Now in his ninth decade, this pillar of Arabic TV and theatre has had his fair share of run-ins with the authorities, not least those of the Assad regime. Now it has gone, 'a weight has been lifted'

From Gaza to Lebanon and Syria, this is the story of a year of tumult and surprise which has reshaped the region and echoed through global affairs. And Trump's return means more uncertainty ahead.

The incoming US president might very well reach a deal with Tehran, but it will likely be a bumpy road until then

The region is changing, in part due to Israel's own successes. But if it leaves foreign policy decision-making to a heavily politicised clique, it may not be able to reap the rewards.

In an interview with Al Majalla, the head of the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression says that accountability is key to ensuring peaceful coexistence in a country torn apart by war

The head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in Gaza tells Al Majalla a ceasefire in Gaza is desperately needed and warns of a humanitarian 'vacuum' without UNRWA

For their part, global heavyweights Russia and China recorded some successes but experienced setbacks in other areas

Key regional powers—Türkiye, Egypt, Iran—do not see eye to eye over what transpired in Syria. One emerges as a winner, the other a loser, and Syria's new Islamist-leaning leaders unsettle the third.

Many expect Trump's election will boost the populist cause in Europe, whether hopeful right-wingers or fearful leftists and centrists. Yet, the reality will likely be more nuanced.

While Syria's new leader has, so far, managed to blur the lines between political Islam and secularism, the ability of his government to withstand pressures will be put to the test