External and Internal Factors Behind the Setbacks in Rojava (Syrian Kurds)
The political entity that the Kurds in Syria developed in the aftermath of the Syrian popular uprising of 2011 was the result of years of struggle and resistance by the Kurdish people in Syria. However, it is not possible to overlook two fundamental factors that led to its emergence, expansion and consolidation. First, the weakening […]
The Aorta of the World Economy: The 2026 Strait of Hormuz Crisis
The 1980s Tanker War and the 2026 Crisis: A Historical Comparison To situate the present crisis analytically, it is essential to engage seriously with the historical precedent most frequently invoked by policymakers and commentators: the Tanker War of 1984 to 1988, which constituted the last major episode of systematic maritime interdiction in the Persian Gulf. […]
War in Iran: Can the Iranian regime truly sustain a long-term blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz?
Iran has decreed the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic passage for the global economy. Interview with Dr. Adel Bakawan for 20minutes, written by journalist Anne-Laëtitia Béraud.
Targeting the Pillars of State: United States-Israel’s Strikes on Iranian Police Stations, Border Guards, and the Tehran Bazaar
EISMENA’s correspondent in Iran – The military operations conducted by Israel against Iran beginning on February 28, 2026 departed in significant ways from the targeting logic of previous strikes. Rather than confining itself to nuclear facilities and missile infrastructure, Israel systematically attacked the coercive apparatus of the Iranian state police stations, border guard posts, and the commercial heartland of the Tehran Bazaar.
Iran’s Strategic Miscalculation
In recent months, the Gulf countries had intensified diplomatic efforts to prevent escalation, seeking to establish de-escalation channels between Iran and Western powers. They had distanced themselves from certain Israeli positions in the past and had worked behind the scenes on negotiations, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear program. This moderate stance — neither pro-Iran nor anti-Israel […]