SCFR Online – Opinion: The three-day visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Washington and his meeting with Donald Trump on September 24 and 25, 2026, accompanied by a ceremonial welcome at Andrews Air Force Base, was more a diplomatic display for managing the level of tensions than an indication of a breakthrough achievement in relations between the two powers.
Strategic Council Online – Note: The Makkah Defense Pact can be seen as a sign of regional countries’ efforts to reduce security dependence on extra-regional powers and redefine the balance in West Asia.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The escalation of verbal and strategic tensions between Turkey and the Israeli regime, although not increasing the likelihood of direct war, indicates the formation of a new order in West Asian geopolitical rivalries.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Damascus is an attempt to redefine France’s role in Syria following the recent political developments in that country; an effort pursued within the context of great power competition and the country’s security challenges.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The recent aggressive war launched by the United States and the Zionist regime against the Islamic Republic of Iran not only failed to strengthen NATO, but also exposed the structural weaknesses, deep divisions, and identity crisis of this alliance more than ever before.