Despite mediating in Gaza and Sudan, Egypt’s foreign policy is constrained by economic struggles and a risk-averse stance. Its alignments with Qatar and Turkey are tactical, seeking investment and influence, but will likely result in continued reactive, low-impact diplomacy.
The strike targeted Hamas negotiators in Doha, damaging Qatar’s mediation role. It exposes unequal U.S. security commitments, prioritizing Israel over Arab allies. This will likely push Gulf states to further diversify their security partnerships with China and Russia.
The Gulf’s AI strategy focuses on hosting data centers, not innovation. Using cheap energy, they export fossil fuels embedded in digital services. This builds new leverage, merging control over hydrocarbons and computing infrastructure, which could reshape their role in climate negotiations.
“The United States’ current approach is not working and may even play into Ansar Allah’s, and by extension Iran’s, hands. A better alternative is a multidimensional long-term security strategy that ties maritime security to the Yemeni peace process… acting accordingly.”
“The success of the Houthis, who have paralyzed about 12 percent of international trade, distracting the West, suits the Russian side just fine. Moscow is not prepared to risk its remaining allies for the sake of international stability.”
“The STC’s recent takeover of Hadhramawt and Mahra… exposes new fault lines in Saudi-Emirati relations, crosses the red lines of Yemen’s neighbors, and threatens to shatter the Presidential Leadership Council… a qualitative shift far from representing a decisive endgame.”
“Europe’s push for greater strategic cohesion and autonomy is held back by poor relations between France and Turkey. Forging a common agenda around Ukraine and Black Sea security could be the place to start… conversion of necessity into results.”
By Kheder Khaddour and Issam Kayssi As Washington reduces its presence in the country, the…
“The northeast is the main arena where two strategic visions collide. One sees an interest in a Syria broken into manageable pieces; the other wagers on a top-down, centralized Syria. For the echoes of the northeast to become audible in the south, Damascus must prove it can consolidate its grip.”
“Lebanon’s new leadership faces the challenge of moving away from this approach to adopt one that is more proactive and preserves Lebanese interests while protecting the rights of the refugees to self-determination… hope and opportunity can pave the way.”