Opinion

The first step of talking to Putin has been taken. Now, the real work needs to be done before the outline of a lasting peace settlement can be reached.

By dismissing the territorial integrity of nation-states on a scale not seen since World War II, the US president is trading diplomacy for might-is-right politics

Transitional authorities must proceed with caution, ensuring that reforms are balanced with social stability, or they may face a new wave of unrest that could undermine their fragile grip on power

These developments could mark the early stages of larger conflicts—or an Iran-driven "war of distraction" designed to entangle the new administrations in Beirut and Damascus

The Assads never thought of Lebanon as an independent, sovereign nation, but rather as an extension of Syria. Now, there are signs that their successors may feel the same. That would harm both states.

The Kurdish-majority group ruling much of Syria's northeast has had US protection for years, but its options are quickly dwindling, and the troops are closing in. It's time for some hard decisions.

Trump's return to the White House looks poised to disrupt the Western alliance on a number of levels—from initiating trade wars to ending Washington's support for Ukraine

One of al-Sharaa's most pressing priorities will be to form a new army and integrate armed factions. Al Majalla zooms in on this challenge for its February cover story.

Seizing the Palestinian territory would involve US war crimes and utter regional chaos

HTS wants the SDF to integrate into the new Syrian army, but the Kurdish-dominated group refuses to. With the stakes higher than ever, diplomacy and concessions are key to building a stable Syria.

The region's leading cities can play a key role in rebuilding war-torn urban centres and fostering regional cooperation. A look at Istanbul's history shows how this can be done.

Aoun and Salam's selection seemed to demonstrate a renewed will to confront the pillars of corruption in the country. But with the "Shiite duo" influence so entrenched, change is being resisted.