Under the constantly changing situation on the ground, it is an understatement to argue that the Middle East is faced with multiple risks. The situation in Gaza persists. France joined European countries such as Spain and Ireland to recognize Palestinian statehood in late June, and announced it will formally bring the issue to the United Nations in September. Yet, given the speed and multiple urgencies on the ground this summer, even September seems far. Syria is likely to be the main stage for the continuing debacle, as the latest violence in Suweida showed. Violence in the predominantly Druze city was the latest development signaling the hardship of keeping Syria intact. Previous signals included the church bombing in Damascus in June, coastal violence in Alawite areas in March, the fighting in Druze neighbourhoods such as Jaramana and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya in January and February.
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