Assad's exit, in december 2024, resulting from internal unrest, military setbacks, Hezbollah’s recent defeat in its war with Israel, and growing external pressure, enabled Ahmad al-Sharaa, former leader of the Sunni rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), to assume leadership. Sharaa’s rise represents a significant shift in Syria's political landscape, with deep implications for Lebanon, which has been heavily influenced by Syria throughout its history. Under Syria's new leadership, Lebanon faces both opportunities and risks.
Read more »Tag archives: Israel
The Middle East awaits as Trump and Netanyahu meet
The meeting in Washington between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump is likely to set a new tone and a new page in Israel-US relations, after a sometimes tense relations during the Biden administration. Before leaving for America, Netanyahu clearly set his agenda by saying that he hopes his talks in Washington will help further redraw the map of the Middle East. That also means Iran will be high on the list of topics.
Read more »Foreign Affairs Council: HR Kaja Kallas on the Middle East and US
EU's Foreign Affairs Council reached the political agreement to begin easing sanctions on Syria. HR Kaja Kallas said that this could give a boost to the Syrian economy and help the country get back on its feet.
Read more »Tears and Smiles in Iran After the Fall of Bashar Assad
The collapse of Bashar Assad marks a significant and impactful event for Iran. On one hand, grief and regret can be observed among the leaders of the Islamic Republic, as they have lost their most critical regional ally. On the other hand, this event has sparked a wave of joy and optimism among the Iranian people, as the weakening of a religious regime in the region amplifies hope for the eventual downfall of the Islamic government in Iran. In a situation where the Islamic regime faces the dual challenges of losing its proxy forces and strategic ally while confronting a more determined population, the question arises: what pivotal changes await Iran after the fall of Assad's government?
Read more »The Iranian Opposition after the Fall of Assad
Contrary to the expectations of the opposition, the weakening the axis of resistance after the fall of Assad, may backfire and increase pressure on the Iranian opposition. Therefore, although there has been relatively high optimism and hope for the Iranian opposition after the fall of Assad, the main difference between the regime in Iran and Assad is represented by the supporters of the Iranian establishment.
Read more »Sweden will no longer fund UNRWA
Sweden will no longer fund the U.N. refugee agency for Palestinians (UNRWA) but instead provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza via other channels
Read more »Cancelled flights again over ME tensions
Concerns over a wider conflict in the Middle East have prompted international airlines to suspend flights to the region or to avoid affected air space.
Read more »How would Iran’s “friends” Russia and China react in case of an open conflict with Israel
Although China, Russia, and Iran are on the same page in their dissatisfaction with the current state of the world order and have relatively effective interactions with each other, they have never sought a military alliance and balance to counter and provoke the West; There is little likelihood of such an alliance in the near future. A closer look at Russia's history reveals a trend of lack of military support for its allies and signatories of military agreements following the Cold War.
Read more »The future of UNRWA is a test of our humanity
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell As the worst humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza’s history is unfolding, the Israeli Parliament has adopted laws to make the operations of UNRWA all but impossible. The UN Security Council has expressed its grave concern and the EU has condemned any attempt to abrogate the 1967 agreement between Israel and UNRWA. The Agency is …
Read more »Naim Qassem – Hezbollah’s new chief
More than a month after the killing of leader Hassan Nasrallah by Israeli, during an air raid, Hezbollah announced the appointment of Naim Qassem as its new secretary general.
Read more »