The events of October 7, 2023, marked a turning point for the Levant, exposing long-standing structural weaknesses in governance, legitimacy, and state institutions. This policy brief examines how the decline of Hezbollah, Syria’s post-Assad transition, and shifting regional dynamics have created both challenges and opportunities for rebuilding resilient states. It argues that durable stability depends on inclusive governance, institutional reform, the conditional integration of non-state actors, and coordinated international support to strengthen sovereignty, promote political participation, and foster sustainable peace across the region.

China–GCC relations have historically been characterized by a deep economic interdependence, primarily dominated by the Gulf’s energy supplies to China.

China–GCC relations have historically been characterized by a deep economic interdependence, primarily dominated by the Gulf’s energy supplies to China.

On 17 June 2026, the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran digitally signed the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which consists of a 14-point framework aimed at ending the war that erupted on 28 February 2026. This framework outlines a comprehensive peace agreement to be negotiated within 60 days of the MoU, with the possibility of extending this period by mutual consent of the parties involved.