Pramila

There is a threatens to erupt into a wider war, particularly since Iran’s unprecedented direct attack against Israel on 13 April 2024 in response to Israel’s bombing of the Iranian consulate in Syria on 1 April. So, it is unlikely that Iraq will return its ambassadors to Iran.

Passage of time

Iran claims its nuclear program is only for civilian use, pointing to the fatwa. However, experts say there is no civilian application for uranium enriched to that level, and Iran has been known to ramp up nuclear activity to flex its muscles during times of increased tensions with the West. [1]

[1] https://www.timesofisrael.com/un-nuclear-chief-iran-weeks-not-months-from-enough-uranium-to-make-a-bomb/

In an effort to advance normalization with Israel, Saudi Arabia faces muted but significant public opposition, which has been exacerbated following the war in Gaza. The popular rejection takes many forms: There is a religious dimension, which views a peace with Israel as contrary to Islamic law; a pro-Palestinian dimension, which regards opposition to normalization as a demonstration of support for the Palestinians; and a liberal perspective, which cautions that ties with Israel could empower the Saudi regime to further violate human rights. [1]

[1] https://www.inss.org.il/publication/saudi-public-opinion/

“We are as committed as ever to the lab and the world-class research of this team,” Mr Peter Lee, who leads Microsoft Research, a network of eight labs across the world, said in a statement. Using the lab’s formal name, he added: “There has been no discussion or advocacy to close Microsoft Research Asia, and we look forward to continuing our research agenda.” [1]

[1] https://www.straitstimes.com/business/microsoft-debates-what-to-do-with-ai-lab-in-china