Assad

Moscow’s Syria Deal Hints at Wider War Theatre

A renewed Mediterranean bases deal for Moscow and Baghdad's unproven claim of Ukrainian cells both hint at a Middle East drawn into Europe's distant war.

Syria’s New State Looks Alarmingly Rural

Post-Assad Syria is not settling into a new national centre. It is hardening into a patchwork of rural power bases, clan ties, and competing local loyalties.

Deraa First Trial Puts Syrian Justice on the Stand

This week's public trial of Atef Najib returned Deraa to the centre of Syrian politics, with the first courtroom reckoning for the crackdown that helped ignite the uprising.

Syria: Latest Visit Hints at Russia’s Return to Syria

Syria’s new president Ahmed al-Sharaa meets Putin in Moscow, signalling a pragmatic reset as Russia seeks to rebuild influence in the Middle East.

Lebanon Teeters on Default: Europe Opts Out of Pushing Disarmament

Lebanon faces $11bn recovery costs, looming default, and stalled IMF bailout as France and the EU weigh aid against real reform demands.

Popular

Super Intelligence: The Datacentre Is the New Science Lab

As Europe funds brilliant laboratories, are datacentre owners harvesting the discoveries?

Strasbourg Naked Golden Trump Trolls the Monument Tradition

A naked golden Trump in Strasbourg shows how statues, once made to flatter rulers, now serve to roast them.

Hanning Affair Hurts German Intel Cred

Germany's ex-spymaster undermined allied confidence and gave Moscow-friendly politicians a talking point.

Rubio Cherry-Picks Ancient Greece to Sell Modern Nationalism

Rubio urged the West to copy ancient Greek loyalty, yet ancient Athens thrived on argument, dissent and noisy assemblies.

Young Voters Could Decide France’s Next President

Hate-speech allegations bruise Bardella and energise Mélenchon, but household finances and young-voter turnout will determine who wins France's presidency.