From Balkh to Konya: Discovering Rumi’s spiritual geopolitics

While Jalal al-Din Rumi is synonymous with Islamic mysticism, a deeper dig brings to light the West Asian political changes and upheaval that shaped his world and other-worldly view.

Iraqi, Turkish defense ministers discuss cooperation and security

The meeting comes after years of Turkiye's violations of Iraqi sovereignty in its fight against the PKK

Israel’s uncertain future in the wake of Great Power conflict

As global power dynamics continue to shift, Israel's close western alignment could limit its ability to engage with emerging powers in the east. Arch-rival Iran, which has established ties with Russia and China, will be better positioned to gain from the shifting geopolitical landscape.

US and Saudi policies diverge over Yemen

Riyadh wants to exit its Yemen quagmire and is willing to end the siege on Ansarallah-controlled areas. Washington will have none of that, and is sabotaging a Saudi-Yemeni peace deal.

Tunisian president seeks resumption of diplomatic ties with Syria

This represents the recent Arab embrace of Syria following the devastating earthquake that struck the country last month

Iranian foreign minister arrives in Nicaragua to strengthen bilateral relations

Iranian Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, said Iran pursues boosting relations with Latin American countries

Dialogue can solve differences with Iran, Afghanistan: Saudi FM

Saudi Arabia and Iran have for years vied for influence in a rivalry that has played out across the region

A Moscow meeting shatters fantasies of a Syrian ‘confederation’

Russian-brokered Syrian-Turkish rapprochement will bury prospects of a divided Syria, with the potential for opposition factions to be co-opted into the armed forces.

Why the CIA attempted a ‘Maidan uprising’ in Brazil

The failed coup in Brazil is the latest CIA stunt, just as the country is forging stronger ties with the east.

Predictions for 2023? Annus horribilis with some surprising upsides

The Cradle's writers offer up their predictions for 2023. The common theme is massive global shifts, some good, some bad.

Iran, China fix diplomatic blunder following Xi’s Saudi visit

Tehran takes a hard stand as Xi Jinping discovers the Persian Gulf can be a diplomatic minefield.

US bargains over Iran’s unrest

The US has voiced willingness to end support for Iran's protest movement if Tehran stops selling drones to Moscow and makes concessions on its nuclear program.

Zelensky calls for Iran to be ‘punished’ over drone supplies

Just a few days ago, a Ukrainian official called for military strikes against the Islamic Republic

The Huseynyun: Iran’s challenge in forming a ‘Hezbollah of the Caucasus’

Azerbaijan’s Huseynyun is the least known of all Shia resistance factions backed by Iran, but its profile is growing.

‘Peaceful modernization’: China’s offering to the Global South

Xi Jinping just offered the Global South a stark alternative to decades of western diktats, war, and economic duress. 'Peaceful modernization' will establish sovereignty, economy, and independence for the world's struggling states

Global finance vs global energy: who will come out on top?

There is more to the current struggle between the oil-consuming west and the oil-producing nations than meets the eye and it runs far deeper than the war in Ukraine

Oil cuts: A perfect storm in US foreign policy 

The Biden administration’s poor dealings with oil producing countries will have major political and economic ramifications for the west

‘Samarkand Spirit’ to be driven by ‘responsible powers’ Russia and China

The SCO summit of Asian power players delineated a road map for strengthening the multipolar world

Ukraine: Somewhere between Afghanization and Syrianization

Ukraine is finished as a nation - neither side will rest in this war. The only question is whether it will be an Afghan or Syrian style finale.

How Arab states perceive the US-China standoff

West Asian countries recognize China’s sovereign claims over Taiwan, yet many of them still rely on the US militarily and politically, so where do they stand?

Weaponization of water: Turkey flexes its muscles over Syria and Iraq

The Euphrates, West Asia’s longest river, is the source of current and future conflicts between Turkey and its neighbors as Ankara strives to project power in the region

How the US controls Lebanon’s energy supply

Far from helping Lebanon solve its acute energy crisis, the US is leveraging Egypt’s gas supply to pressure Beirut over US-brokered maritime border talks with Israel

First Israeli airliner flies over Saudi Arabia’s airspace

The flight operated by Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific airline took off from Hong Kong and landed in Tel Aviv on the morning of 4 August

With eye on the CIA, Moscow cracks the whip at Israel 

The Jewish Agency is Israel's life source and the Kremlin shut it down this month. The fallout may be a measurable schism between Moscow and Tel Aviv, in which the latter has a lot to lose.

India-Russia-Iran: Eurasia’s new transportation powerhouses

No longer just an 'alternative route' on a drawing board, the International North South Transportation Corridor (INSTC) is paying dividends in a time of global crisis. And Moscow, Tehran and New Delhi are now leading players in the Eurasian competition for transportation routes.

Iran president warns of harsh response to US, Israel provocations

President Raisi gave his speech as President Biden visited the region to facilitate normalization deals between Tel Aviv and Riyadh

Saudi Arabia prepares to allow commercial flights to and from Israel: Report

The kingdom has permitted Israeli flights over its airspace, as well as Muslim pilgrims from Israel to travel to Mecca

Biden’s upcoming visit to West Asia to facilitate deals between Israel, KSA: Reports

One report from Israeli media suggests that Israel will agree to the transfer of two Red Sea islands from Egypt to Saudi Arabia

US antisemitism tzar in Saudi Arabia ahead of Joe Biden’s visit

The Saudi monarchy has deepened cooperation ties with Tel Aviv at the same time as several other Arab states have criminalized the normalization of ties with Israel

Syrian refugees in Turkey: From opportunity to Achilles heel

Even though Turkey's massive refugee problem is a direct consequences of the AKP's Syria policy, both the government and the opposition try to avoid its solution: ending the war in Syria.