Samuel Ramani is a doctoral candidate in International Relations at the University of Oxford. His research focuses on Russian foreign policy towards the Middle East
Analysis: While the Kerman attack was unprecedented in scope by historical standards, it reflects the years-long expansion of the Islamic State threat to Iran.
Analysis: Netanyahu's determination to vanquish Hamas, secure the release of hostages, and save his tarnished political legacy belies the real possibility that Israel is fighting an impossible war in Gaza.
Analysis: The scale of Hamas' attack caught the world by surprise, a culmination of the group's meticulous preparations and lost faith in advancing its goals through political means. But the gambit has plunged its survival into question.
Analysis: Azerbaijan's swift triumph over Artsakh is a major victory for Turkey's ambitions in the South Caucasus but poses strategic challenges for Russia and Iran, and moral dilemmas for Western powers.
Analysis: Despite decades of Western and UN sanctions, North Korea maintains a considerable network of security partners in the Middle East and Africa.
Analysis: The death of the private military group's leader may leave Putin more secure, but in the Middle East and Africa, it leaves Russia's political influence and reputation in a state of uncertainty.