Zvi Bar'el

Blacklisting the central bank, which essentially means banning all business with it, would deal severe blow to Iran's economy, banking system and currency.

Revival of relationship happens as Turkey regains its place as a major asset to the West; Israel would do well to forget its pride and cozy up.

Experts conclude nuclear weapons engineers from Russia, Pakistan and North Korea have been assisting Iranian scientists in their efforts to reach nuclear capability.

Mohammed Tantawi, the man who now holds Egypt's fate in his hands, has one preeminent goal: preserving the army's enormous economic clout.

Iran's Ayatollah Khamenei may make out like an ascetic who has to borrow money from friends, but reports show he and his family are directing multi-billion dollar oil deals and consolidating power within.

What matters is not only what he said in Egypt, but also what he didn't say.

On Saturday Cairo reiterated, to both Israel and the Egyptian public, that it is committed to all agreements with Israel and will not permit anyone to hurt them.

In Egypt, the new regime, the same one that is privy to relative support from the public, has been upended by the people.

Turkish political system engulfed in polemic dispute over fallout from Palmer Report.

Stories of death threats and the possible assassination of an iconic actress surround Hosni Mubarak's trial - but the real intrigue lies ahead.

The alliance is not intended as 'revenge' against Israel; Erdogan's intention is to extend Turkey's influence to areas it has not reached in past decades.

Supporting legal actions against Israel by families of the raid victims in Turkish and international courts, and appealing to International Court of Justice against the blockade of Gaza could have far-reaching effects.

Erdogan's policies combine both ideology and strategic considerations and thus offer openings for both the easing of tensions as well as further deterioration of Israel-Turkey ties.

Ankara censures Israel for its attacks on Gaza, but does not hesitate to bomb the Kurdish PKK movement in much the same manner.

Egypt's ability to influence Israeli operational plans, as in the decision not to assassinate Haniyeh, is also used by government officials in Cairo to explain why it has not expelled the Israeli ambassador.

Egyptian protesters set their sights on changing the country’s foreign policy, calling for the reexamination of the Egyptian-Israeli peace accord, following the recent developments on the two countries' border.

Bedouin in the peninsula, long regarded suspiciously by Cairo, may finally be getting respect and rights from the country's new military junta, who see them as strategic asset.

Avoiding an ongoing civil war in Libya requires an authoritative, charismatic leader who will also have appropriate enforcement powers. No such leader has yet emerged from the popular revolution.

A critical mass of deposed Arab leaders is starting to form, but phase two of the Libyan revolution will prove to be harder than just ousting Gadhafi.

It appears interim regime doesn't want to exploit recent events as means to scrap relationship with Israel., nor does it want popular protest movements to formulate Egypt's foreign policy.

Israel shouldn't take a narrow view, ignoring events in Egypt, the heated political struggle, inseparable from the two countries diplomatic relations.

This is a crisis that, if not solved immediately and wisely, may dictate the nature of the countries’ relationship down the road.

Apologizing to Turkey is not a capitulation or a payment on account; it's the closing of an account for the sake of resuming a vital relationship.

Israel is set on showing the world that it will not surrender to Turkey's demand for an apology, but is simultaneously foiling the opportunity to use it as an ally in face of Syria and Iran.

With Syria in turmoil, Tehran is looking for a new strategic partner. But Turkey is also calling.