Although it scored some achievements, the Syrian Union was controversial from the start and became a huge headache for the French Mandate, which dissolved it after two years

Early signs are good, but in this crucial map-drawing transition period, there are some important lessons to be learnt and some understandable urges to be quashed if civil war is to be avoided

Syrians are rejoicing over the overthrow of a despised dictator, but it could still be some time before they genuinely reap the benefits of liberation. The coming months will be telling.

A flag that has become synonymous with opposition to Assad rule was actually the flag of the first Syrian Republic under French mandate. Al Majalla debunks regime lies about what this flag represents.

The award-winning novelist who was forced into exile has a new book in the works, but with the horrors of war in his homeland still unfurling, this latest offering is different, he tells Al Majalla

If it's not careful, Tehran could soon experience what their Syrian client just did: the sudden implosion of a rotten regime 

Faced with threats to use weapon supply as a tool of leverage against Israel, one would expect to have Israel's defence industry leaders dead with worry. But that is not the case.

Rapprochement with Morocco, wariness of Algeria, disinterest in Tunisia, avoidance of Libya and support for Mauritania look likely as trade leads the 'America first' agenda of the returning president

The state has been through various iterations, each distinct from the others. Understanding them helps explain where Israel is today—and where it may be heading.