Starmer’s handling of Trump and Iran reflects public opinion, but shows the limits of UK power The war threatens the UK prime minister’s hopes for economic recovery and heaps pressure on US relations he has worked hard to maintain. A long war will see his problems mount.

Keir Starmer’s reluctance to strike Iran may prove an important part of his legacy. But it also indicates the UK’s declining ability to influence the US — and project power in the Persian Gulf.

Read @cjophillips.bsky.social's (@chmenap.bsky.social) latest analysis for Chatham House ⤵️

Really pleased to have this piece from our UK in the World and Middle East and North Africa Associate Fellow @cjophillips.bsky.social on the tightrope Starmer is trying to walk on Iran, and what it means for the UK's relationship to American power:

A great guest Frankie!

Agree but Elliot at 10, Rogers left, Malen right.

I know #avfc hope to emulate Spurs by getting back in the CL by winning the Europa League this season, but sacking off the league from the beginning seems unwise… 🤔

Great to see the new paperback update of Battleground on one of @hatchards.bsky.social highlights table this morning. With some excellent company! @yalebooks.bsky.social @qmpoliticsir.bsky.social

Delighted to receive Chinese translation of Battleground this morning, and the Ukrainian edition is also out this week. Thanks to all who have helped make this happen! #MENA #Syria #Yemen #Palestine @yalebooks.bsky.social @qmul.ac.uk @qmpoliticsir.bsky.social

If Newcastle beat Everton, but lose to Arsenal, they still finish above us on goal difference, no?

Is this the dawn of a new era in the Middle East? | Christopher Phillips | MEE Opinion YouTube video by Middle East Eye

A video I recorded for @middleeasteye-rss.bsky.social on the ‘new’ order in the Middle East. @qmpoliticsir.bsky.social @yalebooks.bsky.social @chathamhouse.org
m.youtube.com/watch?v=YDm3...

Syrian violence could benefit Israel and Iran The deadly clashes in Syria are a sad reminder that the transition away from Bashar Assad’s rule may not prove as peaceful as many initially hoped. Hundreds of people were reportedly killed in the Syr...

My latest #Syria analysis. "Despite their differences, Israel and Iran could both benefit from instability and sectarian fighting in Syria and any failure of Al-Sharaa to oversee a peaceful transition."
www.arabnews.com/node/2593591

Is this the dawn of a new era in the Middle East? Israel's war on Gaza and the fall of Assad have rattled the region, but as history shows, there is often more continuity than change

My latest analysis for @middleeastbuka.bsky.social. Israel's war on Gaza and the fall of Assad have rattled the region, but as history shows, there is often more continuity than change.
www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/has-...

Is this the dawn of a new era in the Middle East? url:www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/has-middle-east-...

Is this the dawn of a new era in the Middle East? Israel's war on Gaza and the fall of Assad have rattled the region, but as history shows, there is often more continuity than change

My latest analysis for @middleeastbuka.bsky.social. Israel's war on Gaza and the fall of Assad have rattled the region, but as history shows, there is often more continuity than change.
www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/has-...

Western liberalism is in retreat With the most powerful Western country—and a historic advocate of liberalism—now governed by right-wing populists, liberals will spend the next few years fighting to stay relevant

My latest analysis. "The Western liberal consensus was already under serious pressure, and with Trump in the White House once more, it looks to have been broken."
en.majalla.com/node/324685/...

Western liberalism is in retreat With the most powerful Western country—and a historic advocate of liberalism—now governed by right-wing populists, liberals will spend the next few years fighting to stay relevant

My latest analysis. "The Western liberal consensus was already under serious pressure, and with Trump in the White House once more, it looks to have been broken."
en.majalla.com/node/324685/...

The Syrian Kurds’ post-Assad dilemma The Syrian Democratic Forces find themselves in an increasingly perilous position. For nearly a decade, the group has controlled large chunks of eastern Syria, after allying with the US to help defeat...

My latest analysis for @arabnews.com.web.brid.gy. Despite having no love for Assad, the dictator’s fall still leaves the SDF in a difficult position.
www.arabnews.com/node/2588270

The Syrian Kurds’ post-Assad dilemma The Syrian Democratic Forces find themselves in an increasingly perilous position. For nearly a decade, the group has controlled large chunks of eastern Syria, after allying with the US to help defeat...

My latest analysis for @arabnews.com.web.brid.gy. Despite having no love for Assad, the dictator’s fall still leaves the SDF in a difficult position.
www.arabnews.com/node/2588270