Seth J. Frantzman

Both in Syria and Iraq, there are rising reports of pushes for Arabic to become a main language and demographic changes in Kurdish areas, with officials needing to tackle these issues.

“Iraq's Central Criminal Court has sentenced Amir Rahim Jabar Lazim to 15 years in prison under the Anti-Terrorism Law," read the announcement shared by the victim, journalist Shelly Kittelson.

With the recent pact signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, and the attempt to improve relations with Qatar, only Jordan and the UAE remain as targets for retaliation.

The two events happening on the same day are a coincidence, because both have been in the works for some time. However, it is symbolic of how the Middle East is being reshaped.

Syria can now process credit card payments again, symbolizing Syria's re-entry into the international system after years of isolation.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.