China and Russia are boycotting the event, unhappy that India has been cosying up to the West. On his part, Modi is keen to make the event a success and be seen rubbing shoulders with world leaders.

Eradication of rebels? Removal of remnants of the old regime and the transfer of authority to civilians? History shows us that many proposed outcomes from either faction in the conflict seem unlikely.

The arrest of a local leader has highlighted tensions over which groups are in control of a fragmented and war-torn land. More violence now looks likely as political faultines are revealed

Erdoğan's visit shows that, though Russia may be diminished, Putin is still able to put pressure on the Turkish president and flex his muscles. Al Majalla explores the complicated dynamics at play.

The 40th anniversary of the Mountain War – a fierce military confrontation between the Druze and Maronites, two founding groups of modern Lebanon – teaches us the importance of letting go of the past.

The global community was hoping that the Sochi summit could revive the Black Sea grain deal but no such progress was made. Al Majalla outlines what the two leaders discussed in Sochi.

Sudan's de facto leader appeared in public to refute links with Islamists and an international deal to get him out of the capital. The priority now should be UN help for a proper peace process.

The educational system in northeastern Syria is independent of other Syrian regions, which are controlled by the Syrian regime or its opposition forces. Its focus is linguistic and cultural diversity.

Distrust runs deep in the multi-ethnic, oil-rich city of Kirkuk as "rioting" and gunfire leaves young men dead. Al Majalla lifts the curtain on the events that transpired.

Fresh clashes have erupted in Kirkuk with at least one Kurdish protester reportedly killed. Al Majalla explains why the ethnically diverse city has long been a powder keg and flashpoint for violence.