Afkār is a publication of the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, providing short-form analyses, insights, and perspectives on regional issues and developments from the Council's experts and outside contributors. Afkār is published in English and Arabic, and is edited by Omar H. Rahman.
The geopolitical fallout from the US-Iran war has spilled over into Africa, where the US and China are now locked in a fierce contest for political influence and control over the continent’s vital mineral resources and trade corridors.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani’s recent visit to Beirut has significant implications and signals Syria’s efforts to redefine its relationship with Hezbollah and reset Lebanon-Syria ties based on the new geopolitical dynamics in the region.
Western, especially European, reactions to the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups reveal double standards. While Qatar faced a barrage of unfair criticism, the US has escaped accountability for organizing a tournament marred by several controversies, including visa discrimination, issues of accessibility and affordability, and bias.