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.
In the U.S.–Israel Iran war, success has been measured less by the capacity to destroy than by the ability to control escalation through force, signaling, and diplomacy.
Lebanon faces mounting pressure to resume talks with Israel despite internal divisions, ongoing attacks, and disputes over Hezbollah’s role and national consensus.
Unable to maintain control over its borders and airspace, Baghdad’s lack of sovereign control and centralized authority is a liability for the Gulf states. Fortunately, the time is ripe for a change.