Although IS has sometimes attacked Iran, the group is transactional at its core, engaging in deals with multiple actors for survival. Iran could use this to its advantage.

Lina Khatib

While Trump fulfilled his promise not to get the US involved in unnecessary military interventions during his first term, he also didn't shy away from using military might to deter foes

Con Coughlin

A line-up of tech titans shows a new world order being sworn in. With no opposition either in politics, media, or industry, an unencumbered Donald Trump is busy shaping things.

Houssam Itani

Saudi Arabia is powering towards its 2030 renewable energy goals, undeterred by US policy changes

Neil Quilliam

Trump will need to navigate a far more complex regional landscape, which comes with a unique set of challenges but also unique opportunities to shape a more prosperous region for the coming generation

Ibrahim Hamidi

While Dr Sabirin's appointment carries symbolic importance as the first woman to head a central bank in the Arab world, she needs to put the needs of Syrians—not its caretaker rulers—first

Haid Haid

The sight of Islamists in Damascus has already pushed Egypt back into the arms of its one-time Greek and Cypriot allies

Amr Emam

Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam has an eye to reclaim Lebanon as a nation for all its people, guided by the principles of the Taif Accord and rooted in inclusiveness, transparency and justice

Houssam Itani

Putin has agreed to provide Pyongyang with aid and advanced military technology in exchange for boots on the ground, but it has come at a terrible cost for the North Korean troops

Con Coughlin

Like many, I was unprepared for the torrent of emotions that gripped me on my first visit to Damascus after 13 years. These are my observations, reflections and reasons for cautious optimism.

Ibrahim Hamidi

Key questions about its organisation, participant selection, and structure have yet to be answered, raising doubts about whether it will genuinely reflect the aspirations of all Syrians

Haid Haid

Despite some softening of Cairo's diplomatic position toward Damascus, it is unnerved by the threat of political Islam nearby and the wider ambitions of states such as Türkiye

Amr Emam