SCFR Online – Opinion: Developments in the South Caucasus and Central Asia indicate that transit competition has become an arena for a new staging of influence among Iran, Turkey, Russia, and China.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The upcoming Palestinian elections, after nearly two decades of hiatus, could affect the arrangement of political forces, the legitimacy of institutions, and the future path of Palestinian governance.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The direct war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, disruption of nuclear inspections, and intensification of great power competition have taken the non-proliferation crisis beyond the issue of Iran’s nuclear program.
SCFR Online – Opinion: In the Iran–U.S. equation, China pursues a cautious balance between its energy and transit interests with Tehran and considerations related to sanctions and competition with Washington.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The simultaneity of pressure on the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb has turned the geography of energy and shipping into a new arena for the emergence of new risks, costs, and leverage.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Makkah Pact, signed on August 7, 2026, between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, is more than an answer to geopolitical vacuums; in practice, it faces a “deterrence dilemma” and “differing threat perception.” While this pact symbolizes a transition toward regional self-reliance, its first field tests and the complexities of relations with regional actors will determine its real meaning.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The reason for Washington’s reluctance to enter directly into war with Ansarullah is military and economic limitations, electoral considerations, and concern about the expansion of the crisis at two energy chokepoints.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Ansarullah’s recent lightning-fast operation and surprise advances on Yemen’s western coast have rapidly transformed the equations of the war in that country and developments in West Asia, and have challenged the calculations of Saudi Arabia, the United States, the West, and the Israeli regime.
Online Strategic Council – Discussion: A university professor stated that recent developments in the Ukraine war, with Washington’s new decision to provide intelligence assistance to Kyiv for attacking Russian infrastructure, have once again altered the strategic balance in Eastern Europe.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A foreign policy expert stated that a direct confrontation and war between Russia and the West under the shadow of the Ukraine war appears unlikely. He noted that the conflicting parties have placed the method of hybrid warfare on the agenda at the highest level with the support of their allies. The reality is that a world war is underway, and many countries are directly and indirectly involved in it, but this is not a nuclear war.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: An expert in the field of artificial intelligence, regarding Trump’s monopolistic approach in the field of developing biological weapons and utilizing artificial intelligence, stated: A large part of Trump’s statements on this matter carries a political and propaganda message and is a kind of show of the United States’ leadership. If the United States can determine the budget and technical agenda in this field and persuade countries to join it, a framework in this area may emerge; however, this path will be complex and time-consuming.
Online Strategic Council – Memo: The dispatch of three French Rafale fighter jets to Poland as part of NATO’s “Enhanced Forward Presence” operation carries a political and strategic message more than it is a tactical move to strengthen air defense.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A senior West Asia affairs analyst stated that recent developments in West Asia indicate that the region’s security equations have entered a new stage. The Israeli regime’s attack on Qatar, as a security shock, has made the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf aware of new vulnerabilities and forced them to reconsider their defense strategies. Now, relying on American security guarantees no longer seems sufficient, because emerging regional threats have become more complex and multi-layered than in the past. In this context, Pakistan, with its special position as the only atomic power in the Islamic world, has quickly found a strategic place in the security calculations of the Arab countries. The signing of the strategic defense agreement between Riyadh and Islamabad, followed by a military cooperation meeting between Bahrain and Pakistan in Manama, indicates an increasing trend in security convergence. These cooperations are defined not only to strengthen joint deterrence and counter potential threats, especially from the Israeli regime, but also indicate a shift in the balance of power in the region. Pakistan’s entry into the West Asian equations could have broader implications; on the one hand, it could reduce America’s monopoly on providing regional security, and on the other hand, it could create new axes of cooperation among Islamic powers. Thus, by moving closer to Islamabad, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain are seeking to develop an indigenous defense shield which, in addition to guaranteeing their own security, sends a clear message to regional rivals: the power equations are being rewritten and new actors have entered the scene.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on Eurasian and Russian affairs stated that the West’s reaction to Russia’s threats regarding any deployment of foreign forces in Ukraine, whether under NATO or as an independent force, will be a combination of caution and deterrence. He said: Despite the desire of Europe and America to deploy military forces in Ukraine, they emphasize indirect support for Ukraine, including economic sanctions and increased diplomatic pressure on Moscow, and at best propose deploying neutral observers in Ukraine.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Contrary to the Trump administration’s claim that it was unaware of and had no role in the Israeli regime’s attack on Qatar, the reality is that the Zionist regime, with the U.S. green light, targeted a country that was a pioneer in normalizing relations with this regime. It is a given that the Zionist regime, especially regarding military and security actions against a U.S. ally, takes no action without coordination with the U.S. government.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that the flight of unidentified drones over Polish airspace has sounded a new alarm for European security; an incident that, despite its limited scale, sent severe tremors through the foundations of NATO and U.S.-Europe relations. The situation became more complicated when Polish officials accused Russia of violating its airspace. At the same time, the Kremlin denied such accusations, and some sources even suggested that Ukraine was the origin of these drones. The importance of the issue lies in the fact that Poland, unlike Ukraine, is a member of NATO, and any attack on its territory could trigger the alliance’s collective defense clause. However, Donald Trump’s cold and ambiguous reaction to the drone incident left Europeans questioning whether Washington would be willing to defend its allies if the crisis escalates. Meanwhile, NATO has launched the “Eastern Guardian” operation to demonstrate its strength on its eastern borders. Still, at the same time, there are signs of hesitation and division among Western countries. These developments have shifted the balance of power in the Ukraine war into a new phase; a war in which Moscow is not retreating from its positions, Europe has no clear strategy to contain the crisis, and the U.S. shows no willingness to confront Russia directly.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs analyst stated that the Israeli regime’s airstrike on Qatar, under the pretext of targeting Hamas leaders, could be a turning point in the security and diplomatic equations of the Persian Gulf. This action not only challenged Qatar’s sovereignty but also raised questions about the security of the member states of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council. Given that the Israeli regime is considered a close ally of the United States, this aggression has heightened sensitivities and increased doubts about Washington’s commitment to ensuring the security and protection of its regional partners. Under such circumstances, Iran can pursue regional dialogues and cooperation in the Persian Gulf, considering the Arab countries’ concerns about the ineffectiveness of American security guarantees. On the other hand, the Israeli regime’s aggression against Qatar has practically endangered normalization agreements, including the Abraham Accords, and reduced the chances of developing cooperation between Tel Aviv and some Arab countries. Internal pressure on the UAE and Bahrain to reconsider their relations with this regime has increased. Thus, the Israeli regime’s attack on Doha has not only complicated the security equations but also plunged the region’s political and diplomatic prospects into a complex phase, indicating that regional actors must reconsider traditional approaches dependent on extra-regional powers.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The escalating possibility of confrontation between the world’s Eastern and Western powers, particularly after the Russia-Ukraine war, along with the consolidation of China’s narrative of itself as the largest developing country with the capacity to lead the Global South, has become a threatening issue for the West, led by America and Europe. In this context, Mark Rutte, the Secretary-General of NATO, recently spoke at a press conference in Berlin about the necessity of European military modernization and called for “changing defense postures” in line with the increasing international military threats.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Developments in the South Caucasus and Central Asia indicate that transit competition has become an arena for a new staging of influence among Iran, Turkey, Russia, and China.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The upcoming Palestinian elections, after nearly two decades of hiatus, could affect the arrangement of political forces, the legitimacy of institutions, and the future path of Palestinian governance.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The direct war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, disruption of nuclear inspections, and intensification of great power competition have taken the non-proliferation crisis beyond the issue of Iran’s nuclear program.
SCFR Online – Opinion: In the Iran–U.S. equation, China pursues a cautious balance between its energy and transit interests with Tehran and considerations related to sanctions and competition with Washington.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The simultaneity of pressure on the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb has turned the geography of energy and shipping into a new arena for the emergence of new risks, costs, and leverage.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Makkah Pact, signed on August 7, 2026, between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, is more than an answer to geopolitical vacuums; in practice, it faces a “deterrence dilemma” and “differing threat perception.” While this pact symbolizes a transition toward regional self-reliance, its first field tests and the complexities of relations with regional actors will determine its real meaning.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The reason for Washington’s reluctance to enter directly into war with Ansarullah is military and economic limitations, electoral considerations, and concern about the expansion of the crisis at two energy chokepoints.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Ansarullah’s recent lightning-fast operation and surprise advances on Yemen’s western coast have rapidly transformed the equations of the war in that country and developments in West Asia, and have challenged the calculations of Saudi Arabia, the United States, the West, and the Israeli regime.
Online Strategic Council – Discussion: A university professor stated that recent developments in the Ukraine war, with Washington’s new decision to provide intelligence assistance to Kyiv for attacking Russian infrastructure, have once again altered the strategic balance in Eastern Europe.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A foreign policy expert stated that a direct confrontation and war between Russia and the West under the shadow of the Ukraine war appears unlikely. He noted that the conflicting parties have placed the method of hybrid warfare on the agenda at the highest level with the support of their allies. The reality is that a world war is underway, and many countries are directly and indirectly involved in it, but this is not a nuclear war.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: An expert in the field of artificial intelligence, regarding Trump’s monopolistic approach in the field of developing biological weapons and utilizing artificial intelligence, stated: A large part of Trump’s statements on this matter carries a political and propaganda message and is a kind of show of the United States’ leadership. If the United States can determine the budget and technical agenda in this field and persuade countries to join it, a framework in this area may emerge; however, this path will be complex and time-consuming.
Online Strategic Council – Memo: The dispatch of three French Rafale fighter jets to Poland as part of NATO’s “Enhanced Forward Presence” operation carries a political and strategic message more than it is a tactical move to strengthen air defense.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A senior West Asia affairs analyst stated that recent developments in West Asia indicate that the region’s security equations have entered a new stage. The Israeli regime’s attack on Qatar, as a security shock, has made the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf aware of new vulnerabilities and forced them to reconsider their defense strategies. Now, relying on American security guarantees no longer seems sufficient, because emerging regional threats have become more complex and multi-layered than in the past. In this context, Pakistan, with its special position as the only atomic power in the Islamic world, has quickly found a strategic place in the security calculations of the Arab countries. The signing of the strategic defense agreement between Riyadh and Islamabad, followed by a military cooperation meeting between Bahrain and Pakistan in Manama, indicates an increasing trend in security convergence. These cooperations are defined not only to strengthen joint deterrence and counter potential threats, especially from the Israeli regime, but also indicate a shift in the balance of power in the region. Pakistan’s entry into the West Asian equations could have broader implications; on the one hand, it could reduce America’s monopoly on providing regional security, and on the other hand, it could create new axes of cooperation among Islamic powers. Thus, by moving closer to Islamabad, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain are seeking to develop an indigenous defense shield which, in addition to guaranteeing their own security, sends a clear message to regional rivals: the power equations are being rewritten and new actors have entered the scene.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on Eurasian and Russian affairs stated that the West’s reaction to Russia’s threats regarding any deployment of foreign forces in Ukraine, whether under NATO or as an independent force, will be a combination of caution and deterrence. He said: Despite the desire of Europe and America to deploy military forces in Ukraine, they emphasize indirect support for Ukraine, including economic sanctions and increased diplomatic pressure on Moscow, and at best propose deploying neutral observers in Ukraine.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Contrary to the Trump administration’s claim that it was unaware of and had no role in the Israeli regime’s attack on Qatar, the reality is that the Zionist regime, with the U.S. green light, targeted a country that was a pioneer in normalizing relations with this regime. It is a given that the Zionist regime, especially regarding military and security actions against a U.S. ally, takes no action without coordination with the U.S. government.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that the flight of unidentified drones over Polish airspace has sounded a new alarm for European security; an incident that, despite its limited scale, sent severe tremors through the foundations of NATO and U.S.-Europe relations. The situation became more complicated when Polish officials accused Russia of violating its airspace. At the same time, the Kremlin denied such accusations, and some sources even suggested that Ukraine was the origin of these drones. The importance of the issue lies in the fact that Poland, unlike Ukraine, is a member of NATO, and any attack on its territory could trigger the alliance’s collective defense clause. However, Donald Trump’s cold and ambiguous reaction to the drone incident left Europeans questioning whether Washington would be willing to defend its allies if the crisis escalates. Meanwhile, NATO has launched the “Eastern Guardian” operation to demonstrate its strength on its eastern borders. Still, at the same time, there are signs of hesitation and division among Western countries. These developments have shifted the balance of power in the Ukraine war into a new phase; a war in which Moscow is not retreating from its positions, Europe has no clear strategy to contain the crisis, and the U.S. shows no willingness to confront Russia directly.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs analyst stated that the Israeli regime’s airstrike on Qatar, under the pretext of targeting Hamas leaders, could be a turning point in the security and diplomatic equations of the Persian Gulf. This action not only challenged Qatar’s sovereignty but also raised questions about the security of the member states of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council. Given that the Israeli regime is considered a close ally of the United States, this aggression has heightened sensitivities and increased doubts about Washington’s commitment to ensuring the security and protection of its regional partners. Under such circumstances, Iran can pursue regional dialogues and cooperation in the Persian Gulf, considering the Arab countries’ concerns about the ineffectiveness of American security guarantees. On the other hand, the Israeli regime’s aggression against Qatar has practically endangered normalization agreements, including the Abraham Accords, and reduced the chances of developing cooperation between Tel Aviv and some Arab countries. Internal pressure on the UAE and Bahrain to reconsider their relations with this regime has increased. Thus, the Israeli regime’s attack on Doha has not only complicated the security equations but also plunged the region’s political and diplomatic prospects into a complex phase, indicating that regional actors must reconsider traditional approaches dependent on extra-regional powers.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The escalating possibility of confrontation between the world’s Eastern and Western powers, particularly after the Russia-Ukraine war, along with the consolidation of China’s narrative of itself as the largest developing country with the capacity to lead the Global South, has become a threatening issue for the West, led by America and Europe. In this context, Mark Rutte, the Secretary-General of NATO, recently spoke at a press conference in Berlin about the necessity of European military modernization and called for “changing defense postures” in line with the increasing international military threats.
Online Strategic Council – Discussion: A university professor stated that recent developments in the Ukraine war, with Washington’s new decision to provide intelligence assistance to Kyiv for attacking Russian infrastructure, have once again altered the strategic balance in Eastern Europe.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A foreign policy expert stated that a direct confrontation and war between Russia and the West under the shadow of the Ukraine war appears unlikely. He noted that the conflicting parties have placed the method of hybrid warfare on the agenda at the highest level with the support of their allies. The reality is that a world war is underway, and many countries are directly and indirectly involved in it, but this is not a nuclear war.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: An expert in the field of artificial intelligence, regarding Trump’s monopolistic approach in the field of developing biological weapons and utilizing artificial intelligence, stated: A large part of Trump’s statements on this matter carries a political and propaganda message and is a kind of show of the United States’ leadership. If the United States can determine the budget and technical agenda in this field and persuade countries to join it, a framework in this area may emerge; however, this path will be complex and time-consuming.
Online Strategic Council – Memo: The dispatch of three French Rafale fighter jets to Poland as part of NATO’s “Enhanced Forward Presence” operation carries a political and strategic message more than it is a tactical move to strengthen air defense.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A senior West Asia affairs analyst stated that recent developments in West Asia indicate that the region’s security equations have entered a new stage. The Israeli regime’s attack on Qatar, as a security shock, has made the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf aware of new vulnerabilities and forced them to reconsider their defense strategies. Now, relying on American security guarantees no longer seems sufficient, because emerging regional threats have become more complex and multi-layered than in the past. In this context, Pakistan, with its special position as the only atomic power in the Islamic world, has quickly found a strategic place in the security calculations of the Arab countries. The signing of the strategic defense agreement between Riyadh and Islamabad, followed by a military cooperation meeting between Bahrain and Pakistan in Manama, indicates an increasing trend in security convergence. These cooperations are defined not only to strengthen joint deterrence and counter potential threats, especially from the Israeli regime, but also indicate a shift in the balance of power in the region. Pakistan’s entry into the West Asian equations could have broader implications; on the one hand, it could reduce America’s monopoly on providing regional security, and on the other hand, it could create new axes of cooperation among Islamic powers. Thus, by moving closer to Islamabad, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain are seeking to develop an indigenous defense shield which, in addition to guaranteeing their own security, sends a clear message to regional rivals: the power equations are being rewritten and new actors have entered the scene.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on Eurasian and Russian affairs stated that the West’s reaction to Russia’s threats regarding any deployment of foreign forces in Ukraine, whether under NATO or as an independent force, will be a combination of caution and deterrence. He said: Despite the desire of Europe and America to deploy military forces in Ukraine, they emphasize indirect support for Ukraine, including economic sanctions and increased diplomatic pressure on Moscow, and at best propose deploying neutral observers in Ukraine.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Contrary to the Trump administration’s claim that it was unaware of and had no role in the Israeli regime’s attack on Qatar, the reality is that the Zionist regime, with the U.S. green light, targeted a country that was a pioneer in normalizing relations with this regime. It is a given that the Zionist regime, especially regarding military and security actions against a U.S. ally, takes no action without coordination with the U.S. government.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that the flight of unidentified drones over Polish airspace has sounded a new alarm for European security; an incident that, despite its limited scale, sent severe tremors through the foundations of NATO and U.S.-Europe relations. The situation became more complicated when Polish officials accused Russia of violating its airspace. At the same time, the Kremlin denied such accusations, and some sources even suggested that Ukraine was the origin of these drones. The importance of the issue lies in the fact that Poland, unlike Ukraine, is a member of NATO, and any attack on its territory could trigger the alliance’s collective defense clause. However, Donald Trump’s cold and ambiguous reaction to the drone incident left Europeans questioning whether Washington would be willing to defend its allies if the crisis escalates. Meanwhile, NATO has launched the “Eastern Guardian” operation to demonstrate its strength on its eastern borders. Still, at the same time, there are signs of hesitation and division among Western countries. These developments have shifted the balance of power in the Ukraine war into a new phase; a war in which Moscow is not retreating from its positions, Europe has no clear strategy to contain the crisis, and the U.S. shows no willingness to confront Russia directly.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs analyst stated that the Israeli regime’s airstrike on Qatar, under the pretext of targeting Hamas leaders, could be a turning point in the security and diplomatic equations of the Persian Gulf. This action not only challenged Qatar’s sovereignty but also raised questions about the security of the member states of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council. Given that the Israeli regime is considered a close ally of the United States, this aggression has heightened sensitivities and increased doubts about Washington’s commitment to ensuring the security and protection of its regional partners. Under such circumstances, Iran can pursue regional dialogues and cooperation in the Persian Gulf, considering the Arab countries’ concerns about the ineffectiveness of American security guarantees. On the other hand, the Israeli regime’s aggression against Qatar has practically endangered normalization agreements, including the Abraham Accords, and reduced the chances of developing cooperation between Tel Aviv and some Arab countries. Internal pressure on the UAE and Bahrain to reconsider their relations with this regime has increased. Thus, the Israeli regime’s attack on Doha has not only complicated the security equations but also plunged the region’s political and diplomatic prospects into a complex phase, indicating that regional actors must reconsider traditional approaches dependent on extra-regional powers.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The escalating possibility of confrontation between the world’s Eastern and Western powers, particularly after the Russia-Ukraine war, along with the consolidation of China’s narrative of itself as the largest developing country with the capacity to lead the Global South, has become a threatening issue for the West, led by America and Europe. In this context, Mark Rutte, the Secretary-General of NATO, recently spoke at a press conference in Berlin about the necessity of European military modernization and called for “changing defense postures” in line with the increasing international military threats.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Developments in the South Caucasus and Central Asia indicate that transit competition has become an arena for a new staging of influence among Iran, Turkey, Russia, and China.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The upcoming Palestinian elections, after nearly two decades of hiatus, could affect the arrangement of political forces, the legitimacy of institutions, and the future path of Palestinian governance.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The direct war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, disruption of nuclear inspections, and intensification of great power competition have taken the non-proliferation crisis beyond the issue of Iran’s nuclear program.
SCFR Online – Opinion: In the Iran–U.S. equation, China pursues a cautious balance between its energy and transit interests with Tehran and considerations related to sanctions and competition with Washington.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The simultaneity of pressure on the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb has turned the geography of energy and shipping into a new arena for the emergence of new risks, costs, and leverage.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Makkah Pact, signed on August 7, 2026, between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, is more than an answer to geopolitical vacuums; in practice, it faces a “deterrence dilemma” and “differing threat perception.” While this pact symbolizes a transition toward regional self-reliance, its first field tests and the complexities of relations with regional actors will determine its real meaning.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The reason for Washington’s reluctance to enter directly into war with Ansarullah is military and economic limitations, electoral considerations, and concern about the expansion of the crisis at two energy chokepoints.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Ansarullah’s recent lightning-fast operation and surprise advances on Yemen’s western coast have rapidly transformed the equations of the war in that country and developments in West Asia, and have challenged the calculations of Saudi Arabia, the United States, the West, and the Israeli regime.
Online Strategic Council – Discussion: A university professor stated that recent developments in the Ukraine war, with Washington’s new decision to provide intelligence assistance to Kyiv for attacking Russian infrastructure, have once again altered the strategic balance in Eastern Europe.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A foreign policy expert stated that a direct confrontation and war between Russia and the West under the shadow of the Ukraine war appears unlikely. He noted that the conflicting parties have placed the method of hybrid warfare on the agenda at the highest level with the support of their allies. The reality is that a world war is underway, and many countries are directly and indirectly involved in it, but this is not a nuclear war.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: An expert in the field of artificial intelligence, regarding Trump’s monopolistic approach in the field of developing biological weapons and utilizing artificial intelligence, stated: A large part of Trump’s statements on this matter carries a political and propaganda message and is a kind of show of the United States’ leadership. If the United States can determine the budget and technical agenda in this field and persuade countries to join it, a framework in this area may emerge; however, this path will be complex and time-consuming.
Online Strategic Council – Memo: The dispatch of three French Rafale fighter jets to Poland as part of NATO’s “Enhanced Forward Presence” operation carries a political and strategic message more than it is a tactical move to strengthen air defense.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A senior West Asia affairs analyst stated that recent developments in West Asia indicate that the region’s security equations have entered a new stage. The Israeli regime’s attack on Qatar, as a security shock, has made the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf aware of new vulnerabilities and forced them to reconsider their defense strategies. Now, relying on American security guarantees no longer seems sufficient, because emerging regional threats have become more complex and multi-layered than in the past. In this context, Pakistan, with its special position as the only atomic power in the Islamic world, has quickly found a strategic place in the security calculations of the Arab countries. The signing of the strategic defense agreement between Riyadh and Islamabad, followed by a military cooperation meeting between Bahrain and Pakistan in Manama, indicates an increasing trend in security convergence. These cooperations are defined not only to strengthen joint deterrence and counter potential threats, especially from the Israeli regime, but also indicate a shift in the balance of power in the region. Pakistan’s entry into the West Asian equations could have broader implications; on the one hand, it could reduce America’s monopoly on providing regional security, and on the other hand, it could create new axes of cooperation among Islamic powers. Thus, by moving closer to Islamabad, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain are seeking to develop an indigenous defense shield which, in addition to guaranteeing their own security, sends a clear message to regional rivals: the power equations are being rewritten and new actors have entered the scene.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on Eurasian and Russian affairs stated that the West’s reaction to Russia’s threats regarding any deployment of foreign forces in Ukraine, whether under NATO or as an independent force, will be a combination of caution and deterrence. He said: Despite the desire of Europe and America to deploy military forces in Ukraine, they emphasize indirect support for Ukraine, including economic sanctions and increased diplomatic pressure on Moscow, and at best propose deploying neutral observers in Ukraine.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Contrary to the Trump administration’s claim that it was unaware of and had no role in the Israeli regime’s attack on Qatar, the reality is that the Zionist regime, with the U.S. green light, targeted a country that was a pioneer in normalizing relations with this regime. It is a given that the Zionist regime, especially regarding military and security actions against a U.S. ally, takes no action without coordination with the U.S. government.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that the flight of unidentified drones over Polish airspace has sounded a new alarm for European security; an incident that, despite its limited scale, sent severe tremors through the foundations of NATO and U.S.-Europe relations. The situation became more complicated when Polish officials accused Russia of violating its airspace. At the same time, the Kremlin denied such accusations, and some sources even suggested that Ukraine was the origin of these drones. The importance of the issue lies in the fact that Poland, unlike Ukraine, is a member of NATO, and any attack on its territory could trigger the alliance’s collective defense clause. However, Donald Trump’s cold and ambiguous reaction to the drone incident left Europeans questioning whether Washington would be willing to defend its allies if the crisis escalates. Meanwhile, NATO has launched the “Eastern Guardian” operation to demonstrate its strength on its eastern borders. Still, at the same time, there are signs of hesitation and division among Western countries. These developments have shifted the balance of power in the Ukraine war into a new phase; a war in which Moscow is not retreating from its positions, Europe has no clear strategy to contain the crisis, and the U.S. shows no willingness to confront Russia directly.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs analyst stated that the Israeli regime’s airstrike on Qatar, under the pretext of targeting Hamas leaders, could be a turning point in the security and diplomatic equations of the Persian Gulf. This action not only challenged Qatar’s sovereignty but also raised questions about the security of the member states of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council. Given that the Israeli regime is considered a close ally of the United States, this aggression has heightened sensitivities and increased doubts about Washington’s commitment to ensuring the security and protection of its regional partners. Under such circumstances, Iran can pursue regional dialogues and cooperation in the Persian Gulf, considering the Arab countries’ concerns about the ineffectiveness of American security guarantees. On the other hand, the Israeli regime’s aggression against Qatar has practically endangered normalization agreements, including the Abraham Accords, and reduced the chances of developing cooperation between Tel Aviv and some Arab countries. Internal pressure on the UAE and Bahrain to reconsider their relations with this regime has increased. Thus, the Israeli regime’s attack on Doha has not only complicated the security equations but also plunged the region’s political and diplomatic prospects into a complex phase, indicating that regional actors must reconsider traditional approaches dependent on extra-regional powers.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The escalating possibility of confrontation between the world’s Eastern and Western powers, particularly after the Russia-Ukraine war, along with the consolidation of China’s narrative of itself as the largest developing country with the capacity to lead the Global South, has become a threatening issue for the West, led by America and Europe. In this context, Mark Rutte, the Secretary-General of NATO, recently spoke at a press conference in Berlin about the necessity of European military modernization and called for “changing defense postures” in line with the increasing international military threats.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Developments in the South Caucasus and Central Asia indicate that transit competition has become an arena for a new staging of influence among Iran, Turkey, Russia, and China.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The upcoming Palestinian elections, after nearly two decades of hiatus, could affect the arrangement of political forces, the legitimacy of institutions, and the future path of Palestinian governance.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The direct war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, disruption of nuclear inspections, and intensification of great power competition have taken the non-proliferation crisis beyond the issue of Iran’s nuclear program.
SCFR Online – Opinion: In the Iran–U.S. equation, China pursues a cautious balance between its energy and transit interests with Tehran and considerations related to sanctions and competition with Washington.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The simultaneity of pressure on the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb has turned the geography of energy and shipping into a new arena for the emergence of new risks, costs, and leverage.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Makkah Pact, signed on August 7, 2026, between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, is more than an answer to geopolitical vacuums; in practice, it faces a “deterrence dilemma” and “differing threat perception.” While this pact symbolizes a transition toward regional self-reliance, its first field tests and the complexities of relations with regional actors will determine its real meaning.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The reason for Washington’s reluctance to enter directly into war with Ansarullah is military and economic limitations, electoral considerations, and concern about the expansion of the crisis at two energy chokepoints.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Ansarullah’s recent lightning-fast operation and surprise advances on Yemen’s western coast have rapidly transformed the equations of the war in that country and developments in West Asia, and have challenged the calculations of Saudi Arabia, the United States, the West, and the Israeli regime.
Online Strategic Council – Discussion: A university professor stated that recent developments in the Ukraine war, with Washington’s new decision to provide intelligence assistance to Kyiv for attacking Russian infrastructure, have once again altered the strategic balance in Eastern Europe.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A foreign policy expert stated that a direct confrontation and war between Russia and the West under the shadow of the Ukraine war appears unlikely. He noted that the conflicting parties have placed the method of hybrid warfare on the agenda at the highest level with the support of their allies. The reality is that a world war is underway, and many countries are directly and indirectly involved in it, but this is not a nuclear war.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: An expert in the field of artificial intelligence, regarding Trump’s monopolistic approach in the field of developing biological weapons and utilizing artificial intelligence, stated: A large part of Trump’s statements on this matter carries a political and propaganda message and is a kind of show of the United States’ leadership. If the United States can determine the budget and technical agenda in this field and persuade countries to join it, a framework in this area may emerge; however, this path will be complex and time-consuming.
Online Strategic Council – Memo: The dispatch of three French Rafale fighter jets to Poland as part of NATO’s “Enhanced Forward Presence” operation carries a political and strategic message more than it is a tactical move to strengthen air defense.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A senior West Asia affairs analyst stated that recent developments in West Asia indicate that the region’s security equations have entered a new stage. The Israeli regime’s attack on Qatar, as a security shock, has made the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf aware of new vulnerabilities and forced them to reconsider their defense strategies. Now, relying on American security guarantees no longer seems sufficient, because emerging regional threats have become more complex and multi-layered than in the past. In this context, Pakistan, with its special position as the only atomic power in the Islamic world, has quickly found a strategic place in the security calculations of the Arab countries. The signing of the strategic defense agreement between Riyadh and Islamabad, followed by a military cooperation meeting between Bahrain and Pakistan in Manama, indicates an increasing trend in security convergence. These cooperations are defined not only to strengthen joint deterrence and counter potential threats, especially from the Israeli regime, but also indicate a shift in the balance of power in the region. Pakistan’s entry into the West Asian equations could have broader implications; on the one hand, it could reduce America’s monopoly on providing regional security, and on the other hand, it could create new axes of cooperation among Islamic powers. Thus, by moving closer to Islamabad, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain are seeking to develop an indigenous defense shield which, in addition to guaranteeing their own security, sends a clear message to regional rivals: the power equations are being rewritten and new actors have entered the scene.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on Eurasian and Russian affairs stated that the West’s reaction to Russia’s threats regarding any deployment of foreign forces in Ukraine, whether under NATO or as an independent force, will be a combination of caution and deterrence. He said: Despite the desire of Europe and America to deploy military forces in Ukraine, they emphasize indirect support for Ukraine, including economic sanctions and increased diplomatic pressure on Moscow, and at best propose deploying neutral observers in Ukraine.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Contrary to the Trump administration’s claim that it was unaware of and had no role in the Israeli regime’s attack on Qatar, the reality is that the Zionist regime, with the U.S. green light, targeted a country that was a pioneer in normalizing relations with this regime. It is a given that the Zionist regime, especially regarding military and security actions against a U.S. ally, takes no action without coordination with the U.S. government.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that the flight of unidentified drones over Polish airspace has sounded a new alarm for European security; an incident that, despite its limited scale, sent severe tremors through the foundations of NATO and U.S.-Europe relations. The situation became more complicated when Polish officials accused Russia of violating its airspace. At the same time, the Kremlin denied such accusations, and some sources even suggested that Ukraine was the origin of these drones. The importance of the issue lies in the fact that Poland, unlike Ukraine, is a member of NATO, and any attack on its territory could trigger the alliance’s collective defense clause. However, Donald Trump’s cold and ambiguous reaction to the drone incident left Europeans questioning whether Washington would be willing to defend its allies if the crisis escalates. Meanwhile, NATO has launched the “Eastern Guardian” operation to demonstrate its strength on its eastern borders. Still, at the same time, there are signs of hesitation and division among Western countries. These developments have shifted the balance of power in the Ukraine war into a new phase; a war in which Moscow is not retreating from its positions, Europe has no clear strategy to contain the crisis, and the U.S. shows no willingness to confront Russia directly.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs analyst stated that the Israeli regime’s airstrike on Qatar, under the pretext of targeting Hamas leaders, could be a turning point in the security and diplomatic equations of the Persian Gulf. This action not only challenged Qatar’s sovereignty but also raised questions about the security of the member states of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council. Given that the Israeli regime is considered a close ally of the United States, this aggression has heightened sensitivities and increased doubts about Washington’s commitment to ensuring the security and protection of its regional partners. Under such circumstances, Iran can pursue regional dialogues and cooperation in the Persian Gulf, considering the Arab countries’ concerns about the ineffectiveness of American security guarantees. On the other hand, the Israeli regime’s aggression against Qatar has practically endangered normalization agreements, including the Abraham Accords, and reduced the chances of developing cooperation between Tel Aviv and some Arab countries. Internal pressure on the UAE and Bahrain to reconsider their relations with this regime has increased. Thus, the Israeli regime’s attack on Doha has not only complicated the security equations but also plunged the region’s political and diplomatic prospects into a complex phase, indicating that regional actors must reconsider traditional approaches dependent on extra-regional powers.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The escalating possibility of confrontation between the world’s Eastern and Western powers, particularly after the Russia-Ukraine war, along with the consolidation of China’s narrative of itself as the largest developing country with the capacity to lead the Global South, has become a threatening issue for the West, led by America and Europe. In this context, Mark Rutte, the Secretary-General of NATO, recently spoke at a press conference in Berlin about the necessity of European military modernization and called for “changing defense postures” in line with the increasing international military threats.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Developments in the South Caucasus and Central Asia indicate that transit competition has become an arena for a new staging of influence among Iran, Turkey, Russia, and China.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The upcoming Palestinian elections, after nearly two decades of hiatus, could affect the arrangement of political forces, the legitimacy of institutions, and the future path of Palestinian governance.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The direct war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, disruption of nuclear inspections, and intensification of great power competition have taken the non-proliferation crisis beyond the issue of Iran’s nuclear program.
SCFR Online – Opinion: In the Iran–U.S. equation, China pursues a cautious balance between its energy and transit interests with Tehran and considerations related to sanctions and competition with Washington.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The simultaneity of pressure on the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb has turned the geography of energy and shipping into a new arena for the emergence of new risks, costs, and leverage.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Makkah Pact, signed on August 7, 2026, between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, is more than an answer to geopolitical vacuums; in practice, it faces a “deterrence dilemma” and “differing threat perception.” While this pact symbolizes a transition toward regional self-reliance, its first field tests and the complexities of relations with regional actors will determine its real meaning.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The reason for Washington’s reluctance to enter directly into war with Ansarullah is military and economic limitations, electoral considerations, and concern about the expansion of the crisis at two energy chokepoints.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Ansarullah’s recent lightning-fast operation and surprise advances on Yemen’s western coast have rapidly transformed the equations of the war in that country and developments in West Asia, and have challenged the calculations of Saudi Arabia, the United States, the West, and the Israeli regime.
Online Strategic Council – Discussion: A university professor stated that recent developments in the Ukraine war, with Washington’s new decision to provide intelligence assistance to Kyiv for attacking Russian infrastructure, have once again altered the strategic balance in Eastern Europe.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A foreign policy expert stated that a direct confrontation and war between Russia and the West under the shadow of the Ukraine war appears unlikely. He noted that the conflicting parties have placed the method of hybrid warfare on the agenda at the highest level with the support of their allies. The reality is that a world war is underway, and many countries are directly and indirectly involved in it, but this is not a nuclear war.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: An expert in the field of artificial intelligence, regarding Trump’s monopolistic approach in the field of developing biological weapons and utilizing artificial intelligence, stated: A large part of Trump’s statements on this matter carries a political and propaganda message and is a kind of show of the United States’ leadership. If the United States can determine the budget and technical agenda in this field and persuade countries to join it, a framework in this area may emerge; however, this path will be complex and time-consuming.
Online Strategic Council – Memo: The dispatch of three French Rafale fighter jets to Poland as part of NATO’s “Enhanced Forward Presence” operation carries a political and strategic message more than it is a tactical move to strengthen air defense.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A senior West Asia affairs analyst stated that recent developments in West Asia indicate that the region’s security equations have entered a new stage. The Israeli regime’s attack on Qatar, as a security shock, has made the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf aware of new vulnerabilities and forced them to reconsider their defense strategies. Now, relying on American security guarantees no longer seems sufficient, because emerging regional threats have become more complex and multi-layered than in the past. In this context, Pakistan, with its special position as the only atomic power in the Islamic world, has quickly found a strategic place in the security calculations of the Arab countries. The signing of the strategic defense agreement between Riyadh and Islamabad, followed by a military cooperation meeting between Bahrain and Pakistan in Manama, indicates an increasing trend in security convergence. These cooperations are defined not only to strengthen joint deterrence and counter potential threats, especially from the Israeli regime, but also indicate a shift in the balance of power in the region. Pakistan’s entry into the West Asian equations could have broader implications; on the one hand, it could reduce America’s monopoly on providing regional security, and on the other hand, it could create new axes of cooperation among Islamic powers. Thus, by moving closer to Islamabad, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain are seeking to develop an indigenous defense shield which, in addition to guaranteeing their own security, sends a clear message to regional rivals: the power equations are being rewritten and new actors have entered the scene.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on Eurasian and Russian affairs stated that the West’s reaction to Russia’s threats regarding any deployment of foreign forces in Ukraine, whether under NATO or as an independent force, will be a combination of caution and deterrence. He said: Despite the desire of Europe and America to deploy military forces in Ukraine, they emphasize indirect support for Ukraine, including economic sanctions and increased diplomatic pressure on Moscow, and at best propose deploying neutral observers in Ukraine.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Contrary to the Trump administration’s claim that it was unaware of and had no role in the Israeli regime’s attack on Qatar, the reality is that the Zionist regime, with the U.S. green light, targeted a country that was a pioneer in normalizing relations with this regime. It is a given that the Zionist regime, especially regarding military and security actions against a U.S. ally, takes no action without coordination with the U.S. government.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that the flight of unidentified drones over Polish airspace has sounded a new alarm for European security; an incident that, despite its limited scale, sent severe tremors through the foundations of NATO and U.S.-Europe relations. The situation became more complicated when Polish officials accused Russia of violating its airspace. At the same time, the Kremlin denied such accusations, and some sources even suggested that Ukraine was the origin of these drones. The importance of the issue lies in the fact that Poland, unlike Ukraine, is a member of NATO, and any attack on its territory could trigger the alliance’s collective defense clause. However, Donald Trump’s cold and ambiguous reaction to the drone incident left Europeans questioning whether Washington would be willing to defend its allies if the crisis escalates. Meanwhile, NATO has launched the “Eastern Guardian” operation to demonstrate its strength on its eastern borders. Still, at the same time, there are signs of hesitation and division among Western countries. These developments have shifted the balance of power in the Ukraine war into a new phase; a war in which Moscow is not retreating from its positions, Europe has no clear strategy to contain the crisis, and the U.S. shows no willingness to confront Russia directly.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs analyst stated that the Israeli regime’s airstrike on Qatar, under the pretext of targeting Hamas leaders, could be a turning point in the security and diplomatic equations of the Persian Gulf. This action not only challenged Qatar’s sovereignty but also raised questions about the security of the member states of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council. Given that the Israeli regime is considered a close ally of the United States, this aggression has heightened sensitivities and increased doubts about Washington’s commitment to ensuring the security and protection of its regional partners. Under such circumstances, Iran can pursue regional dialogues and cooperation in the Persian Gulf, considering the Arab countries’ concerns about the ineffectiveness of American security guarantees. On the other hand, the Israeli regime’s aggression against Qatar has practically endangered normalization agreements, including the Abraham Accords, and reduced the chances of developing cooperation between Tel Aviv and some Arab countries. Internal pressure on the UAE and Bahrain to reconsider their relations with this regime has increased. Thus, the Israeli regime’s attack on Doha has not only complicated the security equations but also plunged the region’s political and diplomatic prospects into a complex phase, indicating that regional actors must reconsider traditional approaches dependent on extra-regional powers.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The escalating possibility of confrontation between the world’s Eastern and Western powers, particularly after the Russia-Ukraine war, along with the consolidation of China’s narrative of itself as the largest developing country with the capacity to lead the Global South, has become a threatening issue for the West, led by America and Europe. In this context, Mark Rutte, the Secretary-General of NATO, recently spoke at a press conference in Berlin about the necessity of European military modernization and called for “changing defense postures” in line with the increasing international military threats.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Developments in the South Caucasus and Central Asia indicate that transit competition has become an arena for a new staging of influence among Iran, Turkey, Russia, and China.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The upcoming Palestinian elections, after nearly two decades of hiatus, could affect the arrangement of political forces, the legitimacy of institutions, and the future path of Palestinian governance.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The direct war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, disruption of nuclear inspections, and intensification of great power competition have taken the non-proliferation crisis beyond the issue of Iran’s nuclear program.
SCFR Online – Opinion: In the Iran–U.S. equation, China pursues a cautious balance between its energy and transit interests with Tehran and considerations related to sanctions and competition with Washington.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The simultaneity of pressure on the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb has turned the geography of energy and shipping into a new arena for the emergence of new risks, costs, and leverage.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Makkah Pact, signed on August 7, 2026, between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, is more than an answer to geopolitical vacuums; in practice, it faces a “deterrence dilemma” and “differing threat perception.” While this pact symbolizes a transition toward regional self-reliance, its first field tests and the complexities of relations with regional actors will determine its real meaning.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The reason for Washington’s reluctance to enter directly into war with Ansarullah is military and economic limitations, electoral considerations, and concern about the expansion of the crisis at two energy chokepoints.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Ansarullah’s recent lightning-fast operation and surprise advances on Yemen’s western coast have rapidly transformed the equations of the war in that country and developments in West Asia, and have challenged the calculations of Saudi Arabia, the United States, the West, and the Israeli regime.
Online Strategic Council – Discussion: A university professor stated that recent developments in the Ukraine war, with Washington’s new decision to provide intelligence assistance to Kyiv for attacking Russian infrastructure, have once again altered the strategic balance in Eastern Europe.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A foreign policy expert stated that a direct confrontation and war between Russia and the West under the shadow of the Ukraine war appears unlikely. He noted that the conflicting parties have placed the method of hybrid warfare on the agenda at the highest level with the support of their allies. The reality is that a world war is underway, and many countries are directly and indirectly involved in it, but this is not a nuclear war.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: An expert in the field of artificial intelligence, regarding Trump’s monopolistic approach in the field of developing biological weapons and utilizing artificial intelligence, stated: A large part of Trump’s statements on this matter carries a political and propaganda message and is a kind of show of the United States’ leadership. If the United States can determine the budget and technical agenda in this field and persuade countries to join it, a framework in this area may emerge; however, this path will be complex and time-consuming.
Online Strategic Council – Memo: The dispatch of three French Rafale fighter jets to Poland as part of NATO’s “Enhanced Forward Presence” operation carries a political and strategic message more than it is a tactical move to strengthen air defense.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A senior West Asia affairs analyst stated that recent developments in West Asia indicate that the region’s security equations have entered a new stage. The Israeli regime’s attack on Qatar, as a security shock, has made the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf aware of new vulnerabilities and forced them to reconsider their defense strategies. Now, relying on American security guarantees no longer seems sufficient, because emerging regional threats have become more complex and multi-layered than in the past. In this context, Pakistan, with its special position as the only atomic power in the Islamic world, has quickly found a strategic place in the security calculations of the Arab countries. The signing of the strategic defense agreement between Riyadh and Islamabad, followed by a military cooperation meeting between Bahrain and Pakistan in Manama, indicates an increasing trend in security convergence. These cooperations are defined not only to strengthen joint deterrence and counter potential threats, especially from the Israeli regime, but also indicate a shift in the balance of power in the region. Pakistan’s entry into the West Asian equations could have broader implications; on the one hand, it could reduce America’s monopoly on providing regional security, and on the other hand, it could create new axes of cooperation among Islamic powers. Thus, by moving closer to Islamabad, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain are seeking to develop an indigenous defense shield which, in addition to guaranteeing their own security, sends a clear message to regional rivals: the power equations are being rewritten and new actors have entered the scene.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on Eurasian and Russian affairs stated that the West’s reaction to Russia’s threats regarding any deployment of foreign forces in Ukraine, whether under NATO or as an independent force, will be a combination of caution and deterrence. He said: Despite the desire of Europe and America to deploy military forces in Ukraine, they emphasize indirect support for Ukraine, including economic sanctions and increased diplomatic pressure on Moscow, and at best propose deploying neutral observers in Ukraine.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Contrary to the Trump administration’s claim that it was unaware of and had no role in the Israeli regime’s attack on Qatar, the reality is that the Zionist regime, with the U.S. green light, targeted a country that was a pioneer in normalizing relations with this regime. It is a given that the Zionist regime, especially regarding military and security actions against a U.S. ally, takes no action without coordination with the U.S. government.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that the flight of unidentified drones over Polish airspace has sounded a new alarm for European security; an incident that, despite its limited scale, sent severe tremors through the foundations of NATO and U.S.-Europe relations. The situation became more complicated when Polish officials accused Russia of violating its airspace. At the same time, the Kremlin denied such accusations, and some sources even suggested that Ukraine was the origin of these drones. The importance of the issue lies in the fact that Poland, unlike Ukraine, is a member of NATO, and any attack on its territory could trigger the alliance’s collective defense clause. However, Donald Trump’s cold and ambiguous reaction to the drone incident left Europeans questioning whether Washington would be willing to defend its allies if the crisis escalates. Meanwhile, NATO has launched the “Eastern Guardian” operation to demonstrate its strength on its eastern borders. Still, at the same time, there are signs of hesitation and division among Western countries. These developments have shifted the balance of power in the Ukraine war into a new phase; a war in which Moscow is not retreating from its positions, Europe has no clear strategy to contain the crisis, and the U.S. shows no willingness to confront Russia directly.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs analyst stated that the Israeli regime’s airstrike on Qatar, under the pretext of targeting Hamas leaders, could be a turning point in the security and diplomatic equations of the Persian Gulf. This action not only challenged Qatar’s sovereignty but also raised questions about the security of the member states of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council. Given that the Israeli regime is considered a close ally of the United States, this aggression has heightened sensitivities and increased doubts about Washington’s commitment to ensuring the security and protection of its regional partners. Under such circumstances, Iran can pursue regional dialogues and cooperation in the Persian Gulf, considering the Arab countries’ concerns about the ineffectiveness of American security guarantees. On the other hand, the Israeli regime’s aggression against Qatar has practically endangered normalization agreements, including the Abraham Accords, and reduced the chances of developing cooperation between Tel Aviv and some Arab countries. Internal pressure on the UAE and Bahrain to reconsider their relations with this regime has increased. Thus, the Israeli regime’s attack on Doha has not only complicated the security equations but also plunged the region’s political and diplomatic prospects into a complex phase, indicating that regional actors must reconsider traditional approaches dependent on extra-regional powers.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The escalating possibility of confrontation between the world’s Eastern and Western powers, particularly after the Russia-Ukraine war, along with the consolidation of China’s narrative of itself as the largest developing country with the capacity to lead the Global South, has become a threatening issue for the West, led by America and Europe. In this context, Mark Rutte, the Secretary-General of NATO, recently spoke at a press conference in Berlin about the necessity of European military modernization and called for “changing defense postures” in line with the increasing international military threats.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Developments in the South Caucasus and Central Asia indicate that transit competition has become an arena for a new staging of influence among Iran, Turkey, Russia, and China.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The upcoming Palestinian elections, after nearly two decades of hiatus, could affect the arrangement of political forces, the legitimacy of institutions, and the future path of Palestinian governance.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The direct war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, disruption of nuclear inspections, and intensification of great power competition have taken the non-proliferation crisis beyond the issue of Iran’s nuclear program.
SCFR Online – Opinion: In the Iran–U.S. equation, China pursues a cautious balance between its energy and transit interests with Tehran and considerations related to sanctions and competition with Washington.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The simultaneity of pressure on the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb has turned the geography of energy and shipping into a new arena for the emergence of new risks, costs, and leverage.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Makkah Pact, signed on August 7, 2026, between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, is more than an answer to geopolitical vacuums; in practice, it faces a “deterrence dilemma” and “differing threat perception.” While this pact symbolizes a transition toward regional self-reliance, its first field tests and the complexities of relations with regional actors will determine its real meaning.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The reason for Washington’s reluctance to enter directly into war with Ansarullah is military and economic limitations, electoral considerations, and concern about the expansion of the crisis at two energy chokepoints.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Ansarullah’s recent lightning-fast operation and surprise advances on Yemen’s western coast have rapidly transformed the equations of the war in that country and developments in West Asia, and have challenged the calculations of Saudi Arabia, the United States, the West, and the Israeli regime.