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

Steven A. Cook

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.

Haid Haid

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.

Ekrem İmamoğlu

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.

Houssam Itani

His administration is gunning for a ceasefire in the coming months, which could be a springboard for talks to reach a more comprehensive resolution to end the conflict with Russia

Con Coughlin

Despite the turbulence of the era she lived in, the Egyptian songstress and Arab icon remained a constant in people's lives. Her every song stood as a piece of timeless art.  

Samer Abou Hawwach

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