Last week, we looked back on 2022 and recalled — in five minutes, of course — the most important events in Lebanon this past year.
Today, we turn our attention to the Middle East in 2023. Three major issues will be followed closely this year, as they could each redistribute the power balance in the region.
First: the revolt in Iran. The uprisings began last September and continue today, despite the violent repression of the mullahs' regime. How far will this movement go? And what could be the repercussions on the other countries of the region?
Second: the decisive Turkish presidential elections, scheduled for June 18. These elections could change the face of the country, especially given its economic crisis and the fact that current President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is not guaranteed to win. We explain why and speculate on who could dethrone the king, who has ruled Turkey for almost 20 years.
Third: Israel's new government. 2023 could be a year of great change for Israel, which recently elected a government of ultra-Orthodox and far-right party members. Formed by newly-reelected Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu, this government could deteriorate Israel's already fragile democratic system. There are other potential consequences, all of which we discuss in this new Explainer video.
You can activate the English subtitles in the settings menu of the video.