The question of what enables some militaries to innovate effectively is of great interest to both scholars and commanders. However, the traditional models of military innovation fail to capture the complex innovation process.

The conflict in Gaza is the policy of Hamas, and hoping for positive diplomatic intervention from Hamas's allies in Iran and Syria is futile.

By embracing Islamists in Iran, President Jimmy Carter replaced one dictatorship with another. The Bush administration"s flirtation with Arab Islamists risks doing the same.

At the United Nations, Israel is always cast in the role of villain, and matters are therefore certain to end unhappily.

The race to take the White House in 2009 has had the predictable effect of deepening partisan divisions.

The outcome of this summer"s war between Israel and Hizballah was confused and confusing.

A weak Basij will be a serious problem if the Iranian regime becomes embattled.

American policy toward Lebanon, Syria, and Hezbollah remains confused, despite a heightened awareness of terrorism and terrorist groups since 9/11, and it is now time to reassess the American relationship with Lebanon and the challenge posed by Hezbollah.