Ghassan Charbel

Ghassan Charbel
Editor-in-Chief of Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper

The Supreme Leader, Ceasefire and Sinwar’s Ghost

The current Iranian regime was born from the embers of alarm. Khomeini’s revolution took on a responsibility that goes beyond the country’s means, despite its position and wealth. Revolutions are similar to individuals; victories make them arrogant, reckless and risk-takers. Khomeini imposed…

War and the Price of Image

Date: January 9, 1991 Location: The Intercontinental Hotel, Geneva The world fixed its eyes on the venue. Journalists landed from near and far. The Security Council resolution was unambiguous, demanding Iraq's immediate and complete withdrawal from Kuwait, which it had overrun. The deadline…

The War to Change Features

Two past developments can help us understand the present. The first was when Khomeini, after the victory of the revolution, ordered the removal of the Israeli flag from its embassy in Tehran and ordered that it be replaced with a Palestinian one. He changed the nature of his relations with the most…

The Khamenei Earthquake and the River of Assassinations

The assassination of the Supreme Leader was the most violent earthquake that could have hit Iran. Some believe it is even more devastating than the strike on the nuclear facilities or the major regional setbacks, like losing Syria after decades of dominance or losing the ability to station forces…

The Party, the Storm and Lebanon 

Will it be just another round, or will it be greater and more dangerous than that? Is it the end of the war or the end of an era? Will it be a violent passing storm or a deadly earthquake that is enough to change features? Is it true that the approaching fleets are seeking to end half a century of…

Trump and Returning Iran to Iran 

Marco Rubio has said that a meeting between President Donald Trump and Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei can be held as soon as tomorrow if the latter agrees. However, it will be extremely difficult, if not impossible, for this meeting to actually happen. A meeting between these two men is like…

Al-Sharaa Through Lebanese Eyes

The Lebanese politician said he was at a loss every time he thought about President Ahmed al-Sharaa. He has an intriguing and complex past that merits deep study to understand the major transformation he went through. He admitted that he was alarmed when he saw the 40-something man take over…

Trump, The Supreme Leader, and The Shrine

The fleets have approached closer, and the generals have pored over maps. The scent of war is in the air. The region holds its breath. Coexisting with Iran’s approach is less costly than enduring the collapse of the Iranian regime. Mediation has been set in motion. The region seems locked into a…

The Affable Aide to Mr. President

Don't say that you have a solution. You are not a decision-maker and have no right to steal the spotlight or praise. Your fate is to remain in the shadows and for others to take credit for your work. The solution comes from the source. Your participation in devising it does not give you any right…

The Fearful Kurd and the Frightening Kurd

General Mazloum Abdi asked President Ahmad al-Sharaa for something he cannot give. Al-Sharaa cannot parcel out the “new Syria” among its components. Genuine decentralization for Kurdish areas would immediately raise parallel claims by the Alawites of the coast and the Druze of Suwayda. Without a…