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.

The Backlash to Belt and Road

[caption id="attachment_55255574" align="aligncenter" width="3424"] Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 5, 2017 in Xiamen, Fujian Province of…

Majalla

Just and Unjust Leaks

[caption id="attachment_55255569" align="aligncenter" width="5288"] NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden speaks via videoconference at "Why Didn't a Tech Journalist Break PRISM?" during the 2014 SXSW…

Majalla

Did Khomeini Kidnap Moussa Al-Sadr?

[caption id="attachment_55255521" align="aligncenter" width="585"] Imam Musa al-Sadr[/caption] by Hanin Ghaddar Last month, a former Iranian parliamentarian made a statement that brought back all…

Hanin Ghaddar

A Way Forward for the Balkans?

[caption id="attachment_55255543" align="aligncenter" width="2835"] Supporters of Serbian nationalist Vojislav Seselj gather after his arrival in Belgrade on November 15, 2014.(Getty)[/caption] by…

Majalla

Resisting Surveillance

[caption id="attachment_55255540" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Tens of thousands of New Yorkers participated in a silent march to protest NYPD racial profiling, including the Stop and Frisk…

Joseph Braude

The Two-Degree Delusion

[caption id="attachment_55255535" align="aligncenter" width="3600"] Children from the remote Turkana tribe in Northern Kenya dig a hole in a river bed to retrieve water.(Getty)[/caption] by Ted…

Majalla