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A demonstrator wearing a bandana in the colours of the Lebanese flag smokes a cigarette as retired Lebanese army and security forces veterans gather to protest outside the government palace headquarters in the centre of Beirut on March 22, 2023, demanding inflation-adjustments to their pensions. (Photo by Joseph EID / AFP) (Photo by JOSEPH EID/AFP via Getty Images)

Culture

Why Lebanon now leads the world in rising cancer rates

A recent study found that Lebanon has the world’s fastest-rising cases of cancer and cancer-related deaths. Ali Mokdad, co-author of the study, says tobacco is the main culprit.

Lebanon

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 21: Secretary of State Marco Rubio testifies before the House Committee on Appropriations | Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs at the Rayburn House Office Building on May 21, 2025 in Washington, DC. Rubio testified on the proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2026 for the Department of State. (Photo by John McDonnell/Getty Images)

Analysis

US options constrained in Sudan as RSF snubs Washington, sanctions fail

Washington is attempting to broker a humanitarian truce between Sudan’s warring factions, but analysts warn there’s little sign either side is ready to stop fighting.

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Fed up with Netanyahu, more Israelis seek European passports

The number of Israelis seeking European passports has increased considerably in a trend that has continued even after Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire agreement.

Israel

US President Donald J. Trump leaves the Saudi Royal Court with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on May 13, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Analysis

Ahead of MBS visit, Saudis link Israel normalization to 3 asks from Trump

President Donald Trump would clearly like to say he persuaded Israel and Saudi Arabia to normalize ties, but neither Sheikh Mohammed bin Salman nor Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seem ready to make the necessary compromises.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Analysis

With Saudi Arabia on sidelines, Trump looks to widen Abraham Accords circle

A senior Trump administration official says to expect additional Abraham Accords signatories in the coming months.

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Latest News

Iran accused of seizing vessel in Strait of Hormuz diverted from UAE

Iran

Israel condemns Syria over purported Oct. 7 musical event: What to know

Syria

UAE deals with Anduril, Palantir deepen US tech footprint in Gulf defense

A drone is seen during the opening ceremony of the Milipol, the international exhibition of homeland security, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, in Doha, on Oct. 31, 2016.

United Arab Emirates

Analysis

Could Trump be the one to deliver peace to Syria and Turkey's Kurds?

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

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Lebanon plans UN complaint against Israel over border wall

Reuters

Palestinian national football team members wear the traditional Basque "txapela" (beret) as they arrive at Bilbao airport ahead of a match against the Basque national team

Palestinian national team on 'mission' for peace in Spain visit

Agence France-Presse

An M23 rebel sits at the quay in front of the Kituku market in Goma, which is controlled by M23 rebels, in North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo March 21, 2025. REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra

Congo, M23 sign framework agreement for peace deal in Qatar

Reuters

Paniz Faryoussefi was this month the first woman to conduct the Tehran Symphony Orchestra, leading the ensemble over two days of performances of Schubert, Sibelius and Kachaturian

Iran's first woman orchestra conductor inspires

Agence France-Presse

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The Al-Monitor Brief

Saudi Crown Prince to meet Trump at White House with AI in focus

Adam Lucente interviews Samuel Wendel

11:35

The Al-Monitor Brief

What did Trump, Sharaa accomplish during Syrian president’s White House visit? View from Washington

Adam Lucente interviews Elizabeth Hagedorn

9:33

On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman

What are the stakes for Iran in Iraq's parliamentary elections?

Amberin Zaman interviews Renad Mansour

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Interview

Trump's back channel to Hamas says militants could cede heavy weapons in disarmament deal

Hamas fighters gather at the site of the handing over of two Israeli hostages in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on Feb. 22, 2025.

Bishara Bahbah

Founder, Arab Americans for Peace

Culture

Director Cyril Aris on Lebanon’s Oscar submission, trauma and cinema

Interview

Gulf real estate investors choose UK over US amid political instability

Khaled Alanani

Head of real estate finance and investments, Bank of London and The Middle East

Interview

International Red Cross chief says Gaza conflict goes beyond anything he has ever seen

Pierre Krahenbuhl

Director-General of the International Committee

Members of the Red Cross stand amid the rubble of destroyed buildings as heavy machinery operates in the al-Tuffah neighborhood of Gaza City on Oct. 27, 2025.

Analysis

Stay a step ahead of your colleagues.

Analysis

Ahead of MBS visit, Saudis link Israel normalization to 3 asks from Trump

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Analysis

With Saudi Arabia on sidelines, Trump looks to widen Abraham Accords circle

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Analysis

Could Trump be the one to deliver peace to Syria and Turkey's Kurds?

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Analysis

US options constrained in Sudan as RSF snubs Washington, sanctions fail

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Amberin Zaman, Elizabeth Hagedorn, Danny Makki, Joyce Karam in a virtual discussion on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's visit to Washington

Syria's Sharaa in Washington

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1:00:44

Iraqis prepare to head to the polls

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1:34

Amberin Zaman Reports from Damascus

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Elizabeth Hagedorn Reporting from UNGA in New York

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Past Live Journalism

AL-Monitor Global Institute hosts food security forum with Dr. Conrad Rein

On October 16, 2025, the AL-Monitor Global Institute hosted Dr. Conrad Rein, Secretary of the Global Flagship Initiative for Food Security, alongside representatives from multilateral development banks and the private sector for a discussion on food security in the Middle East and Africa.

Washington, DC

October 16, 2025 11:00 EDT

Past Live Journalism

AL-Monitor Global Institute hosts Digital Cooperation Organization Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya

On Sept. 21, 2025, the AL-Monitor Global Institute hosted Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization, for a discussion on digital inclusion and economic empowerment in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.

New York, NY

September 21, 2025 17:00 EDT

Past Live Journalism

Iraqi Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani at AL-Monitor Global Institute

AL-Monitor Global Institute hosts Iraqi Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and US Energy Secretary Chris Wright

On May 22, 2025, the AL-Monitor Global Institute hosted Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq and US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright in Washington DC to discuss the future of power and energy in Iraq’s Kurdistan region.

Washington, DC

May 22, 2025 10:30 EDT

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