Author: Gokhan Ereli

In late Nov. 2024, opposition groups in Syria launched a coordinated military campaign in Aleppo, Hama and Homs. By the first week of December, their actions culminated in a historic outcome: the liberation of Damascus and the collapse of Bashar Assad’s regime, which had ruled Syria since 2000 and the end of Baathist rule that had dominated the country since 1963. This tectonic shift in Middle Eastern geopolitics has redirected the region’s focus from the ongoing Gaza-centered conflict, which has nearly escalated into an all-out war between Israel and Iran over the past 18 months, to Syria. In response to…

Qatar’s decision to suspend its mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas and the sweeping Cabinet reshuffle are not isolated actions; they are intertwined maneuvers within a unified strategic framework aimed at fortifying the nation’s stance amid shifting regional and global dynamics. Together, these actions reveal a nation positioning itself proactively for the future. With Donald Trump’s imminent return to the U.S. presidency and the potential for heightened regional tensions, Qatar is bolstering its readiness as a mediator and a resilient actor capable of maintaining influence in both diplomatic and security arenas. Readjusting regional relations In early November, Majid al-Ansari, spokesperson…