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
Armenian leadership deliberately leads Armenian-Russian relations to  collapse - LavrovArmenian leadership deliberately leads Armenian-Russian relations to  collapse - Lavrov
ECHR accepts complaints in cases of Armen Ashotyan and Artur  Danielyan for preliminary proceedings ECHR accepts complaints in cases of Armen Ashotyan and Artur  Danielyan for preliminary proceedings 
Freedom House ranks Artsakh Not Free after Azerbaijani occupation; it  losses 40 points at onceFreedom House ranks Artsakh Not Free after Azerbaijani occupation; it  losses 40 points at once
"Europeans for Artsakh" platform outlines Artsakh`s interests  protecting vector 
Government  allocates about AMD1.4 billion to properly organize 100th  anniversary events of Sergey Parajanov, Charles AznavourGovernment  allocates about AMD1.4 billion to properly organize 100th  anniversary events of Sergey Parajanov, Charles Aznavour
France expresses readiness to consider UFAR`s development and  expansion agenda within Academic City project France expresses readiness to consider UFAR`s development and  expansion agenda within Academic City project 
Armenia to send 30 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza StripArmenia to send 30 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza Strip
No No "governments in exile" for Armenia`s premier 
Armenia is turning into extremely dangerous instrument in the hands  of the West - Maria Zakharova Armenia is turning into extremely dangerous instrument in the hands  of the West - Maria Zakharova 
Former Nagorno-Karabakh president calls on France to expert pressure  on Azerbaijan Former Nagorno-Karabakh president calls on France to expert pressure  on Azerbaijan 
Housing programme for forcibly displaced people to be presented next  month - vice-premier Housing programme for forcibly displaced people to be presented next  month - vice-premier 
40+10 assistance programme for forcibly displaced people to be  extended until end 2024 40+10 assistance programme for forcibly displaced people to be  extended until end 2024 
CSTO Sec Gen on Armenia`s participation in CSTO work CSTO Sec Gen on Armenia`s participation in CSTO work 
Meeting in Brussels is to focus on Armenia`s economic resilience -  U.S. Department of State Meeting in Brussels is to focus on Armenia`s economic resilience -  U.S. Department of State 
Upcoming high-level meeting in Brussels not directed against any  third party - Armenia`s foreign office  Upcoming high-level meeting in Brussels not directed against any  third party - Armenia`s foreign office  
World has experience in development of even failed states - Artak  Zakaryan World has experience in development of even failed states - Artak  Zakaryan 
Zakharova: information on Azerbaijan`s arms supplies to Ukraine is  carefully checkedZakharova: information on Azerbaijan`s arms supplies to Ukraine is  carefully checked
Russian Foreign Ministry: France`s actions are hindering  implementation of Azerbaijan-Armenia agreements Russian Foreign Ministry: France`s actions are hindering  implementation of Azerbaijan-Armenia agreements 
Russian Foreign Ministry: Anything that will benefit the people of  Armenia is only welcomedRussian Foreign Ministry: Anything that will benefit the people of  Armenia is only welcomed
Gnel Sanosyan: Upon completion of demarcation and delimitation  process, there will be no unresolved problemsGnel Sanosyan: Upon completion of demarcation and delimitation  process, there will be no unresolved problems
Statements by Alen Simonyan are carte blanche for aggression:  Opposition MPStatements by Alen Simonyan are carte blanche for aggression:  Opposition MP
Armenia does not join  CSTO PA delegations heads  statement  condemning violent terrorist attack in Crocus City HallArmenia does not join  CSTO PA delegations heads  statement  condemning violent terrorist attack in Crocus City Hall
NA Speaker: I would like to meet with a person who can prove on a map  that the four villages of Tavush belong to ArmeniaNA Speaker: I would like to meet with a person who can prove on a map  that the four villages of Tavush belong to Armenia
National Assembly Speaker: there were no political overtones in my  meeting with Svetlana TikhanovskayaNational Assembly Speaker: there were no political overtones in my  meeting with Svetlana Tikhanovskaya
Armenian PM, French parliamentarians discuss processes in South  Caucasus Armenian PM, French parliamentarians discuss processes in South  Caucasus 
Baku irritated by Pashinyan`s upcoming meeting with Blinken and Von  der LeyneBaku irritated by Pashinyan`s upcoming meeting with Blinken and Von  der Leyne
French delegation inspects security in Sotk mine French delegation inspects security in Sotk mine
Offering Armenia EU candidate status makes its pivot to West  irreversible - report Offering Armenia EU candidate status makes its pivot to West  irreversible - report 
AraratBank places its 27th issue of dollar bondsAraratBank places its 27th issue of dollar bonds
Armenian MP meet with Danish counterparts  Armenian MP meet with Danish counterparts  
Surrender of Tavush villages to destroy locals` ecosystem - expert Surrender of Tavush villages to destroy locals` ecosystem - expert 
Renowned Swiss-American lutenist to perform in Armenia  Renowned Swiss-American lutenist to perform in Armenia  
Azerbaijan uses military-political leaders of Artsakh in captivity to  achieve its propaganda goals - statementAzerbaijan uses military-political leaders of Artsakh in captivity to  achieve its propaganda goals - statement
No details of upcoming meeting between Armenia`s premier, U.S. Sec of  State, European Commission president No details of upcoming meeting between Armenia`s premier, U.S. Sec of  State, European Commission president 
People of Nagorno-Karabakh determined to return to their homeland -  Leevon KocharyanPeople of Nagorno-Karabakh determined to return to their homeland -  Leevon Kocharyan
Armenian committed to peace and stability in South Caucasus Armenian committed to peace and stability in South Caucasus 
Tatoyan Foundation, together with other human rights organizations,  publishes joint report on torture committed by Azerbaijan against  ArmeniansTatoyan Foundation, together with other human rights organizations,  publishes joint report on torture committed by Azerbaijan against  Armenians
Mirzoyan: Armenia considers Argentina as reliable partner in South  AmericaMirzoyan: Armenia considers Argentina as reliable partner in South  America
French Ambassador: The right of Artsakh people to return to their  homeland has been violatedFrench Ambassador: The right of Artsakh people to return to their  homeland has been violated
State Dept on US policy principles in relations with ArmeniaState Dept on US policy principles in relations with Armenia
Slander aimed at removing National Democratic Pole from political  arena: party responds to IC Slander aimed at removing National Democratic Pole from political  arena: party responds to IC 
Armenian diplomat to EU special rep: Aliyev regime is gearing up for  new aggression against Armenia, as he faced no consequences for last  onesArmenian diplomat to EU special rep: Aliyev regime is gearing up for  new aggression against Armenia, as he faced no consequences for last  ones
ICLaw presents cases of 8 Armenian servicemen to UN Working Group on  Enforced DisappearancesICLaw presents cases of 8 Armenian servicemen to UN Working Group on  Enforced Disappearances
Following Armenian foreign office, references to Artsakh `disappear`  from president`s websiteFollowing Armenian foreign office, references to Artsakh `disappear`  from president`s website
Sati Spivakova and the Moscow Theater of Nations soon in YerevanSati Spivakova and the Moscow Theater of Nations soon in Yerevan
CSTO Secretary General calls for creation of tools to counter  terrorismCSTO Secretary General calls for creation of tools to counter  terrorism
No discussions yet held on the issue of Armenia`s new Constitution -  minister No discussions yet held on the issue of Armenia`s new Constitution -  minister 
Establishment of lasting peace and stability in South Caucasus  Armenia`s top priority - Nikol Pashinyan Establishment of lasting peace and stability in South Caucasus  Armenia`s top priority - Nikol Pashinyan 
Azerbaijan should end the intimidation and harassment of journalists  and civil society activists - Dunja MijatovicAzerbaijan should end the intimidation and harassment of journalists  and civil society activists - Dunja Mijatovic
Armenia`s minister of justice on reforms in judicial system Armenia`s minister of justice on reforms in judicial system 
Armenian expert on Azerbaijan`s policy of misappropriation of  Armenian heritage Armenian expert on Azerbaijan`s policy of misappropriation of  Armenian heritage 
Incident with ex-minister of defense followed by numerous dismissals  - minister Incident with ex-minister of defense followed by numerous dismissals  - minister 
Russia is going through a rather difficult period in relations with  friendly, fraternal Armenia - Russian presidential spokesman Russia is going through a rather difficult period in relations with  friendly, fraternal Armenia - Russian presidential spokesman 
Azerbaijan creates artificial grounds for military aggression against  Armenia - Arman Tatoyan Azerbaijan creates artificial grounds for military aggression against  Armenia - Arman Tatoyan 
Armenian FM takes part in presentation of book Armenian FM takes part in presentation of book "Armenian Buenos  Aires" 
Threats against Armenia in Azerbaijani media channels unacceptable -  Toivo KlaarThreats against Armenia in Azerbaijani media channels unacceptable -  Toivo Klaar
Opposition MP: Threatening people with war is not the mission of  country`s leaderOpposition MP: Threatening people with war is not the mission of  country`s leader
Roundtable on geopolitical developments in South Caucasus held at  Belgian SenateRoundtable on geopolitical developments in South Caucasus held at  Belgian Senate
Andranik Tevanyan: Political struggle is the only guarantee of  success, a chance not to turn real Armenia into historical oneAndranik Tevanyan: Political struggle is the only guarantee of  success, a chance not to turn real Armenia into historical one
Vahagn Khachaturyan Vahagn Khachaturyan "closes" book of condolences at Russian Embassy  in Yerevan
Read more



Commented