Hegemony or Normalization: Israel’s Future in the Middle East
Article written by Jérome Chapuisat and Hussam Al Mallak. The war led by Israel and its allies deepens regional instability and revives the debate on Israel’s role in the Middle East.
Tom Barrack: The Tragedy of Homecoming
One of the defining features of the modern Middle East is the influence, not only of external actors, but also of individuals who played decisive roles (directly and indirectly) in shaping the region’s map. While Tom Barrack shares certain traits with these influential figures, he also differs from them in many ways. President Trump nominated Tom […]
The ‘Twelve-Day War’: Initial repercussions on the Gulf
A historic shift The confrontation between the State of Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) in June 2025 marks an acceleration in the reshaping of the Middle Eastern strategic landscape set in motion by the October 7, 2023 attacks, heightening the long-standing concerns of the Arab Gulf states of being drawn into a […]
The Possible Impact of France’s Recognition of the State of Palestine: A Geopolitical and Legal Analysis
The announced recognition of the State of Palestine by France in September 2025 marks a major diplomatic turning point, at the intersection of international law and geopolitical balances. It responds to an unprecedented collective initiative and could revive the debate on the two-state solution, weakened by the war in Gaza and the expansion of Israeli settlements. Legally, Palestine partially meets the criteria of statehood but remains weakened by its internal divisions. International reactions are divided: categorical rejection by Israel and the United States, but enthusiastic support from the Palestinian side as well as several European and Arab countries. Between symbolic significance and strategic uncertainty, this French decision could reshape diplomatic dynamics without guaranteeing concrete progress on the ground.
The New Syrian Government: Balancing Stabilisation and Democratic Transition
After the fall of the Assad dictatorship, Syria faces a power vacuum marked by sectarian violence and governance challenges, especially in Alawite and Druze regions. President Ahmad Al-Sharaa is pursuing a democratic transition through reforms and dialogue with various factions but struggles with internal conflicts and increasing foreign interference, notably from Israel. The transitional government’s limited inclusivity raises doubts about its true commitment to democratization. Despite these challenges, international support from countries like Qatar and France encourages progress toward stability and reconstruction. To succeed, Al-Sharaa must strengthen inclusive governance and implement economic and social reforms to prevent the country’s fragmentation.