Guy Ben-Ari

Although Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system intercepted its first missile in April 2011, it officially came of age last November during Operation Pillar of Defense, the latest iteration of the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. But if the technological breakthroughs and military advantages gained in fielding the system have rightly attracted attention, other issues have been ignored. more

Driven by strong economic growth, Asia's five largest defense spenders -- China, India, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan -- have steadily increased their defense budgets in the past decade, fueling reports of an Asian arms race. However, a detailed analysis of these countries' defense spending, crucial to understanding their military priorities and capabilities, suggests an emphasis on quantity over force quality. more

On March 14, the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, together with Germany, submitted a draft resolution that would broaden the embargo against Iran. As part of the international effort to derail Tehran's nuclear program, the proposed resolution seeks, amongst other things, to ban procurement of Iranian "arms or related material." Though harsher sanctions will be required before Iran thinks again about suspending its nuclear program, a global embargo on its defense exports could be a painful blow. more