English Newsletter June 15

Al Majalla’s cover story last week focused on Iran’s latest attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain, explaining that while they could be tied to military calculations related to the current US-Iran war, they also reflect a deeper struggle between two opposing regional visions. Hasan al-Hasan zooms in on the tenuous relationship between Tehran and Manama, while Nawaf al-Yassin explains why the Iranian and Gulf models are diametrically opposed. 

Meanwhile, Alex Vatanka examines Iran’s emerging security doctrine, asserting that Tehran has emerged from the war more willing to take risks, less constrained by fears of escalation, and more convinced that military pressure can yield results. For his part, John Haltiwanger asserts that Trump started a war he can’t control. “Netanyahu continues to defy calls from Washington to pump the brakes on Israel's offensive in Lebanon, something Iran has linked to a future peace deal," he explains.

The other global news story is, of course, the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Our writers are tackling all angles of the international sports event. We start with Mohamed Qutob, who explains how The World Cup has always been a pitch for global politics. For his part, Marco Mossad talks World Cup in the age of AI. And Abdulfattah Khattab asks: Has FIFA oversold the economic promise of the World Cup?

And writing on Syria, Andrew Tabler explains why Syria is not ready to wage war beyond its borders after the idea that Syria would disarm Hezbollah in Lebanon was floated by US envoy Tom Barrack. In a separate piece, Ibrahim Hamidi echoes Tabler’s sentiments, explaining why such a move would be unwise.

Shifting to North Africa, Mohamed Sharki looks at how Morocco is quietly becoming a drone manufacturing hub. “Working with Israeli, Turkish, and US firms, Rabat is also aiming to build its own domestic defence-industrial capacity using its expertise in aerospace manufacturing.” On to Gaza, and Housam Marouf explains How art therapy is helping Gaza's children process trauma.

And last but not least, Al Majalla interviews Hafsia Herzi, “the quiet powerhouse of French cinema.” "Back on the Croisette for two highly anticipated feature films, the French-Tunisian-Algerian actress/director keeps on wowing audiences," writes Leila Amar.