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Israel and Sunni Arabs: A Marriage of Convenience

(Israel Hayom) Maj.-Gen. (res.) Yaakov Amidror - Many of the world's nations are looking on in surprise and admiration at the ever-strengthening ties between Israel and the more important Sunni Arab countries in the region - the open relationship with Egypt and Jordan, and the informal relationships with Saudi Arabia and the Gulf emirates. It is clear to the Sunni states, which once viewed the U.S. as a superpower whose mere existence was enough to stop any threat they faced, that things have profoundly changed. Even if the U.S. is still a superpower, it has lost the will to use its power in the Middle East. These countries are looking for someone to help them at this time of need. Israel is the only country in the area whose stability is not in question. It is a strong country, both economically and militarily, and it has the ability and willingness to defend its essential interests. This is the foundation for the blossoming relationships between Israel and these Sunni countries. It is a marriage of convenience, not of love, but it is one of increasing importance. The writer is a former Israeli national security advisor and former Director of the Research Division of IDF Military Intelligence.
2016-08-10 00:00:00
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