Regional Policies

Executive Summary: Debates in Jordan regarding direct intervention in southern Syria to raid drug trafficking networks raise fundamental questions about whether such a move is a necessary security imperative or a strategic risk that may place Jordan before heavy burdens and complex regional repercussions. Although there has been a notable decline in drug smuggling attempts across the Jordanian border since…

While we see the escalation of Israeli raids in Syria, as well as talk of diplomatic channels between Damascus and Tel Aviv, certain discussions about Israel’s relations with the new Syrian regime are gaining traction in Israeli research centres; the report discusses the view on Syrian Israeli relations as well as views and predictions being discussed about Syria. Key points:…

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…