Ankara had a role to play in the fall of the Assad regime, though the full details are yet to emerge. It will have a role in its state-building too, albeit with some big difficulties to overcome first

Using information from well-placed sources both in Syria and outside, Al Majalla pieces together events in those 11 momentous days that toppled Bashar al-Assad's regime, shaking Syria and the region

Better than any simulator, multiple conflicts throughout the war-torn region are proving to be a boon for the testing and showcasing of weapons, and the battle-hardening of fighters

A deal to give Ethiopia commercial Red Sea access in return for its recognition of Somali territorial integrity has been brokered by Ankara to much acclaim. Where does that leave Egypt?

Geir Pedersen is no stranger to Middle East hotspots, but for six years his mission in Syria was frustrated by the Assad regime. With Assad gone, the priorities are stability and inclusivity, he says

Assad's fall means Iran loses its contiguous land corridor. Without it, 'Axis of Resistance' forces will find it difficult to work together. Meanwhile, Iran's ally, Russia, looks to be on its way out.

Tuareg rebels who have long sought to form the independent nation of Azawad have come together to fight Mali's new military leaders and their Russian mercenary friends. Will it help them?

Russia's claim of being a steadfast guarantor of security for allies has been dented, which could affect its expansion into Africa and Latin America and strain its ties with Central Asian countries

The end of Assad's rule also means the end of his influence in Lebanon, and Lebanese politicians who served the interests of Damascus for decades could see their power drastically curtailed

Early signs are good, but in this crucial map-drawing transition period, there are some important lessons to be learnt and some understandable urges to be quashed if civil war is to be avoided