Global Lightning Roundup of October 2026

Fair Observer’s Editor-in-Chief, Atul Singh, and FOI Senior Partner Glenn Carle, a retired CIA officer who now advises companies, governments and organizations on geopolitical risk, examine October 2026’s most notable developments. Middle East Matters Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan have been conducting peace talks in Tehran, the capital of Iran. The Shia power of the region is speaking to the Sunni powers who have signed the Mecca Pact. Atul ironically remarks inshallah — “God willing” in Arabic — there will be peace. The Israeli election held on October 27 has resulted in political gridlock. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lost seats, but his Likud party is still the largest in the Knesset, the Israeli parliament. At the time of this episode’s recording, most of the votes have been counted. In a historic result, Arab-led parties were projected to win 19 of the 120 seats in the Knesset, the Israeli parliament.

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