The Mediterranean Intercultural Narratives Forum Reimagines the Mediterranean as a Shared Mirror Granada, Spain — The inaugural Mediterranean Intercultural Narratives Forum (MEDINA), in partnership with the University of Granada, was held on 25–26 March 2026 at La Madraza—the historic heart of the University and one of the oldest centres of learning in the Western Mediterranean. Presenters at the MEDINA Forum unpacked the depth and complexity of Mediterranean civilisational

By Luciano Zaccara Principal Researcher Download a PDF Abstract This article argues that the expanding use of self-defense in the Gulf confrontation is increasingly functioning as a permissive narrative rather than a legal constraint. Israeli, U.S., and Iranian actions illustrate how elastic interpretations of imminence, necessity, and proportionality are blurring the boundary between lawful and unlawful force. The paper shows how legally ambiguous retaliation has regionali

Dr. Khalid Al-Khater President, New Ground Research Download a PDF Abstract Persistent instability in the Middle East is frequently regarded as an inherent characteristic of the region. The ongoing war between the US/Israel and Iran further reinforces this perception. In reality, persistent instability is largely a consequence of how the region is framed, managed and repeatedly organised by both external and internal actors. This article contends that treating the Middle East

Abdulla Al-Khazraji Guest Contributor Download a PDF English Abstract From the US – Israeli war on Iran arises the peculiar case of Iraq. Although it has not officially entered the war, Iraq has been targeted by both sides. Already facing a political deadlock exemplified by the crisis over government formation, Baghdad is confronted with the seemingly unachievable task of maintaining Iraq’s neutrality during this war. The current escalation has already cast it

This essay shows religion isn't the direct cause of the Iran–Israel–U.S. war, but a political accelerant that sustains violence. It explores martyrdom & Mahdism in Iran, redemption & Purim analogies in Israel, and providential evangelicalism in the U.S. Offers a practical de-escalation idea.

This analysis examines how governments use legal framing to manage alliances, reduce escalation costs, and normalize military force from Gaza to Iran. Gaza showed coalitions can survive intense scrutiny through legal differentiation. Iran shows escalation prepared through careful vocabulary, military escalation and diplomacy before strikes. For Gulf states, the risk is sovereignty erosion as "limited strikes" become routine. How can the region prevent alliance management from

تحليل شامل للنزاع الإقليمي على غاز شرق المتوسط بين تركيا واليونان وقبرص، وإسرائيل، ومصر، ولبنان. تقديم دراسة للصراعات البحرية والتحالفات الإقليمية والسيناريوهات المستقبلية لأمن الطاقة في المنطقة

Analysis of Iraq's 2025 parliamentary elections examining the Coordination Framework, voter turnout surge to 56%, sectarian polarization, and implications for Iran-US relations. Expert insights on government formation and regional stability.