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.

Pompeo Draws a Red Line

[caption id="attachment_55256395" align="alignnone" width="940"] Mike Pompeo, U.S. secretary of state, speaks at the Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Monday, May 21, 2018. (Getty…

Joseph Braude

America’s JCPOA Departure

[caption id="attachment_55256341" align="aligncenter" width="5369"] President Donald J. Trump walks out after signing a National Security Presidential Memorandum and announcing the withdrawal of the…

Joseph Braude

The Never-Ending War on Terror

[caption id="attachment_55256344" align="aligncenter" width="4920"]A general view shows smoke and flames rising behind the minaret of a mosque in Yarmuk, a Palestinian refugee camp on the edge of…

Majalla

The Crisis of Currency Rates in Iran

[caption id="attachment_55256302" align="alignnone" width="940"] An Iranian woman walks past a mural on the wall of the former US embassy in the Iranian capital Tehran on May 8, 2018. (Getty Images)[…

Majalla

Taiwan Battles a Brain Drain

[caption id="attachment_55256284" align="alignnone" width="940"] Taiwanese high school graduates, wearing headbands reading "Victory", boost their morals in their crammed classroom in Taipei, 27 June…

Majalla

How Elections Can Lead to Peace

[caption id="attachment_55256276" align="alignnone" width="940"] This photo taken on April 14, 2018 shows an Afghan employee of the Independent Election Commission (IEC) registering a resident at a…

Majalla