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.

There is a cultural war being waged by foreign powers to alter the culture and character of the Syrian Arab state. Al Majalla dives deep into the issue with a series of investigative reports.

Some Syrians see the project as the Turkifaction of these areas at the expense of its Arab heritage and roots. Others are eager to learn Turkish, seeing it as a way to unlock economic opportunities.

A viral video of a Muslim boy being repeatedly struck by Hindu classmates on the orders of his teachers caused outrage. But that may suit ruling politicians chasing the votes of a dominant majority.