Buthaina Shaaban As the 2024 U.S. presidential election looms, global tensions are reaching a boiling point, particularly in the Middle East. The region has been thrown into turmoil, with Israel’s relentless military operations causing widespread destruction in Gaza and Lebanon. Meanwhile, the American political landscape is on the …

Ameera Sami Economic sanctions have long been touted as a peaceful alternative to military intervention, a tool that allows nations to apply pressure on rogue states without firing a single shot. From curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions to addressing human rights violations in Myanmar, sanctions are often viewed as …

Dr. Shehab Al-Makahleh In recent years, the discourse surrounding the expansionist dream of “Greater Israel” has reemerged with unsettling prominence within Israeli politics. Figures like Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a key representative of Religious Zionism, are now vocal proponents of a vision that stretches well beyond the borders …

It has been a year since the announcement of the enlargement of the now-recognized BRICS Plus, which saw Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates all adhered to the group, collectively representing over 30 percent of the global GDP and nearly half of the world’s …

Israel Mulls Its Iran Options: With considerable trepidation, the Middle East, and indeed the wider world, is awaiting Israel’s response to Iran’s massive October 1st missile barrage on the Jewish state. The White House, fearful of a wider regional war, is exerting massive (albeit mostly quiet) pressure for Jerusalem to …

Eng. Saleem Al Batayneh In psychology, there’s a phenomenon called Stockholm Syndrome, a condition where the victim begins to sympathize with and even feel loyalty toward their oppressor. This is an apt metaphor for what has been happening to the educational systems in many Arab countries. As we …

Diplomacy has expanded beyond physical borders to include the digital realm. Cyberdiplomacy—the intersection of diplomacy and cybersecurity—is now crucial for maintaining international peace and security. While countries like Estonia have risen as global leaders in cyberdiplomacy, positioning themselves at the forefront of international cybersecurity cooperation, Latin America still …

Social media has radically transformed the way people engage with politics and geopolitical issues. Platforms such as TikTok, X (formerly known as Twitter), and Instagram have emerged as crucial arenas where political debates unfold, ideologies are shaped, and global issues are framed. The brevity of content, ease of …

The impending Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Islamabad on October 15-16, 2024, is a momentous event for Pakistan and the whole Eurasian region. Since becoming a full member in 2017, Pakistan has gradually increased its involvement in this significant regional group, which strives to improve political, economic, …