Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- September 24, 2020

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. President Donald Trump, Bahrain?s Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani and United Arab Emirates (UAE) Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed wave from the White House balcony after a signing ceremony for the Abraham Accords, normalizing relations between Israel and some of its Middle East neighbors, in a strategic realignment of Middle Eastern countries against Iran, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, U.S., September 15, 2020. REUTERS/Tom Brenner TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Robert D. Kaplan, National Interest: The Middle East’s New Map

From the author: The imminent establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and two Gulf states, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, is part of an on-going process of security cooperation going back many years. While that robs the event of some drama, it also increases its significance. It means that the process of ending the era of Arab-Israeli confrontation will continue, culminating perhaps in a political upheaval in Iran. That is the road that the Middle East may now be on.

The imminent establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and two Gulf states, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, is part of an on-going process of security cooperation going back many years. While that robs the event of some drama, it also increases its significance. It means that the process of ending the era of Arab-Israeli confrontation will continue, culminating perhaps in a political upheaval in Iran. That is the road that the Middle East may now be on.

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Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- September 24, 2020

East-Med Gas Forum evolves as Israel, Egypt enhance cooperation -- Rina Bassist, Al-Monitor

Down but not out, Haftar still looms over Libya peace process -- Aidan Lewis, Reuters

Congress must support Sudan's transition -- David L. Phillips, The Hill

China Is Paying a High Price for Provoking India -- Brahma Chellaney, Project Syndicate

Duterte tightens grip as the Philippines falls apart -- Jason Castaneda, Asia Times

How much US debt does China own? -- Annabelle Timsit, Quartz

How China has poured billions into the Caribbean by investing in ports, roads and a five-star resort in a soft power grab – as Beijing is blamed for Barbados's calls to drop the Queen as Head of State -- Chris Pleasance, Daily Mail

Bali's coronavirus outbreak was so under control, they welcomed tourists. Now cases are exploding -- Anne Barker, ABC News Online

Is Moon Jae-in's North Korea Peace Plan Dead? -- Daniel R. DePetris, National Interest

Amid civilian-military conflict, does Pakistan need a new social contract? -- Shamil Shams, DW

A high-seas food fight has already 'gone kinetic,' and US military officials warn it still poses a bigger threat -- Business Insider

The power of incumbency: How Trump is using the Oval Office to win reelection -- Liz Peek, The Hill

'One day everyone will use China's digital currency' -- Danny Vincent, BBC News