Al Majalla selected The Struggle for Power as the title of this week’s cover story because Israel’s elections raise questions that reach far beyond the identity of the next prime minister. They reveal a deeper contest over the nature of political authority, the limits that define it, and the balance that governs the state’s institutions. Early results indicate that the ballot box may prolong the political stalemate rather than bring it to an end. Benjamin Netanyahu does not appear to command a clear majority, while his opponents face the daunting task of converting any electoral advantage into a coalition capable of governing. The implications of this struggle reach far beyond Israel’s borders. The next government will influence the trajectory of the confrontation with Iran, the future of Gaza, tensions with Lebanon and Syria, and relations with Washington and the Arab states.

Canada Confronts Cannabis

[caption id="attachment_55256869" align="aligncenter" width="5765"] A resident smokes a large marijuana joint during the 420 Day festival on the lawns of Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada,…

Majalla

A Trade Policy for All

[caption id="attachment_55256859" align="aligncenter" width="3600"] A general view of Qian'an steelworks of Shougang Corporation on January 20, 2016 in Tangshan, China. (Getty)[/caption] by Timothy…

Majalla

Russia as It Is

[caption id="attachment_55256857" align="aligncenter" width="5050"][/caption] by Michael McFaul Relations between Russia and the United States have deteriorated to their most dangerous point in…

Majalla

Putin's Secret Services

[caption id="attachment_55256796" align="alignnone" width="940"] Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin (L) shakes hands with local Federal Security Service (FSB) special forces officers during a…

Majalla

Vanishing Borders in the South China Sea

[caption id="attachment_55256792" align="alignnone" width="940"] DigitalGlobe imagery (overview) of the Fiery Cross Reef located in the South China Sea. Fiery Cross is located in the western part of…

Majalla

U.S.-Canadian Relations on the Rocks

[caption id="attachment_55256786" align="alignnone" width="940"] U.S. President Donald Trump (R) extends his hand to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada during a meeting in the Oval Office at the…

Majalla

Why Moderates Support Extreme Groups

[caption id="attachment_55256783" align="alignnone" width="940"] Members of the Iraqi Hezbollah Brigades, part of the Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary units, carry flags in front of portraits of fellow…

Majalla

What "America First" Will Cost Europe

[caption id="attachment_55256706" align="alignnone" width="940"] European and US Flag (Getty Images).[/caption] By Jeremy Shapiro The new U.S. ambassador to Germany, Richard Grenell, is quickly…

Majalla