Saudi Arabia, by transferring 500 billion dollars from the mega Noam project to artificial intelligence, has taken a major step in redefining its developmental strategy. This transformation is linked with the decline in oil prices and economic challenges in the region. Such a focus not only points to the development of AI technology and infrastructure,…

Hamid Zarei 2025-08-19 President Masoud Pezeshkian’s recent visit to Yerevan served as a litmus test for Iran’s “positive balance” regional policy. The trip carried multiple dimensions—from trade and infrastructure to geopolitics—signaling Tehran’s intent to strengthen ties with Armenia while shaping the evolving order in the South Caucasus. During the visit, Iran and Armenia signed 10…

Hamid Zarei 2025-08-18 Diplomacy has always shown its value — before, during, and after wars. Today, the United States’ renewed effort to mediate peace in Ukraine is a reminder that power is not only military but also diplomatic, economic, and political. The recent Alaska summit and Washington gathering, brought the U.S., European leaders, Ukraine, and…

Policy brief Hamid Zarei 2025-08-14 Executive Summary Following structural shifts in Iran’s security and military architecture after the twelve-day war, Tehran appears to be recalibrating its regional approach to reflect evolving geopolitical realities and a more pragmatic framework for securing national interests. The appointment of Ali Larijani as Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council…

Kurds region capacity 1. Introduction The Syrian Kurds—particularly the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Autonomous Administration of North and Northeast Syria—are among the key political, security, and economic actors in the country. An agreement between the central government in Damascus and the Kurds could not only prevent the continuation of geographical fragmentation but also…

Hamid Zarei Comprehensive Policy Report – August 12, 2025 1) Executive Summary This report connects the Amman and Paris diplomatic tracks on Syria and assesses Türkiye and key Arab states’ stances in light of US and EU involvement. The Amman track focuses on immediate stabilization in Suwayda and early reconstruction; the Paris track targets national-level…

The recent agreement between Baku and Yerevan, mediated by the United States, has sent significant shockwaves through the region and is set to shape upcoming developments affecting the interests of both regional and extra-regional actors. In this context, the definition of interests and the threats posed by this agreement are perceived differently—and in some cases,…

Although the Syrian Kurds are considered U.S. allies, Turkey opposes applying Iraq’s federal model to Syria. This stance constitutes a major obstacle to building unity in Syria. Looking at the case of Iraq after Saddam’s fall, it appears that the U.S. and Europe support Iraq’s federal model. At the same time, given its geographic position…

8 August Background On August 8, 2025, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a landmark peace agreement in Washington, D.C., under U.S. mediation. One of the central elements of the deal is the creation of the Zangezur Corridor, connecting mainland Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan via Armenian territory, and further linking to Türkiye. The Middle Corridor (Trans-Caspian International Transport…

Executive Summary Following the withdrawal of the United States and NATO forces from Afghanistan, Moscow has gradually shifted its approach, treating Afghanistan not as a zone of conflict but as a geopolitical grey zone — one in which it can exert flexible influence without long-term entanglements. Russia’s engagement with the Taliban regime, including potential political…