Saudi Arabia's leader, Mohammed bin Salman, has ruled over a brutal but wealthy dictatorship. But the country is now rocked by a faltering economy and intense attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi movement. His enemies might say he is out of control, says Saudi expert Thord Jansson.
ConflictsIs Syria on its way to falling back into civil war – just a few months after the Assad regime's fall? In just a few days, over 1,300 people were killed along the Syrian Mediterranean coast, mainly Alawites and Christians. Many are now terrified and have fled the country.
ConflictsThe killing of civilians from the Alawite minority can be traced back to a "bitter and bloody legacy" from the war in Syria. But also to a security force that is not entirely controlled by the government, says Middle East expert Aron Lund.
WorldTurkey's president Recep Tayyip Erdogan senses morning air after the Syrian regime's fall. I believe Erdogan sees a golden opportunity now to try to solve what he sees as "the Kurdish problem" in Syria, says Syria expert Aron Lund.
WorldThis week, one of the bloodiest battles took place between forces loyal to the new government in Syria and Assad-loyal men after the regime's fall. There are many who are worried that the new government will come after them now, says Syria expert Aron Lund.
WorldThe fall of the Assad regime could trigger new waves of refugees from Syria, according to Middle East expert Aron Lund. Even if some people will be able to return, it will also drive new refugee groups to leave Syria, he says.
SwedenTerror-labelled HTS has overthrown the Syrian dictator al-Assad with the goal of establishing an Islamic state. But it is not certain that they will succeed in doing so at all, says Middle East expert Aron Lund.
WorldDespite his background in the al-Qaeda network's branch in Syria, the rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani has sought to portray himself as a more modern and moderate leader. I think it's primarily about good politics, says Middle East analyst Aron Lund.
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