What has often been recognised as one of the geopolitical theatres of the Cold War, the Middle East (ME) has been vulnerable to the United States’ (US) and the Soviet Union’s (USSR) ideological and politically strategic influence after Europe.[1] However, the degree to which the superpowers shaped the Middle East’s trajectory remains contested by scholars. Here, the impact of the superpowers refers to their power to determine political outcomes such as wars, alliances, regime

On the morning of December 8, 2024, the world woke up in shock and disbelief as the latest news from Damascus arrived. In only eleven days, the rebel jihadist forces of Hayat Tayir al Sham (HTS) successfully concluded their assault on Damascus, forcing Assad to flee towards Moscow. What would become a new international figure, an Islamist under the fighting name of Abu Mohammed al-Joulani, marched on the empty presidential palace as the allied forces were liberating the priso

Listen to the audio on Spotify *The transcript has been edited for readability and clarity by Declan Browne & Augustine Acuna III....

In the immediate aftermath of Trump’s poll defying victory in the US election....