Pakistan

The murky poll outcome is not conducive to pursuing a robust foreign policy, especially with India. The foreign ministry will need to lean heavily on the military establishment for guidance.

Sharif's PML-N party wins 70 seats in parliament, which puts him in a strong position to form a coalition government

The 74-year-old former PM is campaigning across the country, vowing to position Pakistan as an economic powerhouse in Asia ahead of general elections on 8 February.

While a direct confrontation between Tehran and Islamabad seems unlikely, things could escalate if Iran feels squeezed in the Levant.

Tehran hit out at groups in Kurdistan and Syria, but its attack on Pakistan raised the most eyebrows, not least because it was met with a military response. What's going on? Lots, say analysts.

As a sportsman once renowned for his courage, dismissing Khan's potential political comeback would be foolish. But as he sits in a prison cell, it's hard to envision his return to the frontlines.