After closing the chapter on the Assad regime's legacy, Syria's confrontation with Iran has evolved into a struggle over borders, influence and regional security. Damascus faces mounting challenges, from pursuing Hezbollah cells operating inside Syria and along the Lebanese frontier to countering the activities of Iraqi militias aligned with Tehran. Debate over whether Syria should send fighters to confront the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen has added another layer of complexity.These questions come as Syria seeks to strengthen relations with Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states and deepen security coordination with Baghdad and Beirut. Our cover story this week explores the opportunities and risks accompanying Syria’s shift from being a corridor of Iranian influence to a state intent on containing it.

Iraq at risk of fragmentation

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

Al Majalla - London

Can the Houthis be defeated?

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

Al Majalla - London