The US wants this huge Iran-aligned group to disband, but with 240,000 personnel, an arsenal of weapons, and a $3.4bn annual budget, the PMF is closer to becoming an integral part of the Iraqi state
Tehran has long sponsored the Houthis in Yemen, which is the last member of Iran's 'axis of resistance' still standing up to Israel. Neither fully trust each other and never have.
The US and Israel want Tehran to completely dismantle its nuclear infrastructure, which it will not do. If they do decide to strike, Iran has limited options on how to respond.
Some predict partition, others federalism or fragmentation. Amidst the competing interests of Arab states, Russia, the US, Israel, Iran, Türkiye, and Europe, Syria treads its own path
Were recent strikes ordered by Trump intended as a warning to Tehran, or could they be a prelude to an expanded war? Al Majalla weighs in on the possible motives.
In Moscow, the Syrian president said he wants to restore and redefine relations former foe Russia. But is this a genuine olive branch or a message to Washington?
Speaking to Al Majalla, Yassine Jaber explained how the government had already increased tax revenue and what it plans to do to raise more money for the treasury