Iran's vision promises chaos; the Gulf vision promises stability. Going forward, the choices made by states and non-state actors will be highly consequential.
The release of the 86 detainees is, without doubt, welcome news for their families. But the legally questionable means used to secure the exchange should not be overlooked.
If Iran's regime isn't defeated or severely weakened, it will continue to be able to strong-arm countries across the region, threatening their security, and hold the global economy hostage.
As support for Israel weakens across the US political spectrum, once-taboo questions about military aid, lobbying influence, and US backing are moving into the mainstream
Algeria is one of Africa's largest producers of hydrocarbons, and its proximity to customers in Europe makes it of growing interest as importers fret over a prolonged supply crisis from countries
Through extravagant processions led by palace women, the Mamluk state projected a message of power and prestige at home and abroad, turning the Hajj obligation into a soft-power tool