school buildings to be managed by international company -  premierHigher school buildings to be managed by international company -  premier
Armenian CEC rep observe U.S. primaries Armenian CEC rep observe U.S. primaries 
Contemporary Indian writer Arjun Krishna Lal`s book released in  Armenian Contemporary Indian writer Arjun Krishna Lal`s book released in  Armenian 
U.S reaffirms commitment to durable and dignified peace between  Azerbaijan and Armenia - Joe Biden U.S reaffirms commitment to durable and dignified peace between  Azerbaijan and Armenia - Joe Biden 
Deepening Armenian-Indian relations among Armenia`s foreign policy  priorities Deepening Armenian-Indian relations among Armenia`s foreign policy  priorities 
Moscow Moscow "testing" its relations with Yerevan
Armenia`s possible withdrawal from CSTO should take country`s real  needs into account - Russian foreign office rep Armenia`s possible withdrawal from CSTO should take country`s real  needs into account - Russian foreign office rep 
Region closer to peace than ever before - president of Azerbaijan Region closer to peace than ever before - president of Azerbaijan 
Three Sad Stories about FraudstersThree Sad Stories about Fraudsters
Armenia`s Deputy FM admits setback in Armenia-EU visa requirement  simplification Armenia`s Deputy FM admits setback in Armenia-EU visa requirement  simplification 
Opposition is denied access to draft peace treaty with Azerbaijan -  MPOpposition is denied access to draft peace treaty with Azerbaijan -  MP
Stoltenberg: NATO sought to support stronger partnerships with both  Armenia, Azerbaijan in 2023Stoltenberg: NATO sought to support stronger partnerships with both  Armenia, Azerbaijan in 2023
Peter Stano: Armenia may apply to join EUPeter Stano: Armenia may apply to join EU
Azerbaijanis destroy13th-century Armenian khachkar in village of  Tsar, Shaumyan region of occupied ArtsakhAzerbaijanis destroy13th-century Armenian khachkar in village of  Tsar, Shaumyan region of occupied Artsakh
Zatulin: Strengthening Armenian-EU relations to require  revision of  Armenia`s membership in EAEUZatulin: Strengthening Armenian-EU relations to require  revision of  Armenia`s membership in EAEU
Basic principles of settling Armenian-Azerbaijani relations remain  unchanged - MFABasic principles of settling Armenian-Azerbaijani relations remain  unchanged - MFA
Oppositionist: Armenian government has failed its program, including  through CSTOOppositionist: Armenian government has failed its program, including  through CSTO
Foreign Minister: We are not negotiating surrender of villages in  Tavush region to AzerbaijanForeign Minister: We are not negotiating surrender of villages in  Tavush region to Azerbaijan
Foreign office: Today, mutual understanding between Yerevan and Baku  regarding mutual recognition of territorial integrity is higher than  month agoForeign office: Today, mutual understanding between Yerevan and Baku  regarding mutual recognition of territorial integrity is higher than  month ago
Statue honoring Soghomon Tehlirian unveiled in MarseilleStatue honoring Soghomon Tehlirian unveiled in Marseille
Armenian Revolutionary Federation holds protest in front of Armenian  Consulate in Los AngelesArmenian Revolutionary Federation holds protest in front of Armenian  Consulate in Los Angeles
Azerbaijan-Iran conflict predestined - Stepan Danielyan Azerbaijan-Iran conflict predestined - Stepan Danielyan 
Turkmenistan and Austria aim to expand the boundaries of bilateral cooperationTurkmenistan and Austria aim to expand the boundaries of bilateral cooperation
Senior Russian diplomat discusses Ukraine, South Caucasus at talks in  AnkaraSenior Russian diplomat discusses Ukraine, South Caucasus at talks in  Ankara
Armenian, Artsakh political forces issue joint statement  Armenian, Artsakh political forces issue joint statement
Our main goal is to return to Artsakh soil - Andrei SergeenkoOur main goal is to return to Artsakh soil - Andrei Sergeenko
AAA disappointed with financial aid to Armenia next year AAA disappointed with financial aid to Armenia next year 
Armenia committed to work actively on implementation of provisions of  EU resolution - Armenia NA speaker Armenia committed to work actively on implementation of provisions of  EU resolution - Armenia NA speaker 
European Parliament approves resolution on closer ties between the EU and ArmeniaEuropean Parliament approves resolution on closer ties between the EU and Armenia
Armenia intends to bring its domestic legislation to conformity with  ICC requirementsArmenia intends to bring its domestic legislation to conformity with  ICC requirements
Artsakh information Center calls on mass media to refrain from unfounded accusations against Artsakh authoritiesArtsakh information Center calls on mass media to refrain from unfounded accusations against Artsakh authorities
4 villages in Tavush are not included in Armenia`s administrative  borders  - minister4 villages in Tavush are not included in Armenia`s administrative  borders  - minister
Defense Minister: Defense Minister: "Nobody gave the order not to open fire"
Ararat Mirzoyan, Louis Bono discuss current security situation in  South Caucasus Ararat Mirzoyan, Louis Bono discuss current security situation in  South Caucasus 
Kremlin: Moscow to clarify with Armenian side situation around  Yerevan`s withdrawal from CSTO Kremlin: Moscow to clarify with Armenian side situation around  Yerevan`s withdrawal from CSTO 
Armenia hosting Francophonie Days Armenia hosting Francophonie Days 
Armenia`s authorities realizing Aliyev`s agenda by starting border  delimitation from Tavush - Mane Tandilyan Armenia`s authorities realizing Aliyev`s agenda by starting border  delimitation from Tavush - Mane Tandilyan 
South Caucasus stability one of Turkiye`s prioritiesSouth Caucasus stability one of Turkiye`s priorities
Tragic events in Nagorno Karabakh made France develop security  cooperation with Armenia - ambassador Tragic events in Nagorno Karabakh made France develop security  cooperation with Armenia - ambassador 
EU applies anti-Russian EU applies anti-Russian "geopolitical optic" everywhere - Russian  official 
Deployment of the EU Civilian Mission in Armenia aimed at  establishing lasting peace and ensuring stability in region - Paruyr  HovhannisyanDeployment of the EU Civilian Mission in Armenia aimed at  establishing lasting peace and ensuring stability in region - Paruyr  Hovhannisyan
Crossroads of Peace project divorced from reality Crossroads of Peace project divorced from reality 
PM: Armenian border guards wto perform their duties at Zvartnots  airport from August 1PM: Armenian border guards wto perform their duties at Zvartnots  airport from August 1
Pashinyan on Arshak Karapetyan`s dismissal reason and his special  relations with MoscowPashinyan on Arshak Karapetyan`s dismissal reason and his special  relations with Moscow
Premier: Yerevan sees and feels Turkiye`s presence in  Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization process Premier: Yerevan sees and feels Turkiye`s presence in  Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization process 
At meeting with French Ambassador, head of Armenia faction, notes  importance of sanctioning Azerbaijan for atrocities in Artsakh At meeting with French Ambassador, head of Armenia faction, notes  importance of sanctioning Azerbaijan for atrocities in Artsakh 
Pashinyan: External forces also provoked main force organizing ethnic  cleansing in KarabakhPashinyan: External forces also provoked main force organizing ethnic  cleansing in Karabakh
Our political force will follow path of institutional solutions -  ex-mayor of Yerevan Our political force will follow path of institutional solutions -  ex-mayor of Yerevan 
Yerevan is ready to expand its agenda with BrusselsYerevan is ready to expand its agenda with Brussels
Soviet Encyclopedia `to help` Pashinyan; Armenia`s territory is less  than 29,800 sq. km.Soviet Encyclopedia `to help` Pashinyan; Armenia`s territory is less  than 29,800 sq. km.
Yerevan is working to return prisoners from Baku, although at times  it looks like `Sisyphean task` - PashinyanYerevan is working to return prisoners from Baku, although at times  it looks like `Sisyphean task` - Pashinyan
If Armenia`s borders are If Armenia`s borders are "red line" for CSTO, let them demonstrate it  - Pashinyan
Pashinyan specifies timeframe of Armenia`s new Constitution  referendum Pashinyan specifies timeframe of Armenia`s new Constitution  referendum 
Read more




Commented