Sadr’s 2022 withdrawal was a strategic repositioning; through social activism, his movement remains influential and poised for a comeback.

The SDF’s collapse ends Kurdish-led autonomy in Syria, leaving Kurds facing uncertain integration into a unified state.

Sudani’s bloc won most seats, but Shia rivals and U.S.-Iran tensions complicate his path to a second term.

UN condemnations and sanctions have failed to halt Iran’s brutal crackdown; military intervention to protect human rights remains legally and politically fraught.

Saudi Arabia sees a stable, prosperous Syria as central to a new Arab economic and security order, countering Iran and extremism.

Iran-backed Afghan and Pakistani fighters are entering Iraq as “pilgrims” and integrating into PMF bases, challenging Baghdad’s sovereignty.

Trump’s Gaza ceasefire faces major hurdles: Hamas survives, the PA is weak, and international forces remain reluctant to deploy.

Israel freed hostages and holds buffer zones, but Hamas survives, governs half of Gaza, and gained diplomatic stature—making victory ambiguous.

The UAE cultivates Europe’s far right to advance its anti-Brotherhood agenda, risking the spread of Islamophobia and distorted political discourse.

Syria’s Druze are divided between secessionist calls, fueled by massacres, and a long history of national struggle, with Israel’s role complicating loyalties.