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.
North African states have transitioned from passive observers into active participants in the global contest between rival superpowers. Although they are not central players, their strategic location, abundant resources and infrastructure needs render them increasingly important in global geopolitics.
Iran’s strike on Qatar marks the Gulf’s first state-to-state military action in decades, shifting Doha’s threat perception of its neighbor and underscoring the urgent need for regional defense integration.