Now in his ninth decade, this pillar of Arabic TV and theatre has had his fair share of run-ins with the authorities, not least those of the Assad regime. Now it has gone, 'a weight has been lifted'

While financial obligations outlive regimes, Damascus may be able to show that some of the $7.6bn in loans from Tehran was spent repressing the Syrian people—and that Iran knew about it

From Gaza to Lebanon and Syria, this is the story of a year of tumult and surprise which has reshaped the region and echoed through global affairs. And Trump's return means more uncertainty ahead.

The incoming US president might very well reach a deal with Tehran, but it will likely be a bumpy road until then

From past to present and future, the broad range of settings for Al Majalla's selection of books was emblematic. Meanwhile, controversy over an award-winner shows the power of the written word.

Fears of an arms race amid tensions in the region come alongside ambitious growth plans and hopes to boost living standards

The region is changing, in part due to Israel's own successes. But if it leaves foreign policy decision-making to a heavily politicised clique, it may not be able to reap the rewards.

In an interview with Al Majalla, the head of the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression says that accountability is key to ensuring peaceful coexistence in a country torn apart by war

The year 2024 was replete with exceptional films that restored faith in the role of cinema in analysing and helping audiences process the chaos and destruction unfolding around them

The head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in Gaza tells Al Majalla a ceasefire in Gaza is desperately needed and warns of a humanitarian 'vacuum' without UNRWA