The Adversarial: October 12

Welcome to The Adversarial. Every other week, we’ll provide you with expert analysis on America’s greatest challengers: China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and jihadists. Read more below. *** Hamas The timing of Hamas’ assault on Israeli communities surrounding Gaza may have been driven by a few factors. The attack came one day after the 50th anniversary of 1973’s Yom Kippur War, still viewed in Arab quarters as a victory that shattered Israel’s sense of security, so the timing holds great symbolism. It also came during a period of unprecedented Israeli political and societal upheaval emanating from the government’s judicial overhaul,