Opinion

Unlike the Taliban approach with the US in Afghanistan, Sharaa distinguished between victory and vengeance— between hostility towards Assad and relations with Russia

Trump said that Israel was "very happy" with the deal, only for Netanyahu to reject the deal that calls for Israel's withdrawal, along with the disarmament of Hamas

Riyadh has made clear its vision for the future of a "new Middle East"—and it is one based on mutual respect, unity, peace and prosperity

The new bylaws are a good step forward, but can be exploited if parliamentary leadership uses its extensive powers to limit scrutiny of the executive branch

The message behind the newly-formed Mecca alliance is clear: the region is no longer content to rely solely on others for its security. It is taking matters into its own hands.

The new military pact among Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye could potentially create a regional environment favourable to Damascus

Global and regional players are uniting to develop a more effective way to combat the Yemeni group. But a tactical win is not enough to ensure enduring peace.

Stability cannot depend on suppressing every institution capable of organising dissent

Oman and Iran have seized the diplomatic initiative to reopen the Hormuz Strait, holding bilateral talks to this end

Until Arab states reclaim authority over decisions of war and peace, and dissolve militias that operate outside state authority, tensions will remain

Regional states have come to the realisation that fighting 'axis' members individually will have little effect, and any tactical success will likely be short-lived

Jordanians are largely unaware of the nature, scale, and implications of reform as serious political, economic, and administrative changes unfold