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.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The intensification of U.S. sanctions against Iran on the eve of the U.S. midterm elections indicates Washington’s inability to achieve its war objectives.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The competition between Washington and Beijing over chips and artificial intelligence, simultaneously with the shifting of technological balances, has taken on new economic and security dimensions.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit has created a new opportunity for Iran to transform its membership from a political achievement into economic and transit cooperation.
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.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on regional issues considered the terrorist attack on the city of Idlib at the beginning of the winter season a “surprise” move and said: “Basically, an attack at this time of the year is out of the question because fighters usually do not choose the cold and winter seasons for military operations. There is no other reason why and how they took military action and advanced towards the city of Idlib and then Aleppo in a surprising way except that it is related to regional issues and the Israeli regime’s war in Lebanon and Gaza.”
Strategic Council Online—Interview: An analyst of West Asian affairs said that the Tehran summit and the Idlib issue would be two important agendas for the Astana summit, adding that if countries move to revive relations with Syria and with the return of Syria to the Arab world, economic and political pressures are reduced, political realities and the realities on the ground will force the occupiers of Syria to admit realities.
Strategic Council Online—Interview: Explaining the most important opportunities and challenges facing the Turkish economy, the head of the Iran-Turkey Chamber of Commerce and Industry said “Although Turkey has made progress in trade and exports, especially during the 19 years of Erdogan and his party in power, however the presence of more than 70 foreign banks in Turley could turn into an economic crisis for the country if sanctions are imposed.
Strategic Council Online- Interview: Having stated that Turkey will not withdraw from Syria without clash, an analyst on West Asia affairs said:” It appears that the new threatening remarks of Mr. Erdogan on Syria is most probably a reaction to Damascus’ will to start a new round of struggles and to liberate regions occupied by terrorists and Turkish forces.
Strategic Council Online – An expert on West Asia affairs said that the presence of the Chinese Foreign Minister in Damascus after 10 years could be a prelude to Beijing’s desire for a broad economic presence in Syria, adding: China sees Syria and especially reconstruction of that country as an opportunity to enhance its presence and influence in the Middle East.
Strategic Council Online: A university professor said there was no consensus on maintaining a long-term ceasefire in Idlib, noting that sooner or later this fragile ceasefire would collapse because Turkey has realized Bashar Assad will stay in power and therefore Ankara will need a bargaining chip to protect its interests.
Strategic Council Online: A West Asian affairs expert said US opposition to a UN Security Council statement in support of the recent ceasefire agreement between Turkey and Russia was over fears that Russia will hold the upper hand in the talks. He added that the agreement reached in the talks on Idlib was in the interest of the government of Bashar Assad.
Strategic Council Online: An expert on Middle East affairs said that the ceasefire agreement between Russia and Turkey is more likely to be in Syria’s favour. He said, given Turkey’s plight in Syria as well as the capability of the Syrian government and army to drive foreign forces out of their country, Turkey has to accept a new agreement.
Strategic Council Online: Turkey believes if Idlib is liberated Ankara’s role in the next political process in Syria will decline and the Syrian government may in future seek to oust Turkish forces from other areas, such as Afrin.
Siamak Kakai – Turkey affairs expert
Strategic Council Online: An expert on Middle East affairs said Turkey was in a state of unprecedented strategic confusion, especially in Idlib, adding that if Ankara fails to use these tools and is unable to come out of the strategic confusion in Idlib and gain field achievements there would remain no other way for Erdogan than negotiation.
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.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The intensification of U.S. sanctions against Iran on the eve of the U.S. midterm elections indicates Washington’s inability to achieve its war objectives.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The competition between Washington and Beijing over chips and artificial intelligence, simultaneously with the shifting of technological balances, has taken on new economic and security dimensions.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit has created a new opportunity for Iran to transform its membership from a political achievement into economic and transit cooperation.
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.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on regional issues considered the terrorist attack on the city of Idlib at the beginning of the winter season a “surprise” move and said: “Basically, an attack at this time of the year is out of the question because fighters usually do not choose the cold and winter seasons for military operations. There is no other reason why and how they took military action and advanced towards the city of Idlib and then Aleppo in a surprising way except that it is related to regional issues and the Israeli regime’s war in Lebanon and Gaza.”
Strategic Council Online—Interview: An analyst of West Asian affairs said that the Tehran summit and the Idlib issue would be two important agendas for the Astana summit, adding that if countries move to revive relations with Syria and with the return of Syria to the Arab world, economic and political pressures are reduced, political realities and the realities on the ground will force the occupiers of Syria to admit realities.
Strategic Council Online—Interview: Explaining the most important opportunities and challenges facing the Turkish economy, the head of the Iran-Turkey Chamber of Commerce and Industry said “Although Turkey has made progress in trade and exports, especially during the 19 years of Erdogan and his party in power, however the presence of more than 70 foreign banks in Turley could turn into an economic crisis for the country if sanctions are imposed.
Strategic Council Online- Interview: Having stated that Turkey will not withdraw from Syria without clash, an analyst on West Asia affairs said:” It appears that the new threatening remarks of Mr. Erdogan on Syria is most probably a reaction to Damascus’ will to start a new round of struggles and to liberate regions occupied by terrorists and Turkish forces.
Strategic Council Online – An expert on West Asia affairs said that the presence of the Chinese Foreign Minister in Damascus after 10 years could be a prelude to Beijing’s desire for a broad economic presence in Syria, adding: China sees Syria and especially reconstruction of that country as an opportunity to enhance its presence and influence in the Middle East.
Strategic Council Online: A university professor said there was no consensus on maintaining a long-term ceasefire in Idlib, noting that sooner or later this fragile ceasefire would collapse because Turkey has realized Bashar Assad will stay in power and therefore Ankara will need a bargaining chip to protect its interests.
Strategic Council Online: A West Asian affairs expert said US opposition to a UN Security Council statement in support of the recent ceasefire agreement between Turkey and Russia was over fears that Russia will hold the upper hand in the talks. He added that the agreement reached in the talks on Idlib was in the interest of the government of Bashar Assad.
Strategic Council Online: An expert on Middle East affairs said that the ceasefire agreement between Russia and Turkey is more likely to be in Syria’s favour. He said, given Turkey’s plight in Syria as well as the capability of the Syrian government and army to drive foreign forces out of their country, Turkey has to accept a new agreement.
Strategic Council Online: Turkey believes if Idlib is liberated Ankara’s role in the next political process in Syria will decline and the Syrian government may in future seek to oust Turkish forces from other areas, such as Afrin.
Siamak Kakai – Turkey affairs expert
Strategic Council Online: An expert on Middle East affairs said Turkey was in a state of unprecedented strategic confusion, especially in Idlib, adding that if Ankara fails to use these tools and is unable to come out of the strategic confusion in Idlib and gain field achievements there would remain no other way for Erdogan than negotiation.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on regional issues considered the terrorist attack on the city of Idlib at the beginning of the winter season a “surprise” move and said: “Basically, an attack at this time of the year is out of the question because fighters usually do not choose the cold and winter seasons for military operations. There is no other reason why and how they took military action and advanced towards the city of Idlib and then Aleppo in a surprising way except that it is related to regional issues and the Israeli regime’s war in Lebanon and Gaza.”
Strategic Council Online—Interview: An analyst of West Asian affairs said that the Tehran summit and the Idlib issue would be two important agendas for the Astana summit, adding that if countries move to revive relations with Syria and with the return of Syria to the Arab world, economic and political pressures are reduced, political realities and the realities on the ground will force the occupiers of Syria to admit realities.
Strategic Council Online—Interview: Explaining the most important opportunities and challenges facing the Turkish economy, the head of the Iran-Turkey Chamber of Commerce and Industry said “Although Turkey has made progress in trade and exports, especially during the 19 years of Erdogan and his party in power, however the presence of more than 70 foreign banks in Turley could turn into an economic crisis for the country if sanctions are imposed.
Strategic Council Online- Interview: Having stated that Turkey will not withdraw from Syria without clash, an analyst on West Asia affairs said:” It appears that the new threatening remarks of Mr. Erdogan on Syria is most probably a reaction to Damascus’ will to start a new round of struggles and to liberate regions occupied by terrorists and Turkish forces.
Strategic Council Online – An expert on West Asia affairs said that the presence of the Chinese Foreign Minister in Damascus after 10 years could be a prelude to Beijing’s desire for a broad economic presence in Syria, adding: China sees Syria and especially reconstruction of that country as an opportunity to enhance its presence and influence in the Middle East.
Strategic Council Online: A university professor said there was no consensus on maintaining a long-term ceasefire in Idlib, noting that sooner or later this fragile ceasefire would collapse because Turkey has realized Bashar Assad will stay in power and therefore Ankara will need a bargaining chip to protect its interests.
Strategic Council Online: A West Asian affairs expert said US opposition to a UN Security Council statement in support of the recent ceasefire agreement between Turkey and Russia was over fears that Russia will hold the upper hand in the talks. He added that the agreement reached in the talks on Idlib was in the interest of the government of Bashar Assad.
Strategic Council Online: An expert on Middle East affairs said that the ceasefire agreement between Russia and Turkey is more likely to be in Syria’s favour. He said, given Turkey’s plight in Syria as well as the capability of the Syrian government and army to drive foreign forces out of their country, Turkey has to accept a new agreement.
Strategic Council Online: Turkey believes if Idlib is liberated Ankara’s role in the next political process in Syria will decline and the Syrian government may in future seek to oust Turkish forces from other areas, such as Afrin.
Siamak Kakai – Turkey affairs expert
Strategic Council Online: An expert on Middle East affairs said Turkey was in a state of unprecedented strategic confusion, especially in Idlib, adding that if Ankara fails to use these tools and is unable to come out of the strategic confusion in Idlib and gain field achievements there would remain no other way for Erdogan than negotiation.
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.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The intensification of U.S. sanctions against Iran on the eve of the U.S. midterm elections indicates Washington’s inability to achieve its war objectives.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The competition between Washington and Beijing over chips and artificial intelligence, simultaneously with the shifting of technological balances, has taken on new economic and security dimensions.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit has created a new opportunity for Iran to transform its membership from a political achievement into economic and transit cooperation.
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.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on regional issues considered the terrorist attack on the city of Idlib at the beginning of the winter season a “surprise” move and said: “Basically, an attack at this time of the year is out of the question because fighters usually do not choose the cold and winter seasons for military operations. There is no other reason why and how they took military action and advanced towards the city of Idlib and then Aleppo in a surprising way except that it is related to regional issues and the Israeli regime’s war in Lebanon and Gaza.”
Strategic Council Online—Interview: An analyst of West Asian affairs said that the Tehran summit and the Idlib issue would be two important agendas for the Astana summit, adding that if countries move to revive relations with Syria and with the return of Syria to the Arab world, economic and political pressures are reduced, political realities and the realities on the ground will force the occupiers of Syria to admit realities.
Strategic Council Online—Interview: Explaining the most important opportunities and challenges facing the Turkish economy, the head of the Iran-Turkey Chamber of Commerce and Industry said “Although Turkey has made progress in trade and exports, especially during the 19 years of Erdogan and his party in power, however the presence of more than 70 foreign banks in Turley could turn into an economic crisis for the country if sanctions are imposed.
Strategic Council Online- Interview: Having stated that Turkey will not withdraw from Syria without clash, an analyst on West Asia affairs said:” It appears that the new threatening remarks of Mr. Erdogan on Syria is most probably a reaction to Damascus’ will to start a new round of struggles and to liberate regions occupied by terrorists and Turkish forces.
Strategic Council Online – An expert on West Asia affairs said that the presence of the Chinese Foreign Minister in Damascus after 10 years could be a prelude to Beijing’s desire for a broad economic presence in Syria, adding: China sees Syria and especially reconstruction of that country as an opportunity to enhance its presence and influence in the Middle East.
Strategic Council Online: A university professor said there was no consensus on maintaining a long-term ceasefire in Idlib, noting that sooner or later this fragile ceasefire would collapse because Turkey has realized Bashar Assad will stay in power and therefore Ankara will need a bargaining chip to protect its interests.
Strategic Council Online: A West Asian affairs expert said US opposition to a UN Security Council statement in support of the recent ceasefire agreement between Turkey and Russia was over fears that Russia will hold the upper hand in the talks. He added that the agreement reached in the talks on Idlib was in the interest of the government of Bashar Assad.
Strategic Council Online: An expert on Middle East affairs said that the ceasefire agreement between Russia and Turkey is more likely to be in Syria’s favour. He said, given Turkey’s plight in Syria as well as the capability of the Syrian government and army to drive foreign forces out of their country, Turkey has to accept a new agreement.
Strategic Council Online: Turkey believes if Idlib is liberated Ankara’s role in the next political process in Syria will decline and the Syrian government may in future seek to oust Turkish forces from other areas, such as Afrin.
Siamak Kakai – Turkey affairs expert
Strategic Council Online: An expert on Middle East affairs said Turkey was in a state of unprecedented strategic confusion, especially in Idlib, adding that if Ankara fails to use these tools and is unable to come out of the strategic confusion in Idlib and gain field achievements there would remain no other way for Erdogan than negotiation.
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.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The intensification of U.S. sanctions against Iran on the eve of the U.S. midterm elections indicates Washington’s inability to achieve its war objectives.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The competition between Washington and Beijing over chips and artificial intelligence, simultaneously with the shifting of technological balances, has taken on new economic and security dimensions.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit has created a new opportunity for Iran to transform its membership from a political achievement into economic and transit cooperation.
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.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on regional issues considered the terrorist attack on the city of Idlib at the beginning of the winter season a “surprise” move and said: “Basically, an attack at this time of the year is out of the question because fighters usually do not choose the cold and winter seasons for military operations. There is no other reason why and how they took military action and advanced towards the city of Idlib and then Aleppo in a surprising way except that it is related to regional issues and the Israeli regime’s war in Lebanon and Gaza.”
Strategic Council Online—Interview: An analyst of West Asian affairs said that the Tehran summit and the Idlib issue would be two important agendas for the Astana summit, adding that if countries move to revive relations with Syria and with the return of Syria to the Arab world, economic and political pressures are reduced, political realities and the realities on the ground will force the occupiers of Syria to admit realities.
Strategic Council Online—Interview: Explaining the most important opportunities and challenges facing the Turkish economy, the head of the Iran-Turkey Chamber of Commerce and Industry said “Although Turkey has made progress in trade and exports, especially during the 19 years of Erdogan and his party in power, however the presence of more than 70 foreign banks in Turley could turn into an economic crisis for the country if sanctions are imposed.
Strategic Council Online- Interview: Having stated that Turkey will not withdraw from Syria without clash, an analyst on West Asia affairs said:” It appears that the new threatening remarks of Mr. Erdogan on Syria is most probably a reaction to Damascus’ will to start a new round of struggles and to liberate regions occupied by terrorists and Turkish forces.
Strategic Council Online – An expert on West Asia affairs said that the presence of the Chinese Foreign Minister in Damascus after 10 years could be a prelude to Beijing’s desire for a broad economic presence in Syria, adding: China sees Syria and especially reconstruction of that country as an opportunity to enhance its presence and influence in the Middle East.
Strategic Council Online: A university professor said there was no consensus on maintaining a long-term ceasefire in Idlib, noting that sooner or later this fragile ceasefire would collapse because Turkey has realized Bashar Assad will stay in power and therefore Ankara will need a bargaining chip to protect its interests.
Strategic Council Online: A West Asian affairs expert said US opposition to a UN Security Council statement in support of the recent ceasefire agreement between Turkey and Russia was over fears that Russia will hold the upper hand in the talks. He added that the agreement reached in the talks on Idlib was in the interest of the government of Bashar Assad.
Strategic Council Online: An expert on Middle East affairs said that the ceasefire agreement between Russia and Turkey is more likely to be in Syria’s favour. He said, given Turkey’s plight in Syria as well as the capability of the Syrian government and army to drive foreign forces out of their country, Turkey has to accept a new agreement.
Strategic Council Online: Turkey believes if Idlib is liberated Ankara’s role in the next political process in Syria will decline and the Syrian government may in future seek to oust Turkish forces from other areas, such as Afrin.
Siamak Kakai – Turkey affairs expert
Strategic Council Online: An expert on Middle East affairs said Turkey was in a state of unprecedented strategic confusion, especially in Idlib, adding that if Ankara fails to use these tools and is unable to come out of the strategic confusion in Idlib and gain field achievements there would remain no other way for Erdogan than negotiation.
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.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The intensification of U.S. sanctions against Iran on the eve of the U.S. midterm elections indicates Washington’s inability to achieve its war objectives.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The competition between Washington and Beijing over chips and artificial intelligence, simultaneously with the shifting of technological balances, has taken on new economic and security dimensions.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit has created a new opportunity for Iran to transform its membership from a political achievement into economic and transit cooperation.
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.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on regional issues considered the terrorist attack on the city of Idlib at the beginning of the winter season a “surprise” move and said: “Basically, an attack at this time of the year is out of the question because fighters usually do not choose the cold and winter seasons for military operations. There is no other reason why and how they took military action and advanced towards the city of Idlib and then Aleppo in a surprising way except that it is related to regional issues and the Israeli regime’s war in Lebanon and Gaza.”
Strategic Council Online—Interview: An analyst of West Asian affairs said that the Tehran summit and the Idlib issue would be two important agendas for the Astana summit, adding that if countries move to revive relations with Syria and with the return of Syria to the Arab world, economic and political pressures are reduced, political realities and the realities on the ground will force the occupiers of Syria to admit realities.
Strategic Council Online—Interview: Explaining the most important opportunities and challenges facing the Turkish economy, the head of the Iran-Turkey Chamber of Commerce and Industry said “Although Turkey has made progress in trade and exports, especially during the 19 years of Erdogan and his party in power, however the presence of more than 70 foreign banks in Turley could turn into an economic crisis for the country if sanctions are imposed.
Strategic Council Online- Interview: Having stated that Turkey will not withdraw from Syria without clash, an analyst on West Asia affairs said:” It appears that the new threatening remarks of Mr. Erdogan on Syria is most probably a reaction to Damascus’ will to start a new round of struggles and to liberate regions occupied by terrorists and Turkish forces.
Strategic Council Online – An expert on West Asia affairs said that the presence of the Chinese Foreign Minister in Damascus after 10 years could be a prelude to Beijing’s desire for a broad economic presence in Syria, adding: China sees Syria and especially reconstruction of that country as an opportunity to enhance its presence and influence in the Middle East.
Strategic Council Online: A university professor said there was no consensus on maintaining a long-term ceasefire in Idlib, noting that sooner or later this fragile ceasefire would collapse because Turkey has realized Bashar Assad will stay in power and therefore Ankara will need a bargaining chip to protect its interests.
Strategic Council Online: A West Asian affairs expert said US opposition to a UN Security Council statement in support of the recent ceasefire agreement between Turkey and Russia was over fears that Russia will hold the upper hand in the talks. He added that the agreement reached in the talks on Idlib was in the interest of the government of Bashar Assad.
Strategic Council Online: An expert on Middle East affairs said that the ceasefire agreement between Russia and Turkey is more likely to be in Syria’s favour. He said, given Turkey’s plight in Syria as well as the capability of the Syrian government and army to drive foreign forces out of their country, Turkey has to accept a new agreement.
Strategic Council Online: Turkey believes if Idlib is liberated Ankara’s role in the next political process in Syria will decline and the Syrian government may in future seek to oust Turkish forces from other areas, such as Afrin.
Siamak Kakai – Turkey affairs expert
Strategic Council Online: An expert on Middle East affairs said Turkey was in a state of unprecedented strategic confusion, especially in Idlib, adding that if Ankara fails to use these tools and is unable to come out of the strategic confusion in Idlib and gain field achievements there would remain no other way for Erdogan than negotiation.
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.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The intensification of U.S. sanctions against Iran on the eve of the U.S. midterm elections indicates Washington’s inability to achieve its war objectives.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The competition between Washington and Beijing over chips and artificial intelligence, simultaneously with the shifting of technological balances, has taken on new economic and security dimensions.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit has created a new opportunity for Iran to transform its membership from a political achievement into economic and transit cooperation.
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.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on regional issues considered the terrorist attack on the city of Idlib at the beginning of the winter season a “surprise” move and said: “Basically, an attack at this time of the year is out of the question because fighters usually do not choose the cold and winter seasons for military operations. There is no other reason why and how they took military action and advanced towards the city of Idlib and then Aleppo in a surprising way except that it is related to regional issues and the Israeli regime’s war in Lebanon and Gaza.”
Strategic Council Online—Interview: An analyst of West Asian affairs said that the Tehran summit and the Idlib issue would be two important agendas for the Astana summit, adding that if countries move to revive relations with Syria and with the return of Syria to the Arab world, economic and political pressures are reduced, political realities and the realities on the ground will force the occupiers of Syria to admit realities.
Strategic Council Online—Interview: Explaining the most important opportunities and challenges facing the Turkish economy, the head of the Iran-Turkey Chamber of Commerce and Industry said “Although Turkey has made progress in trade and exports, especially during the 19 years of Erdogan and his party in power, however the presence of more than 70 foreign banks in Turley could turn into an economic crisis for the country if sanctions are imposed.
Strategic Council Online- Interview: Having stated that Turkey will not withdraw from Syria without clash, an analyst on West Asia affairs said:” It appears that the new threatening remarks of Mr. Erdogan on Syria is most probably a reaction to Damascus’ will to start a new round of struggles and to liberate regions occupied by terrorists and Turkish forces.
Strategic Council Online – An expert on West Asia affairs said that the presence of the Chinese Foreign Minister in Damascus after 10 years could be a prelude to Beijing’s desire for a broad economic presence in Syria, adding: China sees Syria and especially reconstruction of that country as an opportunity to enhance its presence and influence in the Middle East.
Strategic Council Online: A university professor said there was no consensus on maintaining a long-term ceasefire in Idlib, noting that sooner or later this fragile ceasefire would collapse because Turkey has realized Bashar Assad will stay in power and therefore Ankara will need a bargaining chip to protect its interests.
Strategic Council Online: A West Asian affairs expert said US opposition to a UN Security Council statement in support of the recent ceasefire agreement between Turkey and Russia was over fears that Russia will hold the upper hand in the talks. He added that the agreement reached in the talks on Idlib was in the interest of the government of Bashar Assad.
Strategic Council Online: An expert on Middle East affairs said that the ceasefire agreement between Russia and Turkey is more likely to be in Syria’s favour. He said, given Turkey’s plight in Syria as well as the capability of the Syrian government and army to drive foreign forces out of their country, Turkey has to accept a new agreement.
Strategic Council Online: Turkey believes if Idlib is liberated Ankara’s role in the next political process in Syria will decline and the Syrian government may in future seek to oust Turkish forces from other areas, such as Afrin.
Siamak Kakai – Turkey affairs expert
Strategic Council Online: An expert on Middle East affairs said Turkey was in a state of unprecedented strategic confusion, especially in Idlib, adding that if Ankara fails to use these tools and is unable to come out of the strategic confusion in Idlib and gain field achievements there would remain no other way for Erdogan than negotiation.
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.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The intensification of U.S. sanctions against Iran on the eve of the U.S. midterm elections indicates Washington’s inability to achieve its war objectives.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The competition between Washington and Beijing over chips and artificial intelligence, simultaneously with the shifting of technological balances, has taken on new economic and security dimensions.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit has created a new opportunity for Iran to transform its membership from a political achievement into economic and transit cooperation.
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.