Syria
Moscow attacks: Why Putin was quick to blame Ukraine
As details of the recent terrorist attack in Moscow gradually emerged, the whirlwind of speculations surrounding culpability intensified. Theories ranged wildly from accusations…
The redemption of Bashar al-Assad?
In May this year, leaders of the Arab world welcomed Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad back to the Arab League. Member states had ejected Syria in 2011, imposing economic…
The war in Gaza has not destroyed normalisation … for now
Arab governments who have diplomatic relations with Israel, such as Egypt and Jordan, are under increasing pressure from their populations to sever ties amid a growing outcry over…
The uprising in al-Suwayda Syria presents the world a moral test – again
Twelve years after the 2011 popular revolution in Syria began against the dictatorial regime in Syria, local people have again turned out in demand of rights. This at a time…
Chemical weapons: Impunity is killing deterrence
In May of 2023, as anticipation of a long-awaited Ukrainian counter-offensive was building, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy touched down in the blistering heat of Saudi Arabia. This…
The grim toll of Türkiye’s earthquake will also shift regional politics
Aftershocks and collapsing buildings have created additional hazards for rescue teams scrambling to save survivors from the 7.8-magnitude earthquake near the Turkish city of…
How Turkey’s position on Ukraine is further destabilising Syria
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan last month announced an upcoming military operation in Syria, which followed heightened rhetoric against Finland and Sweden’s efforts to…
Turkey’s leverage over Russia – in Syria and beyond
Russia’s current military fiasco in Ukraine could have a serious impact on Moscow’s position in Syria. A decision by Turkey to close its airspace to Russian planes flying to…
Iran’s energy diplomacy
Much is made of Iran’s use of proxy or allied groups to exert “hard power” influence throughout the Middle East where Tehran believes its interests are under threat (Lebanon), or…
Interactives
Did 9/11 change our world?
We asked six experts, “Did 9/11 define our world? If so, how? If not, what did?” After each of their responses to these questions, editor Lydia Khalil challenges the experts…