Originally Published by RAND Corporation The U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear sites Sunday had a concrete strategic objective: thwart Iran’s ability to enrich nuclear material and potentially build nuclear weapons. It was intended to make the world a safer place. At the moment, however, the
The seizure of power in Syria by the Syrian rebels and the overthrow of the Assad regime in a remarkably short period represent a significant blow to the pro-Iranian resistance axis. This is particularly evident in light of the loss of a logistical, economic, and
The fall of the Assad regime within 12 days of the beginning of the rebel offensive, which came down from its stronghold in the Idlib region, is a dramatic, tectonic event, not only for Syria itself but for the entire Middle East, and to a
Abstract This article analyzes Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s and his successor’s endeavors to delineate the principles of the theocratic regime’s power framework. The transformation instigated by the Islamic Revolution resulted in a reconfiguration of identities, beliefs, norms, and policies, influencing the distribution of resources to enhance
Abstract This paper examines the intensifying threats posed by Iran’s expanding influence in Jordan, presenting significant security implications for both Israel and Jordan. Against the backdrop of Israel’s recent operations against Hamas in Gaza and the West Bank, the study explores two primary dynamics shaping
Abstract This report delves into the unprecedented scale and brutality of the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas in Israel, marking a new phase in violent Islamic extremism. The assault, characterized by mass killings, hostage-taking, and extreme violence, represents the worst pogrom against Jews since
First published in Maariv Online. What will happen in the Gaza Strip the day after? It is clear to everyone what will not be there – no Hamas, no terrorist military capabilities, no education toward the destruction of Israel. The first challenge Israel faces is
Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran has actively sought to establish itself as a key player both in the Middle East and on the global stage. This ambition has been largely shaped by its antagonistic relations with the United States and Israel, along with critical
The integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the central government in Damascus marks a decisive turning point in the Syrian conflict. What is often framed as a technical or stabilizing arrangement is, in practice, a strategic transformation with far-reaching implications for southern Syria
Introduction On December 28, 2025, protests erupted in Iran and rapidly expanded to additional cities and regions across the country. This wave of unrest is marked by heightened intensity and an unusually broad geographic scope. Although the immediate collapse of the regime appears improbable, the
