In Syria, Tehran-backed militias helped Assad fight rebels with air cover from the Kremlin, while in Ukraine Putin flies Iranian drones at Kyiv. Best friends? Not quite. This alliance is complex.

High inflation and low productivity are but two of the concerns being voiced by Iranian media outlets about the state of the country's economy, as it enters a new year.

Israel targets Iranian sovereign territory and wipes out some of the Islamic Republic's most senior generals, virtually guaranteeing a response. The nature of that response will reveal a lot.

The US wanted Syria to abstain from meddling in Iraqi affairs, deny refuge to former Saddam loyalists, expel Palestinian organisations from Syria, and withdraw Syrian military forces from Lebanon

On the eve of America's invasion of Iraq in March 2003, Syrian and Iranian leaders met to consider their options. In part 6 of a seven-part series, Al Majalla reveals their shared concerns and hopes.

Washington must seriously reform its notoriously slow and complex foreign military sales process to help regional partners meet the rising strategic challenge of Iran

Saudi Arabia's new approach that looks after its own interests seems to be paying off. China has been pivotal in getting regional players to cooperate peacefully in a way that benefits all.

A serious game plan to advance a two-state solution with unified support from the US and its regional partners would help turn the tide against Iran and those who support it.

Al Majalla dedicates its February issue to exploring Iran's use of militias to exert influence and negotiate with the United States and other major powers.

From Iraq to Syria and Lebanon to Yemen, Iran-backed militias have expanded their power and influence. However, regional escalation following the 7 October attack on Israel is testing their limits.