Amin Saikal
Amin Saikal is emeritus professor of Middle Eastern, Central Asian and Islamic studies at the Australian National University.
Opinion
Syrian conflict
Syria’s new leaders say they’re a moderate force. Australia has labelled them terrorists
While the fall of the Assad regime is momentous for the Middle East, it’s doubtful Syrians will be entering a time of prolonged peace.
- by Amin Saikal
Latest
Opinion
Israeli-Palestinian conflict
In the Middle East, Trump can’t have his cake and eat it too
Benjamin Netanyahu may feel like he’s won the jackpot, but Donald Trump’s motto is that he ends wars, and does not start them.
- by Amin Saikal
Opinion
Middle East tensions
Iran put the ball in Netanyahu’s court. Now the world awaits his chosen retaliation
The use of force to generate favourable changes has never paid off in the Middle East, but an uncontrollable explosion can still be avoided.
- by Amin Saikal
Opinion
Israeli-Palestinian conflict
The threat of an all-out regional inferno hangs over the Middle East
Israel’s decision to kill a top leader of Hamas on Iranian soil poured petrol onto a bonfire. The ramifications could be far-reaching and painful for us all.
- by Amin Saikal
Opinion
Middle East tensions
Iran’s new president promises bold reform – under the watchful eye of Khamenei
A former heart surgeon has been named the next president of Iran. But his win, a response to growing social discontent, comes with strings attached.
- by Amin Saikal
Opinion
Middle East tensions
Iran’s show of force has demonstrated that Israel is not invincible
This month’s military exchanges between Israel and Iran may have largely been a show of force, but they have sent a number of clear messages about any future conflict.
- by Amin Saikal
Opinion
Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Netanyahu has been given two options by the US. Both come at a high price
No Israeli leader has leveraged American support more than Netanyahu to pursue a self-centred anti-Palestinian policy. Yet, US-Israeli relations are now experiencing an unprecedented rift.
- by Amin Saikal
Opinion
China relations
What China’s blossoming relationship with the Taliban says about its long-game
Through an alliance with Iran and burgeoning ties with Afghanistan, Beijing is looking past the Indo-Pacific and toward another region.
- by Amin Saikal
Opinion
Middle East tensions
How Iran and the US could end up in a war neither of them really want
The Biden administration’s unshakeable support of Israel and Tehran’s resolve to protect its interests have brought the protagonists to a flashpoint.
- by Amin Saikal
Opinion
Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Middle East conflict could stretch to China and Russia, if Biden’s not careful
The Israel-Hamas conflict is forcing the US to confront their long-standing adversary, Iran, as volatility across the Middle East deepens.
- by Amin Saikal
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/by/amin-saikal-p5375a