Discussions aimed at reaching a mutual understanding are vital to preventing miscalculation from either side

Baghdad wants good relations with Washington, but its ties with Tehran run deep. Under increased pressure, it may have to pick a side once and for all.

The two atomic bombs dropped on Japan by the US remain a subject of intense debate, and the world is still learning the lessons of those fateful events

Much more than good optics, the move aims to optimise the efficacy of governance at a critical inflexion point

Is Iraq finally stepping out from under Iran's shadow? Al Majalla covers the story from different angles and perspectives.

A pressure campaign by Washington to curb Tehran's influence over Baghdad seems to be yielding results, but any moves to disarm Iran-allied militias could stoke serious violence

Washington's long-term strategy to unshackle Iraq from Iranian influence is yielding results. Having pulled a potent mix of financial and military levers, the militias have been eerily quiet of late.

The formation of a parallel government in Sudan is not the beginning of a solution, but the deepening of a moral and political crisis

In areas like Daraa and Sweida, local groups are elbowing their way into some of the smuggling voids left by Assad's army and pro-Iranian groups like Hezbollah. That means more to fight over.

An international conference in New York this week generated momentum towards diplomatic recognition, but what precisely would be recognised? The West Bank is splintered and Gaza is under rubble.