The two states are working closer now than they have for decades, with Hezbollah a common problem. But Syria's army entering Lebanon is not the answer.
War in the Gulf has left petroleum importers like Egypt urgently reviewing how to wean themselves off fossil fuels. Ditching the combustion engine is top of the list.
Tom Barrack travelled to Erbil to meet representatives from Iraq and Syria to discuss Kurdish-American cooperation and the need to tackle pro-Iranian militias
Recent strikes show how workers are beginning to use Syria's expanded civic space to make economic and social demands. The government should see this as a warning, but also an opportunity.
Even if diplomatic progress continues, the Strait could be closed again. As a result, the geopolitical risk premium attached to Gulf energy exports is unlikely to disappear entirely.
Last month's floods exposed gaps in coordination and governance. Addressing them now will determine whether the next rise in the river becomes a managed risk or another costly emergency.
Legislation to fund the American military and intelligence services will include requirements that Israeli defence firms be involved in sensitive projects and that classified information be shared
Even if diplomatic progress continues, the Strait could be closed again. As a result, the geopolitical risk premium attached to Gulf energy exports is unlikely to disappear entirely.