Syrian-Russian-Iranian offensive not succesful yet
The introduction of fresh troops and airpower was expected to change the war, but it hasn’t. It’s still too early to judge the Russian move a failure, though. If in coming weeks it is clear that to has, Russia and Iran will face the question of putting more resources into the war.
US allies in Syria have differing goals
Kurdish groups wish simply to retain autonomous areas and not fight a long, costly war with ISIL. Meanwhile, the Shammar tribal militia wants to carve out an emirate in the region and go to war with Saudi Arabia. That’s not what the US is signing up for. This underscores my caution about wading deeper into the Tigris and Euphrates.
Israeli Right groups call for takeover of Temple Mount
Days after an effort to calm the situation around al Aqsa, Israeli groups are calling for their government to take over the holy site. Their intention are to expand Israeli control over the areas seized in the 1967 war. Some on the Right will welcome a Third Intifada as a reason to dismantle the Palestinian Authority.
Corruption pervades Middle Eastern armies
Middle Eastern governments spend vast amounts on defense but have little to show for it. Purchases are done to win friends around the world, not to build reliable armed forces. Look at Saudi Arabia: it maneuvers other countries to do its fighting because it is concerned about the reliability of its own army.
China all but dominates the production of commodities in Africa, giving it great influence on the continent and the world economy. India is attempting to challenge that.