Faisal Al Yafai, Author at Syndication Bureau

Faisal Al Yafai

Faisal Al Yafai is currently writing a book on the Middle East. He is also a frequent commentator on international TV networks such as CNN, the BBC and France 24. Al Yafai has been an investigative journalist for The Guardian, a documentary journalist for the BBC and a writer for other news outlets. He is also an essayists and playwright. Al Yafai has reported from across the Middle East, and from Eastern Europe, Asia and Africa. He served as a Churchill Fellow in Lebanon and Indonesia. He can be followed on Twitter @FaisalAlYafai.

Articles By Faisal Al Yafai

China Brings Saudi Arabia and Iran Together – Pushes America Out By Faisal Al Yafai - Mar 17, 2023

In diplomatic terms, the optics were shocking. Here were representatives from Saudi Arabia and Iran smiling and holding hands in a foreign capital as they announced the restoration of diplomatic relations after a seven-year break. But the foreign minister in the middle, proudly bringing them together, was not a European or American politician, but China’s Wang Yi. No words were needed. The … Continue reading “China Brings Saudi Arabia and Iran Together – Pushes America Out”

Egypt’s Road to Damascus and the Dangers of a Frozen Ukraine War By Faisal Al Yafai - Mar 4, 2023

The gentle footsteps of normalization with the Assad regime have become considerably faster since the devastating earthquakes at the start of this month. Bashar Al Assad, for so long diplomatically confined to Damascus, first visited Oman. This week, there was a giant leap, as Egypt’s foreign minister landed in Damascus for further post-earthquake diplomacy. It’s not exactly that too much … Continue reading “Egypt’s Road to Damascus and the Dangers of a Frozen Ukraine War”

Scramble for Africa Comes Out of the Shadows By Faisal Al Yafai - Feb 18, 2023

For months, when it came to Africa, Ukraine was the war that dared not speak its name. Russia and the West were jockeying for influence on the continent, peddling deals and diplomatic support, but rarely referencing their charm offensives in the context of the Ukraine war. Now, the covers have been thrown back. Speaking last … Continue reading “Scramble for Africa Comes Out of the Shadows”

From Middle East to South China Sea, Minilateralism Is on the Rise By Faisal Al Yafai - Feb 5, 2023

Just like that, minilateralism is back. The slimmed-down cousin of geopolitics stalwart bilateralism – state to state relations – and multilateralism – vast, formal institutions like the United Nations and the European Union – is having a moment. In an age of a great, bloody, brutal war, this is surprising. But set against the much longer … Continue reading “From Middle East to South China Sea, Minilateralism Is on the Rise”

Turkey and Syria Begin Delicate Dance Toward Reconciliation By Faisal Al Yafai - Jan 21, 2023

What started in the autumn as the small, hesitant steps of reluctant dance partners has exploded in pace over the past few weeks, as Turkey and Syria begin open moves toward some form of reconciliation. A few months ago, it was reported that the intelligence heads of both countries had held multiple meetings, encouraged by Russia. In recent weeks, those meetings have increased, accompanied by a … Continue reading “Turkey and Syria Begin Delicate Dance Toward Reconciliation”