Joe Macaron

Macaron

Joe Macaron is an independent consultant and research analyst primarily focusing on US strategy, conflict analysis, and international relations in the Middle East. His previous roles include the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point and the Colin Powell Center for Policy Studies.

Why has Lebanon faced a prolonged presidential vacuum?

Analysis: Regional and international attempts at mediation have not yet been able to overcome internal divisions among the Lebanese political class.

10 July, 2023

Lebanon and Israel: A flawed but necessary maritime deal

Analysis: The deal will pave the way for offshore energy exploration and could ease tensions between both sides, but several key sticking points remain.

18 October, 2022

Hezbollah's calculations in the maritime dispute with Israel

Analysis: Hezbollah has made the dispute a key priority, but future progress is now largely dependent on volatile domestic politics in both Lebanon and Israel.

21 July, 2022

Did Hezbollah suffer a setback in Lebanon's election?

Analysis: Hezbollah’s electoral power has diminished nationally but the group's influence remains entrenched in every aspect of the Lebanese system.

23 May, 2022

Lebanon’s energy crisis fuels US-Iran tensions

Analysis: The Biden administration, Iran, and Hezbollah are engaged in a public power struggle as they offer superficial solutions to Lebanon's energy crisis.

01 September, 2021

Prospects of US mediation in the Lebanon-Israel border talks

Comment: As Israel and Lebanon begin landmark maritime border talks, Joe Macaron takes an in-depth look at the players and issues involved in these high stakes negotiations.

15 October, 2020

The Fakhoury fiasco and US-Lebanese relations

Comment: While Amer Fakhoury has been freed from detention, the ramifications of his case are far from over in Lebanon, writes Joe Macaron.

17 April, 2020

On Lebanese-Israeli border, US and Iran are negotiating

Comment: Hizballah have finally endorsed direct negotiations to settle the border dispute with Israel, potentially allowing for much needed gas exploration for Lebanon, writes Joe Macaron.

11 June, 2019

How will Lebanon fit into Trump's foreign policy?

Comment: When it comes to Trump's foreign policy and Lebanon, much of it will hinge on how US relations with Saudi Arabia and Iran will evolve, writes Joe Macaron

23 November, 2016

The US's fatal mistake in northern Syria

Comment: The White House is walking a tightrope in northern Syria, as it makes chaotic attempts to balance relations with both Ankara and Kurdish forces, writes Joe Macaron

01 September, 2016