Amin Saikal
Amin Saikal is emeritus professor of Middle Eastern, Central Asian and Islamic studies at the Australian National University.
Opinion
Israeli-Palestinian conflict
The threat of an all-out regional inferno hangs over the Middle East
Israel’s decision to kill a top leader of Hamas on Iranian soil poured petrol onto a bonfire. The ramifications could be far-reaching and painful for us all.
- by Amin Saikal
Latest
Opinion
Middle East tensions
Iran’s new president promises bold reform – under the watchful eye of Khamenei
A former heart surgeon has been named the next president of Iran. But his win, a response to growing social discontent, comes with strings attached.
- by Amin Saikal
Opinion
Middle East tensions
Iran’s show of force has demonstrated that Israel is not invincible
This month’s military exchanges between Israel and Iran may have largely been a show of force, but they have sent a number of clear messages about any future conflict.
- by Amin Saikal
Opinion
Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Netanyahu has been given two options by the US. Both come at a high price
No Israeli leader has leveraged American support more than Netanyahu to pursue a self-centred anti-Palestinian policy. Yet, US-Israeli relations are now experiencing an unprecedented rift.
- by Amin Saikal
Opinion
China relations
What China’s blossoming relationship with the Taliban says about its long-game
Through an alliance with Iran and burgeoning ties with Afghanistan, Beijing is looking past the Indo-Pacific and toward another region.
- by Amin Saikal
Opinion
Middle East tensions
How Iran and the US could end up in a war neither of them really want
The Biden administration’s unshakeable support of Israel and Tehran’s resolve to protect its interests have brought the protagonists to a flashpoint.
- by Amin Saikal
Opinion
Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Middle East conflict could stretch to China and Russia, if Biden’s not careful
The Israel-Hamas conflict is forcing the US to confront their long-standing adversary, Iran, as volatility across the Middle East deepens.
- by Amin Saikal