Recent Posts

The Saudi-Qatari Competition for Influence in Syria

With the Syrian state still in its formative stage, lacking a defined political identity, two Gulf monarchies – Qatar and Saudi Arabia – are seeking to dominate Syria. This competition will only intensify as the interim Syrian government of Ahmad al-Shara’a grapples with state-building. Qatar provided a cash infusion on …

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Europe’s Delayed Reckoning With Russia

A Plan to Beat the Kremlin on Its Own Terms In the early hours of September 10, Polish and NATO forces shot down several of the 19 Russian drones estimated to have crossed into Polish airspace—an unprecedented incursion that caused consternation and alarm throughout Europe. Russia denied responsibility, implying that …

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Israel carries out systematic erasure of Gaza’s historical landmarks and cultural heritage

Israel’s large-scale military assault on Gaza City, marked by repeated and systematic bombardment of historic neighbourhoods, houses of worship, libraries, museums, archives, cemeteries, ancient homes, old markets, and the surrounding urban fabric, threatens to erase what remains of the city’s tangible and intangible heritage in its entirety. This destruction forms …

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Iran Update, September 11, 2025

Toplines Iranian media outlet Nour News highlighted the Defense Council as an important body in shaping Iran’s strategy after the Israel-Iran War. Nour News is affiliated with Supreme Leader Adviser to the Defense Council Ali Shamkhani. The Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) established the Defense Council on August 3 to …

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Signed But Not Sealed: The Geopolitics Behind Power of Siberia 2

China and Russia’s signing of the Power of Siberia 2 memorandum signals deepening ties but avoids firm commitments. If built, it would favor China, reshaping global gas markets and geopolitics. Another Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in China, another Power of Siberia pipeline agreement. In May 2014, the SCO Summit …

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Qatar Threatens to Quit Gaza Mediation After Israeli Strike

Qatar signaled on Wednesday that it may reconsider its role as a key mediator in the Gaza conflict after an Israeli strike on its soil killed members of Hamas’ negotiating team, sparking widespread international condemnation. For months, Qatar and Egypt have been central to US-supported efforts to broker a ceasefire …

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