Middle East Foreign Policy & Analysis

Political Analysis

Syria for Sale

Anthony Trad·

15 November 2025

Strategy

Leveraging AI as a Soft Power in the GCC

Najat Al-Dawoodi·

12 November 2025

Political Analysis

The Politics of Recognition: Palestine at the Crossroads

Dr Kristian Alexander·

6 October 2025

Visitors walking through DEWA Dubai Electricity and water Authority pavilion at 43rd GITEX Global 2023, largest tech and startup event in the world in Dubai, United Arab Emirates - October 16, 2023

Strategy

Leveraging AI as a Soft Power in the GCC

Najat Al-Dawoodi 12 November 2025

A church next to a mosque, peaceful coexistence in Syria.

Social Analysis

Syria’s Emerging Grassroots Intelligentsia: From Exile to Influence?

Ola Rifai 17 October 2025

The flags of China Russia and Iran edited together.

Political Analysis

Discontented with Russia, Iran Eyes Greater Cooperation with China

Emil Avdaliani 3 October 2025

Ali Hosseini Khamenei is an Iranian cleric and politician who has served as the second supreme leader of Iran. New York, US - 19 June 2025

Political Analysis

The Nuclear Consequences of Iran’s Domestic Politics

Said Khanafira 30 September 2025

Select Articles on Iran, Israel and Regional Threat Perceptions

Flags of Israel and Iran over the map of the Middle East.

Opinion

Israel Stepped in Where the West Did Not

Dr Loqman Radpey 19 June 2025

A girl on her father's shoulders with the new Syrian flag in her hand in Damascus, Syria.

Opinion

The Fall of Syria and Iran’s Strategy of Relying on Allies

Syed Ali Abbas 13 January 2025

Graphic of Hezbollah and Israeli flags next to each other with outline of soldiers superimposed on them.

Strategy

Hezbollah-Israel Ceasefire: Timing and Obstacles

Malek Jadah 9 December 2024

Netanyahu speaking at a lectern in the U.S. Congress in Washington, DC.

Opinion

Be Careful What you Wish for, Mr. Netanyahu

David W. Lesch 6 December 2024

Political Analysis

The Politics of Recognition: Palestine at the Crossroads

Dr Kristian Alexander 6 October 2025

Discontented with Russia, Iran Eyes Greater Cooperation with China

Emil Avdaliani 3 October 2025

The Nuclear Consequences of Iran’s Domestic Politics

Said Khanafira 30 September 2025

Great Powers in Alaska and the “Middlegame” of GCC States in the Ukraine war

Dr Diana Galeeva 4 September 2025

The Shadow of the “Trigger Mechanism” over Iran

Dr Vali Kaleji 24 August 2025

Qatar’s Expanding Mediation in the Russia‑Ukraine War

Leonardo Jacopo Maria Mazzucco 13 August 2025

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Joulani, during the celebration of the revolution's victory and the lifting of sanctions. Syria, May 27, 2025.

Political Analysis

Syria for Sale

Beneath the surface of Syria’s promised recovery lie a bankrupt state, a fractured society, shattered infrastructure, and an ongoing political transition.

Anthony Trad 15 November 2025

Strategy

Assessing the Houthi Threat to Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti

Leonardo Jacopo Maria Mazzucco 2 July 2025

Russia Adjusts Its Posture in the Middle East

Emil Avdaliani 25 June 2025

Hezbollah-Israel Ceasefire: Timing and Obstacles

Malek Jadah 9 December 2024

Russian Arms Exports to the Middle East and North Africa

Zain Hussain 19 July 2024

The “Axis of Resistance” Strategy in the Israel-Hamas War

Ido Levy 9 January 2024

Algeria, Morocco and Western Sahara: Why Tension, Not Conflict, Has Become the Norm

Intissar Fakir 16 February 2023

Strategy

Leveraging AI as a Soft Power in the GCC

The GCC’s AI investments represent economic diversification, a redefinition of soft power, geopolitical independence, and state modernization.

Najat Al-Dawoodi 12 November 2025

Opinion

Man putting ballot into voting box on Syria flag background

Opinion

Electoral Politics and the Search for Legitimacy in Post-War Syria

Muhammad Amin 14 November 2025

Why Algeria Should Choose Restraint Over War – The Deterrent Power of Prestige

Djallel Khechib 24 August 2025

Another Kurdish Resolution Process Underway: Between Hope and Contradictions

Suleyman Ozeren 13 August 2025

How AI Can Help the UAE Sustain Its Post-Grey List AML Reforms

Yaron Hazan 13 August 2025

Israel Stepped in Where the West Did Not

Dr Loqman Radpey 19 June 2025

UK’s Endorsement of Morocco’s Autonomy Plan Signals Turning Point in Foreign Policy

Manara Magazine Editorial Team 5 June 2025

What does the recent Russia-Oman rapprochement mean?

Dr Diana Galeeva 8 May 2025

Social Analysis

Syria’s Emerging Grassroots Intelligentsia: From Exile to Influence?

Ola Rifai 17 October 2025

Woman. Life. Freedom. Power, Oppression, Resilience and Hope in Iran

Dr. Nina Ansary 1 May 2024

“With Education You Can Face Every Struggle”: Gendered Higher Education in Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan – Part Two: Beyond Knowledge

Dr. Lynn Rose 31 March 2022

Book Reviews

Cover of Stephanie Williams' 'Libya Since Qaddafi'.

Book Reviews

Libya Since Qaddafi: Chaos and the Search for Peace

Ambassador (ret.) Gordon Gray 2 July 2025

Book Review: “Oil Crisis in Iran: From Nationalism to Coup d’Etat” by Ervand Abrahamian

Marc Martorell Junyent 2 July 2022

Book Review: “Transitional Justice in Process: Plans and Politics in Tunisia” by Mariam Salehi

Marc Martorell Junyent 31 March 2022

Book Review: “Contested Lands: A History of the Middle East since the First World War” by T.G. Fraser

Marc Martorell Junyent 13 January 2022

Book Review: ”The Making of Eurasia: Competition and Cooperation Between China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Russia” by Moritz Pieper

Flamur Krasniqi 8 December 2021

Book Review: “Negotiating Survival: Civilian-Insurgent Relations in Afghanistan” by Ashley Jackson

Marc Martorell Junyent 8 November 2021

“Kleptopia: How Dirty Money Is Conquering the World” by Tom Burgis

Shlomo Roiter Jesner 10 May 2021

Interviews

Dr Adnan Mjalli speaking at Birzeit University.

Interviews

Conversation with Palestinian Entrepreneur and Philanthropist Dr Adnan Mjalli about Leadership, Peace, and a Sustainable Future

Manara Magazine Editorial Team 9 March 2025

The Struggles of Afghan Female Judges and Prosecutors Under Taliban Rule

Manara Magazine Editorial Team 3 April 2025

Building Trust and Transparency in the Global Energy Market – A Conversation with Rüya Bayegan

Manara Magazine Editorial Team 2 April 2025

Files From Exile: Pashtana Dorani on LEARN, Digital Literacy and Girls’ Education in Afghanistan

Tugela Pepin 10 May 2023

Women’s Freedom in Iraq: A Conversation With Yanar Mohammed

Anna Romandash 4 May 2023

Sino-Algerian Relations: Past and Present – An Interview with Dr Lina Benabdallah

Naman Karl-Thomas Habtom 8 December 2021

The Arab Spring: Past, Present, and Future – A Conversation with Paul Salem

Jemima Baar 10 May 2021

All Articles

Political Analysis

Syria for Sale

Anthony Trad 15 November 2025

Opinion

Electoral Politics and the Search for Legitimacy in Post-War Syria

Muhammad Amin 14 November 2025

Strategy

Leveraging AI as a Soft Power in the GCC

Najat Al-Dawoodi 12 November 2025

Social Analysis

Syria’s Emerging Grassroots Intelligentsia: From Exile to Influence?

Ola Rifai 17 October 2025

Washington DC, USA - October 21, 2023: Pro-Palestine protest.

Political Analysis

The Politics of Recognition: Palestine at the Crossroads

Dr Kristian Alexander 6 October 2025

Political Analysis

Discontented with Russia, Iran Eyes Greater Cooperation with China

Emil Avdaliani 3 October 2025

Political Analysis

The Nuclear Consequences of Iran’s Domestic Politics

Said Khanafira 30 September 2025

Hezbollah scouts carry the yellow party flag during a fighter’s funeral in southern Lebanon on June 21, 2025. The ceremony drew local supporters.

Political Analysis

Lebanon’s Pledge to Disarm Hezbollah: Reality or Illusion?

Farrah Al Abdallat 15 September 2025

Oman, Middle East - Circa July 2019: Shallow focus showing the Straight of Hormuz sensitive waterway located in the Persian gulf. Neighbouring, out of focus areas including Iran and Saudi are visible.

Political Analysis

Great Powers in Alaska and the “Middlegame” of GCC States in the Ukraine war

Dr Diana Galeeva 4 September 2025

Members of Security Council vote during SC meeting on situation in Gaza on resolution put forward by Algeria at UN Headquarters in New York on February 20, 2024

Political Analysis

The Shadow of the “Trigger Mechanism” over Iran

Dr Vali Kaleji 24 August 2025

Algers, Algeria - 05 July 2020: military parade in Algeria. Military equipment rides through Highway. Heavy fighting vehicles

Opinion

Why Algeria Should Choose Restraint Over War – The Deterrent Power of Prestige

Djallel Khechib 24 August 2025

STANBUL, TURKEY - SEPTEMBER 1, 2013: Supporters of the Kurdish Party gather at the mass meeting on World Peace Day. This week PKK declared that the organization will farewell to arms.

Opinion

Another Kurdish Resolution Process Underway: Between Hope and Contradictions

Suleyman Ozeren 13 August 2025

Abdullah Öcalan (PKK founder), a symbolic female fighter likely Sakine Cansız, and two Kurdish martyrs, painted in Largo Dino Frisullo, next to the Ararat Cultural Center, Rome, Italy, March, 30, 2025

Political Analysis

As PKK Lays Down Arms, What About Reintegration?

Najat Al-Dawoodi 13 August 2025

AI(Artificial Intelligence) and Financial Technology concept.Robot Hand holding stacking pile of coins and analyzing the stock market. , Financial technology, Stock chart, Investment, AI economy.

Opinion

How AI Can Help the UAE Sustain Its Post-Grey List AML Reforms

Yaron Hazan 13 August 2025

oha, Qatar - April 18, 2025: The Flag Plaza, displays 119 flags from countries with authorized diplomatic missions, including flags of the European Union, the United Nation and the GCC

Political Analysis

Qatar’s Expanding Mediation in the Russia‑Ukraine War

Leonardo Jacopo Maria Mazzucco 13 August 2025

TACOMA, WA - JULY 21: Northrop Grumman B-2A Spirit (Spirit of Ohio) flyby demonstration during Air Expo at McChord Field Joint Base Lewis-McChord on July 21, 2012 in Tacoma, WA.

Political Analysis

The Systemic Consequences of the U.S.’ Attack on Iran

Dr Ofer Israeli 12 August 2025

Published by the Cambridge Middle East and North Africa Forum (MENAF) in Cambridge, England.

ISSN 2634-3940 (Print)

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Select Articles on Iran, Israel and Regional Threat Perceptions

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Published by the Cambridge Middle East and North Africa Forum (MENAF) in Cambridge, England. ISSN 2634-3940 (Print)

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Published by the Cambridge Middle East and North Africa Forum (MENAF) in Cambridge, England.

ISSN 2634-3940 (Print)