Opinion & Analysis
Opinion articles and political analysis by Dr. Salem Alketbi on Gulf, Arab, Iranian and international affairs.
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Extremism
The exploitation of academic discourse: A gateway to the spread of extremism
On March 8, 2025, US authorities arrested Palestinian Mahmoud Khalil, a Syrian-born student activist and key mediator in Columbia University's…
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Israel
Can Trump make his ‘Gaza Riviera’ plan work?
Since US President Donald Trump announced his plan to transform the Gaza Strip into the “Riviera of the Middle East,”…
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Yemen
The fate awaiting the Houthi group after being redesignated as terrorists by US
After the Israel-Hamas War concluded, focus pivoted to the Houthi group, particularly after US President Donald Trump redesignated them on…
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Extremism
Syria’s new leadership faces a defining test
The new Syrian administration has quickly gained legitimate authority and widespread recognition both regionally and internationally. This rapid acceptance reflects…
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Israel
The hardest task post war: How to eliminate Hamas and rebuild Gaza
It would be unrealistic to expect that the recently brokered ceasefire agreement in Gaza will restore conditions to their pre-October…
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Extremism
HTS are aiming to create Taliban-style Sharia government
After Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham seized power and Bashar al-Assad's regime fell, Afghanization fears spread through Syria. The new Syrian administration's…
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Iran
Can Israel and the new Syria live together?
One of the key talking points about Syria's future is the relationship between post-Assad Syria and Israel. The new Syrian…
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Extremism
Post-Assad regime, where does Syria go from here?
Regional and international delegations are converging on Syria to meet Abu Mohammed al-Julani, the new de facto leader of the…
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Will Ahmed Al-Sharaa be assassinated?
It is not out of wishful thinking, stoking controversy, or crystal gazing that I am not discussing a potential assassination…
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Extremism
Iran’s terror militia era draws to a close
Most experts agree that restoring nation-state authority is essential for security and stability in the Middle East. This means ending…
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