Regional Policies

Executive Summary Many have pressed for strikes on Iran because of its uniquely vulnerable position. A key distinction in approaches to Iran is exemplified by Mike Waltz’s insistence on dismantling Iran’s nuclear program, compared to Steve Witkoff’s preference to focus mainly on preventing the development of nuclear weapons. Witkoff is leading negotiations and his approach is dominant, although as negotiations…

The Syrian landscape is witnessing a major shift following the announcement on 13 April 2025 of the dissolution of the Eighth Brigade and its complete absorption, both in personnel and equipment, into the Syrian Ministry of Defence. The brigade had been the most prominent armed formation in Daraa Governorate and, since the fall of Assad’s regime, had posed a persistent…

Major historical-political events or turning points are closely linked to the movement of ideas. They often lead to new intellectual waves that emerge after previous trends. The current war of extermination in Gaza, with its massive emotional and visual impact and the anger and resentment it stirs among broad segments of Arab societies, will undoubtedly have significant ideological and intellectual…

The “Syria Post-Assad: Scenarios and Regional Dynamics” two-day workshop brought together a diverse group of experts, academics, and policymakers from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, the United States, Europe, and Russia. The Politics and Society Institute, in partnership with Middle East Council on Global Affairs, convened these experts alongside a cohort of Syrian analysts, members of civil…

This material was published in the second issue of the Jordanian Politics and Society magazine (JPS). In recent years, Jordanian-Iraqi relations have witnessed a qualitative leap, following a long period marked by much doubt and caution between the two sides. While it cannot be said that the development of this relationship has completely eliminated the previous situation, it has made…

This material was published in the second issue of the Jordanian Politics and Society magazine (JPS). The term national security of states refers to the protection and preservation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a state and the well-being of its citizens from external and internal threats. It includes a wide range of measures, including protection of national sovereignty,…

Indicators in the Syrian landscape point towards a Détente that aligns with the broader trend in Syria towards increased stability. Following the tripartite meeting that included the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), and the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), on Monday, 18 February, several fundamental decisions were made. These decisions create an atmosphere…

This material was published in the second issue of the Jordanian Politics and Society magazine (JPS). The Iranian regional strategy has raised many questions regarding the objectives it seeks to achieve in the Middle East. Are these objectives tied to Iran’s vision for the region, or are they more focused on countering adversaries and rivals? Regardless of the nature of…

This material was published in the second issue of the Jordanian Politics and Society magazine (JPS). Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. elections and his preparation to return to the White House in January 2025 have created a state of cautious anticipation in the region. This comes amidst the ongoing Israeli extermination war on the Gaza Strip, which has persisted…

This material was published in the second issue of the Jordanian Politics and Society magazine (JPS). The concept of a national or regional role in analysing a country’s foreign policy is mated with other key central concepts, such as the concept of “status” and “sources of power,” general orientations of foreign policy, concepts of national interests, national security, sources of…