Can Trump’s ‘madman theory’ reshape Iran and the Middle East?
The ‘madman theory’ aims to pressure adversaries but risks backfiring when opponents feel they have nothing to lose.

The ‘madman theory’ aims to pressure adversaries but risks backfiring when opponents feel they have nothing to lose.








![Kurdish fighters with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) prepare to head towards the front line before the end of a four-day truce with the Syrian government in Hasakah, northeastern Syria, Saturday, January 24, 2026 [Baderkhan Ahmad/AP]](/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/AP26024696417247-1-1769500987.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
Exchange of barbs comes a day after the Syrian government extended the ceasefire with the SDF by 15 days.
Marco Rubio’s call with Mohammed Shia al-Sudani comes as new government expected in Iraq, US-Iran tensions rise.
The US interest has long lied in a unified Syria.
Convoy carrying food and fuel reaches Kurdish-majority town, also known as Kobane, in Aleppo province.
Extension offers a welcome respite as Syrian forces advance towards the last SDF strongholds in the northeast.

A fragile ceasefire between Syria’s government and the Kurdish-led SDF has been extended by 15 days.










Syrian Defence Ministry says extension aims to help transfer of ISIL prisoners from facilities previously held by SDF.
Syria’s foreign ministry denies government forces reached an agreement with SDF on extending the deadline.
Soldiers assume control of al-Aqtan prison, as SDF fighters withdraw from the northeastern city under a ceasefire deal.