Former Israeli ambassador to the United States Itamar Rabinovich kicks us off this week with one of our Cover Stories, explaining how practical, pragmatic discretion can help Tel Aviv and Damascus avoid conflict.

Alongside that, long-time Syrian opposition activist Ammar Abdulhamid argues that it is time for Israeli-Syrian dialogue between the neighbours, although he acknowledges that both states will need to rebuild trust in one another.

Elsewhere, former diplomat Omer Onhon looks at the deterioration in Israel-Türkiye relations over recent years, explaining how it wasn't always so. He asks whether Syria is likely to be the next battle between the two. 

Over in America, meanwhile, Donald Trump is shredding US State Department programmes and teams that do not fit his cultural outlook, explains journalist Caroline Rose, such as those focused on human rights.

In our Opinion section, Alia Mansour notices how Hezbollah has not taken kindly to Lebanon's new prime minister announcing that 'the days of exporting the revolution are over'. Ouch.

Looking at Europe, Con Coughlin considers Ukraine's audacious, coordinated attack on Russia's long-range bomber fleet at airbases thousands of kilometres from the Ukrainian border. Putin will hit back hard, he says.

The Europeans have presented a dilemma to Syria's interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa, says Haid Haid, in their sanctions relief. Does he back his allies, or show he means it when he talks about the rule of law?

In our Business section, Shirley Ze Yu spears the issue when it comes to tariffs between the US and China. This is not about what Washington says it is, but about the bigger battle between the world's two superpowers. 

Back in Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa's father, Hussein al-Sharaa, explains the intricacies of the country's oil industry, starting with its history and finishing with its possibilities for any investor with deep enough pockets. 

In Culture, Al Majalla's Samer Abou Hawwach explains how Gaza and its supporters are fighting not only Israeli bombs but Israeli narratives. Yet while the bombs continue, the arguments are beginning to crumble.

Looking back in history, Abdullah al-Rashid takes a look at the early Orientalists who used cunning and disguise to adopt false identities and sneak into Mecca to capture the Hajj. A fascinating read, if we do say so ourselves.

Finally, Pakistan has had its fair share of omnipotent army generals, but as Kamal Alam explains, the incumbent may be one of the most powerful yet, which is all the more noteworthy given his unusual journey to the top.