Generally, without a concerted effort to preempt this reemerging threat in 2021, ISIS is likely to capitalize on the pressing economic and public health challenges in Iraq and Syria and continue to expand until the U.S. and coalition partners are forced to address the problem, which will have worsened exponentially.

The implications of this half-century long rivalry in the Persian Gulf have been immeasurably dire for the stability and wellbeing of people in the Middle East. A détente is not only in the interest of regional peoples and states, but also for the benefit of the world given the interregional effects of war and extremism emanating from the Middle East.

A realignment toward Russia could cost the United States its ability to ensure free-flowing oil, to access the region quickly for military operations, and to partner effectively with regional actors in advancing critical interests.

Beginning with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in August 2020, many Middle Eastern countries have started to consider normalizing relations with Israel.