Syria held parliamentary elections with only 7,000 members of an Electoral College. The interim government led by Al-Sharaa seeks future elections open to all over 18 years old. The new parliament includes moderates from diverse political, ethnic, and religious backgrounds, but the legitimacy and political future of the country remain uncertain.
Dafna H. Rand joined Brookings to study the Middle East and North Africa. She highlights the urgency of ending the war in Gaza, the importance of Israel and its alliances, and criticizes the mistaken decisions of the U.S., such as the invasion of Iraq. She focuses on the U.S. influence in the region to promote prosperity and peace.
Two years ago, Hamas attacked Israel, changing the region: Israel won battles but lost image; a peace agreement is possible after two years of war, although both sides are reluctant. Israel is in a constant state of war and Hamas is fighting for its political survival. The United States is a key partner in the conflict.
Artificial intelligence is transforming surveillance and security in China, with a massive IA-controlled system replacing tasks of human police officers and managing data from command centers. IA-controlled robots could arrest dissidents. At all levels, IA is integrated into the country’s security system, and the Chinese Communist Party seeks to reduce human involvement.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act will significantly cut the SNAP program, limiting its responsiveness during recessions by shifting costs to states and altering work requirements. This will negatively impact unemployed workers and the local economy, hindering SNAP’s ability to function as an automatic stabilizer during economic crises. Many states may reduce or even end their participation in the program. It is suggested to reverse the cuts and new regulations to maintain SNAP’s effectiveness as a vital support during times of recession.
