Strategic Survey for Israel 2015-2016 | Inss

The instability racking the Middle East of the past five years shows little sign of abatement, and every new conflict or war – between states and within states – constitutes another link in the chain of social, ideological, political, and territorial upheavals sweeping the region. With the Middle East thus having become a region marked primarily by violence, regional and international leaders must focus their attention on both defensive and offensive measures designed to reduce the potential for damage and destruction inherent in these conflicts and in related threats. For its part, Israel must seek out opportunities to create a more comfortable regional and international environment, while avoiding undue security threats. At the same time, it must prepare a response to risks that even a thaw in future relations with regional states and organizations will not necessarily put to rest.