Middle East

Dave Holmes — The extremely rapid and unexpected fall of Syria’s Assad dictatorship is a political earthquake in the Middle East.

Gilbert Achcar explains the sudden collapse of the Syrian regime.

Bulent Gokay & Vassilis K. Fouskas — Amid the significant and rapid transformation unfolding in Syria, two sub-imperial powers, Israel and Turkey, are seeking to redesign the region.

Cihan Tuğal — Though the balance of forces has shifted in Erdoğan’s favour for the time being, fantasies about a Turkish imperial restructuring of the region are unfounded.

Joseph Daher explains why the Assad regime's toppling in Syria is important to liberation efforts across the region, especially for the Palestinian struggle.

Salih Muslim reflects on Kurdish autonomy, Turkey’s role in Syria, and Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham’s transitional government as pivotal elements shaping the country’s future and prospects for peace.

Gilbert Achcar reflects on what has happened so far in Syria to try to foresee what the future may hold.

As Syria’s map takes on new colours, Sarah Glynn looks at an extraordinary week of events and at the aims of the different actors, especially focussing on the evolution and nature of Hayʼat Tahrir al-Sham.

Paul Iddon writes that with thousands having fled the rebel offensive in Aleppo, Syrian Kurds fear for their future. Plus statements from the Syrian Democratic Forces, Syrian Democratic Council, Women’s Protection Units, Kurdistan Democratic Communities Union and Kurdistan National Congress.

Gilbert Achcar writes that after having remained relatively static for a few years, Syria has turned anew into a theatre of war. But while the future is murky at best, Leila al-Shami says Syrians can hope again.

Aida Touma-Sliman explains how the war in Gaza is fuelling a far-right surge across Israel.

Gilbert Achcar — Even if not fatal, the blow that the Zionist armed forces have inflicted on Hezbollah is much greater than in 2006.