Syria
WORLD
Double Bind: Struggle in Syria Between Foreign Peace and Domestic Clashes
As diplomats in Paris weigh the price of peace with Israel, the shelling in Aleppo serves as a lethal reminder of the domestic fractures haunting the new 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.
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.
