Israel’s Strategic Environment and European Security

Abstract

The Middle East is in turmoil as Arabs grapple with the challenges of modernity and statehood, allowing for radical Islamist forces to flourish. Turkey and Iran, both anti-Western, are the rising powers in the region. The main dilemmas for Europe are the safety of Eastern Mediterranean naval routes, terrorism and above all the potential repercussions of a nuclear Iran. As political engineering via diplomacy is not a realistic option, Europe must develop a military capability to create a modicum of deterrence and ability to safeguard its vital interests.