Syria
BUSINESS
Rails Across Continents: The Orient Express and Hejaz Line Revived
Two legendary railway lines, one in Europe and one crossing the Middle East, are being restored in 2025, proving that infrastructure can tell stories across time.
Gaza War
The Real Test of the Abraham Accords: Ceremony vs. Reality
As Washington celebrates a diplomatic photo-op, with the Abraham Accords, middle powers are redefining the Middle East map on their own terms.
Exhibitions
The Near East in the Louvre: Time Held in Stone
In the Mesopotamian galleries of the Louvre, lions still guard doorways and musicians still play for gods who fell silent thousands of years ago.
WORLD
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.
EUROPE
Britain Closes Its Doors, Portugal Follows: The New Face of European Refugee Policy
Britain's freeze in September on family reunions for refugees is now echoed in Portugal through tighter residency rules that double the wait for citizenship.
Popular
Transparency or Tyranny? EU Fines X, Musk Calls It Bureaucratic Overreach
EU fines X €120M under Digital Services Act, sparking US-EU clash over tech regulation, sovereignty, and global digital dominance.
Sofia Celebrates Open Borders While Clinging to Its Currency
While Bulgaria finally dismantles physical barriers to Europe, a dilemma rises: the country opens its doors to travellers but locks its wallet against the euro currency.
The Debate of Rosetta Stone: Egypt Wants Icons, Not Whole Collections
As Egypt renews its demand for the Rosetta Stone and other star objects, Europe can no longer hide behind old arguments about who is best placed to care for ancient treasures.
Caspian Bottleneck: All Roads Lead to Baku
Brussels pours capital into Central Asia to secure resources, but geography dictates that trade routes run through the indispensable Azerbaijani bridge.
Gus Jackson and Europe’s Complicated Memory of Michael Jackson
Europe's enduring enthusiasm for Michael Jackson tribute acts shows how the continent continues to separate cultural memory from moral debate in ways that the United States no longer does.
