In a striking illustration of instrumentalism and moral fluidity, a recent 60 Minutes segment aired by CBS News introduces the world to Ahmed al-Sharaa — a man once buried in the shadows of terrorism, now stepping into the light of political legitimacy. Just decades ago, al-Sharaa was a senior member of al-Qaeda who went by Read more
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The mutual defense pact signed on September 17, 2025, between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is more than a symbolic gesture of friendship between two long-time partners. It marks a turning point in the security architecture of the Middle East and South Asia, signaling that old assumptions about dependence on external protectors, sectarian divisions, and regional alliances are Read more
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The recent developments surrounding former jihadist Ahmed al-Sharaa—formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani—and his transformation from a wanted terrorist leader into a sitting president welcomed by the President of the United States illustrate a deeply troubling fact in international relations: the arbitrary use of the “terrorism” label and economic sanctions as tools of political convenience Read more
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What happens in SWANA will not Stay in SWANA by Ahmed Souaiaia Abstract: The ongoing crises in Syria and Turkey are deeply intertwined with broader regional dynamics, including the ongoing instability in the Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA) region. This article analyzes these events through the lens of the Systems Thinking Framework (STF), which Read more
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by Ahmed Souaiaia Since the start of the protest movement popularly known as the Arab Spring in 2011, all countries in Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA) have been impacted and the level of change in each of these countries depended on domestic, regional and global factors. However, there is one variable that established itself Read more
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by Shaher Shaher * Arab countries need Chinese investments with high added value, not only to obtain natural resources of global value in terms of manufacturing and logistical services, but also to link the region to each other, to its surroundings in Africa and Europe, and in Asia, which is led by China today. The Read more
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According to exclusive media reports, US and Syria are holding secret talks in Oman. A senior diplomatic source in the Arab League revealed to some media outlets that US officials are holding direct talks with a Syrian delegation, which comes in the wake of a regional push to restore relations with the war-torn country. The Read more
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by Ahmed E. Souaiaia* About six months after the inauguration of the Biden administration, nearly 90% of the US fighting troops are pulled out of Afghanistan. The vacuum was filled immediately by Taliban forces who claimed that they now control 85% of the country. After having spent nearly three trillion dollars on the invasion of Read more
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