Middle East

The Fall of Assad Brings a New Middle East

It took just 11 days for Syrian rebels to force Bashar al-Assad to flee the country and impose a new revision of the strategic map in the Middle East. The Syrian strongman had for nearly 14 years held off an uprising that many believed had been exhausted. But his downfall followed a series of battlefield convulsions for other allies of ...

The Fall of Assad: Another Major Setback for Hezbollah and Its Allies

The collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime delivers a major blow to the Iranian axis in the region, with Hezbollah bearing the brunt of the impact. Assad's departure signals the disintegration of the once-aspired "Shia Crescent," which aimed to connect Tehran to Beirut via Baghdad and Damascus. As a new Middle East takes shape ...

The Assad Reign in Lebanon: Discord and Destabilization

Four years ago, Lebanon celebrated the centennial of Greater Lebanon’s creation. It is important to acknowledge that almost half of these one hundred years were marked by the unfortunate conflicts with the Assad regime, from the early 1970s to the dramatic downfall of Bashar al-Assad and his regime on December 8, a historic day. Lebanon’s ...

Syria: The Middle East’s Berlin Wall Has Fallen

It only took a few days for the "rebels" to overthrow one of the world's most tyrannical regimes—almost without a fight. At this point, it’s still difficult to understand how such a heterogeneous group, mostly armed with light weapons—at least according to the images we've seen—managed to bring down the Assad regime, which has been in ...

Lebanese Leaders Hail the Fall of the Syrian Regime

The announcement of the Syrian regime's fall has sparked strong reactions from Lebanese political figures, highlighting shared histories and hopes for a new chapter in Syrian-Lebanese relations. Former Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Joumblatt showed solidarity with Syria's people following years of conflict and oppression. He ...

Moto: Rafic Eid Shines in Dubai and Sets His Sights on Dakar

Lebanese rider Rafic Eid has made a resounding achievement by securing second place in the final standings of the 2024 World Off-Road Rally Cup (Baja) in the veterans category. This performance, just a month before the legendary Dakar Rally, marks a pivotal turning point in the career of this bold and ambitious driver. An Exceptional Journey in ...

Unholy Alliance: The Dark Forces of Iran and Russia Undermining the Middle East

The relationship between Russia and Iran has always piqued interest, often characterized as a unique alliance shaped by the complex geopolitics of the Middle East. This partnership has been notably reinforced through their mutual support for the Assad regime in Syria, enabling both nations to strengthen their military and economic connections. ...

Auto: Dania Akeel Makes History by Winning the FIA Middle East Baja Cup

Saudi driver Dania Akeel achieved a remarkable feat by securing the title of the FIA Middle East Baja Cup during the Dubai International Baja held this past weekend. A historic victory that marks a turning point in motorsport in the Middle East. An impressive journey Dania Akeel succeeded in clinching the title in this prestigious regional ...

Aleppo Loss Marks a Turning Point for Assad’s Regime

The ease with which rebel groups captured Aleppo (North) and advanced toward central Syria has shaken Bashar al-Assad’s legitimacy, fueling the ambitions of his opponents, analysts unanimously say. The capital remains well-defended, with the army launching a counteroffensive on Wednesday, aided by Russian airstrikes. However, the blow dealt in ...

Saudi Crown Prince's UAE Visit Focuses on Preventing New Regional Conflicts

Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler discussed "new crises" in the Middle East with the UAE's president during his first visit to the country in three years, Emirati media said. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE leader Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met on Sunday in Al Ain, a former oasis on the Omani border, hours after a Gulf Cooperation ...

The End of an Era

The Iranian revolutionary imaginary and its strategic projections are gradually coming to an end with the unraveling of the proxies tapestry, the destruction of its operational platforms and the debunking of its political mythologies. The conjunction of internal crises with the demise of the imperial dominion is no hazard; it’s the outcome of ...

Macron’s Future Visit to Riyadh: Strengthening Strategic Ties With KSA

French President Emmanuel Macron, leveraging his role in the Lebanon ceasefire, hopes to bring Saudi Arabia back into play in Beirut and strengthen France's influence in the Middle East during a state visit to Riyadh starting Monday. The head of state, who will spend three days in Saudi Arabia, also aims to project a "new ambition" in relations ...