Over the next week, and for the first time since the Second World War, no US Navy aircraft carriers will be carrying out missions - anyplace, including the Middle East. According to the US, thousands of Marines on board different American ships are prepared to respond to any threat that might surface.

There is a much bigger plan afoot in the Middle East than dealing with Islamic State. If Moscow, Tehran and Beijing succeed, there will be a polar shift in global economics — and Jerusalem will find itself in the crosshairs.