The origins of this mafia class can be traced back to the power vacuum the US invasion of Iraq created in 2003. 20 years later, its influence is pervasive and its presence aggravating.

Jihadists were able to portray the presence of US troops in the region as an 'occupation', which some extremists fell prey to, birthing the first wave of jihadist terrorism in the 1990s.

The new multipolar order may not prove more unstable than the era of US dominance. A closer look suggests that multipolarity offers several advantages, especially to non-Western countries.

A more assertive global south can offer innovative ways to tackle global security and the world should hear these countries out.

While security cooperation certainly does not need a large US footprint, regional partners will always prefer a robust and sizable presence.

In an exclusive interview with Al Majalla, the UN assistant secretary-general says the traditional approach of dealing with issues in silos no longer works and a 360 approach is needed.

The Black Sea cannot singlehandedly absorb all the international tension arising from the Ukraine war which means the conflict could potentially spill over into northern waters

Fears grow that much of Iran will be uninhabitable in 40 years as it diverts rivers to feed nuclear plans, worsening a long drought and risking social unrest, at the behest of the military elite

The poorest countries in the world, particularly in Africa, are largely dependent on Russian and Ukrainian grain. They stand to lose the most if a deal is not reached soon.

In a new multi-polar world, the continent will be key to the global economy, security and resources making Russia's no-strings-attached politics there an alternative to the West