Polistratics | The Brief | 037
Your weekly scan of geopolitics, strategy, and regional flashpoints.
Editor’s Note – From Nawaf’s Desk
This past week has exposed two kinds of leadership: those who maneuver, and those who mean it. As Gaza enters its cruellest phase, Western capitals are beginning to speak more boldly—but words don’t stop famine, and statements don’t shelter the displaced. At the same time, diplomatic tectonics are shifting quietly: Syria flirts with normalization, Lebanon reconfigures local power, and the AI arms race lands squarely in the Gulf. These stories, on their own, may seem disconnected. But seen together, they trace a broader question that will define our region’s next decade: Who shapes the terms of power in the Middle East, and on whose behalf?
— Nawaf
This Week’s Brief – Top 10 Headlines
Israel’s Gaza Offensive Intensifies Amid International Condemnation
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza resulted in at least 55 Palestinian deaths, including children, intensifying global criticism of Israel.
UK Suspends Trade Talks with Israel Over Gaza Actions
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy suspended trade negotiations with Israel, citing extreme rhetoric from Israeli cabinet members and the blockade of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
US-Iran Nuclear Talks Resume in Rome Amid Tensions
The US and Iran engaged in a fifth round of nuclear negotiations in Rome, making some progress but facing significant disagreements over uranium enrichment.
Oil Prices Surge on Fears of Israel-Iran Conflict
Reports of potential Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities led to a more than 1% increase in oil prices, raising concerns over disruptions in Middle Eastern oil supplies.
Tripoli Clashes Highlight Libya’s Ongoing Instability
Armed confrontations erupted in Tripoli between government forces and rival militias, resulting in civilian casualties and significant property damage.
Alliance of Sahel States Launches Investment Bank
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are moving closer to launching a joint investment bank under the Confederation of Sahel States (AES).
Art Basel Announces Inaugural Fair in Qatar
Art Basel revealed plans for its first Middle Eastern art fair in Doha, scheduled for February 2026, reflecting Qatar’s growing cultural influence.
Trump Secures Major AI Deals with Gulf States to Counter China’s Influence
During his recent Middle East tour, U.S. President Donald Trump finalized significant artificial intelligence (AI) partnerships with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
EU-AU Ministers Meet to Strengthen Partnership
Ministers from the EU and African Union convened to assess progress on their Joint Vision for 2030, aiming to enhance cooperation in areas including trade, security, and development.
Iranian Citizens Express Cautious Optimism Amid Economic Struggles
In Tehran, citizens grapple with economic hardship due to sanctions and governance issues, while cautiously hopeful about ongoing nuclear negotiations with the US.
Nawaf’s Notes – Editorial of the Week
Sanctions, Settlements, and Statehood.
The West’s Gaza Statement Signals a Turning Point ... Maybe?
“If the authors of this statement want history to remember them not as witnesses to catastrophe but as architects of peace, they must move swiftly from words to deeds.”
🔗 Read Nawaf’s Notes → HERE
Deep Reads – Longform Spotlight
If applicable that week. Feature a guest essay or in-depth article.
This Week’s Feature: The Gaza Humanitarian Collapse
By Team Polistratics
🔗 Read the full Deep Read → HERE
What to Watch – The Week Ahead
1. Lebanon’s Municipal Elections Test Hezbollah’s Influence
Southern Lebanon held municipal elections on May 24, assessing Hezbollah’s political strength amid post-war challenges and calls for disarmament.
2. Israel Prepares Potential Strike on Iran’s Nuclear Facilities
U.S. intelligence indicates Israel is readying for a possible attack on Iran’s nuclear sites if diplomatic talks fail, raising regional tensions.
3. Expanded Ministerial Committee Meets in Madrid to Address Gaza Crisis
On May 25, 2025, an expanded ministerial committee convened in Madrid to discuss the ongoing situation in Gaza and the West Bank.
Quote of the Week
“Prime Minister Netanyahu, end this blockade now and let the aid in.”
— David Lammy, UK Foreign Secretary, addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza during a parliamentary session on May 20, 2025.
In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)
🗣️ Peru opens criminal investigation into Israeli soldier over direct role in ‘Gaza genocide’ → [Link]
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