Geoeconomics as the Most Important Arena of Great Power Competition
SCFR Online – Opinion: Great power competition is now pursued more in trade, currency, technology, and global supply chains than on the battlefields of military confrontation.
جدیدترین مطالب
The reasons for the ineffectiveness of Washington’s military strategy
Strategic Council Online – Note: By disregarding Iran’s deterrence capabilities and political economy leverage in the Strait of Hormuz, Washington has reached a strategic deadlock from which military means are unable to extricate it.
Indicators for Choosing Between War and Diplomacy
SCFR Online – Opinion: Foreign policy analysis is valid when it evaluates decisions based on the information and circumstances prevailing at the time they were made, not on the basis of outcomes that only become apparent after the crisis has ended.
Sanctions in Changing Nature; From an Instrument of Economic Pressure to a Weapon of Technological Containment
SCFR Online-Opinion: Sanctions are gradually transforming from classical financial instruments into complex mechanisms for the containment of technology, data, and global supply chains.
An Analysis of France’s Effort to Play a Role in Syria during the Transitional Period
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.
The role of emerging powers in rewriting the rules of the global order
Strategic Council Online – Note: Middle powers such as India, Turkey, Australia, and some Persian Gulf countries are no longer marginal actors, but are redefining global power equations through balancing diplomacy.
The war of narratives; a tool for geopolitical competition
Strategic Council Online – Note: In today’s global politics, the creation of narratives has become as important as territorial control and economic management, and has turned into the main tool of great power competition.
Handing over the Gaza’s administration is a strategic move by Hamas on the path to political transformation and the preservation of resistance.
Strategic Council Online – Note: Hamas’s handing over the civilian management in Gaza is assessed as an attempt to reduce political pressures, facilitate reconstruction, and preserve the status of resistance in the future equations of Palestine.
Iraq
Consequences of Four Iraqi Shiite Groups Being Placed on the US Terrorist List
Strategic Council Online– Interview: A senior Iraqi affairs analyst stated that the recent action by the US Department of State in placing four Iraqi Shiite groups on the list of foreign terrorist organizations has not only seriously challenged Iraq’s security dimension but has also broadly overshadowed Baghdad’s political and diplomatic equations. This decision, interpreted as a continuation of Washington’s policy of maximum pressure in the region, could have multi-layered consequences for Iraq’s internal security, foreign relations, and even the balance of power. The groups affected by this decision are part of the official structure of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and were key players in the defeat of ISIS; therefore, their placement on the terrorist list is not only considered a threat against US interests but also calls into question the legitimacy and cohesion of Iraq’s security forces. This move could cast a shadow over the process of withdrawing US forces from Iraq and provide a pretext for the continuation of Washington’s military presence. Similarly, at the regional level, it further frees the hands of the Israeli regime for aggressive actions.
Dr. Kharrazi, in a meeting with the leader of Iraq’s National Wisdom Movement: The wickedness of the Zionist regime, backed by the US, threatens all countries in the region
Strategic Council Online: Seyed Ammar al-Hakim, the leader of Iraq’s National Wisdom Movement, met with Dr. Seyed Kamal Kharrazi, the President of the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations (SCFR), this afternoon. They discussed regional developments, bilateral relations, and the prospects of elections in Iraq.
Dimensions and Implications of Parallel Efforts to Disarm the Resistance in West Asia
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on West Asian affairs stated that under the current circumstances, discussing the disarmament of the Resistance is not only unfeasible but could also lead to an escalation of tensions. Following the 12-day aggression by the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, efforts in another layer to disarm Resistance groups, including Hezbollah, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF or Hashd al-Shaabi), and Hamas, have intensified as part of a coordinated project pursued to weaken the Axis of Resistance and impose American regional dominance. The U.S. proposal for Lebanon, which includes disarming Hezbollah by the end of 2025 and the withdrawal of the Israeli regime from border positions, is an attempt to transform an external conflict into an internal one. Hezbollah has firmly rejected this proposal, deeming it a violation of national sovereignty and a service to the interests of the Israeli regime, while emphasizing its defensive role. In Iraq, pressure on the Popular Mobilization Forces has been accompanied by accusations and economic sanctions, yet this group continues to stand as a popular force against external threats. Hamas, despite heavy attacks by the Israeli regime, has continued its resistance and rejected a recent ceasefire proposal in exchange for disarmament. These plans, supported by U.S. and allied diplomatic and economic backing, seek to alter the balance of power in the region. Still, the resistance of the groups and popular support have prevented the realization of these objectives.
Consequences of America’s Efforts to Destroy Resistance Groups in Iraq
Online Strategic Council – Commentary: In recent weeks, as part of advancing the so-called “New Middle East” plan by the U.S. and the Zionist regime in the region, and following the 12-day war against Iran, Washington and Tel Aviv have focused on Iraq and are pursuing a project to destabilize the country.
Trump’s Baseless Claim Regarding “Peace Through Force” in the Context of International Relations and Regional Studies
Strategic Council online – Opinion: The term “Peace through Force,” which Donald Trump has heavily promoted in recent media displays, refers in international relations literature to an approach where a global or regional power attempts to impose stability or regime change in a country or region through military and coercive means.
Reasons for NATO’s Interest in a Military Partnership with Iraq
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that Christoph Henzi, the new NATO commander in Iraq, recently emphasized the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) continued commitment to coordinating and cooperating with Iraqi military and security institutions through experience-sharing, advisory services, and capacity-building.
Examination of the Causes of the Arab League’s Inability and Passivity Regarding Palestine
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A faculty member of International Relations at the Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies stated: The 34th Arab League Summit was held in Baghdad on Saturday, May 17. 2024). In their final statement, Arab leaders called on the international community to pressure the Zionist regime to stop the bloodshed and massacres in Gaza. The summit’s final statement focused on the centrality of the Palestinian issue and the demand for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. However, the question remains: Why has this body, aside from issuing a series of ineffective statements, failed to play a role in regional matters?
Iraq Liquidity Crisis: The Intersection of External Pressures and Internal Challenges
Strategic Council Online –Opinion: The liquidity crisis in Iraq’s banking system, marked by a sharp decline in state banks’ cash reserves and disruptions in loan disbursements and salary payments, goes beyond a mere financial issue and could have political, diplomatic, and even security repercussions.
Consequences of Inviting Al-Sharaa to the Arab Summit in Iraq
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The invitation to Ahmed Al-Sharaa, head of Syria’s interim government, to attend the Arab Summit in Baghdad sends a message from the Iraqi government to the Arab world that Baghdad seeks to play a central role in rebuilding Arab relations and reducing regional tensions. However, the path ahead for Baghdad does not appear straightforward. The invitation to Syria’s interim President, facilitated by the mediation of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, and Iraqi Prime Minister Sudani’s initial meeting with Al-Sharaa in Doha in February 2025, demonstrates Iraq’s determination to mediate regional conflicts.
Analysis of the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Visit to England
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert considered the Iraqi Prime Minister’s visit to the UK and the agreements reached during this visit important for Iraq’s future in West Asia. He said that Iraq is on the path to transitioning from a “disorganized” state in terms of politics, economy, and security to a stable state in the region, economically, politically, and security-wise.
أحدث الوظائف
Geoeconomics as the Most Important Arena of Great Power Competition
SCFR Online – Opinion: Great power competition is now pursued more in trade, currency, technology, and global supply chains than on the battlefields of military confrontation.
The reasons for the ineffectiveness of Washington’s military strategy
Strategic Council Online – Note: By disregarding Iran’s deterrence capabilities and political economy leverage in the Strait of Hormuz, Washington has reached a strategic deadlock from which military means are unable to extricate it.
Indicators for Choosing Between War and Diplomacy
SCFR Online – Opinion: Foreign policy analysis is valid when it evaluates decisions based on the information and circumstances prevailing at the time they were made, not on the basis of outcomes that only become apparent after the crisis has ended.
Sanctions in Changing Nature; From an Instrument of Economic Pressure to a Weapon of Technological Containment
SCFR Online-Opinion: Sanctions are gradually transforming from classical financial instruments into complex mechanisms for the containment of technology, data, and global supply chains.
An Analysis of France’s Effort to Play a Role in Syria during the Transitional Period
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.
The role of emerging powers in rewriting the rules of the global order
Strategic Council Online – Note: Middle powers such as India, Turkey, Australia, and some Persian Gulf countries are no longer marginal actors, but are redefining global power equations through balancing diplomacy.
The war of narratives; a tool for geopolitical competition
Strategic Council Online – Note: In today’s global politics, the creation of narratives has become as important as territorial control and economic management, and has turned into the main tool of great power competition.
Handing over the Gaza’s administration is a strategic move by Hamas on the path to political transformation and the preservation of resistance.
Strategic Council Online – Note: Hamas’s handing over the civilian management in Gaza is assessed as an attempt to reduce political pressures, facilitate reconstruction, and preserve the status of resistance in the future equations of Palestine.
Iraq
Consequences of Four Iraqi Shiite Groups Being Placed on the US Terrorist List
Strategic Council Online– Interview: A senior Iraqi affairs analyst stated that the recent action by the US Department of State in placing four Iraqi Shiite groups on the list of foreign terrorist organizations has not only seriously challenged Iraq’s security dimension but has also broadly overshadowed Baghdad’s political and diplomatic equations. This decision, interpreted as a continuation of Washington’s policy of maximum pressure in the region, could have multi-layered consequences for Iraq’s internal security, foreign relations, and even the balance of power. The groups affected by this decision are part of the official structure of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and were key players in the defeat of ISIS; therefore, their placement on the terrorist list is not only considered a threat against US interests but also calls into question the legitimacy and cohesion of Iraq’s security forces. This move could cast a shadow over the process of withdrawing US forces from Iraq and provide a pretext for the continuation of Washington’s military presence. Similarly, at the regional level, it further frees the hands of the Israeli regime for aggressive actions.
Dr. Kharrazi, in a meeting with the leader of Iraq’s National Wisdom Movement: The wickedness of the Zionist regime, backed by the US, threatens all countries in the region
Strategic Council Online: Seyed Ammar al-Hakim, the leader of Iraq’s National Wisdom Movement, met with Dr. Seyed Kamal Kharrazi, the President of the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations (SCFR), this afternoon. They discussed regional developments, bilateral relations, and the prospects of elections in Iraq.
Dimensions and Implications of Parallel Efforts to Disarm the Resistance in West Asia
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on West Asian affairs stated that under the current circumstances, discussing the disarmament of the Resistance is not only unfeasible but could also lead to an escalation of tensions. Following the 12-day aggression by the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, efforts in another layer to disarm Resistance groups, including Hezbollah, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF or Hashd al-Shaabi), and Hamas, have intensified as part of a coordinated project pursued to weaken the Axis of Resistance and impose American regional dominance. The U.S. proposal for Lebanon, which includes disarming Hezbollah by the end of 2025 and the withdrawal of the Israeli regime from border positions, is an attempt to transform an external conflict into an internal one. Hezbollah has firmly rejected this proposal, deeming it a violation of national sovereignty and a service to the interests of the Israeli regime, while emphasizing its defensive role. In Iraq, pressure on the Popular Mobilization Forces has been accompanied by accusations and economic sanctions, yet this group continues to stand as a popular force against external threats. Hamas, despite heavy attacks by the Israeli regime, has continued its resistance and rejected a recent ceasefire proposal in exchange for disarmament. These plans, supported by U.S. and allied diplomatic and economic backing, seek to alter the balance of power in the region. Still, the resistance of the groups and popular support have prevented the realization of these objectives.
Consequences of America’s Efforts to Destroy Resistance Groups in Iraq
Online Strategic Council – Commentary: In recent weeks, as part of advancing the so-called “New Middle East” plan by the U.S. and the Zionist regime in the region, and following the 12-day war against Iran, Washington and Tel Aviv have focused on Iraq and are pursuing a project to destabilize the country.
Trump’s Baseless Claim Regarding “Peace Through Force” in the Context of International Relations and Regional Studies
Strategic Council online – Opinion: The term “Peace through Force,” which Donald Trump has heavily promoted in recent media displays, refers in international relations literature to an approach where a global or regional power attempts to impose stability or regime change in a country or region through military and coercive means.
Reasons for NATO’s Interest in a Military Partnership with Iraq
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that Christoph Henzi, the new NATO commander in Iraq, recently emphasized the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) continued commitment to coordinating and cooperating with Iraqi military and security institutions through experience-sharing, advisory services, and capacity-building.
Examination of the Causes of the Arab League’s Inability and Passivity Regarding Palestine
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A faculty member of International Relations at the Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies stated: The 34th Arab League Summit was held in Baghdad on Saturday, May 17. 2024). In their final statement, Arab leaders called on the international community to pressure the Zionist regime to stop the bloodshed and massacres in Gaza. The summit’s final statement focused on the centrality of the Palestinian issue and the demand for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. However, the question remains: Why has this body, aside from issuing a series of ineffective statements, failed to play a role in regional matters?
Iraq Liquidity Crisis: The Intersection of External Pressures and Internal Challenges
Strategic Council Online –Opinion: The liquidity crisis in Iraq’s banking system, marked by a sharp decline in state banks’ cash reserves and disruptions in loan disbursements and salary payments, goes beyond a mere financial issue and could have political, diplomatic, and even security repercussions.
Consequences of Inviting Al-Sharaa to the Arab Summit in Iraq
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The invitation to Ahmed Al-Sharaa, head of Syria’s interim government, to attend the Arab Summit in Baghdad sends a message from the Iraqi government to the Arab world that Baghdad seeks to play a central role in rebuilding Arab relations and reducing regional tensions. However, the path ahead for Baghdad does not appear straightforward. The invitation to Syria’s interim President, facilitated by the mediation of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, and Iraqi Prime Minister Sudani’s initial meeting with Al-Sharaa in Doha in February 2025, demonstrates Iraq’s determination to mediate regional conflicts.
Analysis of the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Visit to England
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert considered the Iraqi Prime Minister’s visit to the UK and the agreements reached during this visit important for Iraq’s future in West Asia. He said that Iraq is on the path to transitioning from a “disorganized” state in terms of politics, economy, and security to a stable state in the region, economically, politically, and security-wise.
Iraq
Consequences of Four Iraqi Shiite Groups Being Placed on the US Terrorist List
Strategic Council Online– Interview: A senior Iraqi affairs analyst stated that the recent action by the US Department of State in placing four Iraqi Shiite groups on the list of foreign terrorist organizations has not only seriously challenged Iraq’s security dimension but has also broadly overshadowed Baghdad’s political and diplomatic equations. This decision, interpreted as a continuation of Washington’s policy of maximum pressure in the region, could have multi-layered consequences for Iraq’s internal security, foreign relations, and even the balance of power. The groups affected by this decision are part of the official structure of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and were key players in the defeat of ISIS; therefore, their placement on the terrorist list is not only considered a threat against US interests but also calls into question the legitimacy and cohesion of Iraq’s security forces. This move could cast a shadow over the process of withdrawing US forces from Iraq and provide a pretext for the continuation of Washington’s military presence. Similarly, at the regional level, it further frees the hands of the Israeli regime for aggressive actions.
Dr. Kharrazi, in a meeting with the leader of Iraq’s National Wisdom Movement: The wickedness of the Zionist regime, backed by the US, threatens all countries in the region
Strategic Council Online: Seyed Ammar al-Hakim, the leader of Iraq’s National Wisdom Movement, met with Dr. Seyed Kamal Kharrazi, the President of the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations (SCFR), this afternoon. They discussed regional developments, bilateral relations, and the prospects of elections in Iraq.
Dimensions and Implications of Parallel Efforts to Disarm the Resistance in West Asia
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on West Asian affairs stated that under the current circumstances, discussing the disarmament of the Resistance is not only unfeasible but could also lead to an escalation of tensions. Following the 12-day aggression by the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, efforts in another layer to disarm Resistance groups, including Hezbollah, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF or Hashd al-Shaabi), and Hamas, have intensified as part of a coordinated project pursued to weaken the Axis of Resistance and impose American regional dominance. The U.S. proposal for Lebanon, which includes disarming Hezbollah by the end of 2025 and the withdrawal of the Israeli regime from border positions, is an attempt to transform an external conflict into an internal one. Hezbollah has firmly rejected this proposal, deeming it a violation of national sovereignty and a service to the interests of the Israeli regime, while emphasizing its defensive role. In Iraq, pressure on the Popular Mobilization Forces has been accompanied by accusations and economic sanctions, yet this group continues to stand as a popular force against external threats. Hamas, despite heavy attacks by the Israeli regime, has continued its resistance and rejected a recent ceasefire proposal in exchange for disarmament. These plans, supported by U.S. and allied diplomatic and economic backing, seek to alter the balance of power in the region. Still, the resistance of the groups and popular support have prevented the realization of these objectives.
Consequences of America’s Efforts to Destroy Resistance Groups in Iraq
Online Strategic Council – Commentary: In recent weeks, as part of advancing the so-called “New Middle East” plan by the U.S. and the Zionist regime in the region, and following the 12-day war against Iran, Washington and Tel Aviv have focused on Iraq and are pursuing a project to destabilize the country.
Trump’s Baseless Claim Regarding “Peace Through Force” in the Context of International Relations and Regional Studies
Strategic Council online – Opinion: The term “Peace through Force,” which Donald Trump has heavily promoted in recent media displays, refers in international relations literature to an approach where a global or regional power attempts to impose stability or regime change in a country or region through military and coercive means.
Reasons for NATO’s Interest in a Military Partnership with Iraq
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that Christoph Henzi, the new NATO commander in Iraq, recently emphasized the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) continued commitment to coordinating and cooperating with Iraqi military and security institutions through experience-sharing, advisory services, and capacity-building.
Examination of the Causes of the Arab League’s Inability and Passivity Regarding Palestine
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A faculty member of International Relations at the Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies stated: The 34th Arab League Summit was held in Baghdad on Saturday, May 17. 2024). In their final statement, Arab leaders called on the international community to pressure the Zionist regime to stop the bloodshed and massacres in Gaza. The summit’s final statement focused on the centrality of the Palestinian issue and the demand for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. However, the question remains: Why has this body, aside from issuing a series of ineffective statements, failed to play a role in regional matters?
Iraq Liquidity Crisis: The Intersection of External Pressures and Internal Challenges
Strategic Council Online –Opinion: The liquidity crisis in Iraq’s banking system, marked by a sharp decline in state banks’ cash reserves and disruptions in loan disbursements and salary payments, goes beyond a mere financial issue and could have political, diplomatic, and even security repercussions.
Consequences of Inviting Al-Sharaa to the Arab Summit in Iraq
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The invitation to Ahmed Al-Sharaa, head of Syria’s interim government, to attend the Arab Summit in Baghdad sends a message from the Iraqi government to the Arab world that Baghdad seeks to play a central role in rebuilding Arab relations and reducing regional tensions. However, the path ahead for Baghdad does not appear straightforward. The invitation to Syria’s interim President, facilitated by the mediation of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, and Iraqi Prime Minister Sudani’s initial meeting with Al-Sharaa in Doha in February 2025, demonstrates Iraq’s determination to mediate regional conflicts.
Analysis of the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Visit to England
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert considered the Iraqi Prime Minister’s visit to the UK and the agreements reached during this visit important for Iraq’s future in West Asia. He said that Iraq is on the path to transitioning from a “disorganized” state in terms of politics, economy, and security to a stable state in the region, economically, politically, and security-wise.
LATEST CONTENT
Geoeconomics as the Most Important Arena of Great Power Competition
SCFR Online – Opinion: Great power competition is now pursued more in trade, currency, technology, and global supply chains than on the battlefields of military confrontation.
The reasons for the ineffectiveness of Washington’s military strategy
Strategic Council Online – Note: By disregarding Iran’s deterrence capabilities and political economy leverage in the Strait of Hormuz, Washington has reached a strategic deadlock from which military means are unable to extricate it.
Indicators for Choosing Between War and Diplomacy
SCFR Online – Opinion: Foreign policy analysis is valid when it evaluates decisions based on the information and circumstances prevailing at the time they were made, not on the basis of outcomes that only become apparent after the crisis has ended.
Sanctions in Changing Nature; From an Instrument of Economic Pressure to a Weapon of Technological Containment
SCFR Online-Opinion: Sanctions are gradually transforming from classical financial instruments into complex mechanisms for the containment of technology, data, and global supply chains.
An Analysis of France’s Effort to Play a Role in Syria during the Transitional Period
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.
The role of emerging powers in rewriting the rules of the global order
Strategic Council Online – Note: Middle powers such as India, Turkey, Australia, and some Persian Gulf countries are no longer marginal actors, but are redefining global power equations through balancing diplomacy.
The war of narratives; a tool for geopolitical competition
Strategic Council Online – Note: In today’s global politics, the creation of narratives has become as important as territorial control and economic management, and has turned into the main tool of great power competition.
Handing over the Gaza’s administration is a strategic move by Hamas on the path to political transformation and the preservation of resistance.
Strategic Council Online – Note: Hamas’s handing over the civilian management in Gaza is assessed as an attempt to reduce political pressures, facilitate reconstruction, and preserve the status of resistance in the future equations of Palestine.
Iraq
Consequences of Four Iraqi Shiite Groups Being Placed on the US Terrorist List
Strategic Council Online– Interview: A senior Iraqi affairs analyst stated that the recent action by the US Department of State in placing four Iraqi Shiite groups on the list of foreign terrorist organizations has not only seriously challenged Iraq’s security dimension but has also broadly overshadowed Baghdad’s political and diplomatic equations. This decision, interpreted as a continuation of Washington’s policy of maximum pressure in the region, could have multi-layered consequences for Iraq’s internal security, foreign relations, and even the balance of power. The groups affected by this decision are part of the official structure of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and were key players in the defeat of ISIS; therefore, their placement on the terrorist list is not only considered a threat against US interests but also calls into question the legitimacy and cohesion of Iraq’s security forces. This move could cast a shadow over the process of withdrawing US forces from Iraq and provide a pretext for the continuation of Washington’s military presence. Similarly, at the regional level, it further frees the hands of the Israeli regime for aggressive actions.
Dr. Kharrazi, in a meeting with the leader of Iraq’s National Wisdom Movement: The wickedness of the Zionist regime, backed by the US, threatens all countries in the region
Strategic Council Online: Seyed Ammar al-Hakim, the leader of Iraq’s National Wisdom Movement, met with Dr. Seyed Kamal Kharrazi, the President of the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations (SCFR), this afternoon. They discussed regional developments, bilateral relations, and the prospects of elections in Iraq.
Dimensions and Implications of Parallel Efforts to Disarm the Resistance in West Asia
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on West Asian affairs stated that under the current circumstances, discussing the disarmament of the Resistance is not only unfeasible but could also lead to an escalation of tensions. Following the 12-day aggression by the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, efforts in another layer to disarm Resistance groups, including Hezbollah, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF or Hashd al-Shaabi), and Hamas, have intensified as part of a coordinated project pursued to weaken the Axis of Resistance and impose American regional dominance. The U.S. proposal for Lebanon, which includes disarming Hezbollah by the end of 2025 and the withdrawal of the Israeli regime from border positions, is an attempt to transform an external conflict into an internal one. Hezbollah has firmly rejected this proposal, deeming it a violation of national sovereignty and a service to the interests of the Israeli regime, while emphasizing its defensive role. In Iraq, pressure on the Popular Mobilization Forces has been accompanied by accusations and economic sanctions, yet this group continues to stand as a popular force against external threats. Hamas, despite heavy attacks by the Israeli regime, has continued its resistance and rejected a recent ceasefire proposal in exchange for disarmament. These plans, supported by U.S. and allied diplomatic and economic backing, seek to alter the balance of power in the region. Still, the resistance of the groups and popular support have prevented the realization of these objectives.
Consequences of America’s Efforts to Destroy Resistance Groups in Iraq
Online Strategic Council – Commentary: In recent weeks, as part of advancing the so-called “New Middle East” plan by the U.S. and the Zionist regime in the region, and following the 12-day war against Iran, Washington and Tel Aviv have focused on Iraq and are pursuing a project to destabilize the country.
Trump’s Baseless Claim Regarding “Peace Through Force” in the Context of International Relations and Regional Studies
Strategic Council online – Opinion: The term “Peace through Force,” which Donald Trump has heavily promoted in recent media displays, refers in international relations literature to an approach where a global or regional power attempts to impose stability or regime change in a country or region through military and coercive means.
Reasons for NATO’s Interest in a Military Partnership with Iraq
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that Christoph Henzi, the new NATO commander in Iraq, recently emphasized the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) continued commitment to coordinating and cooperating with Iraqi military and security institutions through experience-sharing, advisory services, and capacity-building.
Examination of the Causes of the Arab League’s Inability and Passivity Regarding Palestine
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A faculty member of International Relations at the Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies stated: The 34th Arab League Summit was held in Baghdad on Saturday, May 17. 2024). In their final statement, Arab leaders called on the international community to pressure the Zionist regime to stop the bloodshed and massacres in Gaza. The summit’s final statement focused on the centrality of the Palestinian issue and the demand for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. However, the question remains: Why has this body, aside from issuing a series of ineffective statements, failed to play a role in regional matters?
Iraq Liquidity Crisis: The Intersection of External Pressures and Internal Challenges
Strategic Council Online –Opinion: The liquidity crisis in Iraq’s banking system, marked by a sharp decline in state banks’ cash reserves and disruptions in loan disbursements and salary payments, goes beyond a mere financial issue and could have political, diplomatic, and even security repercussions.
Consequences of Inviting Al-Sharaa to the Arab Summit in Iraq
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The invitation to Ahmed Al-Sharaa, head of Syria’s interim government, to attend the Arab Summit in Baghdad sends a message from the Iraqi government to the Arab world that Baghdad seeks to play a central role in rebuilding Arab relations and reducing regional tensions. However, the path ahead for Baghdad does not appear straightforward. The invitation to Syria’s interim President, facilitated by the mediation of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, and Iraqi Prime Minister Sudani’s initial meeting with Al-Sharaa in Doha in February 2025, demonstrates Iraq’s determination to mediate regional conflicts.
Analysis of the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Visit to England
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert considered the Iraqi Prime Minister’s visit to the UK and the agreements reached during this visit important for Iraq’s future in West Asia. He said that Iraq is on the path to transitioning from a “disorganized” state in terms of politics, economy, and security to a stable state in the region, economically, politically, and security-wise.
ÚLTIMAS PUBLICACIONES
Geoeconomics as the Most Important Arena of Great Power Competition
SCFR Online – Opinion: Great power competition is now pursued more in trade, currency, technology, and global supply chains than on the battlefields of military confrontation.
The reasons for the ineffectiveness of Washington’s military strategy
Strategic Council Online – Note: By disregarding Iran’s deterrence capabilities and political economy leverage in the Strait of Hormuz, Washington has reached a strategic deadlock from which military means are unable to extricate it.
Indicators for Choosing Between War and Diplomacy
SCFR Online – Opinion: Foreign policy analysis is valid when it evaluates decisions based on the information and circumstances prevailing at the time they were made, not on the basis of outcomes that only become apparent after the crisis has ended.
Sanctions in Changing Nature; From an Instrument of Economic Pressure to a Weapon of Technological Containment
SCFR Online-Opinion: Sanctions are gradually transforming from classical financial instruments into complex mechanisms for the containment of technology, data, and global supply chains.
An Analysis of France’s Effort to Play a Role in Syria during the Transitional Period
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.
The role of emerging powers in rewriting the rules of the global order
Strategic Council Online – Note: Middle powers such as India, Turkey, Australia, and some Persian Gulf countries are no longer marginal actors, but are redefining global power equations through balancing diplomacy.
The war of narratives; a tool for geopolitical competition
Strategic Council Online – Note: In today’s global politics, the creation of narratives has become as important as territorial control and economic management, and has turned into the main tool of great power competition.
Handing over the Gaza’s administration is a strategic move by Hamas on the path to political transformation and the preservation of resistance.
Strategic Council Online – Note: Hamas’s handing over the civilian management in Gaza is assessed as an attempt to reduce political pressures, facilitate reconstruction, and preserve the status of resistance in the future equations of Palestine.
Iraq
Consequences of Four Iraqi Shiite Groups Being Placed on the US Terrorist List
Strategic Council Online– Interview: A senior Iraqi affairs analyst stated that the recent action by the US Department of State in placing four Iraqi Shiite groups on the list of foreign terrorist organizations has not only seriously challenged Iraq’s security dimension but has also broadly overshadowed Baghdad’s political and diplomatic equations. This decision, interpreted as a continuation of Washington’s policy of maximum pressure in the region, could have multi-layered consequences for Iraq’s internal security, foreign relations, and even the balance of power. The groups affected by this decision are part of the official structure of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and were key players in the defeat of ISIS; therefore, their placement on the terrorist list is not only considered a threat against US interests but also calls into question the legitimacy and cohesion of Iraq’s security forces. This move could cast a shadow over the process of withdrawing US forces from Iraq and provide a pretext for the continuation of Washington’s military presence. Similarly, at the regional level, it further frees the hands of the Israeli regime for aggressive actions.
Dr. Kharrazi, in a meeting with the leader of Iraq’s National Wisdom Movement: The wickedness of the Zionist regime, backed by the US, threatens all countries in the region
Strategic Council Online: Seyed Ammar al-Hakim, the leader of Iraq’s National Wisdom Movement, met with Dr. Seyed Kamal Kharrazi, the President of the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations (SCFR), this afternoon. They discussed regional developments, bilateral relations, and the prospects of elections in Iraq.
Dimensions and Implications of Parallel Efforts to Disarm the Resistance in West Asia
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on West Asian affairs stated that under the current circumstances, discussing the disarmament of the Resistance is not only unfeasible but could also lead to an escalation of tensions. Following the 12-day aggression by the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, efforts in another layer to disarm Resistance groups, including Hezbollah, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF or Hashd al-Shaabi), and Hamas, have intensified as part of a coordinated project pursued to weaken the Axis of Resistance and impose American regional dominance. The U.S. proposal for Lebanon, which includes disarming Hezbollah by the end of 2025 and the withdrawal of the Israeli regime from border positions, is an attempt to transform an external conflict into an internal one. Hezbollah has firmly rejected this proposal, deeming it a violation of national sovereignty and a service to the interests of the Israeli regime, while emphasizing its defensive role. In Iraq, pressure on the Popular Mobilization Forces has been accompanied by accusations and economic sanctions, yet this group continues to stand as a popular force against external threats. Hamas, despite heavy attacks by the Israeli regime, has continued its resistance and rejected a recent ceasefire proposal in exchange for disarmament. These plans, supported by U.S. and allied diplomatic and economic backing, seek to alter the balance of power in the region. Still, the resistance of the groups and popular support have prevented the realization of these objectives.
Consequences of America’s Efforts to Destroy Resistance Groups in Iraq
Online Strategic Council – Commentary: In recent weeks, as part of advancing the so-called “New Middle East” plan by the U.S. and the Zionist regime in the region, and following the 12-day war against Iran, Washington and Tel Aviv have focused on Iraq and are pursuing a project to destabilize the country.
Trump’s Baseless Claim Regarding “Peace Through Force” in the Context of International Relations and Regional Studies
Strategic Council online – Opinion: The term “Peace through Force,” which Donald Trump has heavily promoted in recent media displays, refers in international relations literature to an approach where a global or regional power attempts to impose stability or regime change in a country or region through military and coercive means.
Reasons for NATO’s Interest in a Military Partnership with Iraq
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that Christoph Henzi, the new NATO commander in Iraq, recently emphasized the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) continued commitment to coordinating and cooperating with Iraqi military and security institutions through experience-sharing, advisory services, and capacity-building.
Examination of the Causes of the Arab League’s Inability and Passivity Regarding Palestine
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A faculty member of International Relations at the Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies stated: The 34th Arab League Summit was held in Baghdad on Saturday, May 17. 2024). In their final statement, Arab leaders called on the international community to pressure the Zionist regime to stop the bloodshed and massacres in Gaza. The summit’s final statement focused on the centrality of the Palestinian issue and the demand for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. However, the question remains: Why has this body, aside from issuing a series of ineffective statements, failed to play a role in regional matters?
Iraq Liquidity Crisis: The Intersection of External Pressures and Internal Challenges
Strategic Council Online –Opinion: The liquidity crisis in Iraq’s banking system, marked by a sharp decline in state banks’ cash reserves and disruptions in loan disbursements and salary payments, goes beyond a mere financial issue and could have political, diplomatic, and even security repercussions.
Consequences of Inviting Al-Sharaa to the Arab Summit in Iraq
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The invitation to Ahmed Al-Sharaa, head of Syria’s interim government, to attend the Arab Summit in Baghdad sends a message from the Iraqi government to the Arab world that Baghdad seeks to play a central role in rebuilding Arab relations and reducing regional tensions. However, the path ahead for Baghdad does not appear straightforward. The invitation to Syria’s interim President, facilitated by the mediation of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, and Iraqi Prime Minister Sudani’s initial meeting with Al-Sharaa in Doha in February 2025, demonstrates Iraq’s determination to mediate regional conflicts.
Analysis of the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Visit to England
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert considered the Iraqi Prime Minister’s visit to the UK and the agreements reached during this visit important for Iraq’s future in West Asia. He said that Iraq is on the path to transitioning from a “disorganized” state in terms of politics, economy, and security to a stable state in the region, economically, politically, and security-wise.
ÚLTIMAS PUBLICACIONES
Geoeconomics as the Most Important Arena of Great Power Competition
SCFR Online – Opinion: Great power competition is now pursued more in trade, currency, technology, and global supply chains than on the battlefields of military confrontation.
The reasons for the ineffectiveness of Washington’s military strategy
Strategic Council Online – Note: By disregarding Iran’s deterrence capabilities and political economy leverage in the Strait of Hormuz, Washington has reached a strategic deadlock from which military means are unable to extricate it.
Indicators for Choosing Between War and Diplomacy
SCFR Online – Opinion: Foreign policy analysis is valid when it evaluates decisions based on the information and circumstances prevailing at the time they were made, not on the basis of outcomes that only become apparent after the crisis has ended.
Sanctions in Changing Nature; From an Instrument of Economic Pressure to a Weapon of Technological Containment
SCFR Online-Opinion: Sanctions are gradually transforming from classical financial instruments into complex mechanisms for the containment of technology, data, and global supply chains.
An Analysis of France’s Effort to Play a Role in Syria during the Transitional Period
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.
The role of emerging powers in rewriting the rules of the global order
Strategic Council Online – Note: Middle powers such as India, Turkey, Australia, and some Persian Gulf countries are no longer marginal actors, but are redefining global power equations through balancing diplomacy.
The war of narratives; a tool for geopolitical competition
Strategic Council Online – Note: In today’s global politics, the creation of narratives has become as important as territorial control and economic management, and has turned into the main tool of great power competition.
Handing over the Gaza’s administration is a strategic move by Hamas on the path to political transformation and the preservation of resistance.
Strategic Council Online – Note: Hamas’s handing over the civilian management in Gaza is assessed as an attempt to reduce political pressures, facilitate reconstruction, and preserve the status of resistance in the future equations of Palestine.
Iraq
Consequences of Four Iraqi Shiite Groups Being Placed on the US Terrorist List
Strategic Council Online– Interview: A senior Iraqi affairs analyst stated that the recent action by the US Department of State in placing four Iraqi Shiite groups on the list of foreign terrorist organizations has not only seriously challenged Iraq’s security dimension but has also broadly overshadowed Baghdad’s political and diplomatic equations. This decision, interpreted as a continuation of Washington’s policy of maximum pressure in the region, could have multi-layered consequences for Iraq’s internal security, foreign relations, and even the balance of power. The groups affected by this decision are part of the official structure of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and were key players in the defeat of ISIS; therefore, their placement on the terrorist list is not only considered a threat against US interests but also calls into question the legitimacy and cohesion of Iraq’s security forces. This move could cast a shadow over the process of withdrawing US forces from Iraq and provide a pretext for the continuation of Washington’s military presence. Similarly, at the regional level, it further frees the hands of the Israeli regime for aggressive actions.
Dr. Kharrazi, in a meeting with the leader of Iraq’s National Wisdom Movement: The wickedness of the Zionist regime, backed by the US, threatens all countries in the region
Strategic Council Online: Seyed Ammar al-Hakim, the leader of Iraq’s National Wisdom Movement, met with Dr. Seyed Kamal Kharrazi, the President of the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations (SCFR), this afternoon. They discussed regional developments, bilateral relations, and the prospects of elections in Iraq.
Dimensions and Implications of Parallel Efforts to Disarm the Resistance in West Asia
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on West Asian affairs stated that under the current circumstances, discussing the disarmament of the Resistance is not only unfeasible but could also lead to an escalation of tensions. Following the 12-day aggression by the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, efforts in another layer to disarm Resistance groups, including Hezbollah, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF or Hashd al-Shaabi), and Hamas, have intensified as part of a coordinated project pursued to weaken the Axis of Resistance and impose American regional dominance. The U.S. proposal for Lebanon, which includes disarming Hezbollah by the end of 2025 and the withdrawal of the Israeli regime from border positions, is an attempt to transform an external conflict into an internal one. Hezbollah has firmly rejected this proposal, deeming it a violation of national sovereignty and a service to the interests of the Israeli regime, while emphasizing its defensive role. In Iraq, pressure on the Popular Mobilization Forces has been accompanied by accusations and economic sanctions, yet this group continues to stand as a popular force against external threats. Hamas, despite heavy attacks by the Israeli regime, has continued its resistance and rejected a recent ceasefire proposal in exchange for disarmament. These plans, supported by U.S. and allied diplomatic and economic backing, seek to alter the balance of power in the region. Still, the resistance of the groups and popular support have prevented the realization of these objectives.
Consequences of America’s Efforts to Destroy Resistance Groups in Iraq
Online Strategic Council – Commentary: In recent weeks, as part of advancing the so-called “New Middle East” plan by the U.S. and the Zionist regime in the region, and following the 12-day war against Iran, Washington and Tel Aviv have focused on Iraq and are pursuing a project to destabilize the country.
Trump’s Baseless Claim Regarding “Peace Through Force” in the Context of International Relations and Regional Studies
Strategic Council online – Opinion: The term “Peace through Force,” which Donald Trump has heavily promoted in recent media displays, refers in international relations literature to an approach where a global or regional power attempts to impose stability or regime change in a country or region through military and coercive means.
Reasons for NATO’s Interest in a Military Partnership with Iraq
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that Christoph Henzi, the new NATO commander in Iraq, recently emphasized the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) continued commitment to coordinating and cooperating with Iraqi military and security institutions through experience-sharing, advisory services, and capacity-building.
Examination of the Causes of the Arab League’s Inability and Passivity Regarding Palestine
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A faculty member of International Relations at the Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies stated: The 34th Arab League Summit was held in Baghdad on Saturday, May 17. 2024). In their final statement, Arab leaders called on the international community to pressure the Zionist regime to stop the bloodshed and massacres in Gaza. The summit’s final statement focused on the centrality of the Palestinian issue and the demand for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. However, the question remains: Why has this body, aside from issuing a series of ineffective statements, failed to play a role in regional matters?
Iraq Liquidity Crisis: The Intersection of External Pressures and Internal Challenges
Strategic Council Online –Opinion: The liquidity crisis in Iraq’s banking system, marked by a sharp decline in state banks’ cash reserves and disruptions in loan disbursements and salary payments, goes beyond a mere financial issue and could have political, diplomatic, and even security repercussions.
Consequences of Inviting Al-Sharaa to the Arab Summit in Iraq
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The invitation to Ahmed Al-Sharaa, head of Syria’s interim government, to attend the Arab Summit in Baghdad sends a message from the Iraqi government to the Arab world that Baghdad seeks to play a central role in rebuilding Arab relations and reducing regional tensions. However, the path ahead for Baghdad does not appear straightforward. The invitation to Syria’s interim President, facilitated by the mediation of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, and Iraqi Prime Minister Sudani’s initial meeting with Al-Sharaa in Doha in February 2025, demonstrates Iraq’s determination to mediate regional conflicts.
Analysis of the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Visit to England
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert considered the Iraqi Prime Minister’s visit to the UK and the agreements reached during this visit important for Iraq’s future in West Asia. He said that Iraq is on the path to transitioning from a “disorganized” state in terms of politics, economy, and security to a stable state in the region, economically, politically, and security-wise.
ÚLTIMAS PUBLICACIONES
Geoeconomics as the Most Important Arena of Great Power Competition
SCFR Online – Opinion: Great power competition is now pursued more in trade, currency, technology, and global supply chains than on the battlefields of military confrontation.
The reasons for the ineffectiveness of Washington’s military strategy
Strategic Council Online – Note: By disregarding Iran’s deterrence capabilities and political economy leverage in the Strait of Hormuz, Washington has reached a strategic deadlock from which military means are unable to extricate it.
Indicators for Choosing Between War and Diplomacy
SCFR Online – Opinion: Foreign policy analysis is valid when it evaluates decisions based on the information and circumstances prevailing at the time they were made, not on the basis of outcomes that only become apparent after the crisis has ended.
Sanctions in Changing Nature; From an Instrument of Economic Pressure to a Weapon of Technological Containment
SCFR Online-Opinion: Sanctions are gradually transforming from classical financial instruments into complex mechanisms for the containment of technology, data, and global supply chains.
An Analysis of France’s Effort to Play a Role in Syria during the Transitional Period
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.
The role of emerging powers in rewriting the rules of the global order
Strategic Council Online – Note: Middle powers such as India, Turkey, Australia, and some Persian Gulf countries are no longer marginal actors, but are redefining global power equations through balancing diplomacy.
The war of narratives; a tool for geopolitical competition
Strategic Council Online – Note: In today’s global politics, the creation of narratives has become as important as territorial control and economic management, and has turned into the main tool of great power competition.
Handing over the Gaza’s administration is a strategic move by Hamas on the path to political transformation and the preservation of resistance.
Strategic Council Online – Note: Hamas’s handing over the civilian management in Gaza is assessed as an attempt to reduce political pressures, facilitate reconstruction, and preserve the status of resistance in the future equations of Palestine.
Iraq
Consequences of Four Iraqi Shiite Groups Being Placed on the US Terrorist List
Strategic Council Online– Interview: A senior Iraqi affairs analyst stated that the recent action by the US Department of State in placing four Iraqi Shiite groups on the list of foreign terrorist organizations has not only seriously challenged Iraq’s security dimension but has also broadly overshadowed Baghdad’s political and diplomatic equations. This decision, interpreted as a continuation of Washington’s policy of maximum pressure in the region, could have multi-layered consequences for Iraq’s internal security, foreign relations, and even the balance of power. The groups affected by this decision are part of the official structure of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and were key players in the defeat of ISIS; therefore, their placement on the terrorist list is not only considered a threat against US interests but also calls into question the legitimacy and cohesion of Iraq’s security forces. This move could cast a shadow over the process of withdrawing US forces from Iraq and provide a pretext for the continuation of Washington’s military presence. Similarly, at the regional level, it further frees the hands of the Israeli regime for aggressive actions.
Dr. Kharrazi, in a meeting with the leader of Iraq’s National Wisdom Movement: The wickedness of the Zionist regime, backed by the US, threatens all countries in the region
Strategic Council Online: Seyed Ammar al-Hakim, the leader of Iraq’s National Wisdom Movement, met with Dr. Seyed Kamal Kharrazi, the President of the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations (SCFR), this afternoon. They discussed regional developments, bilateral relations, and the prospects of elections in Iraq.
Dimensions and Implications of Parallel Efforts to Disarm the Resistance in West Asia
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on West Asian affairs stated that under the current circumstances, discussing the disarmament of the Resistance is not only unfeasible but could also lead to an escalation of tensions. Following the 12-day aggression by the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, efforts in another layer to disarm Resistance groups, including Hezbollah, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF or Hashd al-Shaabi), and Hamas, have intensified as part of a coordinated project pursued to weaken the Axis of Resistance and impose American regional dominance. The U.S. proposal for Lebanon, which includes disarming Hezbollah by the end of 2025 and the withdrawal of the Israeli regime from border positions, is an attempt to transform an external conflict into an internal one. Hezbollah has firmly rejected this proposal, deeming it a violation of national sovereignty and a service to the interests of the Israeli regime, while emphasizing its defensive role. In Iraq, pressure on the Popular Mobilization Forces has been accompanied by accusations and economic sanctions, yet this group continues to stand as a popular force against external threats. Hamas, despite heavy attacks by the Israeli regime, has continued its resistance and rejected a recent ceasefire proposal in exchange for disarmament. These plans, supported by U.S. and allied diplomatic and economic backing, seek to alter the balance of power in the region. Still, the resistance of the groups and popular support have prevented the realization of these objectives.
Consequences of America’s Efforts to Destroy Resistance Groups in Iraq
Online Strategic Council – Commentary: In recent weeks, as part of advancing the so-called “New Middle East” plan by the U.S. and the Zionist regime in the region, and following the 12-day war against Iran, Washington and Tel Aviv have focused on Iraq and are pursuing a project to destabilize the country.
Trump’s Baseless Claim Regarding “Peace Through Force” in the Context of International Relations and Regional Studies
Strategic Council online – Opinion: The term “Peace through Force,” which Donald Trump has heavily promoted in recent media displays, refers in international relations literature to an approach where a global or regional power attempts to impose stability or regime change in a country or region through military and coercive means.
Reasons for NATO’s Interest in a Military Partnership with Iraq
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that Christoph Henzi, the new NATO commander in Iraq, recently emphasized the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) continued commitment to coordinating and cooperating with Iraqi military and security institutions through experience-sharing, advisory services, and capacity-building.
Examination of the Causes of the Arab League’s Inability and Passivity Regarding Palestine
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A faculty member of International Relations at the Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies stated: The 34th Arab League Summit was held in Baghdad on Saturday, May 17. 2024). In their final statement, Arab leaders called on the international community to pressure the Zionist regime to stop the bloodshed and massacres in Gaza. The summit’s final statement focused on the centrality of the Palestinian issue and the demand for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. However, the question remains: Why has this body, aside from issuing a series of ineffective statements, failed to play a role in regional matters?
Iraq Liquidity Crisis: The Intersection of External Pressures and Internal Challenges
Strategic Council Online –Opinion: The liquidity crisis in Iraq’s banking system, marked by a sharp decline in state banks’ cash reserves and disruptions in loan disbursements and salary payments, goes beyond a mere financial issue and could have political, diplomatic, and even security repercussions.
Consequences of Inviting Al-Sharaa to the Arab Summit in Iraq
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The invitation to Ahmed Al-Sharaa, head of Syria’s interim government, to attend the Arab Summit in Baghdad sends a message from the Iraqi government to the Arab world that Baghdad seeks to play a central role in rebuilding Arab relations and reducing regional tensions. However, the path ahead for Baghdad does not appear straightforward. The invitation to Syria’s interim President, facilitated by the mediation of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, and Iraqi Prime Minister Sudani’s initial meeting with Al-Sharaa in Doha in February 2025, demonstrates Iraq’s determination to mediate regional conflicts.
Analysis of the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Visit to England
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert considered the Iraqi Prime Minister’s visit to the UK and the agreements reached during this visit important for Iraq’s future in West Asia. He said that Iraq is on the path to transitioning from a “disorganized” state in terms of politics, economy, and security to a stable state in the region, economically, politically, and security-wise.
ÚLTIMAS PUBLICACIONES
Geoeconomics as the Most Important Arena of Great Power Competition
SCFR Online – Opinion: Great power competition is now pursued more in trade, currency, technology, and global supply chains than on the battlefields of military confrontation.
The reasons for the ineffectiveness of Washington’s military strategy
Strategic Council Online – Note: By disregarding Iran’s deterrence capabilities and political economy leverage in the Strait of Hormuz, Washington has reached a strategic deadlock from which military means are unable to extricate it.
Indicators for Choosing Between War and Diplomacy
SCFR Online – Opinion: Foreign policy analysis is valid when it evaluates decisions based on the information and circumstances prevailing at the time they were made, not on the basis of outcomes that only become apparent after the crisis has ended.
Sanctions in Changing Nature; From an Instrument of Economic Pressure to a Weapon of Technological Containment
SCFR Online-Opinion: Sanctions are gradually transforming from classical financial instruments into complex mechanisms for the containment of technology, data, and global supply chains.
An Analysis of France’s Effort to Play a Role in Syria during the Transitional Period
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.
The role of emerging powers in rewriting the rules of the global order
Strategic Council Online – Note: Middle powers such as India, Turkey, Australia, and some Persian Gulf countries are no longer marginal actors, but are redefining global power equations through balancing diplomacy.
The war of narratives; a tool for geopolitical competition
Strategic Council Online – Note: In today’s global politics, the creation of narratives has become as important as territorial control and economic management, and has turned into the main tool of great power competition.
Handing over the Gaza’s administration is a strategic move by Hamas on the path to political transformation and the preservation of resistance.
Strategic Council Online – Note: Hamas’s handing over the civilian management in Gaza is assessed as an attempt to reduce political pressures, facilitate reconstruction, and preserve the status of resistance in the future equations of Palestine.