Cyberspace has become a new strategic domain in which states’ geopolitical rivalry and strategic interests are expressed. Lots of new and classical forms of power have been prolonged in this new space. Diplomacy, economics, politics…etc, are transforming the cyberspace from a space of humans connectivity, liberty and prosperity to a space of military, intelligence and ideological confrontation.…

Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani was one of the founding figures of the Islamic revolution in Iran. He remained a powerful and highly influential figure right up until his death at the age of 82 in January. One of the richest men in government, he was continually viewed by the Iranian people as corrupt, yet he managed to maintain an immense amount of influence and power. His death will have a major impact…

Executive summary The European Union has historically enjoyed much closer ties with Iran than the United States, as both the nuclear deal and its aftermath have demonstrated. With the recent bilateral talks concluding in a ‘roadmap for cooperation’, it is apparent that the impetus for this comes from both sides. This relationship, particularly since the nuclear deal and lifting of sanctions,…

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Saudi Arabia executed the prominent Shi’ite cleric Sheikh Nimr Al-Nimr on 2nd January 2016. The execution, aimed at preventing domestic instability and warning Tehran against expanding its influence, has rapidly escalated tension with Iran. The two countries have severed diplomatic relations and will intensify their geostrategic competition. Relations between the countries…

Executive Summary The nuclear deal reached last July between Iran, the P5+1and the European Union has been hailed by the international community as a significant step toward a higher level of security in the Middle East. Despite strong criticism from countries such as Israel and Saudi Arabia over the effectiveness of the accord in preventing Iran from going nuclear, the common opinion is that Iranian…

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The deal struck between Iran and the five permanent members of the United Nations (U.N.) Security Council and Germany (P5+1), was an historic moment. Iran had agreed to curtail its nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of international oil and financial sanctions which had crippled its economy, and eventually the lifting of an arms embargo. The Iran Deal will boost the country’s…