Opinion

Washington's new vision of the world ditches alliances, plants an American flag in South America, embraces Israel and hydrocarbons, and lets Europe dangle.

President Donald Trump sees the world in terms of spheres of influence, power, and deals. This leaves little room for alliances, multilateralism, humanitarianism, or anything other than US interests.

Soldiers singing about 'rivers of enemies blood' has spooked Tel Aviv, where a minister said 'war' was now inevitable. For Syria's president, the moment requires a fine balance.

Once upon a time, America and Europe were on the same page when it came to foreign policy. These days, they aren't even in the same library. Russia has taken note.

The movement has been banned before but has always adapted to the circumstances to survive. After its latest proscription, the pen may become the group's foremost enemy.

A former spy chief and a billionaire cousin of Bashar al-Assad are plotting sectarian strife from the Moscow exile. It won't work, despite the raging and the millions being spent. Syria has moved on.

For the first time in a long time, Syrians are looking to the future with a renewed sense of hope that had been stifled for decades

If 2025 demonstrated the promise of transition, the coming year is when the hard work of reform, justice and accountability must begin. Syrians want more than promises; they want results.

The prospects of a breakthrough remain bleak as Putin blames Europe for sabotaging a 28-point peace plan agreed on with the US

The country's leadership appears directionless and confused. But make no mistake, this is dysfunction by design.

Israel's prime minister continues to pick fights in his northern neighbour for personal political reasons, despite Washington and the Arab world wanting Syria to succeed

Israel's aggression and territorial expansion have become a political, financial, and moral burden, as they have on its Western government allies, who find it increasingly difficult to defend