An upbeat report was released today by the Jaffe Center of Strategic Studies. It declares that the balance of power in the Middle East still favors Israel. Israel's military advantage over its neighbors, manifest in its substantial technological know-how that allows it to most effectively utilize its weapons, is even greater than it was in the past. Even over the past two years, the report states, Israel's deterrence has not decreased, despite the restraint it showed when Lebanon diverted the Wazzani River. Israel's neighbors still perceive it to be as strong as before. The report also states that Iraq is weaker now than it was during the previous Persian Gulf War, and that the U.S. will require less strength to deal Iraq a more resounding defeat.