They cannot come to terms with their swift shift from oppressor to ordinary citizen. They are ready to exploit any opening to strip Syrians of their joy and freedom. We cannot let our guard down.

Alia Mansour

The two leaders controlling most of Syria's territory are in talks over the country's future. Much is still uncertain, but observers are hopeful that a military confrontation can be avoided.

Ibrahim Hamidi

People power helped unseat Assad and Hezbollah but were not enough on their own. It took a moment of opportunity, with the US and Israel finally deciding once and for all to curb Iranian influence.

Majed Kayali

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