In 1511, there were places in Mecca specifically designated for selling and drinking coffee, known as coffee houses. Decades later, the first café opened in Istanbul.

To capitalise on this moment, he should bring the current open conflict to a close, but with peace conditions that eliminate the risk of another October 7, and build on the Abraham Accords

Damascus has artificially lowered prices for years, but Syrians today cannot afford basics like fuel without them, meaning its budget has become a delicate balancing act

In an exclusive interview with Al Majalla, the former Turkish president discusses Syria-Turkey reconciliation efforts, the potential for an Iran-Israel war, and other pressing regional issues

A new wave of social and demographic re-engineering is unfurling that includes Syrians, Palestinians, and displaced Lebanese Shiites

Despite sanctions, Iran is still a big oil producer, with huge refining capacity. It also controls waterways crucial to the flow of Gulf oil. Yet the West has reserves and China's demand is dropping.

Lebanese political alliances are crumbling. Many who stayed silent about Hezbollah for years have started voicing criticism of the group now that it has been decapitated by Israel.

As we bear witness to the endless livestream of death and destruction on our phones, it is important to call Israel's war on Gaza what it truly is: a genocide