Key voices in the West appear to be throwing him under the bus ahead of the approaching Israeli election

This week's cover story details how militia influence undermines state institutions, deepens sectarian divisions and creates security vacuums that IS could exploit

Should the US and Israel fail in their war on Iran, Tehran would likely expand its regional influence at the expense of Sunni Arabs, who could potentially turn to extremist groups to fight back

Washington's preferred course appears to be preserving an order administered by vying factions, rather than embarking on the uncertain and potentially perilous task of replacing it

Al Majalla spoke with Sunni Arabs across the country about the current political and security situation, listening to their concerns about the future amid regional conflict and US withdrawal  

Attacks have already increased sharply, mostly confined to the territory separating the Kurdistan Region from the rest of Iraq, following the US withdrawal in late September

The Houthis are stretched extremely thin after their territorial gains, creating an opening for government forces to apply additional pressure

In the Gulf, the In the Gulf, is still the dominant power, but Beijing is being urged to do more. Naval exercises, antenna construction, and Chinese-made missiles suggest that may already be happening

In this week's cover story, Al Majalla examines the military balance of power on the ground, the networks through which the Houthis obtain weapons, and the foreign support they receive

Walking a tightrope between Riyadh and Tehran, Beijing has little room to manoeuvre, but it is not without options. More air defence systems and drones could help defend Saudi Arabia