Op-ed

By Shehab Al Makahleh • Recent ceasefire agreement reached by representatives of Russia, Iran and Turkey ― as guarantors ― on establishment of four ‘safe zones’ in Syria, during latest round of Astana peace talks on May 4, has an important strategic aspect to it, especially from the military …

The outcome of the forthcoming Iranian presidential elections will have significant effects on the country’s internal affairs, as well as its relations with major regional and global powers. By Shehab Al Makahleh • Iranian 12th presidential elections on May 19th will determine the next president of the largest Persian …

By Shehab Al Makahleh • On April 20th 2017 Russian President Vladimir Putin is meeting Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss a number of bilateral issues, with special attention given to the fight against international terrorism “in the context of Syrian settlement”, …

By Shehab Al Makahleh •  What does history have to do with Donald Trump and his presidential decisions and his possible move on the Korean Peninsula (that may lead to the Second Korean War and more)? What we know so far is that his Secretary of State Tillerson dislikes …

By Shehab al-Makahleh • March 16 marks the 6th anniversary of a war that has been described as the worst the world has seen in 50 years, and one that resulted in the death of more than 350,000 and the displacement of more than 12 million. Syria, the Cradle …

By Shehab Al-Makahleh •  As Turks cast their votes in historic referendum on constitutional changes, both domestic and foreign public, media and analysts are weighing pros and cons of either outcome. According to latest exit polls Turkish voters have handed President Erdogan sweeping new powers. The ‘Yes’ campaign won 1.25 …

By Shehab Al-Makahleh • Responding to Trump’s cruise missiles attack on Syrian Shayrat airbase, the tripartite meeting of foreign ministers of Russia, Iran and Syria was held today in Moscow. The meeting ended with a resounding ‘no’ to the Washington’s ‘Great Middle East Project’, and with equally resounding confirmation …

By Shehab Al Makahleh • The USA and the Kurds had on March 18 a meeting which focused on creating an independent Kurdish State in Syria and Iraq to be named “The Great Kurdistan” after the liberation of Raqqa City, the stronghold of Daesh. Kurdish sources said that the …

By Shehab Al-Makahleh • In the immediate aftermath of the US strike on the Syrian Shayrat airbase Russian President Putin called the attack a violation of the international law, which was shortly followed by the Russian Defense Ministry announcing suspension of the memorandum on air safety in Syria reached with the …