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.
Just weeks ago, Washington and Tehran appeared to be nearing a historic moment, as observers predicted a breakthrough between the two sides and the opening of a new chapter in the Gulf. The reality has, once again, proven otherwise.
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.