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 U.S. president’s visit provided Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE with an opportunity to shape Washington’s policy toward the region on issues ranging from artificial intelligence and defense to regional diplomatic files.
While the Sahel has long been a hotspot for insurgents and jihadists, inter-state conflict is rising and could explode without swift diplomatic action.
Ankara is strategically expanding its outreach to the Haftar family, adjusting to regional geopolitical shifts and positioning itself as a key mediator.
Beijing’s role in regional security remains limited by its own non-interventionist policy, continued U.S. dominance and regional states’ push for strategic autonomy.
A fragile power-sharing deal in Syria offers a rare opportunity for the interim government to cultivate greater international credibility and work toward a sustainable, equitable peace.
With U.S. commitments to its allies in flux, Europe and Türkiye are recalibrating their defense ties. The proposed Eurofighter deal signals a push toward strategic autonomy and industrial cooperation—if Ankara accepts.