Syrians have toppled the 60-year-old Assad regime through civil and military resistance, unlike other revolutions. The unexpected moment attracted all attention to Syria, where I conducted field research through interviews with political and military elites in multiple cities, such as Azaz, Aleppo, Hama, Homs and Damascus. Thus, this piece aims to gain a better understanding of the post-Assad Syrian transition in terms of society, politics and security. These findings highlight a variety of dynamics, including security gaps, reconciliation initiatives, population movements and the important role played by external particularly Russia, in reshaping Syria's political and social landscape.

Türkiye enters 2025 in an increasingly competitive and uncertain global political environment. The international system is characterized by intensifying great power rivalry, particularly between the U.S. and China, a protracted war in Ukraine and deepening instability in the Middle East. Against this backdrop, Türkiye is pursuing a pragmatic and interest-based foreign policy prioritizing security, economic resilience and strategic autonomy.

The year 2024 has been recorded as one of the most brutal years for the Palestinian people and the Middle East. Israel insistently continued its genocide in Gaza and its expansionist and aggressive policies toward other regional states. Furthermore, it continued to recklessly violate the basic principles of international law and human rights. It seems that the year 2025 will not bring any change for the Palestinian people. Their destruction and resistance will continue.

In 2024, Türkiye faced various security threats and regional changes, highlighting the challenges of counterterrorism and geopolitical turbulence. The year revealed both vulnerabilities in Türkiye’s defenses and new opportunities to consolidate influence in a shifting Middle East.