The US-Iran agreement is far more than an understanding to end a months-long war that thrust the Strait of Hormuz back to the forefront of global concern. It marks a pivotal moment—one that forces a re-examination of the Middle East’s political, security, and economic landscape and raises questions that extend well beyond the battlefield.

What is at stake is not simply whether the war has ended, but whether the region is on the cusp of a new regional order. Will the deal and potential new security order pave the way for better regional relations with Iran or revive old tensions and conflicts?

How Sharp Power Threatens Soft Power

[caption id="attachment_55255411" align="aligncenter" width="3281"] Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a signing ceremony in Beijing's Great…

Majalla

Syria: “A Problem from Hell”

[caption id="attachment_55255397" align="alignleft" width="5558"] A Syrian opposition fighter takes a selfie as fighters walk through Syria in front of Turkish troops near the Syrian border at Hassa,…

Majalla

Why Globalization Stalled

[caption id="attachment_55255345" align="aligncenter" width="4256"] US President Donald Trump (L) and China's President Xi Jinping leave a business leaders event at the Great Hall of the People in…

Majalla

Containing Russia, Again

[caption id="attachment_55255343" align="aligncenter" width="3882"] Russian President Vladimir Putin attends his New Year address to Russians in central Moscow on December 31, 2017.(Getty)[/caption] …

Majalla

How ISIS’ Strategy Is Evolving

[caption id="attachment_55255339" align="aligncenter" width="4409"] In this photograph taken on April 11, 2017, an Afghan security force personnel patrols inside a mosque during an ongoing an…

Majalla

China’s Syria Strategy

[caption id="attachment_55255333" align="aligncenter" width="4000"] Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem (L) is welcomed by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi before a meeting in Beijing on December…

Majalla