Writing history during wartime is tough, especially in the Middle East, a region famous for catching observers off guard. As the U.S. steps back, the old rules of diplomacy are fading fast.
- The region has a history of shocks, from the Six-Day War and the fall of the Shah to the Arab Spring.
- Recent events, like the October 7 Hamas attack and the 2026 Iranian uprising, have further destabilized the status quo.
- We are likely entering an era of harsh realism that moves past the traditions established by groups like the Arab League and OPEC.
- Nations are now prioritizing desperate security measures over long-standing diplomatic labels.
This shift suggests that future regional stability will rely on layered, practical agreements rather than the old political frameworks.