Author: Giorgio Cafiero
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Geopolitical Dynamics Surrounding Iraq’s Ambitious Development Road Project
Leveraging its geography and resources to serve as an economic bridge between Asia and Europe is not a new concept for Iraq. In the 1980s, the country promoted the “Dry Canal” idea of offering a commercial transit hub linking several regions of the world. But wars, foreign military occupation, political instability, and the challenge of…
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Why post-Assad Syria complicates the Iran-Turkey rivalry
MENASource February 26, 2025 • 5:44 pm ET Giorgio Cafiero Turkey and Iran’s complex relationship can be best described as a “cooperative rivalry.” The two countries maintain important trade ties and their interests overlap on several matters, from opposing Israel’s war on Gaza and bombing of Syria to supporting Qatar during the 2017-2021 blockade. Turkey has also played…
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Security Dimensions of the Saudi-Iranian Détente
The Saudi-Iranian renormalization deal, signed in Beijing on March 10, 2023, has led to a significant reduction in friction between Riyadh and Tehran. Even as Israel’s war on Gaza rages on and spreads to Lebanon, Syria, and elsewhere, the Saudi-Iranian détente has proven resilient. With Riyadh and Tehran determined to look past the unresolved sources…