The Latest Developments in the Eastern Mediterranean
Between the 5-7 December, 2016, an online conference of the EastMedForum took place organized by the European Rim Policy and Investment Council (ERPIC), together with the S. Daniel Abraham Centre for Strategic Studies, of the Netanya Academic College, as well as with the participation of academics, experts, and professionals from Cyprus, Russia, France, Israel, Greece, and the US.
The participants discussed the Developments in air-power, and the air-war in Syria; Developments in naval doctrines in the Eastern Mediterranean; The war against ISIS (Syria and Iraq); The Role of Iran Saudi Arabia, and Qatar in the Eastern Mediterranean; Hydrocarbon developments in the Eastern Mediterranean; and Security and political developments in Turkey.
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Conference Introduction: Changes in the Balance of Power: Putin, BREXIT and Trump
Air Cdre RAF (Retd.) Andrew Lambert – ERPIC Honorary Chairman
The Latest Developments in the Eastern Mediterranean
5-7 December 2016
We seem to be at the strategic crossroads, where the unipolar world is disintegrating and the balance of power is changing. The old powers are losing their sway, while at the same time we are witnessing the rise of new powers, such as Turkey, India, Russia and China. This signals return to the world of great-power rivalry. The value of liberal democracy has been put into doubt, and the validity of the law-based international system is being challenged. In the meantime, the West is going through turbulent times. The rise of nationalism and populism has most recently led to Brexit and to Donald Trump’s election as president of the US. What are the possible consequences of such developments for Europe, the West, and the entire world? -
New Developments in Air Power in Syria and the Eastern Mediterranean
Brig Gen IDF (Ret) Asaf Agmon
The Latest Developments in the Eastern Mediterranean
5-7 December 2016
Due to the Russian involvement, the balance of power in Syria has changed dramatically since the beginning of the uprising against Bashar al-Assad. The airstrikes have played a crucial role in this development. Since the opposition forces have no air power, the Syrian regime, backed by Russia, has managed do gain a de facto air dominance in Syria. With the deployment of Russia’s sophisticated S300 and S400 air defense systems, this domination has become unchallenged. However, it has been achieved with a very high human cost. The airstrikes have greatly contributed to the Syrian humanitarian crisis. What are the broader implications of the Russian involvement in Syria for Israel and the Eastern Mediterranean? Has Assad got a chance to stay in power in the long run? What is the prospect of Russia establishing a permanent presence in the Eastern Mediterranean?
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South Eastern Mediterranean Air Power Projection – Today and Beyond
Lt. Gen HAF (Ret) Ioannis E. Anastasakis
The Latest Developments in the Eastern Mediterranean
5-7 December 2016
The establishment of exclusive economic zones in the Eastern Mediterranean has radically changed the context of air power projection. It is now even more guided by the need to protect, but also to control: illegal immigration and human trafficking, terrorist activities and piracy, weapons smuggling. In the context of regional upheavals, in particular the Syrian war and growing aggressiveness of Turkey, Cyprus and other regional states need to urgently address the security issue. -
A Commentary on the Developments of Air Power in the Eastern Mediterranean
Air Cdre RAF (Retd.) Andrew Lambert
The Latest Developments in the Eastern Mediterranean
5-7 December 2016
The air power has the widest range on earth. Despite some criticisms, it remains dominant and unchallenged. But the air power is more than just combat. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the air power? How can it be utilized in politics? What role can it play in a modern warfare? -
Maritime Developments in the Eastern Mediterranean
Adm IDF (Ret) David Ben-Bashat
The Latest Developments in the Eastern Mediterranean
5-7 December 2016
The Eastern Mediterranean is a region of great importance, as it serves as a gateway between the Far East, Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Black Sea. We are currently observing the increase in maritime capabilities of regional powers wanting to emphasize their ambitions. There has been also a rising interest in the Eastern Mediterranean among the outside powers, mainly Russia and China, while the US has been withdrawing from the region. Although the regional environment remains volatile with numerous ongoing conflicts, there are certain issues and challenges that remain common to many of the regional players. These issues should serve as an incentive for developing regional cooperation. -
Russian Policy in the Eastern Mediterranean
Prof Irina Zvyagelskaya, Russian Academy of Sciences
The Latest Developments in the Eastern Mediterranean
5-7 December 2016
Before the eruption of the Arab Spring, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East were not of the greatest importance for Russia. This has changed over the last years. The continuing chaos, the collapse of state institutions, and the emergence of various jihadi organisations competing for power in the region have caused a serious security threat and concern about possible spillover of violence into Russia. At the same time the retreat of the United States from the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East has propelled the rise of local powers which have joined the regional power struggle. These developments have led to a change of the Russian policy in the Eastern Mediterranean and its greater engagement in the region. -
The Role of Iran in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Greater Middle East
Brig Gen (Ret) Dr. Ephraim Sneh
The Latest Developments in the Eastern Mediterranean
5-7 December 2016
Amidst widespread instability in the Eastern Mediterranean, local powers are using various means in order to increase their influence and boost their presence in the region. In particular, Iran’s profile has been raised as a result of a nuclear deal and lifting of sanctions, as well as due to Iran’s involvement in regional conflicts. The deal has been praised by some as a great diplomatic achievement which will lift Iran from the pariah state status, what will ultimately have a positive impact on the Eastern Mediterranean and the greater Middle East. Others however have expressed great concerns regarding Iran’s growing engagement in the region and penetration of the Eastern Mediterranean, seeing it as a prelude to greater instability.
For more videos visit www.erpic.org -
What Would be Necessary to Rethink the Iran P5+1 Agreement?
Dr. Yair Hirschfeld
The Latest Developments in the Eastern Mediterranean
5-7 December 2016
Amidst widespread instability in the Eastern Mediterranean, local powers are using various means in order to increase their influence and boost their presence in the region. In particular, Iran’s profile has been raised as a result of a nuclear deal and lifting of sanctions, as well as due to Iran’s involvement in regional conflicts. The deal has been praised by some as a great diplomatic achievement which will lift Iran from the pariah state status, what will ultimately have a positive impact on the Eastern Mediterranean and the greater Middle East. Others however have expressed great concerns regarding Iran’s growing engagement in the region and penetration of the Eastern Mediterranean, seeing it as a prelude to greater instability.
For more videos visit www.erpic.org -
Political Islam in the Eastern Mediterranean
Prof Farid Mirbagheri
The Latest Developments in the Eastern Mediterranean
5-7 December 2016
The Eastern Mediterranean is a strategically important region which constitutes a buffer zone between Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. The region, riven by conflicts and mired in chaos is also home to political Islam, which is currently one of the most powerful political forces in the Islamic world. While internally driven by religiosity and devotion to God, the recent rise of political Islam is to a great extent fueled by the power struggle between fundamentalist regimes of Saudi Arabia and Iran, reinforced by wrong policies of the US, and its withdrawal from the region.