In contrast to previous US administrations, which largely ignored Iran’s growing presence in Latin America, the Trump administration has opened a unique window for formulating and implementing a strategy to curb Iran’s expansion

What is the background to Hussein al-Sheikh’s appointment as Mahmoud Abbas’s deputy and the planned reforms in the Palestinian Authority, and how are they being received by the Palestinian public and leadership?

Government spending on defence, particularly defence R&D, can have significant economic spillovers. This column argues that the forthcoming European defence build-up must include a long-term strategy to develop high-quality human capital. Military human capital development serves a dual-purpose role: it is crucial for the modern (largely non-combat) battlefield, and also valuable for long-run productivity growth. Israel provides a good example of how military service can become a driver of innovation, by giving recruits intensive technical training and providing an open intellectual property environment. Economists can contribute by designing effective procurement systems and helping address collective action problems.

What does Syria look like five months after the fall of Bashar al-Assad — both on the Syrian side and on the Israeli side of the border — and what are the risks and opportunities facing decision-makers in Jerusalem?