Seth Frantzman

From the Strait of Hormuz to sanctions and diplomacy, the US-Iran conflict is broadening into a struggle that is reshaping regional security and the global balance of power.

This month tensions exploded into view with Israeli airstrikes in northern Syria. Barrack, who has been playing an important role in Syria for the last year is now front and center.

This shift is not lost on Jerusalem. Increasingly voices in Israel and supporters abroad are depicting Turkey as an emerging threat, one similar to Iran.

The deal to dissolve the SDF is expected to pave the way for several key decisions in the next phase, including political appointments and developments involving Turkey.

Will the women who played such a heroic and key role in defeating ISIS receive new roles in Syria's new security force, or be left behind?

Other trends emerged from 2021 to 2024, including the expansion of economic blocs (BRICS, SCO), growing Russian and Chinese influence, and US allies hedging by working more closely with Beijing.

Iraq's efforts to disarm the country’s Iranian-backed militias appear to be facing growing political resistance as some factions seek to delay or avoid a September deadline. The debate comes as Washington continues pressing Baghdad to bring all weapons under state control.

The Peshmerga have played a key role over the years fighting ISIS and securing the autonomous Kurdistan Region. However, efforts to reform them have not proceeded as planned.

With Israeli elections making it impossible for officials to offer a solution on Gaza, the US will need to act in order to change the situation and take Hamas out.

More than 60 countries attended the fair, including key regional allies Saudi Arabia and Iraq, while Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa confirmed that credit cards are available again.