Opinion

The past few days represent a watershed moment. For the central Damascus government, whose troops were bombed as they sought to quell the violence, this is make-or-break time.

Iran is suddenly showing Sasanian kings who defeated the Roman Empire alongside its commanders killed by Israel. It is not the first to reach for holy books and history books to rally a population.

Hundreds have been killed in a Druze-dominated area of southern Syria in the biggest test of President Ahmed al-Sharaa's short tenure. Another war is the last thing anyone needs.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa wants Beirut to transfer the roughly 170 Syrians in jails such as Roumieh. For years, Beirut wanted to do so, citing costs. Now, suddenly, there are obstacles.

Is talk of a new 'Greater Syria' loose, or loaded? Donald Trump's handpicked pro-Turkish diplomat proselytising on the new Middle East will know by now that his comments are being analysed.

A transitional government in Damascus has a gargantuan task, which is no less that the institutional rebuilding of the state. Currently, it is fighting fires and crisis managing. Where is the vision?

The US president appeared visibly frustrated with the Russian leader earlier this week. Cue talk of secondary sanctions on Russia's clients and more weapons for Ukraine.

Iran's strategy has been torpedoed, its resistance axis smashed, while from Syria and Lebanon there are suggestions that peace in this most unpeaceful region could be on the cards.

Damascus and Tel Aviv are exploring an agreement between them that could help avoid confrontation for years to come. To get there, though, there are some thorny issues to resolve first.

Authorities are at a crossroads. Either they build a state based on justice and transparency, or the succumb to the whims of popularism and public sentiment.

Banks are buying Israeli wartime bonds, bulldozer manufacturers are helping destroy Palestinian property, and software firms are helping Israel's military targeting. A new UN report names and shames.

Amid the wider disruption of Israel's wars on Iran and Gaza, boundaries at sea and hydrocarbons are back as a major source of tension. Cairo may prove key to avoiding a clash.