Passing the buck is a gamble usually employed by states desperate to avoid conflicts they are likely to lose. The buck-passing is often followed by a bargaining phase, during which states try to strike a deal that might maximize their gains and minimize potential threats to their interests.

After months of political deadlock, intense protests and a growing economic crisis, Iraq finally has a new prime minister. Mustafa Al-Kadhimi is a Shiite political figure who previously led the Iraqi National Intelligence Service for almost four years.

The deep-rooted political disputes in the Eastern Mediterranean over natural gas, and the ongoing tension between opposing camps in Libya have reignited old rivalries in the region, and are having a considerable effect on the situation in Syria.